LG Xboom Grab test: a Bluetooth speaker with balanced song, but lacking power

With its 2025 vintage in the Xboom range. Therefore, LG returns to slightly less crazy than before, but more pragmatic aspirations. In addition, Good illustration of this orientation, the Xboom Grab arises as a kind of competitor of the very good JBL Flip 7.

Barmed, nomady without being too compact, the speaker has a certain number of functions, an autonomy wanting to be lg xboom grab test: bluetooth solid and a two -way audio architecture available mono. Furthermore, It relies on a modern Bluetooth chip (compatible Auracast). Nevertheless, keeps some colorful LEDs, relics of previous devices such as Go XG5. However, On paper, the Xboom Grab has everything to please.

Price and availability – Lg xboom grab test: bluetooth

The LG Xboom Grab has been available since the second quarter of 2025 at the official rate of € 149. Meanwhile, The speaker exists in a single color, since presented as the fruit of collaboration between LG and Will.i.am (hence the name Xboom Grab by Will.i.am on the LG site).

Test conditions – Lg xboom grab test: bluetooth

We tested the model under the version 250321,1930a of the firmware, with the LG Thinq app in version 5.1.12230.

Without extravagance. Similarly, but without pronounced defect, the LG Xboom Grab arises as a discreet portable speaker without being sad, sparingly using the pronounced colors. Consequently, Its tubular shape makes it possible to limit any form of complexity in order to focus on the essentials. For example, On this point, she holds the dragee high at her direct competitor, Flip 7.

Fashion is a little less on the festive side (in this format). Consequently, since LG only integrates a very fine RGB led bar placed under the grid. However, Not enough to put your eyes full.

Perfectly designed, this model benefits from a dense polymer chassis and a most serious assembly. Furthermore, We are thus entitled to a brial grid covering three-quarters of the enclosure. Meanwhile, at ends covered with striated rubber, or even non-slip feet in order to stabilize the product horizontally (classic position). Nevertheless, The vertical orientation is in theory possible. However, but it will be synonymous with obstruction of one of the passive radiators (strongly discouraged, therefore).

Like any self -respecting backpacking, Xboom Grab is armed against dust and water. Meanwhile, It actually has an IP67 certification, a barely lower index than the IP68 of certain opponents. Consequently, To this is added a lg xboom grab test: bluetooth certain robustness in the face of shocks, as well as a buoyancy of the chassis. However, With a replaceable battery, the Grab would really check all the boxes.

Without classifying in the ultraportable category. For example, the LG Xboom Grab is a sufficiently small and light speaker, which can be stored in any bag or being transported by hand without discomfort. Nevertheless, Cylinder of around 70 mm (in diameter) by 211 mm for a weight of 700 g. In addition, it remains in the waters of a flip 7, although the latter is a little lighter.

Quite original, the hook system rests on two elastic, semi-capable (detachable) straps of a metal base. A little disturbing during the first uses, because not particularly intuitive, this duo offers in practice an impressive versatility. It is thus possible to strap the Grab in the frame of a bicycle. to attach it to the loop of a bag, to use the whole as a transport handle, etc.

Portable speakers is often synonymous with minimalist connectors. and it is not the LG Xboom Grab that will contradict this observation. Things are simple: the only USB-C port only makes it possible to recharge, point. No analog input or digital audio interface, the device is 100 % wireless.

Conversely, its connected capacities are a little more attractive. Carried by a Bluetooth 5.3 chip, this model is multi -point compatible and supports fast pair fast pairing. On the codcs side, nothing very surprising, LG does not venture further than the SBC/AAC doublet.

Unfortunately, the brand magnifies the train of modernity, because the Xboom Grab does not support the audio standard, at least not really. Indeed. like the Ultimate Ears Miniroll, only the Auracast is highlighted and this standard is only used in support for the Party Link. Very usual on Bluetooth speakers. this mode allows either to link a second Xboom Grab for stereo pairing, or to connect an infinity of LG XBoom speakers in mono mode.

The connection turns out to be stable for use. latency measured at 130 ms is surprisingly reduced for a product in this category.

Orders

Not particularly original, but complete, the controls of the Xboom Grab come in the form of a row of seven physical buttons placed on the woven grid. In addition to the usual volume. navigation or pairing commands, we find a button dedicated to Party Link mode, as well as a “like” button capable of launching a playlist (predefined in the app).

Nevertheless, LG did not perfectly think about practical cases, since the buttons are triggered a little too easily, especially when the speaker is placed in a bag. Here it is missing a notch or simply a safety on the ON/OFF button. The latter is triggered by simple pressure and not by prolonged pressure.

Application

LG is increasingly abandoning its specialized applications for its Applobante Thinq app. This replaces in this case LG Xboom.

Rather intuitive, it is nothing exceptional, especially in terms of ergonomic settings, but provides more than the essentials. In addition to the presence of an equalizer (including a customizable with six bands). it allows you to control the Party Link mode or even configure the “Like” button, as well as the lighting.

Hands-free kit

With its integrated microphone. the speaker is able to use it for acoustic calibration, but also the hand-free kit (or the call to an assistant on smartphone). If the quality of capture gives fairly satisfactory results at first glance. it should not be asked too much from the LG Xboom GRAB.

To put it simply, the sensitivity of the microphone is particularly low, lg xboom grab test: bluetooth the voice being almost inaudible at several meters. Nearby. no problem: we can already perceive a certain lack of power, but the shades of the voice are well preserved. By moving away at around 4-5 m away, artifacts linked to this low sensitivity appear. In the outdoor environment, things do not manage, since the slightest noise alter the capture.

More ambitious – in any case more classic – than on the previous Xboom Go XG5, the audio architecture of the Xboom Grab keeps a monophonic arrangement, but this time uses a two -way structure. It thus includes an elliptical woofer of 80 x 45 lg xboom grab test: bluetooth mm on the facade. a 16 mm dome tweeter developed by Peerless (fairly famous name of the speaker, especially in DIY), all supported by two passive radiators. LG announces an amplification power of 20 W + 10 W, without however specifying what this power corresponds to.

The least we can say is that LG has favorably revised its copy compared to the Go XG5. The Xboom Grab is a tonal balance model. even allows itself lg xboom grab test: bluetooth to present any scintillance peak, which is characteristic yet present on the very good flip 7.

Format fairly menu obliges. if the bottom of the spectrum is not flawless, hence a small little forced peak (resonance of passive radiators) in the bass, and above all a lack of magnitude, the sound is not too swollen or anemic. The enclosure even manages to reach a very good extension in the bass, all without drooling. Obviously. it is in this register that the limits of the speaker appear, as a fairly high distortion under 100-200 Hz.

On the other hand, it is difficult to reproach anything lg xboom grab test: bluetooth at the Xboom Grab in mediums and treble. Without being completely neutral, the signature enjoys an impressive linearity, which grants a very beautiful feeling of natural to listen. The sound is sufficiently clear and detailed, without excess or hollow. No shine, no aggressiveness, hence an idyllic versatility … at least at moderate volume.

Indeed. if the LG is at least as good as JBL Flip 7 in classic listening (better feeling of extension and better balance in the treble), its power outfit is a little disappointing. The extension in the bass already wins slightly at 79 dB. then tries really at 85 dB, which already corresponds to the maximum of what the Xboom Grab knows how to spit. Thus. in the last notches (beyond 75 %), the sound becomes much more focused on the treble, therefore more brilliant and lacking in impact bodies.

Technically speaking, the enclosure is held in the right average. It distills a good level of detail and a certain magnitude, despite the lack of stereo arrangement. Clearly, you should not expect to feel a real immersion.

Small theoretical more. the calibration of room, which comes to play a tone for several seconds, does not bring much in practice. This technology does not really seem to change the personality of the LG. and no difference appeared to us to measure.