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 XG5 ranks #150, rated 2.4/5, at $99, $60 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen is the better-sounding option. A small, rugged waterproof speaker with clear, well balanced mids, app EQ, aptX Adaptive and stereo pairing with a second unit. It supports aptX Adaptive Bluetooth, which the LG Xboom XG5 lacks. The tradeoff: 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.
The LG Xboom XG5 is the longer-running option. A waterproof speaker with a long tested battery, fast USB-C charging, app EQ, lights and an aux input. It is rated for 18 hours of battery against 12 for the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. 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: Peaky midrange, rolled off treble.
Buy the Bose Soundlink Flex 2nd gen. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $60 with the LG Xboom XG5 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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 XG5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $159.00 | $99.00 |
| Ranked | #37 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #150 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (LG XBOOM app) |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 band) | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | Yes (Bose Party mode) | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 10 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 1.3 lbs (586 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 7.9” x 3.5” x 2” (201 x 90 x 52 mm) | 8.7” x 3.3” x 3.1” (222 x 83 x 80 mm) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Drivers | 60mm full-range driver with passive radiators | 1x 42x80mm track-type woofer + 1x passive radiator |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive | SBC, AAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | Yes (built-in loop) | - |
| Amplifier Power | - | 20W |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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