JBL’s Clip series is the default recommendation for portable Bluetooth speakers in the Philippines. The Anker Soundcore Select Go 4 wants to challenge that. At ₱2,999 to ₱3,499 on Shopee PH, it matches the JBL Clip 5 on waterproofing (IP67), undercuts it on price, and beats it on battery life and raw audio output. Is it the smarter buy? Let’s find out.
Sound: 360° Stereo with BassUp
The Select Go 4 features dual 8W drivers (16W total) with a passive radiator for bass reinforcement and a 360° speaker design that projects sound in all directions. In practice, this means you get genuine stereo separation from a portable speaker — sit the Select Go 4 on a table at a gathering and everyone in the circle gets good sound, not just the people directly in front.
Anker’s BassUp technology uses algorithmic processing to enhance low-frequency output beyond what the hardware would normally produce. The result is bass that sounds fuller and deeper than the physical size suggests. For music with prominent basslines — hip-hop, EDM, and OPM ballads — BassUp adds satisfying warmth that many competitors in this price range don’t offer.
The Soundcore app allows 10-band EQ customisation, letting you tune the sound signature to your preference. Compared to the JBL Clip 5 (which has no EQ app), this is a meaningful advantage for audio enthusiasts.
IP67 + 20 Hours: Outdoor Durability Champion
IP67 waterproofing matches the JBL Clip 5 — submersible to 1 metre for 30 minutes, and fully dustproof. At a beach in Boracay, a river trip in Cagayan de Oro, or an outdoor pool party, the Select Go 4 is as tough as anything in this price range.
Where it genuinely beats the JBL Clip 5 is battery life: 20 hours versus JBL’s 12 hours. For multi-day camping trips or long beach weekends without access to charging, those extra 8 hours are material. At moderate volume, expect the Select Go 4 to cover a full day and most of the next before needing a recharge.
Portability: Larger Than Clip, Still Packable
The Select Go 4 is noticeably larger and heavier (~460g) than the JBL Clip 5 (~270g). It doesn’t have a built-in carabiner — you carry it in your bag rather than clipping it to a strap. For backpacking hikers who want to minimise weight and size, the Clip 5 wins. For beach days, house parties, and gatherings where portability means “fits in a beach bag,” the Select Go 4’s size is a non-issue.
Sulit Ba? (Is It Worth It?)
- ✅ 16W 360° stereo — more powerful and immersive than JBL Clip 5
- ✅ 20-hour battery — 8 hours more than the Clip 5
- ✅ IP67 — equally tough for outdoor PH use
- ✅ BassUp + EQ app — more audio control
- ✅ Competitive pricing at ₱2,999
- ⚠️ No built-in clip — less portable for hiking and cycling
- ⚠️ Heavier than the JBL Clip 5
Choose the JBL Clip 5 if portability and the carabiner are non-negotiable. Choose the Soundcore Select Go 4 if audio quality, battery life, and value for money are your priorities.
Verdict
The Anker Soundcore Select Go 4 is the audio-quality champion in the sub-₱3,500 portable speaker category. More power, more battery, more bass, and better app control than most rivals. If you spend more time at beach gatherings than mountain hikes, this is the speaker to buy on Shopee PH.
Rating: 8.3 / 10
