There’s a universally frustrating moment that every music lover has experienced: you’ve found the perfect spot. Maybe it’s a secluded corner of the beach, a sunny patch in the park for a picnic, or just your own backyard patio on a lazy Sunday. The scene is set, but the soundtrack is weak. You try to play music from your phone, and the tiny, tinny sound is immediately swallowed by the gentle breeze or distant traffic. It’s a vibe-killer. I recall a kayaking trip where I tried to use my phone in a “waterproof” bag for tunes. The sound was muffled, the connection kept dropping, and I spent more time fiddling with it than paddling. The dream of a floating soundtrack became a damp, disconnected hassle. This is the precise problem that a dedicated portable speaker aims to solve: delivering robust, reliable audio wherever life takes you, without fear of the elements.
- IP67 Protection and Floats: Waterproof speaker designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions and can even float. The Speaker can even be immersed in up to 3.3 ft deep for 30 minutes, making it ideal...
- 20-Hour Playback: Enjoy up to 20 hours of non-stop music on a single charge with this portable Bluetooth speaker, perfect for showers, extended outdoor adventures, all-day gatherings, hiking through...
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Bluetooth Speaker
A Portable Bluetooth Speaker is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for liberating your music from the confines of headphones and indoor sound systems. It’s about creating shared experiences, enhancing solo adventures, and bringing energy to any environment, from a steamy shower to a dusty campsite. The main benefit is freedom—the freedom to have high-quality audio without wires, without worrying about splashes or drops, and without being tethered to a power outlet. They solve the problem of inadequate phone speakers and the cumbersomeness of larger, non-portable audio equipment, making them an essential piece of modern tech for anyone who is active, travels, or simply enjoys music in every part of their home.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who values portability and durability as much as sound quality. This includes hikers, campers, beach-goers, kayakers, or even someone who just wants a reliable speaker for their bathroom or workshop. They need a device that can be tossed in a bag, handle a bit of rough treatment, and survive exposure to water and dust. Conversely, this might not be the right product for a dedicated audiophile seeking a stationary, high-fidelity home audio setup. If your primary goal is critical listening with perfect stereo imaging and deep, resonant bass that shakes the room, you would be better served by a larger set of bookshelf speakers or a home theater system. The Soundcore Select 4 Go Portable Waterproof Speaker is designed for life in motion, not for a static listening room.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Portability: The very definition of “portable” can vary. Consider the actual size and weight. Will it fit in your backpack’s water bottle pocket? Does it have a loop or strap for easy carrying? A speaker weighing 9 ounces, like this Soundcore model, is highly portable, while a three-pound speaker might be better suited for car camping than backpacking.
- Audio Performance & Power: Don’t just look at wattage; consider the driver size and features like passive radiators or bass-boosting technology. A 5-watt speaker can sound surprisingly powerful if engineered well. For a truly immersive experience, check if the speaker supports True Wireless Stereo (TWS) pairing, which allows you to connect two identical units for a proper stereo soundstage.
- Materials & Durability (IP Rating): The build material (like PC+ABS plastic) and design are critical for longevity. The most important specification here is the Ingress Protection (IP) rating. An IP67 rating, for example, means the device is completely dust-tight (the ‘6’) and can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes (the ‘7’), making it truly waterproof and adventure-proof.
- Battery Life & Connectivity: The manufacturer’s stated battery life is usually tested at medium volume. Expect less if you plan on blasting your music at full power. Check the charging time and the type of charging port—USB-C is the modern standard and more convenient. Also, consider the Bluetooth version and range, as a stable connection over a longer distance is crucial for usability.
Understanding these factors will ensure you choose a speaker that not only sounds great but also perfectly fits your lifestyle and endures the adventures you have planned.
While the Soundcore Select 4 Go Portable Waterproof Speaker is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Outdoor-Proof Speaker: Portable design with IPX7 waterproof protection to safeguard against splashes, waves, and water vapor. Get incredible sounds at home, on camping trips, or for outdoor...
- [Immersive Sound Experience & Dual Connectivity] Experience unparalleled sound quality with this wireless Bluetooth speaker's 2 drivers and advanced technology that delivers powerful, well-balanced...
- Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Speaker Diameter
Unboxing the Soundcore Select 4 Go: First Impressions and Core Features
Pulling the Soundcore Select 4 Go Portable Waterproof Speaker from its simple, eco-friendly packaging, the first thing we noticed was its reassuring density. At just 9.3 ounces, it’s incredibly lightweight, yet it doesn’t feel cheap or hollow. The compact, pill-shaped body is wrapped in a tight-knit fabric grille and framed by a smooth, matte-finish PC+ABS plastic that feels both pleasant to the touch and resistant to fingerprints. The thoughtful design includes rubber feet on both the bottom and the back, allowing it to sit securely either horizontally or vertically without vibrating off the surface. The integrated carrying strap is a simple but essential feature, making it easy to hang from a shower head, backpack strap, or tree branch. The tactile, raised buttons for power, Bluetooth, volume, and play/pause are easy to locate and press without looking, a crucial detail for a device meant for active use. In hand, it feels like a purpose-built piece of gear, ready for action right out of the box—a feeling you can explore further in its design specifications.
What We Like
- Exceptional sound quality and volume for its compact size
- Robust IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, plus it floats
- Excellent 20-hour battery life for all-day (and night) listening
- TWS pairing capability allows for true stereo sound with a second speaker
- Incredible value proposition, competing with speakers twice its price
Limitations
- Audio output is mono (single channel) unless paired with a second unit
- Does not include a charging brick, only a USB-C cable
- Integrated strap is not a carabiner-style clip
Performance Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into the Select 4 Go
A portable speaker’s true worth is proven not on a spec sheet, but out in the world. It’s about how it sounds over the roar of a waterfall, how it holds up after being dropped in the sand, and whether its battery dies halfway through your party. We put the Soundcore Select 4 Go Portable Waterproof Speaker through its paces in various real-world scenarios—from the echoey confines of a bathroom to the wide-open spaces of a local park—to see if its performance lives up to its promise.
Audio Quality That Defies Its Size
Let’s be clear: a speaker this small has no business sounding this good. Typically, ultra-portable speakers are a compromise, trading audio fidelity for size. The Soundcore Select 4 Go challenges that notion head-on. The 1.75-inch dynamic driver, pushing 5 watts of power, produces a sound that is remarkably clear, balanced, and loud. We were immediately struck by the vocal clarity on podcasts and acoustic tracks. Unlike many small speakers that sound tinny or shrill at higher volumes, the Select 4 Go maintains its composure, delivering crisp highs and well-defined mids without distortion. This was a sentiment shared by many users, one of whom noted it was “much better than I expected out of a speaker this small and at this price.”
The real surprise, however, is the low end. Anker’s Bass Boost technology isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it genuinely adds a palpable warmth and punch to the sound. While it won’t rattle your windows like a subwoofer, it provides enough of a foundation to make genres like rock, pop, and electronic music feel satisfying and full-bodied. We listened to bass-heavy tracks and were impressed by the lack of muddiness; the bass was present and punchy without overwhelming the rest of the frequency range. It’s a feature that truly elevates the listening experience from simply being “better than a phone” to being genuinely enjoyable. The optional Soundcore app allows for further EQ customization, a feature usually reserved for more expensive models, giving you control over the sound profile. The only inherent audio limitation is its mono output. While the soundstage is wide for a single driver, you won’t get true stereo separation unless you take advantage of the TWS feature and pair it with a second speaker—a fantastic option for creating a more immersive setup.
Built for the Elements: IP67 Waterproofing and Adventure-Ready Durability
The “Go” in the Soundcore Select 4 Go Portable Waterproof Speaker isn’t just a name; it’s a mission statement. This speaker is engineered to be a fearless companion, and its durability starts with the IP67 rating. This is the gold standard for portable electronics. We didn’t hesitate to bring it into the shower, where it sat on a ledge and was directly blasted by water without any issue. The music remained clear and uninterrupted. Taking it a step further, we fully submerged it in a bucket of water. True to its claims, it not only survived but immediately floated to the surface, continuing to play music. This makes it an ideal choice for kayaking, pool parties, or beach days where an accidental dip is a real possibility. This IP67 rating means it’s not just water-resistant but fully submersible, making it a truly worry-free companion. You can see the full durability specs and user photos online.
The durability extends beyond water. The “6” in IP67 signifies that it is completely sealed against dust and sand. We took it to a sandy volleyball court, and even after being partially covered in fine grit, a quick rinse under a tap was all it took to clean it up. One user review powerfully confirmed this resilience, describing how their speaker got caked in garden dirt: “I used dawn and a toothbrush to clean the dirt out of the nooks and crannies rinsed under the faucet, and hung outside to dry. Good as new!” The solid PC+ABS enclosure feels tough enough to handle minor drops and bumps in a backpack, and the rubberized feet provide excellent grip and vibration dampening. The USB-C charging port is protected by a thick, tightly-sealing rubber flap, ensuring the sensitive internals remain protected from the elements. This is a speaker you don’t have to baby.
All-Day Power and Seamless Connectivity
A portable speaker is useless if its battery dies before the party ends. Anker claims up to 20 hours of playtime for the Soundcore Select 4 Go, and in our testing, this proved to be impressively accurate. We used it for a full weekend of casual listening—a few hours in the morning, a long afternoon session at the park, and some music in the evening—and never once had to reach for the charger. At a consistent 50-60% volume, we easily surpassed 18 hours of playback. One user corroborated this perfectly, stating, “At mid volume the battery lasts 4 days, being used 4 hours a day. So 20 hours is spot on.” This kind of endurance is liberating, removing battery anxiety from the equation whether you’re on a multi-day camping trip or just forget to charge it for a week of daily showers.
The connectivity is equally reliable. The Bluetooth connection was fast and foolproof, pairing with our smartphones in seconds. The advertised 30-meter range held up well in open spaces, allowing us to walk around a campsite or backyard without the audio stuttering or dropping. As one user happily reported, “it stays connected even if I go to another room and I can also hear it from another room so crazy sound and connection range.” The physical buttons are responsive and intuitive. A simple double-press of the play button skips to the next track, and a triple-press goes back, which is a standard and welcome feature for controlling music without needing to touch your phone. Charging via the included USB-C cable is straightforward, though as is common with many electronics today, you’ll need to provide your own power brick.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we scoured user feedback to see if our experience was typical. The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with praise centering on the speaker’s incredible value. One user summed it up perfectly: “This speaker is incredible for the price! I bought it on sale for $19.99, and at that price, it costs less than most meals at a sit-down restaurant.” Many reviewers directly compare it favorably to more expensive competitors, with one stating, “Whether it’s movie scores, classic rock, jazz – whatever – this is the best sounding, small, loud…and clearest transmitter I have ever owned (and I’ve got 3 JBL’s, a Sony, and an AI Pro).” The “punchy sound,” surprisingly effective bass, and robust waterproofing are consistently highlighted as standout features.
Critiques are minor and infrequent but worth noting. The most common point of feedback is that the integrated strap, while useful for hanging, would be even better if it had a built-in carabiner or clip for more secure attachment. A few users also noted that some color descriptions might not be perfectly accurate, with one mentioning, “the red is definitely pink.” These minor quibbles, however, do little to detract from the widespread satisfaction with the core performance and durability of the speaker.
How Does the Soundcore Select 4 Go Stack Up Against the Competition?
While the Soundcore Select 4 Go Portable Waterproof Speaker excels in its category, the market is filled with options. Understanding how it compares to other popular models can help solidify your decision. We looked at three notable alternatives to see where each one shines.
1. DOSS SoundBox Touch Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker 20H
- Superior Sound Quality: Enjoy your music in 12W full-bodied stereo realized through dual high-performance drivers and unique enhanced bass.
- Capacitive Touch Control: Easy-to-use touch controls allow you to amplify the mood and energy of the party. Change tracks, volume and pair effortlessly with just a simple touch.
The DOSS SoundBox Touch offers a different approach with its touch-control interface and slightly higher 12W power output for more robust sound. Its IPX5 rating means it can handle splashes and rain but is not fully submersible like the Soundcore’s IP67. The SoundBox Touch might be preferred by those who want a bit more power for home or patio use and enjoy the sleek, capacitive touch controls. However, for true outdoor adventurers who need dust protection and the security of full waterproof submersion, the Soundcore Select 4 Go’s superior durability and floatable design make it the more rugged and reliable choice.
2. AKLLCCR Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Phone Holder 3000mAh
- [Wireless Induction Speaker]: Induction mode breakthrough Bluetooth connection, playing music instantly by placing your phone on the stand directly. The Bluetooth mode adopts the latest Bluetooth 5.3...
- [Features a unique and fun 5-in-1 design]: A multifunctional device that combines wireless induction speaker, bluetooth speaker, charging, cell Phone Stand, and ambient light, with a built-in 5W power...
The AKLLCCR speaker is less of a direct competitor and more of a multi-function gadget. Its primary appeal lies in its 5-in-1 design, incorporating a phone holder, an emergency power bank (3000mAh), and ambient lighting. This makes it a potential choice for a desk or nightstand where its utility features can be fully leveraged. However, its focus is not purely on audio performance or ruggedness. For users whose top priority is sound quality, portability, and all-weather durability for outdoor use, the single-purpose excellence of the Soundcore Select 4 Go Portable Waterproof Speaker is far more suitable.
3. Bobtot Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Bluetooth Wireless Connection: The pink portable speaker can connect to devices from up to 33 feet away without obstructions. Bluetooth 5.0 technology, ensures a more stable and extended wireless...
- Amazing Bass Loud Sound: The wireless speaker delivers 5W stereo sound with a well-balanced midrange, crisp treble, and punchy bass, all with no distortion. It provides an immersive sound experience...
The Bobtot Portable Bluetooth Speaker is very similar in concept to the Soundcore, focusing on portability with an included strap. It also has an IPX5 waterproof rating, making it splash-proof but not submersible, giving the Soundcore a clear edge in durability. The Bobtot also includes a built-in microphone for hands-free calls, a feature the Soundcore lacks. If taking calls through your speaker is a critical feature for you, the Bobtot is a worthy contender. However, for those prioritizing maximum environmental protection (IP67 vs. IPX5) and the proven audio engineering of the Anker/Soundcore brand, the Select 4 Go remains the more compelling package for adventurous use.
Final Verdict: Is the Soundcore Select 4 Go the Right Speaker for You?
After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the Soundcore Select 4 Go Portable Waterproof Speaker is a phenomenal product that delivers exceptional value. It punches far above its weight class in sound quality, offering a listening experience that is loud, clear, and surprisingly bass-rich for its diminutive size. Its true strength, however, lies in its rugged, go-anywhere design. The IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating, coupled with its floatable body and marathon 20-hour battery life, makes it the perfect, worry-free audio companion for showers, beach trips, hikes, and everything in between.
While it may lack stereo sound in a single unit and doesn’t include a charging brick, these are minor trade-offs for a speaker at this price point. It’s built for those who live an active life and don’t want to leave their music behind. If you are looking for a compact, durable, and fantastic-sounding portable speaker that won’t break the bank, we can’t recommend it highly enough. For its combination of performance, resilience, and affordability, the Soundcore Select 4 Go Portable Waterproof Speaker is an outstanding choice and an easy recommendation.
Last update on 2025-10-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API