LG’s $199.99 Xboom 360 XO2TBK speaker will get loads loud and is fairly sturdy, however its awkward design, subpar audio efficiency, and ho-hum lighting results make it troublesome to advocate for dwelling or transportable use. The $199.99 Edifier D32 finally has the benefit for room-to-room listening because of its stereo drivers, hi-res codec assist, and built-in Wi-Fi, whereas the $149.99 Beats Tablet is a more sensible choice for out of doors use due to its extra sturdy design and cleaner sound.Design: Like a Headless Bowling Pin With Portability IssuesAlthough the Xboom 360 (XO2TBK) is technically a successor to the Xboom 360 (XO3QBK), it seems like a miniature model of the unique. The up to date speaker has an identical bowling pin-like form however is available in at simply 8.2 by 4.7 by 4.7 inches (HWD) and 1.9 kilos. That is considerably smaller than the older mannequin (12.9 by 6.5 by 6.5 inches, 7.1 kilos) on all counts. The Beats Tablet (2.8 by 8.6 by 2.8 inches, 1.5 kilos) is smaller and lighter nonetheless.
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(Credit score: Mark Knapp)
In fact, a smaller design means much less room for audio parts. Whereas the XO3QBK options three drivers (a 4-inch woofer, a two-inch midrange driver, and a 1-inch tweeter), the XO2TBK has a single 2-inch driver and a passive bass radiator. The motive force sits in a cutout partway up the body and fires instantly right into a cone that LG says disperses the sound evenly in all instructions.
(Credit score: Mark Knapp)
The cone additionally homes LEDs. Some results present a comfy diffuse glow, although the extra party-friendly ones are removed from spectacular. The cone protrudes from a platform that may seem to hover over the speaker from the fitting angle as a result of its small plastic neck. LG suits a collection of capacitive contact buttons on the highest of that platform, together with a Bluetooth pairing button, quantity buttons, a play/pause button, and a button for biking by the lighting results. All actions require two presses (the preliminary faucet merely prompts their illumination). In testing, I discovered that fast, repeated presses do not at all times register appropriately.
The Xboom 360 helps Bluetooth 5.3, the AAC and SBC codecs, and multipoint connectivity with as much as two units. The Edifier D32 does a lot better right here because it provides Wi-Fi and the LDAC codec for high-res streaming. The Beats Tablet matches the Xboom 360’s specs aside from multipoint assist.
(Credit score: Mark Knapp)
Under the motive force, lighting, and management unit, the big, bulbous shell sports activities a tough cloth that is neither nice to have a look at nor contact. LG seemingly tried and failed to repeat the material designs of good audio system from Amazon, Apple, and Google. The Xboom 360 does not have any good options, although it does have an IP55 score for cover towards mud and low-pressure water jets. The Beats Tablet has a superior IP67 score.
(Credit score: Mark Knapp)
Rounding out the design is an influence button on the again, alongside a lined USB-C port for charging through the included cable. LG claims the speaker provides a decent 15 hours of playback and totally recharges in round 4 hours. The built-in battery makes it theoretically transportable, although its awkward form means it isn’t straightforward to hold round or match right into a bag. (It does not even embrace the carrying strap that got here with the XO3QBK). The Beats Tablet is far more appropriate for out of doors adventures because of its extra streamlined design and longer battery lifetime of 24 hours. The Edifier D32 additionally has an inside battery, nevertheless it tops out at simply 11 hours.App Expertise: It Will get the Job DoneThe Xboom 360 pairs with the no-frills LG Xboom app (accessible for Android and iOS), which does not require you to create an account. Importantly, it allows you to change between the Commonplace and Sound Enhance modes. The latter amplifies the bass to a suitable degree, so I’d have most well-liked to have a bodily button to allow this operate. To make further audio adjustments, you’ll be able to flip to the customized EQ, which has six bands between 100Hz and 10kHz. Quantity and playback controls are additionally accessible for comfort.
(Credit score: LG/PCMag)
As well as, the app gives superior management over the lighting. A number of modes can be found: Ambient shines a single colour repeatedly for a candle-like impact, Nature step by step fades between two colours, and Occasion performs varied animations with as much as three colours in response to the beat of the music. A Occasion Strobe for that final possibility flashes your paired telephone’s flashlight in sync. You’ll be able to select the colours for every and modify the brightness.In any other case, the app has a sleep timer that mechanically ends playback after a set time and step by step dims the lighting. You may as well hyperlink a number of audio system. A second XO2TBK mannequin allows stereo playback, whereas different LG fashions create a multi-speaker setup. Sound High quality: One Driver Is not EnoughThe LG Xboom 360 XO2TBK has a powerful presence within the mids, so it could actually sound harsh at full quantity. I examined with the default audio settings however tried the Sound Enhance mode at varied factors.The Knife’s “Silent Shout” is a rollicking, rhythmic journey that advantages from a powerful bass response. Nevertheless, it options a number of hits that assault with slightly an excessive amount of chew in contrast with the remainder of the music. The synth line that rages all through the monitor suffers from an identical situation. With Sound Enhance energetic, the speaker barely distorts the bass notes that begin off the music and proceed all through. I needed to dial again the amount to about 70% to keep away from this impact.
(Credit score: Mark Knapp)
Kendrick Lamar’s “Loyalty” reveals the speaker’s lack of ability to breed sub-bass on the 34-second mark. A lot of the notes really feel far within the background due to how loud the mids are, whereas the deepest sub-bass notes are absent. That is all of the extra noticeable throughout Kendrick’s bridge at 2:20, which options vocals alone with the sub-bass; this part simply falls flat.Invoice Callahan’s “Drover” sounds higher since many of the monitor suits neatly into the frequency vary the speaker can deal with. Callahan’s voice is full, and the assorted devices sweep into the combo with drive. However as efficient because the speaker is at producing massive, room-filling sound, it misses out on all of the subtleties that include stereo sound. The monitor playfully introduces audio parts from the aspect, however no such results are audible right here.Verdict: 360 Levels of DisappointmentThe LG Xboom 360 XO2TBK is underwhelming. The mono, mids-focused presentation makes for largely unenjoyable audio, the cumbersome design isn’t conducive to portability, and the lighting results aren’t all that spectacular. Total, the Editors’ Alternative-winning Edifier D32 is a superior alternative for around-the-house listening because it provides higher sound high quality and connectivity for a similar value. In the meantime, in case you are searching for a speaker to take with you on out of doors excursions, the Beats Tablet, one other Editors’ Alternative winner, produces extra balanced sound, is extra sturdy, suits right into a bag extra simply, and prices much less.
Cons
Dear
Underwhelming mono sound
Uninspired lighting
Not very transportable
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Extra
The Backside Line
Between its odd design, bland gentle results, and lackluster audio high quality, there are few causes to go for the LG Xboom 360 XO2TBK over a extra succesful Bluetooth speaker.
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About Mark Knapp
Contributing Author
Mark Knapp has lined tech for many of the previous decade, maintaining readers up to the mark on the most recent developments and going hands-on with every little thing from telephones and computer systems to e-bikes and drones to separate the advertising and marketing from the fact. Catch him on Twitter at @Techn0Mark or on PCMag, IGN, TechRadar, T3, Enterprise Insider, and Reviewed.
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