Tiny speakers used to sound like a compromise. That changed once brands started focusing on battery life, waterproofing, and cleaner audio in compact designs. The Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker fits right into that shift. It’s lightweight, durable, easy to toss into a backpack, and surprisingly loud for something that fits in one hand.
After testing it during travel, showers, backyard hangouts, and long work sessions, the speaker feels built for people who want simple, reliable audio without spending premium money. Its floating waterproof design adds real value for beach trips and pool days, while the long battery life helps during camping or travel.
Amazon US pricing currently ranges from around $24.99 to $34.99, depending on color options and seasonal discounts. For the price, the overall value stands out in a crowded portable speaker market. Here’s what makes it worth a closer look.
Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker Features That Actually Matter
The first thing noticeable about this speaker is its portability. It’s compact enough for cup holders, backpacks, bike baskets, or even a jacket pocket. Despite the small size, the speaker avoids sounding thin or weak.
Key features include:
- IP67 waterproof and dustproof protection
- Floating design for pools and beach use
- Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
- USB-C charging
- Stereo pairing support
- Lightweight build around 9–10 ounces
The rubberized shell gives it a sturdy feel without becoming bulky. Physical buttons are large enough to use with wet hands, which helps during outdoor activities or shower use.
People searching for a portable Bluetooth speaker waterproof option often compare this model with JBL and Sony mini speakers because of its durability and pricing balance.
Sound Quality Review: Small Speaker, Surprisingly Big Output
For a compact speaker with a single driver, the sound performance is better than expected. Vocals come through clearly, podcasts stay crisp, and pop or hip-hop tracks have decent punch.
Bass performance deserves attention here. The tuning leans warm and energetic instead of flat or clinical. That helps music feel fuller outdoors where smaller speakers often struggle.
At moderate volume, the audio stays balanced:
- Vocals remain clear
- Treble avoids harshness
- Bass feels punchy for the size
- Podcasts sound natural
Volume levels can fill a bedroom, hotel room, kitchen, or campsite without much effort.
There are still limitations. Deep sub-bass isn’t possible from a speaker this small. At maximum volume, compression becomes noticeable and the bass loses some weight. That’s common in ultra-portable speakers under $40.
According to Statista, portable Bluetooth speaker demand continues growing globally as consumers prioritize travel-friendly electronics and wireless convenience. That trend explains why compact speakers like this continue gaining popularity.
Battery Life Holds Up Better Than Many Budget Rivals
Battery performance is one of the strongest parts of this speaker.
Anker advertises up to 20 hours of playback, though real-world use depends heavily on volume levels and EQ settings. During testing with mixed music playback around 50–60% volume, the battery regularly lasted between 14 and 17 hours.
That’s impressive for a speaker at this price point.
Heavy bass tracks and max-volume listening shorten battery life closer to 8–10 hours, which still beats many compact competitors.
Charging takes around 3–4 hours through USB-C. The port placement also feels secure and well protected against moisture.
Many shoppers searching for the best budget Bluetooth speaker care more about dependable battery life than maximum loudness, and this speaker handles long sessions very well.
Waterproof Design Makes Outdoor Use Much Easier
The IP67 rating gives the speaker real outdoor flexibility.
It handles:
- Rain
- Pool splashes
- Sand exposure
- Dust
- Shower steam
- Temporary underwater submersion
One standout feature is the floating design. Unlike several competing mini speakers, this one stays afloat in water instead of sinking immediately.
That sounds small on paper, though it becomes genuinely useful during pool days or kayaking trips. Retrieving a floating speaker is far easier than fishing one from the bottom of a lake or pool.
People looking for an outdoor Bluetooth speaker often prioritize durability over premium audio detail, and this model leans heavily into practical outdoor use.
Bluetooth 5.4 Improves Stability and Pairing Speed
Bluetooth stability is another strong point.
The speaker uses Bluetooth 5.4, which improves connection consistency and energy efficiency compared to older Bluetooth versions.
During testing, pairing stayed fast and reliable across:
- iPhone
- Android devices
- Laptops
- Tablets
Connection drops were rare, even while walking around the house or using the speaker outdoors.
The wireless range generally reaches around 30–50 feet depending on walls and interference.
Latency is low enough for casual YouTube viewing and podcasts, though competitive gaming still introduces slight audio delay.
That’s fairly normal for compact wireless speakers in this category.
Stereo Pairing Adds a Bigger Soundstage
One speaker works well for personal listening, though pairing two speakers changes the experience quite a bit.
The True Wireless Stereo feature lets two Select 4 Go speakers split left and right audio channels. That creates wider sound separation and noticeably fuller room coverage.
For backyard hangouts or hotel rooms, stereo pairing improves immersion more than expected.
Two-speaker bundles on Amazon US usually cost around $49.99 to $69.99, depending on promotions.
For buyers searching for a small Bluetooth speaker with bass, using two paired units creates a richer listening setup without spending premium speaker money.
Build Quality Feels Durable Enough for Daily Use
Some budget speakers feel disposable after a few months. This one avoids that problem.
The textured rubber exterior helps protect against scratches and small drops. Buttons feel responsive without becoming stiff or mushy.
The fabric grille adds a cleaner appearance compared to fully plastic competitors.
Dimensions stay compact at roughly:
- 4.7 inches wide
- 3.3 inches tall
- 1.9 inches deep
That size works especially well for:
- Dorm rooms
- Travel bags
- Bike rides
- Office desks
- Kitchen counters
- Shower shelves
The included strap also helps when attaching the speaker to backpacks or hooks.
Soundcore App Features and Customization
Depending on firmware support and region, the Soundcore companion app gives access to:
- EQ customization
- Firmware updates
- Battery monitoring
- Device management
The EQ controls help fine-tune the sound profile slightly, especially if vocals feel too sharp or bass feels too heavy for podcasts.
The app experience stays fairly simple compared to premium speaker ecosystems, though that simplicity may appeal to casual users who prefer quick setup instead of endless menus.
One limitation worth mentioning: app functionality varies slightly depending on software updates and regional versions.
Customer Feedback and Common Complaints
User ratings across Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy generally sit between 4.5 and 4.8 stars.
Positive feedback often highlights:
- Excellent battery life
- Loud volume for the size
- Waterproof reliability
- Lightweight portability
- Strong value under $35
Common complaints include:
- Limited deep bass
- Mono sound from a single speaker
- Slight gaming latency
- Basic app features
Those criticisms are fair. Larger speakers naturally produce deeper bass and wider stereo imaging.
Still, for travel and casual listening, the trade-offs feel reasonable considering the price and portability.
Final Verdict on the Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker
The Anker Soundcore Select 4 Go Bluetooth Speaker delivers strong value in the ultra-portable category. It handles outdoor use well, lasts surprisingly long on a charge, and produces clear audio that feels bigger than expected from such a compact design.
It works especially well for travel, showers, camping, pool days, podcasts, casual music sessions, and everyday background listening. The floating waterproof build gives it an advantage many competitors still lack.
People wanting deep room-shaking bass may prefer larger speakers, though that usually means carrying extra weight and spending more money.
For anyone searching for a compact speaker that balances durability, battery life, portability, and price, this one deserves a serious look. You can explore the latest Amazon pricing, bundle deals, and color opt