Soundcore Select 4 Go Review: Budget Waterproof Winner
The Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Shower Speaker has built a reputation for punching above its weight in the budget portable speaker market, with an average score hovering around 7.5–8/10 across tech reviewers and community feedback. While marketed as an ultra-portable, waterproof, and “surprisingly punchy” 5W speaker with 20-hour battery life, user experiences reveal both impressive strengths and some predictable trade-offs at this price point.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — Excellent value for casual listeners and outdoor use, but not for bass-heads or those needing maximum loudness.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clear, balanced sound for the size | Bass is limited compared to larger speakers |
| IP67 waterproof and floatable | Loop strap less versatile than a clip |
| Long battery life at moderate volumes | Rubber feet durability concerns |
| Lightweight and highly portable | No built-in mic for calls |
| Customizable EQ via Soundcore app | Loses some clarity at very high volumes |
| Stereo pairing capability | Not truly pocketable for all users |
Claims vs Reality
One of Soundcore’s headline claims is the “20-hour ultra playback time”. While technically accurate under certain conditions, Pack Hacker noted, “we’re getting around 12 hours at high volume,” highlighting how volume level plays a big role. Reddit users in r/ShopeePH echoed this nuance, with one saying they had been using it “almost continuously for 3 days” at moderate volume without charging, reinforcing that casual listening meets the spec.
The “5W surprisingly punchy sound” promise holds up better. Multiple Reddit users praised its clarity and bass stability even at high volume. One wrote, “even if you crank it up to max volume, it doesn’t distort.” However, reviewers like Digital Trends cautioned that “it doesn’t have quite as much low-end bass as the more expensive JBL Clip 4” — making it less ideal for bass-heavy genres.
Finally, the “IP67 waterproof and floatable” claim appears to be fully validated. Digital Trends confirmed it “will happily bob on the surface… only sounds a little muffled when upside down,” and Quora reviewers stressed that the rating “is not a gimmick… it even floats, not just kind of floats.”
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Trustpilot, and editorial reviews, sound quality relative to size and price is consistently lauded. Reddit user feedback emphasizes “clear and full” sound with a “super in-depth” EQ via the Soundcore app. For indoor listeners, even 70% volume was reported as being audible outside a room. Pack Hacker’s testing found “the bass thumps and isn’t hindered at max volume,” which is rare in compact budget speakers.
Battery longevity is another standout for moderate users. While heavy use cuts the runtime, Digital Trends found 16–17 hours at 50%+ volume to be realistic, and Quora reviewers reported “18 to 20 hours” at lower levels — a boon for hikers or travelers who don’t want to recharge daily.
Portability also wins praise. At just under 10 ounces, Digital Trends remarked it can “fit in cargo shorts,” while Quora noted it “respects your everyday carry,” fitting into small backpacks or bike baskets. The lightweight build, combined with a basic strap, makes it easy to take on hikes, bike rides, or to the shower.
The IP67 waterproof and floatable design is universally trusted by users who’ve tested it in real-world wet conditions. Digital Trends verified full immersion survivability, while Quora emphasized “fully waterproof in the places where it actually matters.”
Common Complaints
The most frequent criticism revolves around bass depth. While stable, it’s inherently limited by the 5W driver size. Digital Trends pointed out it’s not ideal for “hip-hop or Hans Zimmer” soundtracks, and Quora agreed it “won’t rattle the walls.”
Loop strap limitations are also noted. Pack Hacker found it less versatile than a built-in clip, saying, “you can’t clip it onto anything” without an extra carabiner. For backpackers who want instant attachment, alternatives like JBL’s Clip series may be more convenient.
Durability concerns focus on rubber feet longevity. Pack Hacker reported they “can be pulled out” too easily, raising questions for heavy outdoor use. While overall build quality gets good marks, this detail stands out for long-term wear.
High-volume playback also exposes battery life drop-offs. While advertised at 20 hours, users like Pack Hacker saw runtimes nearly halved when pushing volume, which could disappoint those expecting all-day loudness for parties.
Divisive Features
The sound signature is a point of mixed opinion. Some appreciate its balanced, neutral tuning — Quora calls it “clean, reliable audio without breaking the bank” — while others prefer the more bass-forward tuning of competitors like Sony’s SRS-XB13.
Portability is celebrated by some and questioned by others. While light, its form factor isn’t pocketable for everyone. Digital Trends cautioned it’s “still not the most pocket-friendly speaker out there,” comparing it more closely to JBL’s Clip 5 in size than the smaller Go 4.
Trust & Reliability
From a trust standpoint, there’s no pattern of scam concerns. Reviews across Trustpilot and Reddit depict consistent quality control. One Redditor noted using it “almost every day” since Christmas with no issues. Pack Hacker’s two-week check-in found “no issues with waterproofness or dust getting into the nooks and crannies.”
However, durability concerns about the rubber feet and strap are worth noting for rough users. For most casual owners, the IP67 rating and sturdy plastic shell have held up under regular travel and bathroom use.
Alternatives
When compared to the JBL Clip 5, the Soundcore Select 4 Go trades the convenience of a built-in clip for longer battery life and slightly better bass clarity, according to Pack Hacker. The Clip 5, however, offers more output power (7W) and deeper bass.
Against the JBL Go 4, Soundcore offers double the battery life and stereo pairing, but JBL’s smaller size makes it more pocketable.
Versus the Sony SRS-XB13, Soundcore wins on balanced tuning and EQ customization, while Sony appeals to bass lovers at the cost of some clarity.
Price & Value
Prices range from $25 (US deals) to around ₱997–₱1,295 in the Philippines and AED 199 in the UAE, making it one of the most affordable IP67-rated portable speakers with app support. Digital Trends called it “the perfect $25 gift” given its durability and sound quality. Resale value is modest, but the low entry price makes it a low-risk buy.
Community buying tips suggest watching for bundle promotions, as Redditors hinted at possible deals when multiple users recommended it at once.
FAQ
Q: Is the Soundcore Select 4 Go really waterproof and floatable?
A: Yes. Multiple reviewers confirmed it survives full immersion and floats. This makes it safe for showers, pools, and beach use.
Q: How long does the battery last at high volume?
A: Expect around 12–16 hours at loud levels, versus up to 20 hours at moderate listening.
Q: Can I pair two units for stereo sound?
A: Yes. It supports true wireless stereo pairing, and the process is quick via the Bluetooth button.
Q: Does it have a built-in microphone for calls?
A: No, it’s strictly for audio playback — there’s no speakerphone functionality.
Q: How does the EQ customization work?
A: Through the Soundcore app, you get a 9-band EQ and presets, allowing fine-tuning for different genres.
Final Verdict: Buy if you want a lightweight, waterproof, budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker for casual listening indoors and out, with long battery life at moderate volumes. Avoid if you need deep bass, maximum loudness, or integrated attachment hardware. Pro tip from the community: pair it with a carabiner for more versatile mounting options.
