LG XBoom Buds Review: Affordable ANC Earbuds with Impressive Sound Quality

LG has been a trusted name in audio technology for years, but its presence in the wireless earbuds market hasn’t been as dominant as it once was. With the introduction of the LG XBoom Buds, however, the company is back with a bang. These wireless earbuds offer impressive features like active noise cancellation (ANC) and solid sound quality at a competitive price. But do they hold up against the giants like Apple’s AirPods and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds? Let’s dive into a detailed review.

Design & Unboxing

The LG XBoom Buds come in a compact, familiar case that is easy to carry around. Upon opening the box, you’ll find the earbuds and a selection of accessories, including a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, multiple ear tips for different ear sizes, and two options for wing tips. These wing tips offer extra support, ensuring a secure fit during movement. The earbuds have a sleek, rounded design, which immediately brings to mind the Sony and Galaxy Buds, albeit with a distinct LG touch. The case itself feels slightly toy-like when opening and closing, which is the only minor design flaw.

Comfort and Fit

When it comes to comfort, the LG XBoom Buds are designed to fit snugly in most ears. The inclusion of wing tips adds stability, especially for those who engage in physical activities like walking or jogging. However, users with smaller ear canals may find the earbuds slipping out more easily. The wing tips are useful in keeping the earbuds in place, but those with larger ears might need to swap them for the flatter tips included in the box for a more comfortable fit.

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the standout features of the LG XBoom Buds. With ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) mode on, you can expect up to 7.5 hours of playback time. That’s an impressive feat, especially considering the price range of these earbuds. Whether you’re commuting or just enjoying your favorite tunes, the long-lasting battery ensures you can go for hours without worrying about recharging.

Additionally, the XBoom Buds are IPX4 rated, meaning they can withstand sweat and rain, making them a solid choice for workouts and outdoor activities.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of the LG XBoom Buds is surprisingly good, especially considering their price. While they might not match the high-end sound signature of more expensive options like the AirPods Pro 2, they perform admirably for their cost.

The bass is deep, yet balanced, while the mids and highs come through clearly. A standout feature is the earbuds’ ability to pick up subtle details in the music. For example, high-pitched notes or delicate background instruments, like the whistling in IVE’s “Baddie,” are distinct and crisp. Furthermore, the soundstage is wide, with clear separation between instruments, making these earbuds a great option for music lovers who appreciate intricate soundscapes.

The earbuds also support Dolby Atmos audio, which enhances spatial sound and provides a more immersive listening experience. Comparing them to the AirPods Pro 2, the XBoom Buds offer slightly better clarity in certain mid-to-high ranges, with more pronounced echoes and reverberations.

Noise Cancellation Performance

Active noise cancellation (ANC) is one of the key features of the LG XBoom Buds, and they perform surprisingly well for the price. While they don’t fully match the high-end ANC of AirPods Pro 2, they significantly reduce ambient noise, such as the hum of air conditioning or chatter in a café. This makes them a great option for those who want to immerse themselves in their music without distractions, without breaking the bank.

App & Customization

The LG XBoom Buds connect via the XBoom app, which offers a range of customization options. You can adjust sound settings, including equalizer (EQ) preferences, and even control noise-canceling performance based on your ear shape. The app allows you to optimize ANC settings by testing your fit, ensuring that you get the most out of the earbuds’ noise-canceling capabilities. The app also supports multi-point pairing, meaning you can connect to two devices at the same time and switch between them seamlessly.

Call Quality:

One area where the LG XBoom Buds fall short is call quality. While the earbuds do a good job of blocking out background noise, they struggle with voice clarity. During calls, voices can sound slightly muffled, and there is a noticeable echo. If you prioritize clear calls, this may be a dealbreaker. However, for casual or short calls, the performance is adequate.

Pros:

• Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Impressive noise isolation at a budget-friendly price.
• Sound Quality: Balanced and clear audio with a spacious soundstage.
• Comfortable Fit: Includes wing tips for added stability during physical activity.
• Battery Life: Up to 7.5 hours of playback in ANC mode.
• Customization Options: Advanced settings available via the XBoom app, including EQ adjustments and ANC optimization.

Cons:

• Call Quality: Voices can sound muffled and echoey.
• Fit for Small Ears: Might not be ideal for those with smaller ear canals.
• Plastic Case: Feels a bit flimsy compared to premium alternatives like AirPods Pro.
• No High-Resolution Codec Support: Lacks support for aptX or LDAC, which some audiophiles may miss.

Final Thoughts

The LG XBoom Buds are a great value for anyone looking for affordable earbuds with active noise cancellation and solid sound quality. While they don’t match the premium options in terms of features like high-quality call performance or advanced codecs, they excel in most other areas, especially when considering their price tag.

At around $100, the XBoom Buds deliver a competitive mix of sound quality, comfort, and battery life, making them an excellent choice for those on a budget or anyone who needs reliable earbuds for everyday use. LG might not be the first brand you think of when it comes to wireless audio, but these earbuds could change that.