Hitechreports

A Budget Party Starter That Won’t Break the Bank

Finding a reliable Bluetooth speaker for under $40 is rare these days. So when JLab announced its new Go Party speaker for just $34, it instantly caught my attention. JLab has built a solid reputation for affordable audio gear — the JBuds Lux ANC headphones remain one of the few budget pairs I’ve ever recommended — so expectations were high for this pint-sized party machine.

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Design and Build: Small Speaker, Big Personality

The JLab Go Party doesn’t just promise portability; it’s built for the outdoors. The speaker comes with an IP56 rating, making it resistant to dust and splashes — ideal for poolside gatherings or backyard barbecues. It’s lightweight and compact enough to toss in a backpack, yet feels sturdy enough to handle a few bumps along the way.

For a $34 device, the build quality is surprisingly solid. There’s even a modest light ring feature to set the party mood, though it’s clearly more “budget fun” than “festival-grade flair.”

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Sound Performance: It’s Loud, But Not Luxe

Let’s get this out of the way — the Go Party sounds exactly like a $34 speaker. That’s both its greatest strength and its biggest limitation. The volume output is impressive for its size, easily enough to annoy the neighbors or power a small gathering, but audiophiles will quickly notice the lack of depth and detail.

Bass is present but muddy, and higher frequencies can sound a bit harsh at full volume. Still, for casual use — especially at this price point — it’s more than acceptable. Most listeners won’t expect pristine sound from something this affordable, and that’s perfectly fine.

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Value: You Get What You Pay For — And Then Some

At just $34 in the U.S. (or £39 in the U.K., occasionally dropping to £19 at Argos), the Go Party is one of the cheapest name-brand Bluetooth speakers on the market. It’s a no-frills, value-first option for people who want a portable speaker that’s loud, splash-resistant, and fun without spending triple digits.

That said, if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can find better-sounding speakers in JLab’s own lineup or from brands like Anker and Sony. But for anyone on a strict budget, it’s hard to argue against what the Go Party delivers for the money.

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Verdict: Loud, Lively, and Incredibly Affordable

The JLab Go Party isn’t redefining Bluetooth audio, but it nails what it sets out to do — offer a lively, portable party speaker at a price that’s almost unbelievable. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be.

If your goal is to get the music going for under $40, this little speaker gets the job done — and might even make you the most (or least) popular neighbor on your block.