Compare soundcore Rave 3S Speaker vs LG xboom Bounce Core by will.i.am Portable Speaker

Reviewers consistently liked the Soundcore app, calling it feature-rich, responsive, stable, and useful for EQ, lighting, and karaoke control.

The companion app produced mixed reactions, from easier-to-use praise to tedious setup, broken features, and reliability complaints.

Physical controls were easy to understand and useful for quick speaker, light, and karaoke adjustments without relying entirely on the app.

On-device controls were functional and convenient for some reviewers, but others disliked missing skip controls or hard-to-see buttons.

The AI vocal-removal and karaoke smart features were the product’s clearest standout, with reviewers repeatedly saying they worked well and made karaoke easier.

Smart features divided reviewers, with praise for radio, AI calibration, and useful features but criticism of broken or disappointing extras.

EQ customization was a clear strength, with multiple reviews praising the detailed, flexible EQ controls in the Soundcore app.

EQ and AI sound options were divisive: some reviewers liked the depth or customization, while others found AI processing worse.

Bluetooth connection was generally stable and easy, though one review noted party-use switching issues when multiple phones were connected.

Bluetooth stability was split, with flawless music pairing in one review but a playback-stopping phone-call bug in another.

One reviewer reported failure when trying to pair via Auracast with a JBL speaker, so cross-brand pairing reliability was weak.

Multi-speaker party mode was criticized because turning it off required the app rather than the speaker button.

Codec support was criticized because the speaker is limited to lower-end Bluetooth codecs rather than high-resolution wireless options.

Bluetooth codec support was a limitation in PCMag's review, which explicitly said codec support held the speaker back.

Power-bank functionality was a weakness because reviewers noted the USB-C port cannot charge other devices and called the omission curious.

The power-bank feature was treated as useful, especially for charging a phone from the speaker in a pinch.

Microphone feedback was split: reviewers loved getting two wireless mics and easy pairing, but some criticized pickup, hiss, gating, or amateur quality.

The built-in microphone disappointed PCMag because its processed recording quality was unpleasant.

Reviewers described the overall presentation as balanced, clear, and cohesive enough for party listening, with some caveats around bass and treble refinement.

Cohesion was polarizing: one review heard well-balanced layering, while several others described muddled, blended, or soul-lacking playback.

Distortion performance was mixed: some reviewers heard no distortion at high volume, while others reported fuzz, volume instability, or distortion at maximum outdoor levels.

High-volume quality drew criticism, with reviewers noting distortion or harsher highs when the speaker was pushed hard.

Detail retrieval was respectable for a party speaker, with reviewers hearing clear details, though not class-leading instrument separation.

Detail retrieval was one of the most divided attributes, praised for crisp notes in positive reviews and criticized as lost or compressed in negative ones.

The handle helped with short moves, but portability criticism centered on the single handle, lack of wheels, and awkward carry for longer distances.

The strap split reviewers, earning praise as clever or useful while also drawing durability concerns for deformation and flimsiness.

Home-theater usefulness was limited and informal, with one reviewer saying it could work as a soundbar but another wanting easier TV lyric integration.

Home integration was a strength for ZDNET, especially for buyers already using LG TVs, soundbars, or appliances.

Voice clarity through the speaker was generally good, with reviewers noting clear vocals in music playback.

Voice clarity varied by reviewer, with some praising clear or warm vocals and others finding vocals muddy or nonspecific.

Lighting customization was a strength, with reviews praising dimming, color control, presets, and app-based customization.

Lighting effects were mostly positive for ambience and party flair, but AI lighting quality was not universally convincing.

Frequency balance was generally strong for party use, with clear vocals and bass, but some reviews noted weaker extremes or recessed upper mids.

Frequency balance was highly divisive, ranging from crisp, balanced bass/treble praise to complaints of too much bass and shallow highs.

Weight convenience was mixed to negative: some found it manageable for short moves, but many stressed that it is heavy and not very travel friendly.

Portability was mixed: the speaker is compact enough for some reviewers but too heavy or large for easy backpack carry.

Inter-speaker connectivity was viewed as useful for expansion and stereo pairing, though most praise was about flexibility rather than extensive testing.

Inter-speaker connectivity was praised as useful for greater volume or immersion when linking compatible Xboom speakers.

Status indicators were praised where mentioned, especially the illuminated battery meter and visible volume indicator.

Status indicators scored well in the unboxing review because the Bluetooth light feedback reduced guesswork at noisy parties.

Dynamic headroom was strong for small-to-medium spaces, with reviewers noting enough headroom to fill rooms and party areas.

Dynamic performance was praised in one hands-on video review that highlighted punch and an energetic sound presentation.

Everyday usability was strongest for casual parties and karaoke, where reviewers repeatedly described it as easy, fun, and engaging.

Everyday usability was praised in one review that called the Bounce a solid hybrid for home and outdoor use.

Maximum volume was a major strength indoors and for small-to-medium parties, though a few reviewers said it was less impressive outdoors or for large crowds.

Reviewers consistently found the Bounce loud enough for outdoor gatherings and parties, even when sound quality was criticized.

Wired input was useful for microphones, guitar, and aux sources, although connection variety and weather sealing while ports are open were limitations.

Wired input scored poorly because a reviewer complained that the lack of a 3.5mm jack prevents simple plug-and-play use.

Stereo imaging depended on spatial mode or pairing; reviewers liked the widened effect, but the single speaker remains limited and sometimes lacks precise separation.

Stereo presentation was split: some heard a nice stereo image, while others found the stage compressed or weakly separated.

Bass and the woofer were widely praised for deep, thumpy, party-ready output, though a few reviewers wanted deeper sub-bass.

Bass output was praised by ZDNET as big and boomy, supporting the speaker's party-focused identity.

Water resistance was useful for splashes and outdoor use but limited by the IPX4 rating, with reviewers warning against submersion or heavy rain.

Water resistance was broadly viewed as a strength for outdoor use, with multiple reviewers treating the rugged protection as reassuring.

Design impressions were positive overall, with reviewers calling the speaker good looking, modern, and relatively premium.

Design was generally liked for its distinctive, fun, premium-looking shape, though some reviewers found it rugged-looking or mixed overall.

Battery life landed as mixed: several reviewers found 12 hours useful, while others said real party use or the size of the speaker made it feel average or short.

Battery life was a major strength overall, with repeated praise for long runtime, though feature-heavy use reduced confidence in the full claim.

Reviewers found the overall package strong value, especially because it bundles karaoke features and two microphones for the price.

Overall value was split: reviewers liked the feature set and price in some contexts but criticized the sound/app tradeoffs against rivals.

Setup was praised, especially the quick microphone pairing and easy path from phone connection to karaoke.

Setup was mixed: basic Bluetooth pairing could be easy, but app-based setup was described as lengthy or tedious.

Latency was rated positively where tested, with reviewers saying video use had barely any delay or no issue.

Audio-format support was a weak point because reviewers noted the lack of high-resolution audio support.

Low-volume performance was a weakness in PCMag's testing because upper-mids and treble lacked presence at lower levels.

Spatial and surround simulation was often praised as wider and surprisingly effective, though one reviewer found the effect reverby and uneven.

Multipoint worked in concept, but one party-use test found switching between two phones unreliable.

Voice recognition and guide-vocal behavior were useful but imperfect, with some reviewers praising the help and others noting delayed or uneven transitions.

Build quality was usually described as sturdy, solid, and well put together, with a metal grille and durable-feeling enclosure.

One reviewer found movie vocals good enough when using the Rave 3S like a soundbar, but this was limited evidence.

Dust resistance was praised alongside the broader rugged build, especially for outdoor use around dirt, sand, and rough environments.

Privacy and data scored poorly because PCMag objected to how much personal data the ThinQ app requested.

Speakerphone quality was mixed, with a strong outdoor call test in one review and disappointing processed call audio in another.

Charging time was a drawback in reviews that mentioned the six-hour recharge from empty.

USB-C charging was generally convenient, although some limitations remained around charging speed and lack of power-bank output.

Drop and impact durability scored strongly, with reviewers calling the speaker rugged, sturdy, and successful in hands-on abuse testing.