For ages, I found myself constantly frustrated by the lack of decent audio when I was away from my home setup. Whether it was a spontaneous garden party, a weekend camping trip, or just wanting to enjoy some tunes while doing chores around the house, relying on phone speakers just didn’t cut it. The tinny sound and complete absence of bass made every listening experience feel flat. I knew I needed a dedicated portable audio solution, or my musical enjoyment would continue to suffer, turning vibrant moments into muted memories.
Choosing Your Next Portable Bluetooth Speaker: What Matters Most
When considering a portable Bluetooth speaker, the primary aim is often to bring quality audio to environments where traditional sound systems aren’t feasible or practical. These devices solve the problem of quiet gatherings, dull outdoor activities, or even simply enhancing your personal space with better sound. An ideal customer for a portable Bluetooth speaker values convenience, durability, and decent audio performance in a compact form factor. They might be adventurers, casual listeners, or those who frequently move their music from room to room.
However, a high-end audiophile seeking pristine, studio-quality sound in a portable package might find some offerings lacking; for them, larger, more expensive, and less rugged speakers or even dedicated headphones might be a better fit. Similarly, someone who only ever listens to music quietly at their desk might not need the extreme portability or ruggedness of an outdoor-focused speaker, and a cheaper, simpler desktop speaker could suffice. Before buying, think about **where** you’ll use it most, **how durable** it needs to be, **what kind of sound quality** you expect for the price, **battery life**, and whether **advanced features** like stereo pairing or customisable EQ are important to you.
Introducing the soundcore Select 4 Go Ultra Portable Bluetooth Speaker by Anker
The soundcore Select 4 Go Ultra Portable Bluetooth Speaker by Anker is Soundcore’s answer to the demand for highly portable, rugged, and surprisingly powerful audio on the go. It promises an ultra-long playback time, serious outdoor protection, and customisable sound, all wrapped up in a lightweight design. When you purchase this compact device, you get the speaker itself, typically accompanied by a USB-C charging cable and a quick-start guide. While it might not compete directly with market leaders like the larger JBL Flip or Bose SoundLink in sheer output, it carves its niche by offering comparable core features like IP67 waterproofing and solid battery life at a significantly more accessible price point, often outperforming previous budget-friendly iterations from other brands with its refined sound and robust build.
This specific portable Bluetooth speaker is perfect for the individual who wants reliable music wherever they go, without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for students, hikers, beach-goers, or anyone needing a durable speaker for casual use. It’s perhaps not for those who demand thumping bass that vibrates the floor or require multi-room audio connectivity, which more expensive, larger home-focused systems would provide.
Pros:
* Remarkably long 20-hour battery life.
* IP67 waterproof and dustproof, plus it floats!
* Lightweight and comes with a convenient strap for ultimate portability.
* True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing for enhanced sound.
* Customisable Pro EQ via the Soundcore app.
* Surprisingly punchy 5W sound for its small size and price.
Cons:
* Stock EQ settings can be “muddy” and benefit greatly from customisation.
* The claimed 20-hour battery life might be achieved at lower volumes, reducing with higher usage.
* Colour options (other than black) sometimes cost slightly more.
* Some users have reported minor quality issues like speaker grips coming loose with light usage.
Deep Dive into the Select 4 Go’s Standout Capabilities
Having used the soundcore Select 4 Go extensively for a good while now, I’ve truly put it through its paces across various scenarios, from quiet evenings at home to lively outdoor gatherings. This compact device consistently impresses, particularly when you consider its size and price. Let’s break down the individual features that make this speaker a standout choice.
Unrivalled 20-Hour Playback for Endless Adventures
One of the first things that truly captivated me about the soundcore Select 4 Go Ultra Portable Bluetooth Speaker by Anker is its astonishing battery life. Anker, as a brand, is renowned for its power solutions, and that expertise shines through here. The promise of 20 hours of non-stop music on a single charge is not just a marketing claim; it’s largely accurate, especially at moderate volumes. For me, this means I can grab the speaker for a full day out, a long hike, or even a multi-day camping trip without constantly worrying about finding a power source.
This feature is incredibly important because it removes a significant point of anxiety that often comes with portable electronics. There’s nothing worse than the music cutting out just as the party gets going or when you’re in the middle of a relaxing outdoor moment. The extended playback capability ensures that the soundtrack to your adventures can keep going as long as you do, freeing you from the tether of charging cables and power banks. It truly makes the Select 4 Go a reliable companion, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in your activities without distraction.
Built for the Elements: IP67 Waterproof and Dustproof Design
The ruggedness of the soundcore Select 4 Go is another area where it excels. Its IP67 rating means it’s completely protected against dust ingress and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. But it doesn’t just withstand water; it actually floats! This floating capability is a game-changer for anyone who loves spending time near water. I’ve taken it to the beach, used it by the pool, and even had it floating in the bath without a single worry. The material construction of PC+ABS feels robust and durable, capable of shrugging off minor knocks and bumps that come with active use.
This level of protection is vital for an “outdoor speaker” category product. It means you don’t have to baby it. Spilled drinks, sudden downpours, sandy environments, or accidental dips in the pool are no longer threats to your music. The peace of mind this provides cannot be overstated. It transforms the speaker from a delicate electronic gadget into a true companion for any adventure, no matter how wet or dusty it gets, directly solving the problem of how to enjoy music in challenging environments without risking expensive damage.
Lightweight and Go-Anywhere Portability
Weighing in at a mere 265g, the soundcore Select 4 Go truly lives up to its “ultra portable” moniker. It’s incredibly light, making it barely noticeable whether clipped to a backpack, slung over your wrist with its built-in strap, or simply tucked into a small bag. The compact form factor, approximately 12cm long by 4cm deep, is genuinely impressive for the sound it produces.
This extreme portability addresses the core problem of wanting music everywhere without the burden of bulky equipment. Whether I’m cycling, hiking a trail, or just moving around the garden, the speaker’s lightweight design means it’s never an inconvenience. It slides effortlessly into almost any pocket or pouch, making it genuinely easy to take it anywhere. The built-in strap, though a minor detail, is immensely practical for attaching it to gear or carrying it hands-free, further enhancing its go-anywhere appeal. This is a speaker designed to integrate seamlessly into your life on the move, not to weigh you down.
Immersive Sound with True Wireless Stereo Pairing
While a single soundcore Select 4 Go delivers surprisingly potent sound, the option for True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing elevates the audio experience significantly. Connecting two of these compact speakers wirelessly creates a genuine stereo soundstage, which is far more immersive and expansive than a single mono output. I’ve used this feature for backyard barbecues and even just listening indoors, and the difference is palpable, filling the space with richer, more directional sound.
This TWS capability is a fantastic benefit for those who desire a more enveloping audio experience without investing in larger, more expensive stereo systems. For the cost of two of these speakers, you get a portable, flexible stereo setup that can be placed to optimise sound distribution in any environment. It directly tackles the limitation of single-speaker audio by providing a wider sound field, making music feel more alive and engaging, particularly for social listening or when you want to create a more vibrant atmosphere.
Tailored Audio with Customisable Pro EQ
One aspect that truly sets the soundcore Select 4 Go apart, especially in its price category, is the ability to customise its sound profile through the Soundcore app’s Pro EQ. Out of the box, some users (and I would agree initially) might find the standard presets a bit “muddy.” However, a quick dive into the app allows for precise adjustment of the equaliser, letting you tailor the sound to your personal preferences and the specific genre of music you’re listening to.
For me, setting a custom “V-shape” EQ, boosting both bass and treble, dramatically improved the clarity and punch, making rock and heavy metal tracks sing with much more vibrancy. This customisation is incredibly important because audio preference is highly subjective. What sounds good to one person might not to another. The ability to fine-tune the EQ means you’re not stuck with a factory-set sound that might not suit your taste. It ensures that the speaker delivers the best possible audio experience *for you*, enhancing enjoyment by making every song sound exactly as you like it. This level of control is often reserved for more premium speakers, making its inclusion here a significant advantage.
Surprisingly Punchy 5W Sound from a Compact Package
Don’t let the small stature of the soundcore Select 4 Go fool you. This little beauty packs a surprisingly punchy 5W sound. For its size, the clarity is excellent, and while it won’t shake the foundations of your house, it certainly provides a robust and dynamic audio experience that belies its dimensions. The frequency response of 20 KHz indicates its ability to reproduce a good range of sounds, contributing to its balanced output once the EQ is dialled in.
This feature is crucial because the primary function of a speaker is, of course, sound delivery. The fact that such a small and affordable device can produce clear and dynamic 5W audio means you don’t have to compromise heavily on sound quality for portability or price. It solves the problem of having limited volume or thin audio from smaller speakers, providing enough output to comfortably fill a small room or provide background music for outdoor activities. The audio output mode is stereo, which contributes to a more engaging listening experience, even from a single unit. It’s built from durable PC+ABS material, making it tough enough for tabletop mounting or being carried anywhere.
What Other Users Are Saying: Real-World Experiences
I’ve scoured the internet and found that many users share my positive sentiments regarding this speaker. People are consistently blown away by the sound output for such a small and affordable device. Many highlight how it offers incredible value, often stating it rivals more expensive brands for half the price. The customisable EQ feature in the app is frequently praised for transforming the sound from good to great. Users love its lightweight nature and robust build, making it a perfect travel companion. While some noted that the full 20-hour battery might require lower volumes, they generally found the battery life more than adequate for their needs. A few minor criticisms surfaced, such as the colour of certain variants not perfectly matching other Soundcore products, and very isolated instances of small parts like speaker grips becoming loose, but these are generally overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback about its performance, durability, and astonishing value.
My Final Thoughts: Why the soundcore Select 4 Go is a Smart Choice
If you’re tired of lacklustre audio ruining your outdoor adventures or quiet moments at home, and the complications of unreliable, fragile, or short-lived portable speakers have deterred you, then the soundcore Select 4 Go Ultra Portable Bluetooth Speaker by Anker is an exceptional solution. This speaker tackles those issues head-on.
Firstly, its **incredible durability and waterproof/dustproof rating** mean you can take it anywhere without fear. Secondly, the **long 20-hour battery life** ensures your music won’t cut out mid-adventure. Finally, its **surprisingly powerful, customisable sound** delivers an audio experience far beyond what its size or price suggests. It’s a genuine steal for the money. Don’t hesitate to upgrade your portable audio experience; click here to check out the soundcore Select 4 Go now!