JBL Review in 2022
JBL
The JBL Go 2 has excellent sound quality, even though the battery life is only five hours. This is less than many people would like. The Go 2 features include a fully waterproof IPX7 rating, so you can use it near your pool or bath. The speaker's right side also features an aux-in and micro-USB ports. The Bluetooth speaker is only 0.2kg and has five buttons at the top. It can be carried in your backpack. You can also use the GO 2 to have a crystal-clear phone call experience with its integrated noise-cancelling speakerphone.
Design
The JBL GO 2 does not have the usual cloth exterior like other waterproof speakers. It has durable rubberized housing. The GO 2 is available in 12 colors, so there's no need to be afraid you'll look like everyone else on the beach.
The speaker's front features a large JBL logo and a grille that lets the sound project outward. The back grille is not for passive bass radiators like the Sony SRSXB41 speaker, but this is normal for a prominent speaker.
The speakers top contains all controls. There are buttons for power, volume, and pairing. These buttons can be used as playback controls or activate your phone's voice assistant by long pressing. You can also use the speakerphone to control your voice assistant and take calls. The speakerphone is not sensitive, so you will need to speak up.
The rubber door conceals the micro-USB charging port and the legacy device's 3.5mm aux jack. It is positioned on the speaker's right side.
Performance
The JBL GO 2 is a small speaker that can crank the music. For such a small speaker, 50% volume was sufficient for music listening. Pushing it up to 75% gives you an incredibly full sound.
However, it is imperative not to go overboard with the volume as music can get very loud and irritating at high volumes.
Bass is almost non-existent. Although the sound is narrow for a mono speaker, other Bluetooth speakers can project music farther out than this one. The JBL GO 2 fires sound forward, so if you want the sound to radiate evenly around your pool deck, you will need a 360-degree speaker such as the UE Boom 2.
At around 50%, the battery will last for 5 hours. You can crank it up to 4 hours, which is relatively short compared to other portable speakers. However, this is the trade-off JBL made when they chose such a small form factor to make the GO 2.
Price
You must also consider the cost of any product you are considering buying, regardless if it is a Bluetooth speaker or another type. When shopping for audio equipment, many people have different budgets. Many options are available at comparable prices, which is an important factor for many shoppers.
The JBL Go 2 was $39.95 at the time it was launched. Finding it cheaper at sales events or from some retailers is possible. It is affordable. This device is worth looking into if you have a smaller budget or want the most bang for your buck.
It is comparable to many other speakers of similar prices, including some that cost more than $50. This speaker can be an excellent choice for an affordable, reliable, easy-to-use audio system.
Value
We need to consider the speaker's value and its price. Even though a speaker may be inexpensive, it can still offer little value if it isn't reliable or has poor audio quality. The same goes for expensive speakers that may look great on paper but are not suitable investments because of their battery life or design.
The JBL Go 2 is compact, portable, lightweight, simple to use, and impressive in sound quality. It's an amazing choice for anyone who wants to listen to music outside. However, it can have a problem with the battery, making it less useful for people who require continuous audio entertainment without interruptions.
Who Should Get It?
A wide range of people can recommend the JBL Go 2 to them. This is an excellent choice for active people, outdoor enthusiasts, and young people who travel a lot.
This device is also great for those who travel light and don't want to carry a heavy, bulky device. It can be used for music listening while you do chores, work, or just for fun.
The device is also very affordable, making it attractive to those with lower budgets who don't want to spend too much on audio equipment. It won't appeal to everyone, but those who care deeply about the quality and clarity in every beat of their songs will be the ones that this speaker is best suited for.
Product Pros
- Good sound and bass
- Attractive aesthetics
Product Cons
- Battery life is limited
Conclusion
The JBL GO 2 speaker is a compact, waterproof speaker that can withstand a lot. Although its compact size limits its audio performance, the JBL GO 2 is surprisingly robust and can be incredibly loud. It also has a handy speakerphone, making it one of the most versatile ultra-compact speakers available.
The JBL GO 2 Bluetooth speaker is small and portable, especially considering its price. Although it is limited in size, sound quality, and battery life, the JBL GO 2 was still a great speaker.
The Minirig Mini is almost as competitive as the GO 2 in size, and it sounds a lot better due to its aptX support. It is waterproof and will need a proprietary charging cable.
The JBL Clip 2 is the closest competitor to the JBL GO 2. The Clip 2 is waterproof and has a clip that can be used outdoors and for travel. The Clip 2 is twice as expensive, and we believe the GO 2 offers a better value. The JBL Flip 4 is excellent if you want bass without compromising size.