In the ever-evolving world of portable audio, the SOUNDBOKS Go emerges as a unique contender, promising to deliver the signature SOUNDBOKS experience in a more compact package. As an enthusiast of the brand's SOUNDBOKS Gen 4, I approached this review with high expectations and a keen interest in how the Go would measure up to its larger sibling.

The SOUNDBOKS Go isn't just another Bluetooth speaker; it's a statement piece designed for those who demand powerful, high-quality audio in any setting. Whether you're hosting a beach party, organizing a backyard barbecue, or embarking on a camping adventure, the Go aims to be your go-to sound system. I put the SOUNDBOKS Go through its paces in various environments and scenarios. From cranking up the volume at outdoor gatherings to testing its durability in less-than-ideal conditions, I aimed to push this speaker to its limits. What we discovered was a product that, while not without its quirks, manages to impress in many key areas.

Design of the SOUNDBOKS Go

The SOUNDBOKS Go is a testament to robust design and high-quality materials. Measuring 18 x 12 x 10 inches and weighing 20 pounds, it is significantly more compact than its larger counterpart but still exudes a sense of solidity. The speaker's construction from ABS and polycarbonate, combined with silicone rubber bumpers and a TPE handle, gives it a premium feel that suggests no expense was spared. The IP65 electronics coating ensures it can withstand splashes and rain, making it suitable for outdoor use.

I loved the included shoulder strap, which is made from high-quality materials and feels incredibly well-made. This strap, along with the integrated handle, makes the speaker surprisingly easy to carry despite its weight. The overall build quality is exceptional, with a ruggedness that inspires confidence in its ability to withstand rough handling.

While the IP65 rated electronics coating provides protection against dust and water splashes, we found ourselves wishing for a fully waterproof construction. The addition of a sealed door for the battery compartment and covers for the aux input would greatly enhance the speaker's ability to withstand the elements, making it an even more versatile outdoor companion.

Key Features

The SOUNDBOKS Go is loaded with features that enhance its usability and performance. It supports Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with SBC and AAC codecs, ensuring stable and high-quality wireless connections. The speaker also includes a 3.5mm stereo input for wired connections, which is useful for devices that do not support Bluetooth. Another key feature of the SOUNDBOKS Go is its TeamUp functionality, which allows users to wirelessly connect up to five SOUNDBOKS speakers. This feature, enabled through SKAA technology, provides low-latency connections, making it ideal for synchronized playback across multiple speakers. The SOUNDBOKS app further enhances the speaker's capabilities by offering custom EQ settings and firmware updates, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences. The speaker itself features on-board controls for power, volume, and TeamUp mode, making it easy to manage without needing the app.

Here's a quick overview of the SOUNDBOKS Go's key specifications:

Sound Quality

The SOUNDBOKS Go's sound quality is a tale of impressive highs and some notable compromises. Let's start with what truly shines: the volume output. This speaker gets loud. Impressively, earth-shakingly loud. At 121 dB, the SOUNDBOKS Go can easily fill large outdoor spaces with sound, making it perfect for beach parties, backyard gatherings, or any event where you need to cover a wide area with music.

We were genuinely amazed at how much sound this relatively compact speaker could produce. Playing tracks like AC/DC's "Back in Black" or The Prodigy's "Firestarter" at high volumes, the SOUNDBOKS Go delivered a visceral, energetic experience that got our adrenaline pumping. The bass response, in particular, is impressive for a speaker of this size, delivering deep, thumping lows that you can feel as much as hear.

However, as we delved deeper into our listening tests, we noticed that the tonal balance wasn't as refined as we'd hoped. While the highs are crisp and the lows are powerful, the midrange feels somewhat recessed. This became particularly noticeable when listening to genres that rely heavily on midrange clarity, such as acoustic folk or jazz.

For instance, when we played Miles Davis's "Kind of Blue," we found that while the trumpet soared and the bass lines were well-defined, the piano and saxophone lacked some of the warmth and presence we'd expect. Similarly, with vocal-heavy tracks like Adele's "Someone Like You," we felt that the vocals, while clear, didn't have the richness and emotional depth that truly brings such performances to life.

This V-shaped sound signature, emphasizing bass and treble, works wonderfully for genres like EDM, rock, and hip-hop, where impact and energy are paramount. However, for listeners seeking a more balanced, nuanced sound across all genres, the SOUNDBOKS Go may leave something to be desired.

It's worth noting that the SOUNDBOKS app does offer EQ settings that allow you to tweak the sound to some extent. While these can help mitigate some of the tonal balance issues, they can't fully compensate for the speaker's inherent sound characteristics.

Battery Life and Features

The SOUNDBOKS Go has impressive battery life, which has been further enhanced with the latest iteration. The new, improved battery pack, which SOUNDBOKS provided as an extra, swappable battery for our review, brings significant improvements to the table, however we can't help but wish the price was bit more reasonable than $199. At mid-volume, you can expect up to 40 hours of playtime, while even at full volume, the speaker can keep the party going for a solid 10 hours. This longevity, combined with the swappable battery design, means you can theoretically keep the music playing indefinitely with a spare battery on hand.

The new battery can now be fully charged in just 2 hours, a substantial improvement that ensures you can get back to your music quickly. This rapid charging is a nice upgrade for events or outdoor adventures where power outlets might be scarce. The new battery pack also now includes a USB-C output, transforming the SOUNDBOKS Go into a potential power bank for your other devices. With a few quick calculations, I found that this feature could fully recharge an iPhone six to seven times, or a M3 MacBook Air about twice.

Final Thoughts

The SOUNDBOKS Go is a speaker that knows its strengths and plays to them admirably. Its ability to deliver loud, bass-heavy sound in a relatively portable package makes it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, party hosts, and anyone who needs to fill large, outdoor spaces with high-energy music.

It is undoubtedly a premium device, sure to impress and last the test of time. The robust build quality, combined with its powerful sound output and innovative features like the swappable battery, positions the SOUNDBOKS Go as a top-tier option.

The sound quality, while impressive in terms of volume and bass response, may not satisfy everyone. The V-shaped sound signature works well for many popular genres, but those seeking a more balanced, nuanced audio experience across all types of music might find it lacking, particularly in the midrange.

At an MSRP of $699, the SOUNDBOKS Go represents a significant investment. However, for the right user – someone who prioritizes volume, durability, and battery life over pristine audio fidelity – it offers a compelling package that's hard to match in its class.