LG Electronics has officially unveiled its latest range of Xboom portable speakers, and this time the emphasis feels a bit different. Instead of simply pushing louder sound or heavier bass, LG seems more focused on making audio smarter and more responsive. The new lineup includes the Xboom Stage 501, Blast, Mini, and Rock, all developed in collaboration with American artist and tech innovator Will.i.am. There is a clear shift toward AI driven features, with LG positioning these speakers as devices that can adapt to both the music you play and the space you are in, which honestly feels like a natural evolution rather than a gimmick.
At the center of the lineup is the Xboom Stage 501, and its standout feature is something LG calls AI Karaoke Master. Rather than depending on pre made karaoke tracks or paid services, this system processes regular songs in real time. Using deep learning trained on 10,000 tracks, it can remove or at least significantly reduce vocals from almost any audio source. The concept itself is straightforward, but the execution feels ambitious. You play a song you already enjoy, and the speaker turns it into a karaoke style track instantly. No downloads, no extra files, and no platform restrictions, which I think many users will appreciate.
Key Takeaways
- AI Karaoke Master: The Stage 501 removes vocals and adjusts pitch for any song using deep learning trained on 10,000 tracks.
- High Power Output: Stage 501 and Blast deliver up to 220W when plugged in and 160W on battery power.
- Extended Battery Life: The Xboom Blast offers the longest playback in the series with up to 35 hours on a single charge.
- Smart Calibration: Both Stage 501 and Blast use Space Calibration Pro to tune audio based on the room or outdoor environment.
- Rugged Designs: The Rock and Blast models meet military durability standards for outdoor use.
Smarter audio with AI Karaoke Master
The LG Xboom Stage 501 appears to be designed primarily for indoor parties and social gatherings. AI Karaoke Master is clearly the headline feature, but it goes beyond simply lowering vocal volume. The system can isolate vocals quite aggressively if needed, while still keeping the backing track full and balanced. Users also get the option to adjust pitch, which can make a noticeable difference if a song sits just outside your comfortable vocal range. It feels like LG has thought about how people might actually use this feature in real situations, not just how it sounds in a controlled demo.
The physical design supports that flexibility too. The Stage 501 uses a five sided cabinet, allowing it to be placed horizontally, vertically, or even mounted on a tripod. Internally, it combines dual woofers, full range drivers, and Peerless tweeters. This setup should help preserve clarity even when the volume is pushed higher. On battery power, the speaker delivers up to 160W, and once plugged into a wall outlet, output increases to 220W. That level of power should comfortably fill larger rooms or event spaces without sounding strained.
Battery life here feels practical rather than just impressive on a spec sheet. The Stage 501 runs on a swappable 99Wh battery rated for up to 25 hours of playback. The ability to swap batteries mid event is one of those features you might overlook initially, but it becomes extremely useful once you are hosting something that runs longer than planned.
Durability for the outdoors
If the Stage 501 feels tailored for indoor use, the LG Xboom Blast is more clearly aimed at outdoor environments. It uses the same 99Wh swappable battery but stretches playback to up to 35 hours by focusing on efficiency. That makes it the longest lasting speaker in the lineup on a single charge, which is not a small advantage for outdoor use.
The Blast leans heavily into durability. It features reinforced edge bumpers and includes two sturdy carrying handles, making it easier to transport without constantly worrying about damage. Bass is handled by three passive radiators designed to project low frequencies across open spaces like parks, beaches, or campsites. This design choice makes sense outdoors, where sound tends to disperse quickly and needs extra help to feel impactful.
For more everyday portability, LG is also offering the Xboom Mini and Xboom Rock. Both models are compact and rated for up to 10 hours of playback, which feels reasonable given their size. The Rock stands out in terms of toughness, having passed seven military grade durability tests. It also supports LE Audio Auracast, allowing audio to be broadcast to multiple compatible speakers at the same time. This may not be a must have feature for everyone, but it does open up interesting group listening scenarios.
Intelligent tuning and discovery
Across the 2026 Xboom lineup, LG has included AI Sound and AI Lighting as standard features. These systems analyze the genre and rhythm of the music and automatically adjust equalizer settings and lighting patterns. In theory, this reduces the need for constant manual tweaking, although some users will probably still prefer to fine tune things themselves. Still, it is nice to have the option.
LG has also introduced a service called FYI.RAiDiO. This feature brings ten different AI personas that users can interact with for music discovery and playlist creation. Access is available through a dedicated button on the speaker or via a mobile app. It is an interesting idea, and while its long term usefulness will depend on how accurately it understands personal taste, it does add a layer of personality that most speakers currently lack.
Space Calibration Pro is reserved for the larger models, including the Stage 501 and Blast. The system analyzes reflections from walls, furniture, and nearby objects to optimize sound output for the specific location. Whether the speaker is placed in a corner, against a wall, or out in an open area, the goal is to keep the audio balanced and consistent. How noticeable this is in everyday use will vary, but the intent is clearly there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does the AI Karaoke feature work with YouTube or Spotify?
A1: Yes, the AI Karaoke Master on the Stage 501 works with virtually any audio source. Since it processes sound in real time, there is no need for dedicated karaoke versions of songs.
Q2: Can I use these speakers in the rain?
A2: The Xboom Mini carries an IP67 rating, meaning it is protected against dust and can handle brief submersion in water. The Blast and Rock meet military durability standards, but it is still advisable to check specific water resistance ratings before prolonged exposure.
Q3: What is the benefit of a swappable battery?
A3: The 99Wh battery used in the Stage 501 and Blast can be removed and replaced. Carrying a spare allows extended use during long events without needing immediate access to a power outlet.
Q4: When will these speakers be available in India?
A4: LG plans to showcase the full Xboom lineup at CES 2026. While pricing for India has not been announced yet, a global rollout is expected to take place throughout the year.
