This pocket-sized Bluetooth speaker takes aim at the JBL Go 4 but sadly, 3 key flaws hold it back

Date:
Thu, 08 Jan 2026 10:56:02 +0000

Description:
I reviewed a cheap alternative to JBLs smallest Bluetooth speaker is it
worth buying?

FULL STORY ======================================================================Tribit PocketGo: two-minute review

The Tribit PocketGo is an ultra-small Bluetooth speaker that comes with an equally small price tag. Its lightweight, can be easily hooked up, and is ideal for on the go use thanks to its pocket-sized form.

But there are even more positives worth pointing to. For instance, this model has exceptional IP68 dust and waterproofing, meaning its fit for just about any environment, be that your shower, a pool, the beach you name it. It's
also fairly sturdy, so should survive the occasional drop.

One more positive is the models 20 hour battery life, which is right up there with the best Bluetooth speakers in its size class. Unfortunately, though, this is where much of my praise reaches its end.

See, the most important thing for any Bluetooth speaker is to sound good. And even when accounting for this speaker's limited size, I still think it falls flat in a few areas. Of course, youre not going to expect much in the bass department, but I felt that audio could get muddied too easily on the PocketGo, with a generally one-note sound. Compression is also pretty prominent at higher volumes, and dynamics are pretty lacking.

Dont get me wrong, the Tribit PocketGo isnt the worst sounding speaker Ive heard, not by some margin. Mids and highs still sound clear enough at mid-volumes, and less demanding tracks come through pretty well. But its obvious rival the JBL Go 4 sounds considerably better, and comes at a
pretty similar cost.

Speaking of the JBL Go 4, it's clear that it was a huge source of inspiration for Tribits small-sized speaker. The two models look highly similar, but Tribits speaker doesnt quite have the same level of refinement, and isnt available in the same broad, exciting array of colors.

Its not all doom and gloom, though. Theres an effective nine-band equalizer and a commendable selection of EQ presets. I was also interested to see microSD playback onboard not something youd see from a lot of rivals.

But in the end, it just feels as if the PocketGo fails to beat out its hero, the JBL Go 4. It doesnt have the visual flair, the audio quality, or the sophisticated app required to assert supremacy. And as a result, I cant recommend Tribits small speaker outright. (Image credit: Future) Tribit PocketGo review: price and release date $34.99 / 29.99 / AU$49.99 Launched in November 2025

The Tribit PocketGo released in November 2025, and can be purchased in a
range of color options, including Black, Blue, and Green. It has a list price of $34.99 / 29.99 / AU$49.99, which is a fair bit cheaper than the typical cost of its main competitor, the JBL Go 4, which is $49.95 / 39.99 /
AU$59.95.

It's worth noting that Tribit isn't alone in wanting to offer the Go 4 for less; another option we tested, the AO mini portable wireless speaker , tried (in the UK at least) to match JBL's option for a cheaper 29 (around $34). But sadly, neither has fully succeeded Tribit PocketGo review: specs

Weight

0.5lbs / 220g

Dimensions

4.3 x 3.2 x 1.7 inches / 108 x 81 x 42mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Battery life

20 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 7W full range

Waterproofing

IP68 Tribit PocketGo review: features Pleasing customizable EQ options Impressive 20-hour battery life Multi-speaker pairing, but no Auracast

The Tribit PocketGo has a decent set of features, with a few customization features available through the Tribit companion app. This opens up a bunch of EQ presets for different genres and listening environments, as well as a nine-band custom equalizer, which is a most welcome inclusion.

Theres not much more to explore in the app, though. You can control audio playback, alter the auto shutdown window, and toggle voice prompts on and
off, but thats about it. There are no battery preservation options, device management section, or anything out of the ordinary. I was also surprised to see Auracast left out, especially given the use of Bluetooth 6.0. You can
pair two speakers together for stereo playback, though.

Another small thing worth noting is that the app isnt the best Ive used. It has a fairly rudimentary appearance, and I also experienced an issue where
the app wouldnt allow me to upgrade the speakers firmware. It believed that I wasnt using the latest version of the companion software, but even after updating the app, I still couldnt upgrade to the latest firmware, which was puzzling.

Anyway, your mileage may vary on that issue, and there are still plenty of good features to discuss. For instance, hands-free calling is available on
the PocketGo thanks to its built-in mic. Quality-wise, the mic is just OK a colleague said that I sounded pretty distant, but my words were still discernible. But one good thing is that the built-in mic enables you to use a voice assistant, which some users will appreciate.

One of the key benefits of the PocketGo is also its battery life. 20 hours is a very generous portion of playtime for a speaker of this size, though its worth noting that you can expect less if youre listening at more than 50% volume. Still, 20 hours is almost three times the battery life of the JBL Go 4, which is the PocketGos nearest rival.

Finally, youre able to play music from a microSD card thanks to a TF card input slot on the speaker. This isnt something Ive seen from a lot of rival models, and though it doesnt seem to be the most practical way to enjoy your tunes, playback was stable when I tested it out. Features score: 3.5/5 (Image credit: Future) Tribit PocketGo review: sound quality Mid-range and treble perform decently at mid-volume Bass is lacking, largely due to restricted
size Lacks the dynamism and expression of the JBL Go 4

Ill put my cards on the table the Tribit PocketGo isnt the best-sounding speaker Ive tested, but it does have some redeeming qualities.

When listening to Black Eye by Allie X, the rapid-fire drum machine never sounded lethargic or bloated, although it did lack quite a bit of depth.
Thats largely down to the small size of the PocketGo, which is light on power and cant reach down all too deeply.

Higher in the frequency range, sudden percussive hits didnt quite have the bite Id hoped for and generally the speakers dynamics never blew me away
but treble sounds were never harsh or uncontrolled at 50% volume or less. Vocals were also clear in the mix, which made for a decent overall listen, although I will say that they started to get muddied when I pushed volume above that 60-70% mark.

Tracks that feature sub-bass or generally deeper bass wont fare well at all
on the PocketGo. As I mentioned, there are some limitations here, so its to
be expected, but tracks like 12 O.C Riddim by M-High featured almost
inaudible low-frequency elements, which stripped them of the energy and excitement bass heads will be seeking out.

With a less demanding track like Ive Got Your Number by Ned Doheny, there was a notable improvement, though. Strumming acoustic guitars were clear even
with soulful vocals at the fore, and mid-bass though not particularly impactful came through cleanly. Again, there was very noticeable compression as I edged towards top volumes, but this speaker can get pretty loud for its size, so you might not need to crank things all the way to the top.

When I compared the PocketGo against its rival, the JBL Go 4, the latter
model typically performed better. The PocketGo could get louder, but it had a less expressive overall sound, with the Go 4 plating up superior instrument separation and dynamics. Both speakers suffer from similar restrictions due
to their size neither gave me amazing deep bass or beautifully layered, detailed sound. But I think the Go 4 is the better sounding model. Sound quality score: 3/5 (Image credit: Future) Tribit PocketGo review: design A less refined-looking JBL Go 4 Small and lightweight Exceptional IP68 dust and waterproofing

Lets address the elephant in the room here. To say that the Tribit PocketGo
is inspired by the JBL Go 4 would be an understatement.

This is almost a one-for-one copy, featuring a fabric speaker grille, a
rubber control pad, and small loop for hanging the speaker up. Its not as refined or premium looking as JBLs model, though, and its color options arent the most exciting, meaning it's not my favorite looks-wise.

But there are some definite positives to discuss in regard to this speakers design. First of all, its pleasingly compact and lightweight, coming in at just 0.5lbs / 220g. Its fabric loop also makes it easy to place on a hook though Id recommend laying it flat or on its base to listen to music, if you want the best audio quality.

Whats more, the Tribit PocketGo has an IP68 rating. That means its fully protected against dust, and highly waterproof too. More specifically, it can live through a 30 minute dunking under a meter and a half of water it doesnt get much better than that. In addition, it has a fairly solid construction, and should easily survive the occasional drop. Design score: 3/5 (Image credit: Future) Tribit PocketGo review: value Has a very modest price tag Although you can grab an on-sale JBL Go 4 for similar Fairly average overall quality

The Tribit PocketGo is a very budget friendly option, coming in with a list price of just $34.99 / 29.99 / AU$49.99.

Of course, this speaker is far from perfect. It produces average audio with solid mid-range and treble output at mid-volumes, but limited instrument separation and poor overall sound at louder levels. Its design is also a little unoriginal, and there are some missing features I wouldve liked to
see.

But when you consider its impressive playtime, excellent waterproofing, and compact build, there is still plenty to like. Is it going to blow you away
for the price? Perhaps not, but I still think you get what you pay for.

Still, would I recommend it outright? Not exactly. I think the JBL Go 4 is still the stronger pick if youre seeking out a cheap, small-sized option. It may have a slightly higher list price, but it's on sale fairly regularly for around $40 / 35 / AU$49. Its superior sound quality and aesthetic makes it
the better pick, for me. Value score: 3.5/5 (Image credit: Future) Should I buy the Tribit PocketGo?

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Features

Great battery life, but lacks Auracast, and companion app is pretty rudimentary.

3.5/5

Sound quality

OK sounding at mid-volume, but struggles beyond that, generally one-note audio.

3/5

Design

A little too close to the JBL Go 4, but lightweight and highly waterproof.

3/5

Value

Overall, you get what you pay for, but no more than that.

3.5/5 Buy it if...

You want a compact speaker to take on the go
One of my favorite things about the PocketGo is its satisfyingly small size, which makes it easy to throw in a bag or, well you know, in your pocket. Its also dust and waterproof, meaning it's fit for use in any environment.

Youre on a tight budget
The low list price of the Tribit PocketGo makes it an enticing option. Its audio isnt going to blow you away, and it's not the prettiest looking speaker on the market, but its long battery life and lightweight build may tempt you. Don't buy it if...

You want great sound quality
Of course, some of this speakers flaws are linked to the inherent
restrictions of its size. For instance, you cant expect deep bass or amazing loudness here. But even still, this model left a little to be desired sonically, with a fairly one-note sound, limited instrument separation, and harsh audio at higher volumes.

Youre looking for something with style
This model looks a little bit too similar to the JBL Go 4 for my liking, but doesnt quite have the refinement and charm of that model. There are less
color options to choose from too, so Id suggest picking the Go 4 over it. Tribit PocketGo review: also consider

Tribit PocketGo

JBL Go 4

Edifier ES20

Price

$34.99 / 29.99 / AU$49.99

$49.95 / 39.99 / AU$59.95

$89.99 / 50 / AU$99.99

Weight

0.5lbs / 220g

0.6lbs / 285g

0.7lbs / 0.3kg

Dimensions

4.3 x 3.2 x 1.7 inches / 108 x 81 x 42mm

3.7 x 3 x 1.7 inches / 94 x 78 x 42mm

3.6 x 3.7 x 2 inches / 90.4 x 93.7 x 49.7mm

Connectivity

Bluetooth 6.0

Bluetooth 5.3

Bluetooth 5.4

Battery life

20 hours

7 hours

15 hours

Speaker drivers

1x 45mm full range

1x 45mm full range

1x 43mm full range

Waterproofing

IP68

IP67

IP67

JBL Go 4
This is the speaker that the Tribit PocketGo wants to be. Its not the best sounding speaker ever, but I appreciate the Go 4s clear mids and controlled treble, and you can adjust EQ to your personal taste. Its a colorful, well-built, and lightweight option thats even in my guide to the best Bluetooth speakers. Read our full JBL Go 4 review .

Edifier ES20
The Edifier ES20 was one of my favorite Bluetooth speakers of 2025. It's a little larger than the PocketGo and Go 4, but its still nice and compact, and highly waterproof. Sonically, this is an excellent choice, with surprisingly detailed mids, punchy bass, and expressive treble. Read our full Edifier ES20 review . Tribit PocketGo review: how I tested (Image credit: Future) Tested within a one-week period Mainly used at home Predominantly tested using Tidal

I tested the Tribit PocketGo over a week-long period, mainly using it at
home. During my time with the speaker, I spent hours listening to music, exhausted all of its features, and even compared it directly against the JBL Go 4.

When listening to tunes, I made sure to start with the TechRadar testing playlist, which features tracks from a range of genres. I also listened to songs from my personal library through both Tidal and Spotify.

And more generally, Ive reviewed dozens of Bluetooth speakers here at TechRadar more than 30 to be precise. As a result, Im highly familiar with the PocketGos competition, and I know what it takes for a speaker to stand
out in a highly convoluted market. First reviewed: January 2026 Read more about how we test



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/audio/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/tribit-pocketgo-re view


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