Short answer: the Soundcore Boom 3i. It ranks #31 of 179 medium speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $118.99; 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 Soundcore Boom 3i is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A warm, punchy waterproof speaker that sounds great and is a strong value. Its bass reaches about 56Hz before falling 10dB, against 71Hz for the LG Xboom Go PL5. It is rated IP68 against IPX5 for the LG Xboom Go PL5. Watch for: Not quite as good as a JBL Charge 5, doesn’t go quite as loud or sound quite as balanced, but very very close.
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 Soundcore Boom 3i lacks. It links with other speakers (Wireless Party Link, up to 100 speakers), which the Soundcore Boom 3i cannot. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Soundcore Boom 3i. The tradeoff: Barely any bass.
Buy the Soundcore Boom 3i. 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
| Soundcore Boom 3i | LG Xboom Go PL5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $118.99 | $289.00 |
| Ranked | #31 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #149 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (LG XBOOM App) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | 71Hz |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 15 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (via app) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IPX5 |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 100 speakers) |
| Power Input | USB-C | USB-C |
| Stereo | No | Yes |
| Omnidirectional | No | No |
| TWS | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.1 |
| Dimensions | 8.3” x 3.3” x 3.1” (210 x 85 x 78.5 mm) | 7.9” x 3.1” x 3.1” (201 x 79 x 79 mm) |
| Drivers | 94mm woofer + tweeter | 2x 1.75-inch woofers + 2x passive radiators |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (783 g) | 1.4 lbs (640 g) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W | 20W |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Aux Input | No | No |
| Lights | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | Yes (detachable strap) | - |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (measured by Alan Ross Reviews) |
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