Portable Bluetooth speakers are a handy accessory for your smartphones or laptops. But considering the number of options available in the market, choosing the right one can be difficult. The JBL Go, which was first launched in 2015, came with a compact design which offered reliable performance while maintaining its affordability factor. After 2 years in the market, JBL has finally launched its replacement – the JBL Go 2. We test and review the JBL Go 2 to find out just how much it has evolved from the outgoing model.
Design
The JBL Go 2 now offers a fresher design than the previous model. The sharp edgy corners on the old Go are now replaced with curved edges, making it comfortable to hold in your hands. The new JBL Go 2 is still compact and weighs just 184 grams. The design is IPX7 certified which makes the rubberized housed speaker, water immersible up to 1 meter, for 30 minutes.
The front and back of the speaker have the JBL logo on them, though the one on the back is engraved, which looks great. The power, Bluetooth, volume up-down and play-pause keys are placed on the top. Buttons on the Go 2 comes with a rubberized finish so they are easy to use and responsive.
The right side of the speaker comes with a small rubberized door, giving access to auxiliary inputs and a microUSB charging port. JBL has removed the provision for the hook which may have been important for some people.
Features
The JBL Go 2 comes with wireless Bluetooth streaming capability which gives it a range of up to 30 feet in an open environment. JBL still haven’t improved the battery life on the newer version, however with 5 hours of playback time, it is still considerable. It also has a speakerphone which can be used to take control of incoming calls. Though it is a Bluetooth speaker, the Go 2 still retains an auxiliary input which many people will appreciate.
Performance
The JBL Go 2 carries forward many positive qualities from the older model. We tested a number of tracks across genres with the Go 2, and the results were impressive for the most part. The JBL Go 2 comes with a forward-facing 40mm driver. We played Tom Waits’ I hope I don’t fall in love with you, to test its mid-range performance and the results were good. Vocals from the beginning of the track were clear, and around half way through the song, we could hear sharp guitar notes; the sound is pleasant to the ear.
To test the higher range of frequencies, we played Max Roach’s Lonesome lover. The song has some high vocals within the first minute of the song, which is good to listen, but at 100 per cent volume, some shrill sounds could be heard. Keeping the volume a few notches down is a good idea.
The absence of a passive radiator which is typically used to increase low frequency performance of the speaker, is noticeable on the JBL Go 2. The Wildfire by SKBRT, an electronica track has some low frequency bass, which the JBL Go 2 just can’t sound right.
The JBL Go 2 seems to be a good package if you love to hear everyday music, watch movies or even for those short outdoor trips. The mid-range and high-frequency performance feels adequate. Portable speakers don’t typically play well with bass. However if you want that just that extra thump, then the Go 2 is not the one for you.
The JBL Go 2 comes with low energy Bluetooth 4.1, and has a range of 30 feet in an open environment. It also comes with a built-in microphone and voice sounds clear even from 2 feet away.
Verdict
The JBL Go 2 is a value-for-money speaker. It comes with a compact design and good battery life. The performance feels adequate, though it cannot be termed a complete package, as it lacks bass. So, if you are on a budget and don’t care for bass, then the JBL Go 2 is right for you. However, if you are willing to pay Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 more, there are other options worth considering.
