The JBL Pulse 4 is more than just a portable Bluetooth speaker—it’s a 360-degree immersive light and sound experience. With its vibrant LED light show, powerful audio performance, and waterproof design, it’s designed for party lovers and casual listeners alike. While it lacks some advanced features like a built-in voice assistant or auxiliary input, it makes up for it with bold, room-filling sound and an eye-catching design. In this review, we’ll break down the sound quality, design, battery life, connectivity, and overall value of the JBL Pulse 4 to help you decide if it’s the right speaker for you. Also Read Buy Guide to Mobile Accessories for getting more info.
Design & Build Quality of JBL Pulse 4
JBL has crafted the Pulse 4 with an eye-catching, cylindrical design that features a fully transparent LED panel covering most of the speaker’s surface. This 360-degree LED display delivers mesmerizing light shows that sync with the music, offering multiple customizable patterns via the JBL Connect app.
The speaker is IPX7 waterproof, meaning it can survive being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes—perfect for pool parties and beach outings. However, it lacks a rubberized base, making it slightly less stable on uneven surfaces. At 1.26 kg (2.8 lbs), it’s not the most compact speaker, but it’s still portable enough for travel.
JBL Pulse 4 – Specifications Table
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Audio Output | 360-degree sound with bass-enhancing passive radiator |
Speaker Power | 20W RMS |
Frequency Response | 70Hz – 20kHz |
Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 4.2 |
Battery Life | Up to 12 hours (varies with LED usage) |
Charging Time | Approx. 3.5 hours (USB-C) |
Waterproof Rating | IPX7 (submersible up to 1m for 30 min) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth only (No AUX input) |
Weight | 1.26 kg (2.8 lbs) |
Dimensions | 96 x 96 x 207 mm (3.78 x 3.78 x 8.15 in) |
Light Show | 360-degree customizable LED display |
PartyBoost Feature | Yes (connects with other JBL speakers) |
App Support | JBL Connect app for light and sound customization |
Voice Assistant Support | No |
Colors Available | Black, White |
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✅ Key Design Features:
- 360-degree LED light show with customizable patterns
- IPX7 waterproof rating for water resistance
- Durable plastic and rubberized control buttons
- Compact but slightly heavy for its size
Sound Quality of JBL Pulse 4
Unlike its predecessor, the Pulse 4 delivers 360-degree audio with a strong bass response, crisp mids, and clear highs. The passive radiator at the base enhances the low-end frequencies, making it an ideal speaker for bass-heavy tracks.
While the Pulse 4 provides powerful and immersive audio, it lacks deep sub-bass and struggles with high volume distortion in some genres. The lack of a dedicated tweeter also affects its ability to deliver finely detailed high frequencies.
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✅ Audio Highlights:
- 360-degree sound projection
- Strong bass performance with passive radiator
- Clear mids and highs, but lacks deep sub-bass
- No built-in EQ customization, but sound is well-balanced
Battery Life & Charging of JBL Pulse 4
JBL claims that the Pulse 4 offers up to 12 hours of battery life, but real-world usage varies depending on volume levels and LED brightness. At higher volumes with full lighting effects, battery life may drop to 8–10 hours. The speaker charges via USB-C, taking about 3.5 hours to reach a full charge.
✅ Battery Performance:
- Up to 12 hours of playback (varies with LED usage)
- USB-C charging with 3.5-hour charge time
- No fast charging support
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Connectivity & Features of JBL Pulse 4
The Pulse 4 features Bluetooth 4.2, which provides a reliable connection but lacks the latest Bluetooth 5.0 standard found in newer models. There is no AUX input, meaning it only supports wireless playback. One major highlight is PartyBoost, which allows users to connect multiple JBL speakers for synchronized sound.
✅ Connectivity Features:
- Bluetooth 4.2 with stable pairing
- PartyBoost for syncing with other JBL speakers
- No AUX input or voice assistant support
- JBL Connect app for light customization
Limitations & Downsides of JBL Pulse 4
While the Pulse 4 is visually stunning and sonically powerful, it has some notable limitations:
- No built-in voice assistant support (Google Assistant or Alexa)
- No AUX input, limiting connectivity options
- No EQ customization in the JBL app
- Heavier than some competitors, affecting portability
Also read: Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers You Can Buy In UAE at Best Price
Who Should Buy the JBL Pulse 4?
The JBL Pulse 4 is an excellent choice for party lovers, outdoor gatherings, and casual home use. Its stunning LED visuals and strong bass performance make it a fun and unique speaker, but audiophiles may prefer a speaker with more refined sound tuning and deeper bass.
✅ Best for:
- Party enthusiasts who want a visual and audio experience
- Outdoor and poolside use, thanks to its IPX7 waterproof rating
- Users who enjoy bass-heavy music and loud sound
- JBL ecosystem users who want to sync multiple speakers
🚫 Not ideal for:
- Audiophiles seeking deep bass and high-end clarity
- Users who need an AUX input or voice assistant
- Travelers looking for an ultra-light, compact speaker
Final Verdict: A Party Speaker with Style
The JBL Pulse 4 is a visually stunning Bluetooth speaker that offers bold, 360-degree sound and a customizable LED light show. It’s perfect for parties, social gatherings, and outdoor use, especially with its waterproof design and strong bass performance. While it lacks some advanced features like voice assistant support, an AUX input, and EQ customization, it still delivers an immersive experience that stands out in the portable speaker market.
If you’re looking for a speaker that combines sound with a dazzling LED light show, the JBL Pulse 4 is one of the best options available. However, if audio precision and portability are your top priorities, you may want to explore alternatives like the JBL Charge 5 or UE Boom 3.