How does it perform?
The Soundcore Select 4 Go performs exactly how a well-designed ultra-compact speaker should. It delivers clear vocals, stable wireless performance, and reliable battery life in a body small enough to disappear into a bag. Testing shows about 10 hours of real-world playback at high listening levels, with a full recharge taking roughly four hours. It doesn’t produce meaningful bass and it won’t fill large spaces, but within its size class it avoids the heavy compression and distortion that plague many budget minis. That makes it more useful for podcasts, casual music listening, and outdoor use than its dimensions might suggest.
What’s it do best?
This speaker excels as a personal, durable companion rather than a party box. The IP67 rating means it can handle rain, dust, and splashes without stress, while the Soundcore app’s graphic EQ gives you more control than most competitors at this size and price. If your priority is portability, vocal clarity, and reliability over raw output or low-end punch, this is one of the more sensible choices in the category.
Audio Performance Quality
Frequency Response and Tuning
Frequency response determines how evenly a speaker reproduces bass, mids, and treble.
- Low-frequency roll-off: ~123 Hz
- Bass output: Audible but lightweight
- Midrange: Balanced and clear
- Treble: Controlled, rarely harsh
The lack of deep bass is unavoidable at this size, but the tuning avoids the thin, brittle sound common to many mini speakers. Vocals remain intelligible even at higher volumes, which is where this speaker earns its keep.
Loudness and Dynamic Behavior
Loudness and compression show how cleanly a speaker plays when pushed.
- Maximum output: ~85.4 dB SPL
- Dynamic compression at max volume: ~0.77 dB
For a speaker this small, that’s a respectable showing. It won’t overpower outdoor noise, but it stays composed instead of collapsing into distortion when turned up.
Sound Character
Sound character describes how the speaker feels during real listening.
Overall tuning profile:
- Forward, vocal-centric presentation
- Lean low end
- Clean mids
- Non-fatiguing treble
Spoken content and acoustic music benefit most. Bass-heavy genres sound controlled but lack physical impact.
Connectivity Performance
Bluetooth Range and Stability
Wireless performance determines how freely you can move with your device.
- Line-of-sight range: ~102 meters (334 feet)
- Indoor performance: Stable through walls
In daily use, this translates to fewer dropouts and less anxiety about leaving your phone behind.
Audio Latency
Latency matters for video playback and casual gaming.
Measured latency:
- iOS: ~93 ms
- Android: ~167 ms
Many video apps compensate automatically, but Android users are more likely to notice occasional lip-sync issues depending on the app.
Power Management and Battery Performance
Battery Life
Battery life only matters when measured at realistic volumes. If you can run a speaker for 6 days but it’s at 4% volume, what good does that do you?
Verified results:
- High-volume playback: ~10.0–10.4 hours
- Expected real-world average: ~10.2 hours
That’s enough for a full day of use, but not a multi-day trip without recharging.
Charging Performance
Charging speed affects how convenient the speaker is to live with.
Measured results:
- Full recharge time: ~3.9–4.0 hours
- Fast charging: Not supported
This is typical for the category, but it does require planning ahead.
Build Quality and Durability
Materials and Construction
What’s it made out of, and does it feel like it’s going to last?
Build observations:
- Main enclosure: Solid and confidence-inspiring
- Minor trim and feet: Less rugged but acceptable for the price
Overall, it feels more like a tool than a fragile gadget.
Setup and Usability
Controls
The actual controls on your speaker matter, because finicky and weird controls will make it really hard to do anything.
Usability notes:
- Physical buttons work reliably
- No audio confirmation tones
- Visual confirmation often required
They’re functional, but not ideal for eyes-free operation.
