ZDNET’s crucial takeaways
- The LG XBoom 360 XO2 is a terrific Bluetooth speaker for expert chillers, loungers, and relaxers, and it’s readily available for $197.
- Emphasizes consist of a concentrate on soothing state of mind lighting and a sophisticated style.
- A below-average battery life and absence of innovative functions might make this speaker too easy for some.
There’s absolutely nothing like having a reliableBluetooth speakerthat provides a portable listening design. Nowadays, lots of Bluetooth speaker makers concentrate on making their speakers appropriate for outside usage, going with angular, rugged styles with dust and water resistance for usage at the beach or on a walking.
: This simple Bluetooth speaker captured me off guard with huge bass and clear mids
If you never ever take your Bluetooth speakers outside your house, nevertheless, you most likely do not desire your brand-new speaker’s primary selling indicate be that it can endure the armageddon. I desire my speaker to appear like it belongs in my home, not at my regional REI.
If you’re like me, you’ll value the current LG XBoom 360 XO2 Bluetooth speaker, which I’ll describe as the XO2 speaker, to prevent puzzling it with the lots of speakers in LG’s XBoom 360 lineup. I invested a month with it, providing the soundtrack to my nights in the house, so let me discuss why it’s the very best speaker for homebodies and expert loungers.
The XO2 speaker sounds terrific and has a lot of EQ settings to tailor the noise to your individual choices. You can select pre-programmed EQ settings or customize the noise on a five-band equalizer in the LG XBoom buddy app.
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The XO2 does not have the very same clearness as speakers like Apple’s HomePod or the Sonos Era 100, however those speakers stream audio over Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth, which improves audio quality. The XO2 does not support expensive audio functions like spatial audio, so if you desire an uncomplicated listening experience, you’re in the best location.
Typically, when I’m in the state of mind to chill in the house and listen to music, I mark time tunes on my Sonos Arc soundbarThe AirPlay compatibility is hassle-free, as notices do not disrupt my music. The Arc is enormous, however, making it a discomfort to move from space to space and do not get me begun on utilizing the Sonos app to alert it that I’ve changed spaces.
The XO2 has a fascinating shape that simulates a little outdoor patio lantern. The flat leading homes touch controls that let you play/pause tracks, control volume, and modification lighting settings with a brief tap.
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I listened to albums like John Mayer’s Space for Squares, Frank Ocean’s Blonde, and Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto while I prepared, cleaned up, and check out books on my sofa. The XO2 has a popular bass reaction, however the basslines didn’t muddy the relaxing instrumentals that I preferred throughout my night relaxation.
Beats and Bose have actually mastered the art of creating the simple Bluetooth speaker, the XO2 has one specifying particular that sets it apart from the lot: state of mind lighting. Lots of speakers provide a selection of various colored, strobing LEDs for celebration functions, however the XO2 concentrates on lighting for chilled-out jam sessions.
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In the XBoom 360 app, you can select your light setting, with choices that simulate the soothing early morning sun or tranquil sundown. There’s a candlelight choice for ideal peaceful vibes. There are likewise celebration light settings, however I didn’t navigate to utilizing them.
The XO2 can stand up to outside usage, boasting an IP55 score, making it waterproof versus bouts in the rain or splashes from poolside enjoyable. With 15 hours of constant playback, the XO2 speaker does not have as much durability as other speakers at a comparable rate point, so you’ll need to pick in between atmosphere or battery life.
ZDNET’s purchasing suggestions
If you desire a portable speaker that can set the state of mind for any ambiance you want, particularly quieter, solo jam sessions in the house, the LG XBoom 360 XO2 is the best option. Its nondescript style can mix into any home design while providing a satisfying listening experience.
The XO2 is ideal for bed or couch-side listening. Its simpleness and absence of innovative controls make it finest for individuals who do not desire their calendar, voice assistant, or digital tips disrupting their night podcast or solo album listening celebration.
If you anticipate more from your speaker, like AirPlay compatibility, audio streaming by means of Wi-Fi, and voice assistant abilities, the XO2 isn’t for you. The Sonos Era 100 or the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) are more up your street, however remember they need a source of power.
If you desire a speaker with more battery capability, increased water resistance, and a similarly raised appearance without state of mind lighting, think about the Beats Pill (2024)
