This LG Bluetooth speaker impressed me with a design feature I’ve yet to see on competitors

There’s nothing like having a trusty Bluetooth speaker that gives a conveyable listening fashion. As of late, many Bluetooth speaker producers give attention to making their audio system appropriate for out of doors 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 huge bass and clear mids

In the event you by no means take your Bluetooth audio system exterior the home, nonetheless, you in all probability don’t desire your new speaker’s predominant promoting level to be that it could actually survive the apocalypse. I would like my speaker to appear like it belongs in my home, not at my native REI.

In the event you’re like me, you may admire the newest LG XBoom 360 XO2 Bluetooth speaker, which I will check with 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 residence, 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’ll be able to 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 boosts audio high quality. The XO2 would not help fancy audio options like spatial audio, so in order for you an easy listening expertise, you are in the suitable place.

Often, after I’m within the temper to sit back at residence 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 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 skim 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 aside from the bunch: temper lighting. Loads of audio system supply an array of multicolored, strobing LEDs for get together functions, however the XO2 focuses on lighting for chilled-out jam periods.

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Within the XBoom 360 app, you’ll be able to 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 get together gentle settings, however I did not get round to utilizing them.

The XO2 can face up to out of doors use, boasting an IP55 ranking, 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 worth level, so you may have to decide on between ambiance or battery life.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

In order for you a conveyable speaker that may set the temper for any vibe you want, particularly quieter, solo jam periods at residence, the LG XBoom 360 XO2 is the suitable alternative. Its nondescript design can mix into any residence decor whereas delivering an pleasing listening expertise.

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

In the event 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 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, think about the Beats Capsule (2024).