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 embody a give attention to calming temper lighting and a sublime design.
- A below-average battery life and lack of superior options might make this speaker too easy for some.
extra shopping for decisions
There’s nothing like having a trusty Bluetooth speaker that gives a transportable listening type. Lately, many Bluetooth speaker producers give attention to 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.
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In the event you by no means take your Bluetooth audio system exterior the home, nevertheless, you most likely don’t desire your new speaker’s foremost promoting level to be that it might survive the apocalypse. I would like my speaker to appear to be it belongs in my home, not at my native REI.
In the event you’re like me, you will respect the most recent LG XBoom 360 XO2 Bluetooth speaker, which I will check with because the XO2 speaker, to keep away from complicated it with the various audio system in LG’s XBoom 360 lineup. I spent a month with it, supplying the soundtrack to my evenings at dwelling, so let me clarify why it is the most effective 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 would 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 reinforces audio high quality. The XO2 would not assist fancy audio options like spatial audio, so if you need an easy listening expertise, you are in the precise place.
Normally, once I’m within the temper to sit back at dwelling and hearken 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 attention-grabbing form that mimics a small patio lantern. The flat prime homes contact controls that allow you to play/pause tracks, management quantity, and alter lighting settings with a brief faucet.
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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 distinguished bass response, however the basslines did not muddy the soothing instrumentals that I desired throughout my night rest.
Though Beats and Bose have mastered the artwork of designing the unassuming Bluetooth speaker, the XO2 has one defining attribute that units it other than 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.
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Within the XBoom 360 app, you may select your gentle setting, with choices that mimic the calming morning solar or peaceable sundown. There is a candlelight possibility for optimum tranquil vibes. There are additionally social gathering gentle 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 in opposition to bouts within the rain or splashes from poolside enjoyable. With 15 hours of steady playback, the XO2 speaker would not have as a lot longevity as different audio system at an identical value 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 dwelling, the LG XBoom 360 XO2 is the precise alternative. Its nondescript design can mix into any dwelling 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 desire their calendar, voice assistant, or digital reminders interrupting their night podcast or solo album listening social gathering.
In the event you anticipate extra out of your speaker, like AirPlay compatibility, audio streaming by way of 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 be mindful 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).
