LG isn’t letting the xboom momentum cool off. After a strong 2025 run with the Stage 301, Bounce, and Grab, LG is back at CES 2026 with four new xboom by will.i.am portable Bluetooth speakers, again leaning on will.i.am to dial in the sound. The formula hasn’t changed—and that’s the point: stage-inspired party speakers, rugged designs meant to survive real outdoor use, and a sharper focus on AI-driven personalization, longer battery life, and smarter interaction.
These aren’t lifestyle props pretending to be speakers; LG is clearly betting that louder, tougher, and more connected still beats subtle—and for the xboom audience, that’s probably the right call.
Design & Execution
xboom by will.i.am portable Bluetooth speakers are engineered to deliver a balanced, crowd-pleasing sound profile, pairing solid low-end weight with enough control to avoid turning every playlist into a bass endurance test. A key differentiator this time around is the deeper integration of FYI.RAiDiO, which allows users to interact with ten distinct AI Personas and DJ profiles through two-way conversational controls.
Using the dedicated MY Button or the FYI.RAiDiO app, listeners can access real-time music curation and location-aware personalization that adapts to mood, setting, and use case—whether that’s a backyard gathering, a beach day, or background music that doesn’t demand constant babysitting.
Four Models: One xboom Playbook, Four Very Different Use Cases
The expanded xboom by will.i.am lineup adds four distinct models—Stage 501, Blast, Mini, and Rock—each aimed at a specific listening environment, from full-on party duty to compact, take-anywhere use. While the form factors differ, the common thread is AI-driven intelligence designed to adapt rather than overwhelm.
AI Sound automatically analyzes incoming audio and adjusts EQ in real time, emphasizing melody, rhythm, or vocals as needed for a more controlled and engaging presentation. AI Lighting layers in multicolored bar lights that react to the music, delivering synchronized visual movement that’s clearly meant to match the energy of a room—or an outdoor gathering—without requiring manual tweaking.
For the larger models, Space Calibration Pro (available on the Blast and Stage 501) evaluates the speaker’s surroundings and fine-tunes output to maintain consistent, room-filling sound indoors or outside, addressing one of the biggest weaknesses of portable party speakers: sounding great in one space and falling apart in another.
xboom Stage 501
The xboom Stage 501 adds AI Karaoke Master, a feature trained using deep learning from more than 10,000 songs. It can reduce or remove vocals from most tracks and adjust pitch, allowing users to sing solo, duet with the original artist, or keep vocals at a lower level. No special files or subscriptions are required.
The Stage 501 offers up to 25 hours of playback via its 99Wh swappable battery. When connected to AC power, output increases to 220 watts, while battery operation delivers up to 160 watts. The five-sided cabinet builds on the Stage 301’s wedge-style design and supports multiple placements, including vertical, horizontal, tilted, and tripod-mounted positions. Dual woofers, full-range drivers, and Peerless tweeters are used to provide consistent sound across different listening setups.
xboom Blast
The xboom Blast is positioned for extended use, offering up to 35 hours of playback from its 99Wh battery. Output is rated at 220 watts, and the speaker employs three passive radiators to support low-frequency performance in larger spaces.
Its enclosure is designed for outdoor use, with reinforced edges, protective bumpers, and durability testing to military-standard criteria. Practical touches include a side rope handle, which allows the speaker to be carried vertically—useful in crowded or active environments—and a rubberized top handle that provides a second, more traditional carry option for quick transport.
xboom Mini
The xboom Mini targets listeners who want a compact, easy-to-carry speaker that blends into everyday use rather than drawing attention. It offers up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, making it suitable for kitchens, patios, or casual on-the-go listening. Despite its smaller footprint, the Mini is designed to deliver clear, controlled sound, with Sound Field Enhance intended to help maintain balance and clarity in open spaces.
Its cube-shaped enclosure and Magic Strap allow for flexible placement, while IP67 water and dust resistance support both indoor and outdoor use. A built-in tripod mount adds setup options, and the tactile onboard controls are laid out for straightforward volume and playback adjustment without relying on an app.
xboom Rock
The xboom Rock is designed for portable outdoor use, combining a compact form factor with durability and simple sharing features. It offers up to 10 hours of playback and has been tested against seven military-standard criteria to support use in more demanding environments. As an update to the earlier XG2, Rock increases output to 6 watts, delivering improved clarity and projection for outdoor listening.
Sound Field Enhance is used to help maintain balance and intelligibility in open spaces, while LE Audio Auracast enables audio sharing across compatible speakers for group listening. A dedicated smart button provides quick access to app-based controls, positioning the Rock as a practical option for activities such as hiking, camping, or casual outdoor use.
will.i.am explains, “We are turning sound into a living, learning experience. With FYI.RAiDiO and AI personas, xboom by will.i.am speakers offer a glimpse into a new way of enjoying audio through an inspiring cultural connection with AI. These enhancements are designed to bring people closer and connect them through a shared passion for music and creativity.”
Lee Jeong-seok, head of the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company’s Audio Business, adds, “The collaboration with will.i.am continues to advance our vision for intelligent, expressive sound. As we move into 2026, portable audio will remain a key growth driver for LG—combining refined performance, AI innovation, and design that reflects what consumers value most.”
The Bottom Line
LG raised eyebrows in 2025 with the xboom by will.i.am line, and the four new additions show that this wasn’t a one-off experiment. The designs are distinctive without being impractical, the feature set is clearly segmented by use case, and the integration of AI-driven tuning, lighting, and sharing tools gives the lineup a coherent identity rather than a pile of overlapping models. The will.i.am collaboration feels less like celebrity window dressing and more like a consistent hand in voicing and direction.
That said, LG is operating in one of the most competitive categories in consumer audio. JBL still sets the volume—and the sales numbers—in portable Bluetooth and party speakers, with deep brand recognition and proven outdoor durability. Where LG differentiates itself is in smarter features (AI Sound, Space Calibration Pro, Auracast support), more flexible power options, and a broader range of form factors that go beyond the usual “tube and handle” playbook. It won’t unseat JBL overnight, but LG’s xboom strategy now has real substance—and that gives it a credible shot at standing out in a very crowded field.
Availability
The latest xboom by will.i.am audio products are scheduled to launch in global markets throughout 2026 and will be shown publicly at CES 2026, on display at LG’s exhibit booth from January 6–9. Full specifications, regional availability, and pricing details are expected to be announced closer to release.
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