Short answer: the LG Xboom Go PL5. It ranks #113 of 135 medium speakers by sound quality at $199; the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 ranks #119 and costs $200, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the LG Xboom Go PL5 offers: 18 hour battery life; IPX5 rated. Watch for: Barely any bass.
What the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 offers: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. Watch for: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume
Buy the LG Xboom Go PL5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Harman Kardon Esquire 2 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip both of these and look higher up the 135 medium speakers instead.
If battery life is a priority, the LG Xboom Go PL5 is rated for 15 hours versus 8 hours for the Harman Kardon Esquire 2.
Specifications Side By Side
| LG Xboom Go PL5 | Harman Kardon Esquire 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | $200 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #113 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #119 of 135 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 71Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max Volume | 100dB | - |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs / 640 g | 0.8 lbs / 0.35 kg |
| IP Rating | IPX5 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| Dimensions | 7.9" x 3.1" x 3.1" (201 x 79 x 79 mm) | 7.5" x 5.1" x 1.3" (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 1.75-inch woofers + 2x passive radiators | 4x 1.25" (32mm) full-range drivers |
| Party Mode | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 100 speakers) | - |
| App | Yes (LG XBOOM App) | - |
| EQ | Yes (via app) | - |
| Built in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | Micro USB |
| Output Power | 20W | 16W |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.1 |
| TWS | - | No |
| Power Bank | - | Yes (USB-A) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
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 |
| 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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Harman Kardon Esquire 2: $200 Discontinued
Pros: Doubles as a conferencing speakerphone with a 4-mic array and noise/echo cancellation. Flat, compact design packs easily. USB charge-out for topping off a phone.
Cons: Bass is weak, vocal and instrument separation is underwhelming and sounds tinny at high volume. Discontinued.
Full Harman Kardon Esquire 2 review and specifications →
| Aux Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | 8 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 |
| Built in Microphone | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.5" x 5.1" x 1.3" (190 x 130 x 34 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 4x 1.25" (32mm) full-range drivers |
| IP Rating | IPX4 |
| Output Power | 16W |
| Power Bank | Yes (USB-A) |
| Power Input | Micro USB |
| Stereo | No |
| TWS | No |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs / 0.35 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples