Short answer: the B&O Beosound Explore for better sound quality, the LG Xboom Go PL5 for the lower price. The B&O Beosound Explore ranks #109 of 136 medium speakers at $299. The LG Xboom Go PL5 ranks #114 at $199, $100 cheaper.
What the B&O Beosound Explore offers: IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. Watch for: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
On the LG Xboom Go PL5 side: 18 hour battery life; IPX5 rated. Set against that: Barely any bass.
Buy the B&O Beosound Explore if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the LG Xboom Go PL5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 136 medium speakers instead.
If battery life is a priority, the B&O Beosound Explore is rated for 27 hours versus 15 hours for the LG Xboom Go PL5.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound Explore | LG Xboom Go PL5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $199.00 |
| Ranked | #109 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #114 of 136 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz | 71Hz |
| Battery Life | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 631 g | 1.4 lbs / 640 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Dimensions | 3.2" x 4.9" x 3.2" (81 x 124 x 81 mm) | 7.9" x 3.1" x 3.1" (201 x 79 x 79 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.8" (46mm) full-range drivers | 2x 1.75-inch woofers + 2x passive radiators |
| TWS | Yes | - |
| Built in Microphone | No | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Output Power | 60W | 20W |
| Max Volume | 91dB | 100dB |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 100 speakers) |
| App | - | Yes (LG XBOOM App) |
| EQ | - | Yes (via app) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beosound Explore: $299.00 Amazon
Pros: IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. Real-world battery life around 20-24 hours. Distinctive anodized-aluminum design.
Cons: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble. Colored midrange. Just not great sounding overall.
Full B&O Beosound Explore review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built in Microphone | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 3.2" x 4.9" x 3.2" (81 x 124 x 81 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.8" (46mm) full-range drivers |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Max Volume | 91dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 60W |
| Power Bank | No |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| TWS | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 631 g |
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LG Xboom Go PL5: $199.00 Amazon
Pros: 18 hour battery life; IPX5 rated. LED lights sync to music via the LG XBOOM app; Wireless Party Link connects up to 100 speakers. USB-C charging.
Cons: Barely any bass. 14khz peak, bright on top. Soundboost mode makes the top end even harsher.
Full LG Xboom Go PL5 review and specifications →
| App | Yes (LG XBOOM App) |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 71Hz |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.9" x 3.1" x 3.1" (201 x 79 x 79 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.75-inch woofers + 2x passive radiators |
| EQ | Yes (via app) |
| IP Rating | IPX5 |
| Max Volume | 100dB |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 640 g |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons