This LG Bluetooth speaker impressed me with a design characteristic I’ve but to see on opponents

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The LG XBoom 360 XO2 is a good Bluetooth speaker for skilled chillers, loungers, and relaxers, and it is accessible for $197.
• Highlights embrace a deal with calming temper lighting and a sublime design.
• A below-average battery life and lack of superior options could make this speaker too easy for some.

extra shopping for selections

There’s nothing like having a trusty Bluetooth speaker that provides a transportable listening model. As of late, many Bluetooth speaker producers deal with making their audio system appropriate for outside use, choosing angular, rugged designs with mud and water resistance to be used on the seaside or on a hike.

Additionally: This unassuming Bluetooth speaker caught me off guard with massive bass and clear mids

Should you by no means take your Bluetooth audio system outdoors the home, nonetheless, you in all probability don’t need your new speaker’s predominant promoting level to be that it could possibly survive the apocalypse. I would like my speaker to seem like it belongs in my home, not at my native REI.

Should you’re like me, you will recognize the most recent LG XBoom 360 XO2 Bluetooth speaker, which I am going to seek advice from because the XO2 speaker, to keep away from complicated it with the numerous audio system in LG’s XBoom 360 lineup. I spent a month with it, supplying the soundtrack to my evenings at house, so let me clarify why it is one of the best speaker for homebodies {and professional} loungers.

The XO2 speaker sounds nice and has loads of EQ settings to customise the sound to your private preferences. You possibly can select preset EQ settings or tailor the sound on a five-band equalizer within the LG XBoom companion app.

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The XO2 does not have the identical readability as audio system like Apple’s HomePod or the Sonos Period 100, however these audio system stream audio over Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth, which boosts audio high quality. The XO2 does not help fancy audio options like spatial audio, so if you would like an easy listening expertise, you are in the best place.

Often, after I’m within the temper to relax at house and take heed to music, I queue up songs on my Sonos Arc soundbar. The AirPlay compatibility is handy, as notifications do not interrupt my music. The Arc is humongous, although, making it a ache to maneuver from room to room and do not get me began on utilizing the Sonos app to inform it that I’ve switched rooms.

The XO2 has an fascinating form that mimics a small patio lantern. The flat high homes contact controls that allow you to play/pause tracks, management quantity, and alter lighting settings with a brief faucet. 

Additionally: Lastly, a transportable Bluetooth speaker that sounds unimaginable however will not break the financial institution

I listened to albums like John Mayer’s Room for Squares, Frank Ocean’s Blonde, and Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto whereas I cooked, cleaned, and browse books on my sofa. The XO2 has a outstanding bass response, however the basslines did not muddy the soothing instrumentals that I desired throughout my night leisure. 

Though Beats and Bose have mastered the artwork of designing the unassuming Bluetooth speaker, the XO2 has one defining attribute that units it aside from the bunch: temper lighting. Loads of audio system provide an array of multicolored, strobing LEDs for social gathering functions, however the XO2 focuses on lighting for chilled-out jam periods.

Additionally: This transportable Bluetooth speaker from Anker is so good, I forgot how reasonably priced it was

Within the XBoom 360 app, you possibly can select your mild setting, with choices that mimic the calming morning solar or peaceable sundown. There is a candlelight choice for optimum tranquil vibes. There are additionally social gathering mild settings, however I did not get round to utilizing them.

The XO2 can face up to outside use, boasting an IP55 score, making it waterproof towards bouts within the rain or splashes from poolside enjoyable. With 15 hours of steady playback, the XO2 speaker does not have as a lot longevity as different audio system at the same worth level, so you will have to decide on between ambiance or battery life.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

In order for you a transportable speaker that may set the temper for any vibe you want, particularly quieter, solo jam periods at house, the LG XBoom 360 XO2 is the best selection. Its nondescript design can mix into any house decor whereas delivering an pleasurable listening expertise.

The XO2 is ideal for mattress or couch-side listening. Its simplicity and lack of superior controls make it finest for individuals who don’t need their calendar, voice assistant, or digital reminders interrupting their night podcast or solo album listening social gathering.

Should you anticipate extra out of your speaker, like AirPlay compatibility, audio streaming through Wi-Fi, and voice assistant capabilities, the XO2 is not for you. The Sonos Period 100 or the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) are extra up your alley, however bear in mind they require an influence supply.

In order for you a speaker with extra battery capability, elevated water resistance, and an equally elevated look with out temper lighting, take into account the Beats Tablet (2024).