REASONS TO BUY
Very packable & portable
Unbeatable price
Long battery life
REASONS TO AVOID
Muddled sound
Doesn't get very loud
Soundcore Select 4 Go Review
A great value for consumers who want a small rugged speaker that produces adequate sound
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Elizabeth White ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 29, 2026
Contributions From: Rachael Lamore
RELATED: The Best Bluetooth Speakers of 2026
Our Verdict
If your budget is tight, the Soundcore Select Go 4 is an affordable speaker that will get the job done. It has a long battery life for such a tiny speaker at just over 25 hours. It's stunningly waterproof and dust-tight, and even floats in the water. That said, the sound is quite flat, but inoffensive. All told, if we were going to a music festival, traveling, or simply needed an affordable gift, this is the right speaker for the job thanks to its rugged design, compact size, and low price.
Our Soundcore Select 4 Go Experience
We had zero issues pairing this speaker to our phone. Downloading and connecting to the app was very simple and fast.
The Anker app was easy and intuitive to use. We liked being able to play around with the sound profile using this nine-point drag and drop system to the bass in pop music sound more punchy and fun. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We've connected it to three different phones, and we've never had any problems with others hijacking our music while we're listening.
We particularly enjoyed listening to this speaker in the shower. It's easy to press buttons and controls even when our hands are wet. It's also loud enough to fill our bathroom without disturbing the rest of the household with Metallica.
We loved using this speaker in the shower and at the lake. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We've dropped it several feet into the tub while showering, and it still works fine. Since we only use it for short showers, we've also been able to stretch the battery life over several months.
We love that this speaker fits in the palm of our hand or in our pocket. However, it has all the typical drawbacks for a speaker this size. It doesn't get crazy loud, and at its loudest volumes, sound quality decreases.
The Soundcore Select is simple to carry inside or outside of your backpack. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Soundcore 4 Go was easy to chuck into a bag and bring pretty much anywhere.
The Soundcore Select is a great value. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you're not too concerned with having superior sound quality and just want the best that $50 or less can buy, the Select 4 Go is the way to go. It's waterproof, keeps dust and sand out, and offers up to 25 hours of battery life, which is impressive for a speaker this size.
If you can increase your budget by another $50, the JBL Clip 5 is a notable jump in sound quality with great vocals and a bass-forward sound. And, it's just as waterproof, durable, and portable.
We also recommend checking out the JBL Charge 6, a hardy portable speaker with refined clarity and amazing bass, often on sale. It can be fully immersed in water and also drop-proof. It is pricier than the Select 4 Go, but we think it's an exceptional value given the sound quality and durability.
We also recommend checking out the JBL Charge 6, a hardy portable speaker with refined clarity and amazing bass, often on sale. It can be fully immersed in water and also drop-proof. It is pricier than the Select 4 Go, but we think it's an exceptional value given the sound quality and durability.
Analysis and Test Results
A lightweight, durable pocket speaker that's great for listening on the go. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Sound Quality
The Soundcore Select 4 Go has the best sound quality of the speakers we tested in its price range; however, we wouldn't recommend it based on sound quality alone. As expected for a speaker of this size, it sounds quite flat and inoffensive, but it gets the job done.
The bass sounds watered down, lacking punch and power. That said, the lows aren't jarring, boomy, or glaringly muddy like other speakers in this price range. The mids are more forward and sound much better, coming off as spirited and bright. There's a range of color and texture, giving a mostly realistic representation to voices and instruments, making this speaker a good option for listening to audiobooks on the beach.
We enjoyed listening to podcasts on the Soundcore Select. Credit: Matt Lighthart
While the violins in “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve at 0:45 can sound piercing on other cheap mini speakers, the Select 4 Go makes them sound warm and well-balanced from the highs to the lows with the rest of the track. Though, the quality of the highs becomes harsh at the highest volumes.
As expected, the sound from this model isn't very expansive, but it sounds fine for solo listening. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The soundstage sounds flat and generally lacks height or dimension, sounding more manufactured than most. While it could fill a small room at the highest volume, it tended to sound sharp and thin. The sound is best heard from the front, but on all other sides, it sounds diminished.
The Soundcore Go 4 is easy to carry on walks. Credit: Matt Lighthart
This speaker is about as small and lightweight as it gets. Credit: Matt Lighthart
This speaker is a good choice for camping outdoors. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Portability
The Soundcore Select 4 Go fits snug in the palm of our hand and weighs only 0.6 pounds. It has a small loop that we could clip a carabiner to or tie around our fingers for easy carrying. It will definitely fit into the smallest purses, as well as any bag or backpack.
We didn't hesitate to take this speaker around water. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The loop is short which makes it a good option for clipping to the side of a backpack, but it doesn't come with a clip. Credit: Matt Lighthart
This speaker is rated at IP67, so it's dust-tight and waterproof, though we had to ensure that the rubber cover is sealed down, otherwise it could incur some water damage.
The Soundcore Select Go 4 is good for one or two listeners, but it's not loud or clear enough for groups of people. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Volume
This speaker is quiet compared to most, and gets up to 83.7 (about as loud as a standard TV speaker), though we wouldn't recommend listening at this volume, as it sounds jarring. Generally, it sounds best at the upper mid volume.
The Soundcore Go 4 is best used for solo listening rather than sharing with a large group of friends.
Drop Test
The durable mesh exterior of this speaker shields it well against steep falls. We've fumbled this speaker too many times to count, and it always comes out unscathed. The charging port (which isn't waterproof) can sometimes open when it hits the ground, which is something to note if you're listening poolside.
This speaker can last for weeks depending on your listening habits. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Battery
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this small but mighty speaker is the extended battery life, which lasts for 25 hours and 21 minutes.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Soundcore Select 4 Go versus top competing products:
| Awards |  Best Budget Speaker |
|---|---|
| Price | $35 List Check Amazon (on sale!) |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | A great value for consumers who want a small rugged speaker that produces adequate sound |
| Pros | Very packable & portable, unbeatable price, long battery life |
| Cons | Muddled sound, doesn't get very loud |
| Rating Categories | Soundcore Select 4 Go |
| Sound Quality (35%) | |
| Portability (30%) | |
| Volume (20%) | |
| Drop Test (10%) | |
| Battery (5%) | |
| Specifications | Soundcore Select 4 Go |
| Measured Battery Life | 25.4 hrs |
| Measured Weight | 0.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 4.8" L x 1.7" W x 3.1" H |
| Water Resistance | IP67: Dust-tight and protected against immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
| Measured Volume | 84 dB |
| Claimed Battery Life | 20.0 hrs |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes |
| Speaker Syncing | 2 Speakers |
| Sound Customization | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | No built-in microphone |
| Measured Bluetooth Range | up to 136 ft |
| Wired Audio Input | None |
| Floatable | Yes |
| Included Accessories | - Type C USB cable |
—Elizabeth White and Rachael Lamore
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