Review of Xiaomi Mi Speaker 2 and JBL GO 2 – China or America

A tiny speaker with excellent sound is not a fantasy, but a reality. Don't believe me? Then check out the review of the JBL GO 2 speaker.

Let’s see what the 18-year-old “baby” is made of, what its sound is like and how long it lasts in non-stop track playback mode.

If you need it inexpensively: Rating of budget portable speakers up to 1500 UAH: 10 best

Description

The home speaker from JBL is made in a minimalist style. Go 2 is not aimed at a large party, but rather suitable for home use.

Bluetooth 4.0 version, which allows you to control music remotely. The speaker works for 5 hours, and requires 2 hours to fully charge.

JBL Go 2 has a compact size of 71x86x32 mm, which makes it easy to transport with you. A cover is not included in the kit. There is also no carabiner for fastening.

It is also possible to negotiate with the device; according to reviews, audibility is good. You can control JBL Go 2 from your smartphone or using buttons.

Release date in Russia

The start of sales of the device was in January 2022. Price dynamics have not changed much since then; the speaker is still inexpensive.

Design

Both columns are square in shape. GO 2 differs from the first model in its rounded edges and visually appears a little smaller. They feel the same in weight. Lightweight, small - comfortable to carry in one hand.

We chose blue gadgets and they are very different in color implementation. JBL GO bright blue, approaching electric. The new product can be called blue, but without comparing it with the first column. Collectively we found a name for the color - dark blue sea wave. The speaker has a light metallic sheen and looks stylish.

JBL presented a choice of 8 colors in the first model.

The updated range is presented in 12 variants.

The changes affected the image of one of the buttons on the control panel. In 2015, it seemed more logical to indicate where to press to answer a call with an image of a handset. In GO 2 2022 it was replaced with a pause/play triangle.

The new product has got rid of the recess for a cord or carabiner. Perhaps the company decided that no one really needed a speaker mount or removed this feature so as not to compete with the JBL Clip.

Design and body

The sharp corners of the Go 2 body are smoothed out with a perforated metal grille. The user has a choice of 12 colors.

The company logo is located on the outer panel. The body is made of plastic with a rubber coating. There is dust and moisture protection ipx7.

The connector for the charging cable is hidden under the Go 2 cap, which further protects the speaker from moisture. Behind the grid there is an LED that indicates that the JBL device is turned on and synchronized with the smartphone.

The indicator is bright, but only in a dark room. At the top end of the case there is a control panel with five buttons:

• nutrition;
• bluetooth;
• volume;
• pause/play;
• speakerphone.

Under the right cover there is a microphone hole for talking on the phone. For stability, four special legs are installed on the bottom surface on which the JBL Go 2 can be placed.

Waterproof design

The ipx7's water-resistant coating allows you to submerge the Go 2 underwater to a depth of 1 m for thirty minutes. Considering the grille in the design, you should not take the speaker to the beach, or rather, allow copious amounts of fine sand to enter.

Despite the moisture protection, it is not recommended to immerse the device under water for a long period of time.

Appearance, design, dimensions

The mini-jibielka is housed in a super-compact rectangular case made of metal and plastic. The manufacturer did not skimp on colors: the wireless gadget can be chosen in grey, blue, gold, dark turquoise and 8 other shade options.

Unlike its predecessor, the second GO received rounded corners of the body while maintaining an identical form factor. The dimensions of the compact model are 7.12 x 8.6 x 3.16 cm.

The front part is completely occupied by the speaker grille and the JBL lettering. At the top, behind the grid plate, there is a multi-colored LED that notifies you about the operating mode of the column. For example, it lights up red when charging, white when pairing with other devices.

At the top end there are control elements:

• on off;
• Bluetooth connection;
• volume control “plus” and “minus”;
• play/pause, receive a phone call (double tap on the button switches tracks).

At the bottom end, along the edges, there are small rounded legs for more stable placement of the speaker on a horizontal surface.

On the right is the place of a massive plug, under which the connectors are “hidden”: 3.5 mm and microUSB for charging the gadget. The recess near the end cap also houses a noise-canceling microphone. On the back there is the company logo, now embossed.

Considering that the portable device weighs only 180 grams (there is an extended version with the Plus prefix - 237 g). You can easily take it with you anywhere, throwing it in a backpack, bag or jacket pocket. GO 2 is protected according to the IPX7 standard, so the gadget can easily withstand exposure to moisture and dust, and will survive even a short fall into water.

To help you choose: Review of portable speakers Sony and JBL

Characteristics table

Functions

The Jbl Go 2 speaker has standard functions of music playback and negotiations.

You can connect a microphone to the speaker via the 3.5 mm audio output. In addition, there is an indicator indicating charge and connection.

JBL Go 2 user can control music remotely by connecting the speaker to the tablet. There is also a microphone with loudspeaker. There is protection against water as standard.

What are the hidden functions?

In addition to the main functionality of Go 2, there are a couple of hidden features.

When you press bluetooth and play, the security mode is activated and control of the speaker is blocked. Removing the mode occurs in the same way as activating it.

Pressing bluetooth and + at the same time will reboot the device.

JBL GO 2 review

A tiny waterproof speaker with ambition.

Sample title JBL GO 2 is an ultra-compact speaker that's not only waterproof, it can really pump up the sound. And while the speaker's small size limits its audio performance potential, the speaker can get surprisingly loud, making it one of the most well-equipped ultra-compact speakers on the market.

Pros:

• Ultra-compact form factor;
• Water protection IPX7;
• Loud noise;

Minuses:

• Short operating time;
• Lacks bass;
• Not too sensitive microphone;

When it comes to audio performance, it's usually the case that larger speakers sound better because they have more space to accommodate better drivers that can move more sound.
It's just physics. However, there are speakers that offer more than their size implies - the JBL GO 2 is one of those speakers. The JBL GO 2 only measures 71.2 x 86 x 31.6mm, but it can be surprisingly loud. Considering the size of the speaker, audio performance is good... even if the bass response can't keep up with the mids and highs.

Its 5-hour battery life leaves much to be desired, but for $40, this IPX7-rated waterproof speaker is a treasure for those who care about portability first.

JBL GO 2: DESIGN

The JBL GO 2 doesn't have the typical woven exterior finish of other waterproof speakers. Instead, you get a rubberized casing that promises durability above all else. If you're nervous about buying the black boxes you might have seen on others on the beach, GO 2 offers a choice of a staggering 12 colors so you can choose the one that best suits your taste.

The front of the speaker features a large JBL logo and a grille that allows sound to flow outward. There's no rear grille for the passive bass radiator that you might see on the Sony SRS-XB41, for example, but that's to be expected for a speaker of this size.

All controls are located on the top of the speaker. You have power, pairing, volume, and a multi-function key. The latter works as a playback control button, and a long press turns on your phone's voice assistant and also allows you to receive calls. However, the microphone lacks sensitivity, so you will have to speak louder than you would like.

To the right of the microphone is a rubber door that hides the microUSB charging port and the 3.5mm AUX jack for older devices.

JBL GO 2: PERFORMANCE

Don't let the speaker's small size fool you, the JBL GO 2 can really pump out music. During our review, we found that 50% volume is sufficient for comfortable listening, and when cranked up to 75%, the speaker offers surprisingly full sound for its size.

However, you should be careful about your expectations in open areas where the audio requirements become more stringent. At full volume, the speaker's sound can be not only harsh, but also fatiguing.

While bass is largely absent, mids and highs remain tight and smooth. The sound is fairly narrow, which is what you'd expect from a mono speaker, but other Bluetooth speakers have better designed sound output. Plus, the JBL GO 2 only fires sound forward, which means to get even sound from the center deck of the pool, you need a 360-degree speaker like the UE Boom 2.

In terms of battery life, you get about 5 hours when listening at 50% volume. If you turn up the volume higher, expect about 4 hours, which isn't much compared to other mobile speakers, but it's JBL's tradeoff for the GO 2's compact form factor.

JBL GO 2 (left) and Minirig Mini (right).

JBL GO 2: SUMMARY

If you're looking for the smallest portable Bluetooth speaker, the JBL GO 2 is a worthy competitor, especially for its price. The situation is complicated by the physical limitations that come with its size, particularly in terms of audio, as well as battery life, but we were still impressed by how loud such a small speaker gets.

As for the competition, the Minirig Mini is almost identical to the GO 2 in terms of output and sounds slightly better thanks to aptX support and a better speaker. However, the Mini is not waterproof and requires a proprietary charging cable.

The closest competitor to the JBL GO 2 is a speaker from the Clip family from JBL. The Clip 2 is also a waterproof speaker, has a convenient clip for traveling with the user, and also works great outdoors. However, the Clip 2 costs twice as much and, in our opinion, the GO 2 best justifies its price. If you want big bass and can afford to compromise on size, the JBL Flip 4 is a great choice that will check all the boxes off your wish list.

JBL GO 2 review

The JBL GO 2 is an ultra-compact speaker that's not only waterproof, it can actually pump up the sound. And while the speaker's small size limits its audio performance potential, the speaker can get surprisingly loud, making it one of the most well-equipped ultra-compact speakers on the market.

Olarien

8 Grand total

Great! The JBL GO 2 is an ultra-compact speaker that's not only waterproof, it can actually pump up the sound. And while the speaker's small size limits its audio performance potential, the speaker can get surprisingly loud, making it one of the most well-equipped ultra-compact speakers on the market.

Rating: 4.6 (1 votes)

Speakerphone

The development company has updated the JBL Go 2 model, introducing a microphone for negotiations. According to reviews, there is good audibility near the device.

You can manage calls from your smartphone. You can make calls and hear them perfectly. It is especially convenient to conduct conferences if there is no other option.

Despite the fact that it has a built-in microphone and JBL noise reduction, it should not be used in workshops or noisy rooms.

Price and quality

In GO 2 stores, black and other colors cost between 800-1000 UAH. This is a budget option for lovers of compactness and cool sound. Judging by the users' videos, the speaker really withstands moisture, the plastic part resists scratches, dents, etc. The assembly is excellent, no creaks or rattles from the case when the music is turned on at full blast.

A review of JBL GO 2 showed that this “baby” confidently reproduces any musical content, is not picky when pairing with gadgets on different OSes, and has a stylish appearance. It will withstand not only careful use at home on a shelf, but also camp life.

Interesting: JBL Flip 5: design review, 7 characteristics and qualities

Sound

The JBL Go 2 speaker is powered by a 40mm driver and delivers high-quality bass despite its small size. The bass is sufficient to listen to hip-hop, dancehall, dance music.

The mid frequencies are well developed. The highs don't sound strong enough to listen to classical music comfortably.

Low frequencies cannot withstand metal and rock. This also applies to films with special effects. The speaker will not give you the feeling of a home theater.

Autonomy

JBL Go 2 operates on autonomous power supply and can be recharged from the mains. The total battery life is 5 hours when listening to music at medium volume.

When listening to music and talking through the speakerphone, the Go 2 will drain faster. It takes two hours to fully charge. Recharging is carried out via USB output.

You should not use the speaker as a power bank; it is better to purchase one separately and use it to recharge the speaker. There is no fast charging function.

If you listen to music at high volumes, the Go 2 will drain faster.

Competitors

Battery and autonomy

Inside there is a fairly capacious 730 mAh battery. For comparison: the compact and more expensive Clip 4 has a 500 mAh battery.

The battery lasts about 5 hours without recharging. But this is its maximum at average volume when listening to tracks. The more intense the sound and the further the distance from the gadget from which the music is broadcast, the more battery power is consumed.

To replenish the speaker's energy reserves, the kit comes with a USB cable, although without a block. There is no fast charging here, so you will have to wait 2.5 hours until the battery is filled to 100%.

Another compact model: JBL Clip 3: overview of appearance and 7 parameters

Equipment

The JBL Go 2 speaker comes in a transparent package. At the bottom of the box there is a folded pencil case where the instructions and charging cable are located. The cable is orange, regardless of the color of the speaker.

In the box:

• column Go 2;
• instructions;
• charging cable.

Advantages

• sound;
• bass;
• design;
• compactness of JBL Go 2;
• assembly;
• price;
• convenient to take on trips.

Flaws

• Connection with two or more JBL devices is not supported.
• No case.
• Low autonomy.
• High frequencies are missing.
• No mount or strap.
• At high volumes the sound becomes distorted.