- Multi-Color Ring Lighting
Customize your very own lighting¹ ²and party atmosphere with the LG XBOOM App. Choose from a combination of colors with a variety of movements. Turn on the two strobe lights to dial up the fun at a party. - Pocket Handle
Groove on the move! Take your party on the go with a convenient pocket handle for easy relocation. Place the XL5 wherever you want it and continue enjoying big sound from anywhere. - Powerful Sound – 6.5” Woofer + 2.5” Tweeter x 2+200W
Powerful sound, anywhere and everywhere. Feel and hear the beat with bumped-up bass. Packed with 200 watts and a 6.5″ full range woofer, the LG XBOOM XL5 delivers powerful sound with rich and deep bass even when the volume is on low. - Guitar & Mic Input
Ready to rock! LG XBOOM comes equipped with a standard auxiliary input so you can rock out with your guitar and sing along with your mic. Easily connect with Bluetooth, Dual USB, MIC and Guitar⁴. - Karaoke Functionality
Be the lead the singer on your favorite tracks. Highlight the instrumentals by changing the vocal frequencies or alter the key of any song to better suit your voice⁵. - Up to 12 Hour Battery Playback
Keep the party going! Up to 12 hours of battery life⁶ keeps the party alive. - IPX4 Water Resistant
Water resistant design. Keep the party pumping without worry thanks to the IPX4 water resistant rating³ that makes the LG XBOOM the perfect choice, no matter if you’re poolside or hosting a party. - LG XBOOM App (iOS/Android)
Control your speaker from your mobile device at your fingertips. Download the LG XBOOM App and manage audio connections, lighting effects, playlists, equalizer and more with just a few clicks. - DJ Controls
Be the DJ. Using the LG XBOOM App, you have the controls to DJ at your fingertips. Add sound effects, looping and so much more. It’s time to turn on the party. - Dynamic Bass Optimizer
Enjoy perfectly balanced sound with LG’s Dynamic Bass Optimizer and experience rich bass at all volume levels. - ¹Flashing lights may trigger seizures or other health problems in people with photosensitivity issues, and they should consult their physician before using these features.
- ²Individuals who experience symptoms such as seizures, dizziness, confusion, unusual vision problems, or disorientation should immediately stop using the product and seek medical attention if the symptoms persist.
- ³Speaker tested under controlled laboratory conditions with an IPX4 rating. Resistant to splashed water. Dry before using. Do not charge while wet.
- ⁴Function available in LG XBOOM App only (iOS/Android). Guitar and Microphone not included.
- ⁵Function available in LG XBOOM App only (iOS/Android). Microphone not included
- ⁶Up to 12 hours of playback time. Testing conducted by LG using XBOOM XL7S with LED off. Actual battery usage may vary depending on network connectivity and application use.
-52%
LG – XBOOM XL5 Portable Tower Party Speaker with LED Lighting – Black
$144.00 Save:$155.00(52%)
Available in stock
Description
Additional information
| Weight | 23.6 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 11.02 × 11.1 × 22.4 in |
| Operating System Compatibility | Apple iOS |
| Remote Control Included | No |
| Calling Features | None |
| Speakerphone | No |
| Radio Tuner | No |
| Network Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Labor | 1 year |
| Voltage | 240 volts |
| Speaker Pairing | Yes |
| Light Type | LED |
| Number Of Woofers Included | 1 |
| Control Button(s) | Power on/off |
| Battery Charge Time | 3.5 hours |
| Digital Display | No |
| Woofer Size | 6.5 inches |
| USB Device Charging | Yes |
| Works With | Amazon Alexa |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts | 1 year |
| Alarm Function | None |
| Model Number | XL5S |
| Water Resistant | Yes |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | 12 hours |
| Peak Power Handling | 200 watts |
| Maximum Depth Of Water Resistance | 0 feet |
| Color Category | Black |
| Voice Assistant Built-in | No |
| Product Depth | 11.02 inches |
| Waterproof | No |
| Number Of Tweeters Included | 2 |
| Clip-on | No |
| Wireless | Yes |
| Built-In Microphone | No |
| Product Width | 11.1 inches |
| Compatibility | Bluetooth |
| Product Name | XBOOM XL5 Portable Tower Party Speaker with LED Lighting |
| Product Weight | 23.6 pounds |
| Rechargeable | Yes |
| Auxiliary Input | No |
| Brand | LG |
| Product Height | 22.4 inches |
| Color | Black |
| Number Of Speakers | 3 |
| High Resolution Audio | No |
| Wireless Multi-Room Audio | No |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Tweeter Size | 2.5 inches |
| Lighting Type | Multicolor |
| Number Of Midranges Included | 0 |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| UPC | 195174049211 |
Reviews (30)
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Steven –
I got this LG – XBOOM XL5 portable tower speaker about a week ago and I have really enjoyed having it. It’s a formidable contender in the midrange portable speaker category.
1. Sound Quality: As we all know, the most important aspect of any speaker is the sound quality. This speaker sounds flat and a little muffled when played in normal mode but it really sounds great and wakes up when you push the “SOUND BOOST” button. With sound boost on this speaker is crystal clear with excellent bass response, and what I would consider a pretty good overall audio performance. I’m really confused why they would even have the sound boost button on there, I would be shocked if anyone EVER used this speaker without turning it on so seems like a useless on/off switch that should always be left on. Beyond that I would describe this speaker’s sound as more of a balanced sound profile – not necessarily “super bass” or “super treble” but sounds good and remains clear all the way up to full volume. Which brings me to my next point and my only complaint which is overall volume. I’m surprised/disappointed in the speaker’s top overall volume. For a unit this size, weight, and cost, I really think the overall total volume is lacking. It sounds good but I can literally stand directly three feet in front of this speaker with it on full blast and it is not uncomfortable to stand there and have a talk with someone. For the size of this thing that scenario should be uncomfortably loud but it simple is not. Don’t get me wrong it has some volume, just not nearly what I was expecting.
2. Design and Build: The speaker is well-constructed and seems super durable. Has a nice look with smooth lines and pleasant aesthetic finish. Additionally, the LED multi-color ring and strobe lighting makes for a cool look and livens up the party – fully customizable by both another button on top of the speaker, or with using the LG BOOM app you can select different colors and lighting movements to fit you mood.
3. Connectivity Options: Has standard simple to connect Bluetooth and USB inputs. Also sports two 6.3mm auxiliary audio inputs for connecting a microphone for karaoke as well as a guitar input for jam sessions. This really increases the speakers ability to connect to various devices and adds versatility.
4. Battery Life: For a portable speaker, battery life is crucial. This speaker’s battery claims up to 12 hours on a single charge. I used this for a full 2 days at the pool before charging and it survived. The 12 hours is probably accurate with standard use but it seems fine and maintains power throughout that time. Hard to believe 12 hours without a plug wouldn’t be enough but make sure this battery life meets your usage needs.
5. Portability: This speaker has 2 nicely placed handles with comfortable grips making it super easy to carry around. No wheels but none needed as it weighs in at 23.6 pounds. I typically carry it around easily with one hand by one of the handles unless I’m taking it a long distance in which case the second handle is a nice addition.
6. Price: Price of this speaker with its features and performance seem to be right in line with other models in the same size category with similar specs. Seems to be good or at least comparable value for the money.
7. Warranty and Support: Comes with standard 1 year manufacturer’s warranty on parts and labor as well as telephone customer support in case you encounter any issues with the speaker.
Overall a very nice unit with great sound, just wish it were a little louder when cranked up all the way.
MemphisTechieRN –
The LG-XBOOM XL5 is a fantastic portable tower speaker that combines impressive sound quality with eye-catching LED lighting. Its sleek black sand design adds a touch of elegance to any room while delivering a powerful audio experience.
One of the standout features of the XL5 is its powerful sound output. With a total power output of 200 watts, this speaker is capable of filling a room with deep, rich bass and crystal-clear highs. Whether you’re listening to your favorite playlist or watching a movie, the LG-XBOOM XL5 delivers an immersive audio experience that will leave you impressed.
The LED lighting feature adds a visually stunning element to your listening experience. With customizable lighting options, you can set the mood with vibrant colors or a soothing ambiance. The LED lights sync to the beat of the music, creating a dynamic and captivating visual display that enhances the overall entertainment experience.
In terms of portability, the XL5 excels. Its compact design and built-in carrying handle make it easy to take this speaker on the go. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a picnic, or simply relaxing in your backyard, this portable tower speaker is a convenient and stylish choice.
Setting up the XL5 is a breeze. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can effortlessly pair your smartphone, tablet, or other devices and stream your favorite music wirelessly. Additionally, the speaker offers multiple connectivity options, including USB and auxiliary inputs, allowing you to connect a variety of devices for a seamless audio experience.
Overall, the LG-XBOOM XL5 Portable Tower Speaker with LED Lighting – Black Sand is a top-notch choice for anyone looking for a powerful and visually captivating speaker. With its impressive sound quality, customizable LED lighting, and portable design, this speaker is sure to elevate your listening experience to new heights.
WStach –
This is the speaker that goes well in any setting. Its portable with a wide array of settings with the provided app. I was looking for a speaker to use around the pool. With hours of battery life and resistance to splashed water, it’s the perfect solution.
When I turned it on the first time, I was blown away by the amazing sound. Distortion free deep rich bass and crystal clear mid and high notes even at the loudest volume. In the outdoor setting, the range is at least a few hundred feet.
I then took it to a picnic pavilion. Here it really shined. The Bluetooth connection remained stable, and the microphone input made any announcements easy. That evening some karaoke kept the party going. The lighting effects are equally impressive.
Whether tailgating, outdoor gatherings, the beach, or anytime you need to pump up the party, this is a must have addition! Softball, soccer and football games at the local park will see this speaker rooting on the home team!
Overall, this speaker will not disappoint. It’s a well-designed performer that will take your audio experience wherever you’d like. At our place, it’s the star of the party.
KMed –
I’ve been trying to find a powerful portable Bluetooth speaker for my backyard for quite some time and I think I’ve finally found it! The LG XBOOM XL5 is a powerful and versatile Bluetooth speaker that’s perfect for backyard parties or beach outings. It’s sleek and stylish, with a built-in handle so you can carry it easily. The speaker also has a variety of features that make it ideal for use in different settings, including a microphone and guitar jack for Karaoke, and a variety of lighting effects. You’ll be rocking out to music for up to 12 hours, which should be enough for even the longest backyard parties.
The XL5 sounds absolutely fantastic. It delivers deep lows and crisp highs while still providing excellent mids. The XL5 also has a variety of sound modes that can be customized to suit your listening preferences. I kept mine on “Sound Boost” and noticed that overall this was the best sounding mode for everything from hip-hop to classic rock and country. The speaker also gets very loud and should overcome most ambient noise, from waves to a loud crowd at a party.
The unit comes with a strobe light and an LED woofer, using the LG XBOOM app you can customize these colors with the available presets or create your own. It even has a mode that flashes your phone’s flashlight with the strobe light which I think would be awesome at a party.
Overall, the LG XBOOM XL5 is a great Bluetooth speaker for anyone looking for a powerful and versatile Bluetooth speaker. It is perfect for parties and backyards, but beware that it does way almost 30 lbs and can be a bit of a burden to carry, even with the built-in handles.
Here are some of the pros and cons of the XL5:
Pros:
Powerful sound
Sleek and stylish design
Versatile functions and features
Awesome and customizable lighting effects
Cons:
Can be pricey
30 lbs is pretty heavy
More than 12 hours of battery life would be nice
Buddy –
OVERVIEW: The LG XL5S is a Powerful Portable Party Bluetooth Speaker that sounds absolutely incredible, especially at higher volume levels. I initially thought the 200-Watt rating would be Peak-to-Peak (an inflated power rating), but the manual Appendix states the 200 watts are RMS (a truer measurement of continuous power). And listening at close to max volume, pushing a lot of air, I did not notice any distortion, with the soundstage being clean and overall, well balanced. I also noticed when used upright on a wood floor, the bottom dual ported speaker appears to “load” the floor for additional bass response. The woofer’s circular strobe lights are interesting, just not my thing, but the grandsons do love it. Listening to all three recent (July 2023) Dead and Company San Francisco farewell concerts (my current go-to demo) was absolutely inspirational, especially outside and loud. Very impressive indeed putting a huge smile on my face.
MINOR LIMITATIONS: 1) I do wish I could connect to Wi-Fi (Air-Play or Chromecast) for true multi-room music playing where I could use the XL5S outside on my screened in porch in conjunction with my two indoor Wi-Fi soundbars. 2) I could not turn off the dual strobe lights using just the woofer rotating multi colored ring lighting (unless I put black electrical tape over the strobes). 3) Auto-On is only available when connected to AC power. (I get it, it probably would be draining the battery awaiting a BT connection.) 4) There is a slight volume drop on battery power vs. AC power. 5) And finally, LG’s web site states the XL5 is a 2.1 system (Left/Right/Shared-Subwoofer). But with the dual tweeters being so close to each other (2” apart), the soundstage is perceived as mono, not stereo. One would need to purchase a second XL5 for “Dual Mode” to actually hear stereo separation. Again, minor limitations but worth noting.
BOTTOM LINE: I sort-of want a second XL5S to test in true stereo mode. Nevertheless, I normally recommend systems that support WiFi connectivity, Airplay, and/or Chromecast being able to multi-link all of your other sound equipment, regardless of manufacture, into one whole home music system; hey, that’s me… On the other hand, if you only require a single BT speaker system, battery portable, with Mic & Guitar inputs, flashing lights, and DJ options, then the LG XL5 will not only suffice, it will appropriately impress your audience. Overall, a solid 4-Star Rating.
PROS:
• Loud – 200 RMS Watts (100w Sub, 2 x 50w Tweeters)
• Sound Boost Feature
• Excellent Bass Response, Flat Vocals, Overall Balanced Audio
• Single ¼” Mic Input with Echo (Karaoke or Busking) and Single ¼” Guitar Input
• Custom 3-Band (Bass, Mid, Treble) EQ with App
• DJ Sound Effects with App (very cool for fledgling DJs)
• Auto Power On (only when AC Powered)
• Party (Multi) Mode (only with other LG BT speakers such as XL5S/XL7S)
• Up to 12-hour battery life, @ 50% volume, without using the lighting feature
• IPX4 Rating (4 = Protects from splashing water; X = No protection for dust ingress)
CONS:
• Heavier Than it Looks @ 25lbs (measured with a digital scale)
• Awkward to Move Around (“portable?”, maybe not, my wife can’t move it)
• Can’t Turn Off Strobe when using Woofer Rotating Lights
• No 12-Volt DC option for Tailgating
• No WiFi Airplay or Chromecast Support; Cannot multi-connect other brands of Bluetooth Speakers.
• Although LG is a South Korean Company, the LG XL5S is Made in China
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MommyMay –
Speaker came in a large box and was packed nicely so it would not be damaged. I think companies are trying to be less wasteful by not packing items in a shipment box. It arrived in its packaging box. Out of the box it was already at a 70% charge which is pretty good. As soon as I turned it on and connected via bluetooth, it asked if I wanted to download the app, which I did. There is also a QRS code you can scan beforehand so in case it does to ask the you try to connect. I like the app because you can play with the lights and customize your own personal color sequence. I also like that you can adjust the volume and the volume to the microphone ( if you are using a microphone and doing karaoke). You can also do different voices with the app on the microphone if you want to get a little silly with friends or the kiddos. The opening to the back also has a magnetic area so when you are using a microphone or guitar, you can magnetically attach the cover so it is not dangling and can be ripped off if someone is not careful.
I started using the speaker at about 10 am for a few hours. I left home, came back around 5pm, started using the speaker again to play music until it died around 9pm. The next day I started charging it around 11am and at noon I checked the speaker and it was at 50%. I checked it again about 1pm and it was at 90%. I would say it takes about 2 1/2 hours to reach a full charge.
I love how loud the speaker can go and how clear the music it. You can adjust the bass, treble and the sound quality in the app. You can also download your music directly in the app or you can play it in any of the other apps that you normally play music from. Even on a low volume, the music is clear enough to hear. We played music in our backyard at night while we had a bonfire. We had the volume very low at a distance, but the sound quality was clear. I would def recommend this speaker.
JediPy –
This speaker was really to setup right out of the box. Plug it in, turn it on and connect it to your device. The LG XBOOM iOS app also works really well and has a mechanism to update the speaker’s software.
The sound via Bluetooth is just amazing – the bass really pops too. You can change all the settings via the app as well and even turn the really cool light show on and off. There is also a strobe party feature that will flash the flashlight on your phone in sync with the music and it’s really cool.
Overall, it comes down to sound quality and you get a really clear, crisp sound via Bluetooth. The Sound Boost mode also really packs a punch when playing music. Overall, I really like this speaker. It also just looks really sharp in style and functionally had a really strong feeling handle to transport it. It also just feels like a premium device and the back cover looks like it will do a great job of keeping out dust, sand, and liquid.
It also comes with a clip on noise filter to reduce electromagnetic interference if you want to go the wired route instead of Bluetooth. I highly recommend this speaker for anything from music to even outdoor movies.
Duftopia –
The speaker was delivered on time and packed well. There were no damaged or any scratches on it. The provided directions for set up were easy to follow and it took about 5 minutes to connect the speaker to the tv and iPhone. In addition, you can enhance the user experience by downloading LG Xboom app, which allows to manage the volume, equalizer, and woofer lighting.
It is portable ( little bit on the heavy side), has a sturdy handle to carry around. The speaker has clear omnidirectional sound and bright lights. In addition, it also offer one cool feature- DJ mode( which has few music enhancing extravagant choices).Furthermore, it also has a sampler creator feature ( which allows up to three custom five minutes recording).
Will be used for fast desktop speaker mostly, which recently lost its cheapo ones, will return the full scope musical extravagance of my past, maybe even a disco moment.
It works as a great entertainment speaker for parties! Overall very happy with the speaker!! Thank you LG for another great product!!
Ricky –
This speaker has been such an awesome summer gadget! I’ve used it for all my house parties/get-togethers.
The build quality is nice and sturdy. It seems like it will be durable over time and last quite a while. However, It is on the heavier side so be cautious when you’re moving it around. I do enjoy the customizable LED ring; the app is a must-have to get the full experience.
The battery life is pretty good, it’s rated for 12 hours but I honestly haven’t used it that long in one sitting. I mostly use it where I have access to an outlet but I can see this being perfect for a lake/beach day. It’s also IPX4-rated so that helps! It gives you the option to plug in a mic or a guitar which can be very fun. I utilized the mic option during a karaoke night, so fun and easy to get all set up.
The sound quality is pretty good as well! I’m not an expert by any means, but I genuinely have no complaints. However, the Sound Boost feature is also a great add-on. I find myself keeping it on whenever I use the speaker.
Overall, I’d say this is a great package deal!
Mikepas –
First off this is a great sounding speaker. Especially if you’re having a pool party and you have a grilling area and want to blast some music. Blast some music is not an euphemism either. This thing gets seriously loud. Like, the neighbors will complain at 3 in the afternoon about your too loud Rob Zombie.
Okay, now that is out of the way let us talk particulars…
Be aware that this is a large speaker. Weighing in around 23 pounds it’s not one of those dinky bluetooth speakers. It’s water resistant thus making it perfect for a pool party. I do not intend to throw it in the pool but it has gotten wet from splashes with no ill effects.
One area of improvement would be better getting started instructions. The cover for the power connection and other stuff is rather hard to find how to open. Part of that is a result of the water resistance but the first time felt like I was going to break it.
A large part of the hefty weight is the 12 hours of battery life, which pretty much lines up with my use so far. Syncing to your phone (or other devices) is simple as pressing a button the top of the speaker.
This leads to only real complaint about this speaker. LG wants you to install yet another app on your phone to control all the features. I’ll be honest here, I’m fed up with a separate app for speakers and/or head phones so I didn’t even install the app.
But a pleasant surprise was that the speakers has lights that sync to whatever music you play making a nice addition to those pool parties. The other surprise was just how good this thing sounds at high volume. The range had no distortion and outstanding clarity.
This is an excellent outdoors speaker, especially for pool parties and I highly recommend it.
elzeus –
The LG XBOOM XL5 is an insane speaker with tons of features to take your music and events to the next level. This speaker comes up to my knee but is light enough to easily carry around if your party is on the move (going from indoors to outdoors or vice versa). It’s equipped with customizable lights and rocks 200 watts of speaker power! You can turn off the lights to save a little battery life and there is a battery saving mode for when the speaker is not in use. They claim 12 hours of battery life and with the music at a decent volume I was getting battery life in that ballpark. The speaker can be standing or laying on its side and still look good. There is a bass mode that gets the party going but if you prefer less booming then the bass mode can be turned off. There is a mobile app that will sync with the speaker and allow you to customize certain equalizer, lighting and input settings. You can hook up a USB device, guitar or even a Karaoke microphone to the speaker and there are extra Karaoke settings in the mobile app. If you have trouble finding the inputs they are all under a flap on the back of the speaker, just remove that flap and you have access to the inputs and the charging connector. This speaker brings plenty of oomph and the lights add to the vibes.
Loomis1975 –
This is a big party speaker. It is about the same size as a smaller professional speaker you might see at Karaoke night at the Bar. The lights on it work well and they are bright enough, especially in dim situations. Can connect to this all sorts of ways. Microphone worked great, also Guitar work, it works okay as a basic Guitar amp. You can use this for simple do it yourself Karaoke with a Microphone with a longer cord, a laptop and a bigger screen. It sounds pretty good for a battery powered party speaker. I connected to it directly from a laptop, also Bluetooth from a laptop and phone. All worked fine. It gets pretty loud and decent bass, a little less clear at very loud volume, but I am not an audiophile. It runs on the battery for at least an hour with all the bells and whistles turned on and music player with mic and guitar input. For a long party/setup, would recommend it be plugged into wall power. Fairly easy to carry around. If it was a bit bigger and heavier, would want built in wheels and telescoping handle. I really recommend for a party speaker, this should get the job done for all but the biggest spaces.
David –
The LG XBoom XL5 is an absolutely fantastic speaker. It is a bluetooth speaker that features a 6.5 inch subwoofer and 2 2.5 inch tweeters. It is 200 watts, and when you turn it up you can really feel the power of this thing. It also feature a customizable ring light around the speaker and two strobe lights on top and bottom. The lights are customizable using the XBoom smartphone app. It also features a few inputs around back, including USB, Mic, and Guitar. The mic and guitar are interesting inclusion, allowing it to be used as a karaoke machine or guitar amp. It is billed as a portable speaker, but it is quite heavy. Maybe 20 pounds or so, and there are no wheels or anything to make moving it around any easier. It does have handles, which help, but I really would have liked to see wheels. Performance is where this speaker really shines. It sounds amazing, even at full volume. There is practically no distortion or anything even at loud volumes, really making this the perfect party speaker. I really can’t think of anything bad to say about this speaker. It is missing a few things I would like to see, like wifi, airplay, and the aforementioned wheels, but none of these exclusions take away from the overall experience I’ve had with this speaker. It gets an easy 5 stars from me. You really can’t go wrong with this speaker.
mikeheel –
The LG XBOOM XL5 Portable Tower Party Speaker is a lot of fun. I got this for our youngest daughter to take to college.
Although the word “portable” in the title is accurate (mostly thanks to the built-in handle grips), the speaker is large and relatively heavy, so I’d view it more as “luggable” than “portable.” For instance, it would be fine to take out to the back deck or pool, but you would not want to have to carry it to the beach and back.
That said, the XL5 is a terrifically fun speaker with great sound. The pulsing light has a few different settings, accesible in the app. You can also customize the sound. I should note the heft of the speaker really helps it shine when it comes to rich sound and, if you like, thumping bass. Regardless, the sound is clear and clean. It doesn’t get muddied in the low ranges, and it doesn’t distort when you crank the volume. I was really impressed with the sound.
In addition to the pulsing lights, another fun party trick is that the XL5 has a built in mic jack so you can sing karaoke. Of course, you can tune the sound to better match the song or your voice.
Even more fascinating to me is that the XL5 has a guitar jack, which is just awesome. So in one device, you get a great party speaker, a karaoke machine, and a guitar amp. I wish I had that in college!
TimothyTrimble –
The LG XBOOM XL5S Portable Tower Speaker with LED Lighting is a quality sound producer for DJs, street musicians, backyard parties, or beach days.
Unboxing and Setup
The speaker was well protected in the box by Styrofoam packing and a protective cover. A power cord, a ferrite core, and a quick start pamphlet are included. I’m surprised that the speaker does not have a built-in storage compartment for the power cord. The speaker cabinet is solid and built with a metal mesh front face, heavy-duty plastic with decorative sides, and a rubber access panel cover on the back. Rubber control buttons and LED indicator lights are on the top of the tower.
The top and bottom handles are brightly colored and textured. Calling this a portable speaker is an oxymoron. It does have handles, but the weight of 23.6 lbs. means if you’re my age, you’ll be using both handles to carry it.
The speaker took a little under four hours to fully charge. During that time, I scanned the iOS QR Code in the pamphlet and downloaded the app to my iPhone. I could check the app’s features after the speaker was fully charged and connected via Bluetooth.
The App
The smartphone app has many features for controlling the speaker, music playback, DJ options, and special effects. These include:
• Bluetooth pairing
• Volume control
• EQ with Standard, Sound Boost, and Custom EQ
• Woofer Lighting with presets and custom color control
• Party Strobe for flashing the smartphone light in sequence with the speaker
• Wireless Party Link for attaching to multiple speakers.
• DJ has scratch disc, sound effects, and sampled sounds.
• Sampler Creator records 5-second samples
• Karaoke for singing along with pitch adjustment and mic sound filters.
• Speaker power management
• Software update
• Owner’s manual
• My Playlist for building custom playlists
• My Music File for selecting and playing from the device library
Playing Music
I am impressed with the sound quality of the tower. There’s enough volume and quality to fill an auditorium or large yard. The bass is deep, and the mid to high range is crisp and clear. I could use My Music File to start a random selection from my iPhone library of over 3800 songs via the app. The basic EQ has three 100, 1k, and 10k Hz settings. I started to create a playlist within the app till I discovered you couldn’t search for specific songs or artists, and the list of songs couldn’t be filtered or sorted. Selecting what I want to listen to from the Apple Music app is much easier.
I was excited about the Karaoke mode. The pitch of the music can be changed to make it easier to sing with. There are many different mic effects, such as Bass, Soprano, Helium, Robot, etc. One of the buttons on the app is for removing vocals from the playing song. However, it could work better. It mutes the music to a low volume, and the vocals remain. So, for an authentic Karaoke experience, it’s best to play karaoke videos to sing along with.
I was a performing musician, and this speaker is the perfect combination for a street musician. It’s wireless, has inputs for a mic and a guitar, is water resistant, and has up to 12 hours of battery life.
The speaker can also play music from a USB card. It supports MP3 and WMA formats, up to 2000 files, and 200 directories. Unfortunately, USB 3.0 is not supported—only USB flash and USB 2.0. Controlling the playback from the USB can be done from the top control buttons. The play/pause button is a toggle with a single press; a double press advances to the next song, and a triple press goes to the previous song.
Summary
I almost gave this three stars due to the lack of usability of the LG XBOOM smartphone app. The voice effects are gimmicky, the Karaoke mode button does not work, it’s impossible to build a playlist without being able to search, filter, or sort the list, and the auto power-on mode does not work. It would have been nice to have a storage compartment for the power cord. That being said, the speaker itself and the sound quality are outstanding. So, I’m only taking one star off and blaming the LG programmers for a poor smartphone app.
Features
• 200 Watts, 6.5″ woofer, two 2.5″ tweeter cones
• USB flash drive, 2.0 port
• 1/4″ Mic plug port
• 1/4″ Guitar plug port
• Bluetooth 5.1
• Mic echo selector
• Water-resistant
• Front facing two strobe lights and rotating, pulsating LCD color ring around the woofer.
• Durable casing with two carrying handles
• LG XBOOM app for iOS/Android (See app features above.)
• Support for multiple speakers, multiple smartphones
• Tower top controls for Sound Boost, Lighting, Battery LED, Power button, volume up/down, Play/Pause, Function button, and Function LED.
• Power saving mode
• Up to 12 hours of playtime
• 3.5 hours charging time
Evolved1 –
The LG XBOOM XL5 touts itself as a party tower with 200W pushed through two 2.5” tweeters and a 6.5” woofer. Going beyond the sound production, the XL5 also has ring lighting around the woofer as well two strobe lights sandwiching it. Taking just those two things into account, one can see why it’s called a party tower, but there is so much more. It’s not just a Bluetooth speaker because they also have inputs for a guitar and a microphone. That takes it to another level for guitar players out there as well as the karaoke lovers.
Now, let’s take a deeper look at the appearance of the XBOOM XL5. This tower is sharp with its mostly black coloring. It really helps to make the lights pop since there aren’t any other colors to compete with. On the side, you have red accent coloring with XBOOM printed there. Then you have two red black handles on the back. All in all, it’s a pretty slick looking tower. From there, you can start pumping in the music to get the lighting going. There is a button on top to help change the lighting, but that can also be done through the LG XBOOM app on the phone. You can even do some customization with the colors or even add your phone’s flash to the party by syncing it flash with the music. The one thing that would be nice here is the ability to turn off the strobe lights or change the colors of them. It would be nice to see an update with the ability to leave the woofer ring light on while turning off the strobes.
Alongside the button for the lights, you will find buttons for the Sound Boost, power, volume, play/pause, and the connectivity. There are also indicators for the Party Link option, Bluetooth, and USB connections. A lot of these pieces can also be found in the app. It’s nice to have that flexibility between the physical speaker and the app. On the back of the tower, you will find the inputs for the guitar, microphone, USB, and AC adapter. Right above the mic and guitar, you will find dials to turn them up or down. It’s nice to have the ability to amplify them or turn them down if needed. The last thing to mention about the tower’s physical nature is its size. They say it’s a “pocket handle” for easy relocation, but that’s not super easy. The XL5 is almost 2 feet tall and weighs about 25 lbs. You can definitely feel the weight when trying to move it with just one handle. You almost need to use both handles just to feel secure when carrying it.
From a sound perspective, the boom is evident with the XL5. The 200W over the tweeters and woofer really produce some great sound. I was able to put it to the test with a couple of different music genres as well as some sports talk radio. Utilizing the Equalizer options in the app, I was able to get the sound I desired depending on what I was listening to. The Sound Boost is nice for that extra kick of bass or you can turn it off to enjoy things more at a normal level. Either way the sound won’t disappoint. There is also the option to use the app to jump into DJ mode and have some fun with various noises and a turntable. That’s a cool little feature to help with the party.
Overall, the LG XBOOM XL5 lives up the billing as a Party Tower. I would like a second to link them up and get more of a stereo sound. However, I can’t knock it for that. The look, sound, and appearance are well done. The weight is just a product of the quality that’s inside. I look forward to using it at the lake when we are partying or when we have gatherings at the house.
hokie00 –
This LG speaker is large and heavy. The sound is good but not loud in an open area. The battery lasts pretty long and it’s easy to get setup.
The app has extra features
The speaker comes in the box with a power cord and quick start guide only. You do not need much else to get started but there is an online guide to download that provides additional information. You can simply connect to your mobile device via Bluetooth to begin. If you download the app there are additional features available like light controls, sound equalizer, and music mixing/sound effects among others.
You can have the lights match the music or separate pattern and link up with your phone lights (will drain phone battery if you leave it running)
The speaker says water resistant and the back has a rubber cover protecting a usb, power, microphone, guitar jacks. There is a karaoke option
The speaker says 12 hours of nonstop play. I have not drained the battery yet after a full charge but only used it for a few hours
Indoor the speaker is plenty loud but out in an open field on full blast it lacks
The speaker is about 10”x10”x30” and is pretty heavy. It would be nice if this included wheels or a cart because I wouldn’t want to carry it more than 50’
Overall a good speaker, great for indoor not blasting for outdoor. Pretty heavy so don’t plant to carry it to the park. Easy to setup and many features on the app. Cool light display
TheDuke –
I truly believe that the LG XBOOM is nearly perfect. It has excellent audio quality with the use of the “SOUND BOOST” button. The LED lights are smooth, consistent, and bright with several easy to change effect options. There are two rubberized handles which makes it easy to carry without slipping. The speaker is designed to sit upright or sit horizontal on its side. It has stellar Bass. There are inputs for both Mic & Guitar (with separate volume knobs). You can use the speaker without being forced to use the mobile companion app. The inputs are covered by a rubber flap that can be held open by hidden magnets when in use. The speaker is water resistant and is wireless and comes with a battery that lasts well over 10 hours.
Most importantly (for me) is that it appears to be one of the only name brand speakers to play audio from a USB Drive. I have used several water resistant speakers and I find it quite annoying that the audio source is always my cell phone. I would prefer to not leave my super expensive smartphone sitting next to the pool. Or, I would prefer to walk around using my phone without worrying that I may walk out of range, or receive a phone call that pauses the music and stops the party. I am finally able to load a USB Thumb drive with a playlist and let the speaker do it’s thing without tying up my phone. (The music format has to be WMA or MP3 – sadly this means iTunes libraries aren’t compatible…but who uses iTunes anymore?)
While this speaker is absolutely fantastic, LG appears to have skipped out on some of the finer details.
– The speaker does not have an NFC (Near Field Communication) pairing feature that would automatically sync to your phone when it is placed on top of the speaker. This makes Bluetooth Synching slightly more difficult – especially because the device is not called XBOOM within the Smartphone. Look for a device called LG-XL5S(7A).
– The Power, Play/Pause, & Light Effect buttons light up, but the volume buttons do not. This is odd because the volume buttons are probably used most often while the device is powered on.
– The speaker does not have buttons that allow you to change the track while playing audio via Bluetooth. Typically the Volume + and – buttons also change the track. Sadly they do not on the XBOOM.
– The battery is not easily removed. When it comes time to replace the battery (which shouldn’t be for several years) you will need some tools and some online tutorials to extract & replace the battery.
– The speaker does not have any place to store the power cable. Sure the speaker has a battery and can be used without the cable, but if the back compartment had been made just slightly larger (or more recessed), the cable could be stored inside and would not get lost.
– The audio sounds a bit flat when not in “Sound Boost” mode. I can’t imagine not using sound boost all of the time.
– The speaker does not have any mounting options. If you are a musician, or DJ – just be aware that this speaker will be sitting on the ground.
– The XBOOM logo does not rotate when the speaker is laid down horizontally. This is a very minor complaint, but companies such as Bose & Sony do make sure their logo can rotate to be legible in any position.
For me, being able to use a playlist on a USB Drive makes the XBOOM absolutely more useful as a party speaker. This speaker is absolutely my favorite for LOUD music on the go as it is ready for anything. There’s always that one guy who pulls out a guitar on the beach – now he can plug into the XBOOM and serenade the whole party.
Marlon –
LG showed up to the party on time provided great sounding music perfect for on the go. I didnt have to worry about setting it up. Its was very simple and easy to use. Show light on it were great excellent touch. I was about to hook up a set of mice to host my party. It was an all in one solution for us.
DarrylC –
Excellent Sound qualityyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.
OwNowBrownCow –
Pros:
– The lights are on point, customizable, and awesome.
– I like that it can stand vertical or horizontal
– It was easy to set up
– It runs on battery, you just have to make sure it’s charged before you use it.
– Can connect to multiple types of devices. Great for parties.
– Has an extra boost option that provides a fuller sound.
– Really puts out a clear and full sound without the boost.
– It looks great.
– It has a handle for easy transport. For it’s size and weight, that was a big deal.
– The app is easy to use and provides some awesome customization such as lights. There is even a karaoke component to use.
Cons
– It’s weight. It was a little on the heavier side. Thankfully it has a handle to make carrying it a little easier.
– It’s limited on it’s inputs. Since this isn’t classified as a professional audio speaker, there isn’t an XLR jack. Not a big deal, but would have been nice instead of using an adapter.
Overall this speaker brings the party. I love it. It’s great to use indoors or outdoors. Anyone can easily connect to it if they want. I am going to recommend this to anyone I talk to. Great product!
BigA –
LG hits another homerun in the portable (if that’s what you consider this, it’s quite larger and has quite a but of mass). That being said the sound quality is really good, at standard levels and can be adjusted with the app to several preset or customizable levels. this will get loud enough from most application, not out door disco ready but loud enough that the neighbors will complain. The battery life is really good especially if you don’t use the disco lights, it rates at 12 hrs and I pretty confident it will hit that and then some.. The app is intuitive and fairly easy to use if you ever has anything in the LG echo system, I would like to see LG combine some of their audio apps into one, I have 3 LG audio apps and they all look pretty much the same from the icon standpoint.. The karaoke feature is work well however you have to purchase the mic separately.
Now for the thing I didn’t like like and it is minor are minor – you can’t turn the strobe light off independently from the woofer light- this get a little annoying for me.
LuisD –
Good product. Best buy assisted me in purchasing this speaker with a progressive leasing payment which helps me to establish my credit.
Customer –
Love it
Worth the money
Get a bigger one if you are able to though
THRSTMOB –
Unit gave excellent sound with high bass impact. Great device for outdoor enjoyment of sound.
Jamz –
Great sounding for the price$$
Better than the jBL in my opinion!
Nese –
This was such a great purchase. It’s reasonably priced & a great radio for the garage. Amazing speakers & sound.
user723229 –
This is a good speaker with great quality sound.i would recommend purchasing,
YourMom –
Sound is great! Kids love the lights. It’s super heavy, so if you need to bring it into, for example, a locker room for pre-game jams. Just be aware your arm will fall asleep carrying it in.
Lizama –
Very quality speaker with remarkable bass. Portable and Bluetooth enabled.