Loud, but at what cost? LG XBOOM XG8T review

This year, LG has been busy expanding its audio lineup with the improved TONE Free T90S wireless earbuds and four new XBOOM speakers: the XL9, XO2 (which we reviewed), XG2 (also tested), and, featured in this article, the XG8T. Positioned as a rugged, outdoor-friendly, party-ready speaker, the XBOOM XG8T boasts military-grade durability, 120W power, and 15 hours of playtime. However, priced at £399 – it's currently selling for £269 at Currys (save £130) – it faces stiff competition from some of the best speakers in the mid-to-high-end Bluetooth market.

Despite its premium features, including customisable LED lighting and Sound Boost mode, the XG8T lacks a few expected functionalities, which, as discussed later, may leave some users questioning if it's genuinely worth the steep price tag.

After testing the XBOOM XG8T both in and outdoors, across a variety of music genres, and during several extended listening sessions, resident audiophile Harvey Isitt sets out to determine whether this speaker delivers on its promises and justifies its hefty price tag.

Sound performance

Right off the bat, the XG8T delivers on its volume promises – and then some. With a hefty 120W output, this speaker easily handles indoor and outdoor sound distribution. However, the mono audio setup does compromise the overall sound quality, limiting its ability to create the wide, immersion offered by the similarly priced SoundLink Max from Bose. While Bose envelops its listeners, the XG8T, despite its volume, feels slightly narrow.

LG's focus on volume comes at the cost of vocal clarity. Listening to Kevin Morby's "This Is A Photograph," the vocals sound muffled and boomy, as though he's singing too close to the mic – despite this not being the case on the original track. The lower frequencies overpower the mids and highs, leaving the vocals muddled and lacking detail.

That said, the Sound Boost mode really enhances the experience, adding depth to the bass and making the mid-range much more enjoyable. Without it, the sound can feel somewhat flat, especially in larger spaces where sound dispersion is crucial.

For electronic or bass-heavy tracks like Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger," the XBOOM XG8T shines. The bass is strong, and the energy is electric. However, it falls short with more complex tracks, such as Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross' "Brutalizer 2" from Challengers. While the bass is addictive – whether that's to LG or Reznor and Ross' credit, I can't say – the more delicate mid- and high-range instruments ultimately get lost.

Design and durability

Built for the outdoors, the XG8T feels like it can handle just about anything. Its 3kg weight adds to its rugged durability without being too cumbersome to carry around when on the go. The IP67 rating ensures it's both waterproof and dustproof. The detachable, seat-belt-like strap is a nice touch, making it easy to carry when out and about, although the speaker is slightly bulkier than some of its rivals.

On the downside, having a DC input for charging instead of the more modern and now standard USB-C is frustrating. It's 2024, and most premium speakers have long-switched to USB-C for faster and more convenient charging. Instead, if you need to charge the device on the go, you're left lugging around a bulky power brick, more suited to a laptop than a Bluetooth speaker. The absence of a 3.5mm aux input is another connectivity nuisance.

By comparison, the Anker Soundcore Boom Plus 2, priced at £249.99, offers USB-C charging and a wired audio input, making it a more versatile option for those who value connectivity.

Rugged but not refined

There's no denying the XG8T's performance as an outdoor speaker – its rugged durability is undeniable. Whether at the beach, by the pool, or in nature, it's built to withstand the elements. It has passed US military-grade testing, proving it's dustproof, shockproof, immersion-proof, and resistant to high temperatures, rain, and vibration. It even passed a salt fog test for corrosion resistance, so rest assured, this speaker is as rugged as they come, ready to handle the bumps and bruises that come with outdoor adventures.

The custom LED lighting adds a fun touch, impressively reacting to the music and setting a party mood in the evening. The speaker also offers "ambient" and "nature" lighting modes for more relaxed and casual settings.

However, while the speaker gets loud enough for outdoor events, it lacks the refined sound profile audiophiles might expect at this price point. So, while it's a great addition to practically any gathering, it falls short in delivering the level of nuance some might prefer for solo, at-home listening, especially considering the price.

Price and competition

At £399.99 (currently £269 at Currys), the LG XBOOM XG8T is on the pricier side for a portable speaker. While it boasts a rugged build and loud output, the lack of modern connectivity options and the underwhelming Bluetooth 5.1 bring its price into question. For £200 less than its original retail price, the Soundcore Boom Plus 2 offers a superior soundstage, USB-C charging, and a longer battery life, with a similar design – though undeniably less premium. On the other hand, if budget isn't a concern, the Bose SoundLink Max delivers a far more immersive soundstage at the same price, excluding Currys' discount. So, while the LG XG8T is undoubtedly a solid speaker, it’s ultimately overshadowed by the competition.

Who is it for?

After spending a couple of weeks with this portable beast, I must say I had a great time using the XBOOM Go XG8T despite a few unignorable flaws. It holds its own in indoor and outdoor settings, offering an adequate range in volume whether for a quiet night in or an outdoor gathering. The sound is undeniably loud, though not as well-distributed as its competitors, and the battery life won't let you down during extended use.

The XG8T is best suited for those who plan to play their music as much outdoors (if not more) as they would indoors. It's a great companion for outdoor adventures, except for long walks – unless you're up for carrying it. It's lightweight and easy to transport, but for a hike or extended trek, I'm not so sure. Perhaps more suited for taking to the park than up a mountain!

Would we recommend it?

Yes and no. The XG8T is undeniably powerful, and if you need a speaker that can handle dust, water, and rugged environments while delivering booming sound, this is a solid choice. However, despite its perks, it's hard to justify the price when better-sounding and more feature-packed alternatives exist – and many of them for less. If you're an LG fan or plan to use the speaker predominantly outdoors in challenging conditions, the XG8T is definitely worth considering. However, for most users, the Anker Soundcore Boom Plus 2 offers better value for money and a more refined listening experience. So, all in all, it's a great speaker overshadowed by the competition.

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Who tested it?

Resident audiophile Harvey Isitt is your trusted speaker specialist. He thoroughly tests a wide range of speakers, from compact portables to high-end home theatre systems. His passion for sound quality and design ensures well-rounded insights for consumers.

How the product was tested?

I tested the speaker both indoors and outdoors in various settings, including at home, in the garden, and at the local park. To assess its sound quality, I played a variety of music genres to evaluate the bass, treble, and vocal reproduction. I also compared it alongside the Loewe We. HEAR Pro to see how it held up against a significantly cheaper device. Battery life was also measured during continuous playback at 75% volume with LED lighting on.

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Harvey Isitt is a Tech Writer and Reviewer for What's the Best. Harvey writes reviews, buyers and how-to guides, and listicles on a broad range of topics.

Besides writing, Harvey is an avid camera, turntable, and speaker enthusiast with a somewhat unhealthy obsession with movies. He is also a keen runner, cyclist, hiker, and swimmer.

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