Short answer: the Marshall Emberton III, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #126 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 2.7/5, at $179.99. The LG Xboom XG5 ranks #150, rated 2.4/5, at $99, $80.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 179 medium speakers, and the EarFun Uboom L, ranked #2 at $49.79, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
The Marshall Emberton III is the better-sounding, longer-running choice. A tough waterproof speaker with Marshall styling and a very long battery, plus quick charging. It is rated for 32 hours of battery against 18 for the LG Xboom XG5. The catch: Strange unnatural echo-like sound coloration, bass not as deep as competitors.
What the LG Xboom XG5 does well: A waterproof speaker with a long tested battery, fast USB-C charging, app EQ, lights and an aux input. It supports AAC Bluetooth, which the Marshall Emberton III lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Marshall Emberton III lacks. Watch for: Peaky midrange, rolled off treble.
Buy the Marshall Emberton III. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $80.99 you would save on the LG Xboom XG5 does not close the gap.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Portable Bluetooth rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Marshall Emberton III | LG Xboom XG5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 | $99.00 |
| Ranked | #126 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #150 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (LG XBOOM app) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 32 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| Party Mode | Yes (Marshall Stack) | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 10 speakers) |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs (673 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 g) |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP67 |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 2.7” x 3” (160 x 68 x 76 mm) | 8.7” x 3.3” x 3.1” (222 x 83 x 80 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 2” full-range cone drivers + 2x 2” passive radiators | 1x 42x80mm track-type woofer + 1x passive radiator |
| TWS | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (3 presets via app) | Yes (App EQ) |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | Yes | No |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Power Bank | No | - |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 20W | 20W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Strap | No | - |
| Lights | - | Yes |
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