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Scored using Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0
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Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Portable Speakers Methodology v1.0

LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 Review | 130 Data compared

Avg. price:~£260Audio output power:40.00 WBattery life:?IP rating:?Bluetooth version:4.2Weight:1810 g

LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 Review: Compare 130 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Portable Speakers category and whether it is worth buying.

7.1/10

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of products in the Portable Speakers category, based on technical analysis and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference for identifying the best products in the Portable Speakers category.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 73% of models
Score components

80%

7.1

Technical score

20%

?

User score

â–²Better than 73% of portable speakers
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

â–²Better than 59%
7.1

Technical score

Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Score components

32%

7.8

Audio

20%

6.9

Battery

18%

5.7

Durability

16%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

8.3

Controls

3%

8.1

Design

3%

8.2

Smart features

â–²Better than 81%
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image
Where to buy
    N/A~ £260
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of portable speaker LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9

Technical score
Technical score
7.1/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Portable Speakers category across these key areas: Audio, Connectivity, Battery, Durability, Controls, Design, Smart features.
When it matters
When you want to compare products in the Portable Speakers category by technical performance, specifications, and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Score components:

32%

7.8

Audio

20%

6.9

Battery

18%

5.7

Durability

16%

6.6

Connectivity

8%

8.3

Controls

3%

8.1

Design

3%

8.2

Smart features

7.1
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews with the total review volume for products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you want to know how products in the Portable Speakers category perform in everyday use and how reliable owners find them over time.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by products in the Portable Speakers category.
When it matters
When you prefer products in the Portable Speakers category that have been chosen and reviewed by many other buyers.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 59.2% of products in this category.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the overall score of products in the Portable Speakers category with their prices.
When it matters
When you are comparing products in the Portable Speakers category and want a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 59% of models
Score components:

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

9.2

Price

7.7
Audio output power
40 W
Market range: <4 W – >100 W
This portable speaker has an audio output power of 40 W which is higher than that of 70.1% of portable speakers and equal to that of 4.7% of portable speakers.
Driver unit size
?
Number of drivers
2
Market range: <0 – >5
This portable speaker has 2 drivers, which is more than 24.5% of portable speakers and equal to the number in 45.5% of portable speakers.
Frequency response tolerance
?
Lowest frequency
28 Hz
Market range: <20 Hz – >120 Hz
This portable speaker has a lowest frequency of 28 Hz which is lower than that of 84% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.3% of portable speakers.
Show more
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth audio. 5.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Bluetooth version
4.2
Market range: <3 – >5.3
This portable speaker supports Bluetooth version 4.2 which is older than that of 53.8% of portable speakers and equal to that of 17.8% of portable speakers.
Maximum Bluetooth range
?
Bluetooth profiles supported
?
Bluetooth LE Audio
no
This portable speaker does not support Bluetooth LE Audio. 2.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
Battery life
?
Battery capacity
?
Charging time
?
Maximum charging input power
?
Built-in rechargeable battery
no
This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery. 81.4% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
IP rating
?
Water resistance
no
This portable speaker is not water resistant. 61.7% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Dust resistance
no
This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant. 51.5% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Waterproof depth rating
?
Drop resistance
no
This portable speaker lacks an impact-resistance rating. 32.8% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Show more
On-device controls placement
top
Touchscreen
?
Smartphone app control
yes
This portable speaker supports smartphone app control. 46.1% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Compatible mobile app provides speaker control or settings.
Remote control
no
This portable speaker does not include a remote control. 15% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Fast pairing
?
Show more
Weight
1,810 g
Market range: <200 g – >5.6k g
This portable speaker weighs 1,810 g which is heavier than that of 69.7% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Height
?
Width
?
Depth
5.2 cm
Market range: <4.3 cm – >19.97 cm
This portable speaker has a depth of 5.2 cm which is shallower than that of 81% of portable speakers and equal to that of 0.1% of portable speakers.
Carry options
none
Show more
Companion app name
Google Home
Firmware updates
yes
This portable speaker supports firmware updates. 52.9% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
Firmware update method
OTA; App
Voice assistant support
yes
This portable speaker supports voice assistants. 73.6% of portable speakers offer this feature.
Supports direct voice-assistant control.
Spotify Connect
?
Show more

LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 vs the average portable speaker

246810TotalAudioConnectivityBatteryDurabilityControlsDesignSmart features
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 32 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (28 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    28 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • 20 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20 W).
    40 W vs 20 W
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Includes a subwoofer
    This portable speaker includes a subwoofer, while the average portable speaker does not include a subwoofer.
    Has an integrated active subwoofer driver.
  • 32 Hz deeper bass extension
    This portable speaker has deeper bass extension than the average portable speaker (28 Hz vs 60 Hz).
    28 Hz vs 60 Hz
  • Has a noise-canceling microphone
    This portable speaker has a noise-canceling microphone, while the average portable speaker does not have a noise-canceling microphone.
    Uses microphone noise/echo cancellation for calls or voice.
  • Has built-in stereo speakers
    This portable speaker has built-in stereo speakers, while the average portable speaker does not have built-in stereo speakers.
    Provides true stereo output within the unit.
  • 20 W more audio output power
    This portable speaker has more audio output power than the average portable speaker (40 W vs 20 W).
    40 W vs 20 W
  • 1 more microphones
    This portable speaker has more microphones than the average portable speaker (2 vs 1).
    2 vs 1
  • Has beamforming microphones
    This portable speaker has beamforming microphones, while the average portable speaker does not have beamforming microphones.
    Uses beamforming microphone technology.
  • Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi connectivity, while the average portable speaker does not support Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Wi-Fi standard detailed
    This portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), while the average portable speaker supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Includes a power adapter
    This portable speaker includes a power adapter, while the average portable speaker does not include a power adapter.
  • Has an equalizer
    This portable speaker has an equalizer, while the average portable speaker does not have an equalizer.
    Offers user-selectable EQ, tone adjustment, or sound presets.
  • Supports party mode
    This portable speaker supports party mode, while the average portable speaker does not support party mode.
    Supports synchronized multi-speaker party/group playback.
  • Has a hardware microphone mute switch
    This portable speaker has a hardware microphone mute switch, while the average portable speaker does not have a hardware microphone mute switch.
    Has a physical microphone mute control.
  • Supports playback mute
    This portable speaker supports playback mute, while the average portable speaker does not support playback mute.
    Speaker playback audio can be directly muted.
  • Has a sleep timer
    This portable speaker has a sleep timer, while the average portable speaker does not have a sleep timer.
    A selectable timer can stop playback or power the speaker down.
  • 3.1 cm shallower
    This portable speaker is shallower than the average portable speaker (5.2 cm vs 8.3 cm).
    5.2 cm vs 8.3 cm
  • Supports multi-room audio
    This portable speaker supports multi-room audio, while the average portable speaker does not support multi-room audio.
    Supports synchronized multi-room playback.
  • Supports voice assistants
    This portable speaker supports voice assistants, while the average portable speaker does not support voice assistants.
    Supports direct voice-assistant control.
  • Supports firmware updates
    This portable speaker supports firmware updates, while the average portable speaker does not support firmware updates.
    Supports user-accessible firmware updates.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • 1,010 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,810 g vs 800 g).
    1,810 g vs 800 g
  • Does not support auto power-off
    This portable speaker does not support auto power-off, while the average portable speaker supports auto power-off.
    No automatic inactivity-based power-off.
  • 4.21x less popular
    LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 is less popular than the average portable speaker (1 vs 4.21).
    1 vs 4.21
  • 2.89x more expensive
    LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 is more expensive than the average portable speaker (£260 vs £90).
    £260 vs £90
  • Does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input
    This portable speaker does not have a 3.5 mm AUX input, while the average portable speaker has a 3.5 mm AUX input.
    No built-in 3.5 mm AUX input.
  • 0.8 Bluetooth levels older
    This portable speaker has an older Bluetooth version than the average portable speaker (4.2 vs 5).
    4.2 vs 5
  • Does not have a built-in rechargeable battery
    This portable speaker does not have a built-in rechargeable battery, while the average portable speaker has a built-in rechargeable battery.
  • Does not have a battery level indicator
    This portable speaker does not have a battery level indicator, while the average portable speaker has a battery level indicator.
  • Is not water resistant
    This portable speaker is not water resistant, while the average portable speaker is water resistant.
  • Is not rated as dust resistant
    This portable speaker is not rated as dust resistant, while the average portable speaker is dust resistant.
  • 5 °C lower maximum operating temperature
    This portable speaker has a lower maximum operating temperature than the average portable speaker (35 °C vs 40 °C).
    35 °C vs 40 °C
  • Does not support auto power-off
    This portable speaker does not support auto power-off, while the average portable speaker supports auto power-off.
    No automatic inactivity-based power-off.
  • 1,010 g heavier
    This portable speaker is heavier than the average portable speaker (1,810 g vs 800 g).
    1,810 g vs 800 g

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

V
venturebeat.com
19/11/2018
Summary of the review
LG Xboom WK9 review: Boomy bass can't make up for Google smart display shortcomings - VentureBeat
C
cnet.com
06/12/2018
Summary of the review
LG WK9 ThinQ Xboom AI Smart Display review - CNET
P
pcmag.com
18/01/2019
Summary of the review
LG Xboom AI ThinQ WK9 Smart Display Review - PCMag
T
techadvisor.com
09/05/2018
Summary of the review
LG Smart Display ThinQ WK9 Review: Hand-on - Tech Advisor If you'd like to proceed, I can help you by comparing the key audio specifications of this m...
T
techradar.com
10/01/2018
Summary of the review
Hands on: LG WK9 Wireless Speaker with Google Assistant review Venturebeat

Third-party reviews

What customers like about LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9

  • Powerful 20-watt dual front-facing stereo speakers
  • Loud volume capability with deep bass enhanced by Meridian Audio and rear passive radiators
  • Sharp and bright 8-inch touchscreen display
  • Excellent smart home control integration via Google Assistant
  • Built-in 5-megapixel front camera for easy video calling
  • Physical privacy shutter for the camera lens and a dedicated microphone mute button
  • Sturdy and solid build quality that keeps it securely anchored on flat surfaces

What customers don't like about LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9

  • Bulky, boxy, and utilitarian physical design
  • Mediocre high and low frequency sound reproduction, with some users reporting muffled vocals
  • High initial launch price compared to less expensive smart display competitors
  • Lacks internal battery power, meaning it must stay plugged into an outlet and is not truly portable
  • The 8-inch screen size can look small and dwarfed by the large surrounding speaker grilles

Verdict

The LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 is a premium smart display and speaker featuring an 8-inch HD touchscreen, integrated Google Assistant, and a front-facing 5-megapixel camera for video calls. Built around the Android Things operating system, it delivers powerful audio performance through dual-channel, 20-watt front-firing stereo speakers finely tuned by Meridian Audio, supported by dual passive radiators for enhanced bass, and offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Chromecast connectivity. Main advantages include exceptional volume, crystal-clear high-fidelity sound, a responsive microphone array, and seamless control over more than 10,000 smart devices. However, noticeable drawbacks include its bulky, clunky aesthetic with wide bezels, a lack of built-in battery or water-resistance rating for true portability, average audio clarity on complex musical tracks, and a high introductory launch price.

Compare LG XBOOM AI ThinQ WK9 with other products in the Portable Speakers category

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