Short answer: the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It ranks #37 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $159; the LG Xboom Go PL5 ranks #149, rated 2.4/5, and costs $289, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the better-sounding, tougher pick. A small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit. It is rated IP67 against IPX5 for the LG Xboom Go PL5. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the LG Xboom Go PL5 lacks. Watch for: One Flex remains mono and cannot deliver genuine low-bass rumble; RTINGS also found the elevated treble can turn hi-hats and other high-frequency detail piercing.
What the LG Xboom Go PL5 does well: A water resistant speaker with music synced LED lights, USB-C charging and Party Link for many speakers. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen lacks. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. The tradeoff: Barely any bass.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality than the LG Xboom Go PL5 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Portable Bluetooth rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen | LG Xboom Go PL5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $289.00 |
| Ranked | #37 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #149 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (LG XBOOM App) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes (via app) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 1.4 lbs (640 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 7.9” x 3.1” x 3.1” (201 x 79 x 79 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 2x 1.75-inch woofers + 2x passive radiators |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 71Hz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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