Part of LG’s xboom collaboration with producer, Black Eyed Peas star, and tech obsessive will.i.am, the Stage 501 is a mighty 25.8-pound party starter. Its 2.2-channel setup combines twin 5.25-inch woofers with two 2.5-inch full-range drivers. Together they’re capable of 160 watts on battery or 220 watts plugged in. In simpler terms: It easily filled a huge workshop space with rave-ready bass, and enough volume for a proper party.
What surprised me more than the party capabilities was that it also sounds acceptable at low volume in my office. I was expecting a pint-sized PA system, but dialled back to casual listening volume and it remained composed. Often, speakers designed for loud really struggle with quiet, and just sound muddy, but that wasn’t the case here. Yes, it prefers it when people are dancing, but it manages well when you’re chilling out too.
The xboom app is excellent, with EQ, AI Karaoke, synchronized lighting, and some cheesy but irresistible DJ punch buttons. LG has also included two very sensible smartphone/tablet stands that position your device at the perfect angle for karaoke nights. It comes with two mic inputs, but you will need to buy microphones separately.
Battery life is “up to” 25 hours, and the battery itself is replaceable. It’s big, and not as grown-up sounding as the Soundbox Mix, but it is cheaper and has a surprisingly good LED light show feature that I expected to hate, but didn’t. Party on dudes.
Honorable Mentions
Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 (Gen 3) for $399: Gorgeously designed, flawlessly finished, and one of the most covetable Bluetooth speakers around. The brushed aluminum puck has barely changed since 2016, which says plenty about the strength of Cecilie Manz’s original design. The latest version adds a richer, more powerful 360-degree sound from its 3.25-inch woofer, 0.6-inch tweeter, and 60 watts of amplification. It is IP67 rated, lasts up to 24 hours, and is appreciably more repairable and upgradable. I love it, but it’s just a little too expensive when the KEF Muo exists and sounds as good as it does.
Soundboks Mix for $799: The 21.4-pound Soundboks Mix is tremendously loud, with a 10-inch woofer, 1.2-inch tweeter, and 40-hour replaceable battery. WIRED writer Parker Hall measured 111 decibels from a meter away, and was surprised at how musical it remained rather than just battering you with volume. IP65 protection, sturdy handles, and rubberized tennis-ball style corners make it particularly well suited to outdoor parties. It’s expensive and heavy compared to the new breed of party speakers from brands like LG and Sony, but it is superb at what it does.
JBL Charge 6 for $150: It’s just too big to be our absolute favorite Bluetooth speaker, but it was a close run thing between two superb JBL options. The great sound and portability of the Flip 7 won out, but the 40 watts from the Charge 6 deliver more bass and scale, while maintaining detail. Battery life stretches to 24 hours, and you also get IP68 protection, Auracast, app EQ, USB-C lossless playback, and reverse charging. Currently on sale too, making it a real bargain at $150.