Compare LG xboom Bounce Core by will.i.am Portable Speaker vs Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Portable Speaker

Reviewers consistently framed the Boom 2 Plus as a high-output speaker, with 100W normal power and up to 140W with BassUp engaged.

ThinQ app experience is a major split point. Several reviewers criticize account/permission demands, pairing friction, and unreliable or confusing extra features, while at least one describes the newer ThinQ approach as improved versus older LG apps.

The Soundcore app was generally described as intuitive, clean, and useful for sound, lighting, firmware, and settings control.

Codec coverage is solid but basic for the class: reviews cite SBC and AAC, with no aptX or hi-res Bluetooth support.

PartyCast compatibility extends across supported Soundcore speakers, though at least one review notes it is not cross-brand compatible.

Battery life is widely praised and frequently cited at up to 30 hours under favorable conditions. Multiple reviews note meaningful reductions when lighting and bass/AI features are used heavily.

Battery life is usable at about 20 hours under favorable settings, but several reviewers considered it unimpressive once volume, lights, and BassUp are used.

Codec support is described as limited, with coverage pointing to AAC and SBC rather than broader high-quality codec options. This can matter for listeners sensitive to compression artifacts.

Bluetooth codec support centers on SBC and AAC; reviewers treated AAC as a useful addition, especially for Apple users.

Standard Bluetooth playback is often described as stable and painless, but at least one source reports a notable bug around audio after phone calls. Overall stability seems good, with edge-case issues noted.

Connection stability was praised in practical use, including steady Bluetooth behavior and smooth switching between media apps.

Reviewers reported unusually strong Bluetooth range, including claims around 800 feet and real-world testing hundreds of feet away.

Build quality is mixed: several reviewers liked the durable, solid shell, while others criticized the hard or cheap-feeling plastic enclosure.

Charging time is repeatedly described as about three hours for a full charge, which is competitive given the large claimed runtime.

Charging is consistently described as a three-hour full recharge with 30W fast charging support, though one reviewer still called charge time a drawback.

Overall presentation is one of the most divisive areas. Some call it immersive and vibrant, while others find it shallow, empty, or muddled, especially when AI modes or bass-forward tuning dominate.

The Boom 2 Plus delivers a cohesive party-speaker presentation with strong bass, clear output, and enough balance for casual indoor or outdoor listening.

Physical controls were praised for clear icons, tactile feel, and responsive operation, although some wished more buttons were backlit.

Design impressions range from sleek and modern-boombox to rugged and utilitarian. Strap integration and the light strip are frequently praised, while some criticisms include wobbly feet, hard-to-see buttons, or a less refined look indoors.

Design reactions were split between rugged, fun, and improved styling versus complaints about plastic materials and bulk.

Detail performance is inconsistent: some find it separates layers well at the right volume, while others describe loss of nuance and a blended, compressed presentation. Codec limitations and tuning choices are repeatedly implied as contributors.

Detail retrieval is not the Boom 2 Plus’s priority; reviewers repeatedly noted lost detail or softened mids while still finding the sound enjoyable.

High-volume performance is mixed: some reviewers find it holds together well, while others report harshness or fuzzing/strain when pushed near max volume. Multiple sources imply a sweet spot below maximum output.

High-volume distortion control is a strength overall, with several reviewers hearing little to no distortion even when loud, despite occasional radiator buzz.

Ruggedness is a highlight: multiple sources reference military-standard testing alongside strong build protections. It is commonly portrayed as a speaker you can use outdoors without babying.

Durability evidence is positive, with reviewers citing accidental impact tolerance, tumble resistance, and continued operation after water exposure.

Dust resistance is consistently described as part of its IP67 rating, positioning it as a solid choice for beach, camping, and general outdoor exposure.

Dust protection is a repeated weakness because reviews consistently cite the lack of a dustproof or IP67 rating.

It has strong output headroom for parties, but several reviews imply the best quality sits below maximum volume. Pushing too hard can trade refinement for loudness.

Dynamic headroom is strong for a portable speaker, with reviewers emphasizing its ability to get very loud and fill outdoor spaces.

Energy efficiency is mainly about battery-saving behavior: reviews note that lights and BassUp drain playtime and can be disabled to conserve power.

EQ options are a clear strength: multiple presets plus a custom six-band EQ are repeatedly mentioned. AI Sound is frequently described as hit-or-miss, with some finding it adds depth and others finding it inconsistent or degrading clarity.

EQ customization is one of the most consistently praised features, with reviews citing nine- or ten-band EQ, presets, and meaningful sound shaping.

Everyday usability is strong thanks to onboard controls, app access, easy setup, useful ports, and flexible indoor/outdoor use.

Float capability is strongly supported; multiple reviewers tested or described the speaker floating in pools, hot tubs, or water settings.

Tonal balance is polarizing. Some praise strong bass that does not overwhelm and call mids/treble clear, while others hear bass-forward tuning with compressed mids/highs and an empty or dull presentation.

Frequency balance is bass-forward, but most reviewers still found mids and highs clear enough after EQ or with BassUp managed.

No summary yet.

Google support is limited to Google Fast Pair, which reviewers described as useful for speedy setup.

The strap is a signature feature that many like for carrying or hanging, but multiple reviews also flag it as potentially flimsy or prone to deformation over time. Practical, but not universally trusted as long-term rugged hardware.

The handle and strap are generally praised for portability, grip, and convenience, though the strap comfort is not perfect.

Inter-speaker connectivity is a key feature via Party Link/Auracast concepts, enabling stereo or group playback with compatible devices. Some limitations are noted around how features are accessed and managed through the app.

Inter-speaker connectivity is a strong feature, with PartyCast for many speakers and TWS for two-speaker stereo mentioned repeatedly.

Latency evidence is limited but positive, with reviewers saying Bluetooth lag was not bad and movie use felt non-laggy.

LED lighting drew broad attention; many reviewers liked the bright, customizable, beat-sync effects, while a few found them gimmicky or mistimed.

The LED light strip and patterns are a major part of the product identity, with options ranging from subtle mood lighting to party-style effects. AI lighting is praised by some and dismissed by others as inconsistent or underwhelming.

Lighting customization is strong, with app and button control over multiple modes, colors, brightness, and off settings.

Across reviews, it gets very loud and is repeatedly positioned as an outdoor/party-capable speaker that can fill a room or backyard. Several note the sound comes alive best at moderate-to-higher volumes.

Maximum volume is one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers describing very loud playback, room-shaking bass, and outdoor-party output.

Low-volume listening can sound flat or lacking treble presence according to at least one detailed evaluation. Multiple sources suggest it benefits from being turned up to reach its best balance.

Low-volume performance is better than expected for a party speaker, with reviewers still feeling bass or getting useful sound at moderate settings.

Microphone evidence is mixed and contradictory, with some reviews saying the Plus lacks a mic while SoundGuys reports a built-in microphone for calls.

It supports multi-speaker modes (Party Link/Auracast), and most coverage treats pairing as a key capability. A recurring caveat is that some grouping behaviors and mode exits can be app-dependent.

Multi-speaker pairing appears useful and broadly reliable when supported products are used, though not every reviewer tested it directly.

Multipoint support is explicitly noted, making it easier to switch between two connected devices. No major downsides are highlighted beyond the broader Bluetooth feature limitations.

Multipoint support is useful but not universal across reviewers: some cite two-device pairing, while one review says it cannot pair more than one phone.

No summary yet.

On-device controls are strong, covering playback, volume, Bluetooth, BassUp, lighting, PartyCast, and track skipping without relying on the app.

Reverse charging is called out as a useful extra for outdoor use, letting the speaker top up a phone in a pinch. Reviewers imply it is convenient but will reduce total playback time.

The USB-C power bank function is frequently praised as a practical travel and party feature for charging phones and devices.

Price/value is generally favorable at around $250 or discounted pricing, though a few reviewers preferred competitors or cheaper Soundcore models.

Privacy concerns are raised around ThinQ requiring an account and requesting personal data and permissions (including location). This is framed as disproportionate for a Bluetooth speaker by at least one reviewer.

Privacy evidence is limited but positive: one reviewer praised the app for not requiring an email account.

Remote-style control through the app is useful for lights, EQ, volume, firmware, and settings, though there is no separate physical remote.

Basic Bluetooth setup is generally described as easy, but the app-driven setup and device-adding workflow can be time-consuming and frustrating depending on the reviewer.

Setup is repeatedly described as easy, fast, and intuitive over Bluetooth and the companion app.

Smart assistant integration is weak because reviews note no microphone or voice-assistant capability on the Boom 2 Plus.

Smart extras include AI lighting, AI sound, and space-based calibration plus the programmable heart button. The concept is widely discussed, but reliability and usefulness vary sharply by reviewer and depend heavily on ThinQ.

Smart features are modest but useful, including app firmware updates, EQ, lighting control, and white-noise playback.

Speakerphone performance is mixed. Some report clear calls and strong noise handling, while at least one detailed review finds the mic overly processed with noticeable artifacts.

Speakerphone support is mixed: one review says there is no speakerphone, while another says calls are usable in ideal conditions.

Lighting is used for functional feedback as well as aesthetics, including indicating Bluetooth status/connection modes in addition to decorative patterns.

Status indicators are serviceable but imperfect, with app battery readouts and low-battery lights but limited on-speaker battery detail.

It delivers some stereo width (often described as subtle), but the stage can feel narrow or crowded compared with class leaders. Several reviewers still prefer it to mono-style portables for separation.

Stereo capability is mostly about TWS pairing; reviewers liked that two units can create left/right stereo, while the single speaker remains a party box.

Low-end hardware is a strength, with reviewers citing woofers, subwoofers, passive radiators, and deep bass output.

USB-C is the standard charging method and is consistently highlighted as the primary port. It is also tied to reverse charging in some coverage.

USB-C charging is consistently present and useful, supporting both speaker charging and in/out charging behavior.

Value for money is a strong consensus point, especially when judged against louder or pricier JBL, Bose, Sony, and Tribit alternatives.

Voice assistant responsiveness is effectively unsupported because multiple reviews cite no microphone or voice assistant capability.

Playback vocal clarity varies by reviewer and volume: some report clear, central vocals, while others describe muddiness and difficulty picking out lyrics in denser mixes.

Voice clarity is mixed: several reviews found vocals intelligible or clear, while others heard muffled vocals behind the bass.

It is repeatedly described as IP67 water resistant, suitable for rain, splashes, and rough outdoor use. Reviewers frame this as a core strength for poolside and backyard listening.

Water resistance is a major strength, with consistent IPX7 evidence and real-world splashes, submersion, pool, and rinse testing.

Portability is debated: some call it manageable for car, patio, and moving around home, while others find it too heavy/bulky for backpacks or true grab-and-go use.

Weight convenience is mixed; reviewers liked the strap and manageable 8.4-pound body but warned it is still bulky for long walks or travel.

Wired input options are minimal. Reviews consistently describe USB-C as the only physical connection and note there is no 3.5mm aux input for legacy devices.

Wired input is a useful addition, with several reviews calling out the 3.5mm aux input for DJ, projector, computer, and non-Bluetooth use.