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 XG5 ranks #150, rated 2.4/5, at $99, $19.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The Soundcore Boom 3i is the better-sounding option. A warm, punchy waterproof speaker that sounds great and is a strong value. The tradeoff: 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 XG5 does well: A waterproof speaker with a long tested battery, fast USB-C charging, app EQ, lights and an aux input. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Soundcore Boom 3i lacks. It links with other speakers (Wireless Party Link, up to 10 speakers), which the Soundcore Boom 3i cannot. It plays in stereo from a single unit, unlike the Soundcore Boom 3i. Watch for: Peaky midrange, rolled off treble.
Buy the Soundcore Boom 3i. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $19.99 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.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Soundcore Boom 3i | LG Xboom XG5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $118.99 | $99.00 |
| Ranked | #31 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers | #150 of 179 in Medium Size Portable Bluetooth Speakers |
| App | Yes | Yes (LG XBOOM app) |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 56Hz | - |
| Battery Life | 16 hours (Manufacturer specified) | 18 hours (Manufacturer specified) |
| EQ | Yes | Yes (App EQ) |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| Party Mode | No | Yes (Wireless Party Link, up to 10 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) | 8.7” x 3.3” x 3.1” (222 x 83 x 80 mm) |
| Drivers | 94mm woofer + tweeter | 1x 42x80mm track-type woofer + 1x passive radiator |
| Weight | 1.7 lbs (783 g) | 1.5 lbs (680 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) | - |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Soundcore Boom 3i: