I remember the time when Bluetooth was first a thing. Few phones had it, and even fewer accessories actually utilized the standard. We’ve come a really long way in just over a decade. Now, you can get a Bluetooth-enabled version of practically anything, and at the top of that list is the now-ubiquitous Bluetooth speaker. Some are, of course, better than others. Consistently at the “better” end of the spectrum is LG, and we were lucky enough to get our hands on one of their latest wireless speakers, the Sound360. Here’s what we thought.
Design: 4/5
The Sound360 is of an unusual shape for Bluetooth speakers. Tall and cylindrical, it was more than once mistaken for a tumbler while in our possession. It comes in an elegant piano black finish, with dark, brushed metal accents at the top and bottom. It has quite a bit of heft to it, though is still within bounds of portability, though the fact that it will fit happily in a vehicle’s cup holder will probably clue you in to what LG may have had in mind while designing this device.
Hardware: 4/5
The Sound360 has capacitive controls on the top edge, as well as a light that gives a soft white glow. The light serves as both illumination for the controls, and as status indicator so you know what your speaker is up to. There are buttons for playing, pausing, going back a track, or skipping forward, as well as volume, equalizer functions. You can even switch light modes on the illuminated bezel if you so choose.
The Sound360 has a main driver, as well as a pocket subwoofer built right into the speaker, making it an impressive little 1.1 wireless system. It offers multi-device pairing for some of the more modern wireless gear, and can even work in tandem with another Sound360 for an even better stereo experience.
User Experience: 4.5/5
I have tested many, many Bluetooth speakers in my time in tech. While mostly adequate, they’ve mainly been unexciting boxes that do manage to put out good sound. The tumbler-like Sound360 has a quirkiness to the design that makes it stand out from the rest of the offerings in the market, but it still manages to be an elegant, visually intriguing package, made even more so by the curious lack of a power button.
To power the device on, you have to press down on the center of the control surface. It then rises slowly, powering the unit on and revealing a mesh screen behind which is the main driver. As the name implies, it fires sound in a 360-degree field, making sure everyone can get in on the party. The base, where the woofer hides, has the same 360-degree reach, so you don’t have to hog the front of the device to get an earful of your favorite tunes.
Pairing is unremarkably simple, but once you do have your phone and the speakers paired, it’s rock solid, and doesn’t break as long as you’re in range. The speakers, having the heft they do, can move a lot of air, no problem. This allows it to have deep, punchy bass, and a full sound overall. Unlike a lot of other speakers, the lows don’t overpower the mids and highs very much, and while I wouldn’t call the top end airy, it’s more than just adequate—it’s actually pleasant to listen on the speaker. Should you find issue with the sound, you can cycle through the available EQ presets to get what you’re looking for. The changes are small, but apparent. There’s plenty of volume available, and the Sound 360 should have little trouble filling a room, or being heard outdoors. Should a call come in, the Sound 360 has a microphone that will let you accept calls right from the speaker.
Battery life, according to LG, is clocked at an astounding 20 hours. While I just don’t have enough time to test that in one sitting, practical use has told me that if it doesn’t hit that number, it definitely approaches it. This is one of the longest-burning wireless speakers we’ve had the pleasure to come across. Seriously, you’re not going to out-party this thing. Should you need to top up, it does so with standard microUSB chargers, and should charge fully in about five hours.
Value: 4/5
This is a lot of speaker for the price. While it is on the pricy side, you get great, powerful sound. Hours and hours of battery life, and a unique design that actually works. If you’re into marathon parties and extended listening sessions, pick this up. You won’t regret it.
Bottomline:
I’ll have a tumbler-shaped hole in my heart once this speaker gets taken back.
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE October 2016 Issue.
Words by Ren Alcantara