Short answer: the B&O Beosound Explore for better sound quality, the LG Xboom XG5 for the lower price. The B&O Beosound Explore ranks #112 of 142 medium speakers at $299. The LG Xboom XG5 ranks #118 at $99, $200 cheaper.
On the B&O Beosound Explore side: IP67 rated with a rugged ‘seatbelt’ strap and carabiner hook. Real-world battery life around 20-24 hours. Watch for: Huge lack of bass extension compared to competitors, overly hot ringing treble.
What the LG Xboom XG5 offers: IP67 rated. 18 hour battery life (~17 hrs confirmed in testing) with fast USB-C charging. The catch: Peaky midrange, rolled off treble. Not very good sounding.
Buy the B&O Beosound Explore if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the LG Xboom XG5 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Skip both if sound quality is the priority. There are better options higher up the 142 medium speakers.
If battery life is a priority, the B&O Beosound Explore is rated for 27 hours versus 18 hours for the LG Xboom XG5.
Specifications Side By Side
| B&O Beosound Explore | LG Xboom XG5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $99.00 |
| Ranked | #112 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #118 of 142 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | ~70Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 27 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C) | No |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 631 g | 1.5 lbs / 680 g |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Dimensions | 3.2" x 4.9" x 3.2" (81 x 124 x 81 mm) | 8.7" x 3.3" x 3.1" (222 x 83 x 80 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.8" (46mm) full-range drivers | 1x 42x80mm track-type woofer + 1x passive radiator |
| 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 | - |
| Party Mode | - | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 10 speakers) |
| Aux Input | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How B&O Beosound Explore compares with other leading options:
- JBL Charge 6 vs B&O Beosound Explore
- JBL Flip 7 vs B&O Beosound Explore
- B&O Beosound Explore vs Turtlebox Ranger
- B&O Beosound Explore vs KEF Muo gen2
- B&O Beosound Explore vs Ultimate Ears Boom 3
Prices on this page were last checked September 8, 2026 at 6:02 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
B&O Beosound Explore: $299.00 Amazon eBay
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- B&O Beosound Explore vs Tribit Stormbox Mini+
- B&O Beosound Explore vs Sony SRS-XE200
- B&O Beosound Explore vs Soundcore Flare 2
- B&O Beosound Explore vs Doss E-Go II
- B&O Beosound Explore vs Sony SRS-XB30
- B&O Beosound Explore vs LG Xboom Go PL5
- B&O Beosound Explore vs Teufel Rockster Go
- B&O Beosound Explore vs Tribit Stormbox Mini
- See all 18 comparisons
LG Xboom XG5: $99.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: IP67 rated. 18 hour battery life (~17 hrs confirmed in testing) with fast USB-C charging. Wireless Party Link connects up to 10 speakers.
Cons: Peaky midrange, rolled off treble. Not very good sounding
Full LG Xboom XG5 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7" x 3.3" x 3.1" (222 x 83 x 80 mm) |
| Drivers | 1x 42x80mm track-type woofer + 1x passive radiator |
| IP Rating | IP67 |
| Omnidirectional | No |
| Output Power | 20W |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 10 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs / 680 g |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons