ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The LG XBoom 360 XO2 is a superb Bluetooth speaker for skilled chillers, loungers, and relaxers, and it is accessible for $197.
- Highlights embody a deal with calming temper lighting and a chic design.
- A below-average battery life and lack of superior options could 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. As of late, many Bluetooth speaker producers deal with making their audio system appropriate for out of doors use, choosing angular, rugged designs with mud and water resistance to be used on the seashore or on a hike.
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When you by no means take your Bluetooth audio system outdoors the home, nevertheless, you in all probability don’t desire your new speaker’s foremost 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.
When you’re like me, you may respect the newest LG XBoom 360 XO2 Bluetooth speaker, which I will discuss 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 dwelling, so let me clarify why it is the perfect 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 may 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 would like a simple listening expertise, you are in the best place.
Normally, after I’m within the temper to relax 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 high 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 outstanding 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 get together functions, however the XO2 focuses on lighting for chilled-out jam periods.
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Within the XBoom 360 app, you possibly can 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 stand up to out of doors use, boasting an IP55 ranking, making it water resistant towards 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 analogous value level, so you may have to decide on between ambiance or battery life.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
If you’d like a transportable speaker that may set the temper for any vibe you would like, particularly quieter, solo jam periods at dwelling, the LG XBoom 360 XO2 is the best selection. 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 greatest for individuals who don’t desire their calendar, voice assistant, or digital reminders interrupting their night podcast or solo album listening get together.
When 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 Era 100 or the Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) are extra up your alley, however take note they require an influence supply.
If you’d like a speaker with extra battery capability, elevated water resistance, and an equally elevated look with out temper lighting, take into account the Beats Pill (2024).
