[Mania] Stevie Wonder Praises "I Like It!"... Trying LG XBOOM Buds

Tried LG's Wireless Earphones 'XBOOM Buds'
Affordable Model in the 140,000 KRW Range Offers Great Value
Seamless Device Connection and Multi-Pairing
Over 3 Days of Use with Up to 30 Hours of Battery Life

"I like it!"

Stevie Wonder, an American singer-songwriter and music producer, said this after wearing a wireless earphone at CES 2025, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the United States last January. This earphone is also a product created in collaboration with another global musician, will.i.am. The name of this product, chosen by world-renowned musicians, is 'LG XBOOM Buds.' Our publication tried wearing the XBOOM Buds for about a month.

The XBOOM Buds are a new wireless earphone product newly introduced in January this year, following LG Electronics' first wireless earphone series 'Tone Free,' released in 2020. The retail price is in the 140,000 KRW range, significantly lower than the previous Tone Free, which was priced around 210,000 KRW. Even compared to other companies' latest products such as Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro (around 310,000 KRW) and AirPods Pro 2nd generation (320,000 KRW), the price is cheaper. It is priced similarly to low-cost models like Samsung's Galaxy Buds FE (110,000 KRW).

LG XBOOM Buds product photo, Photo by Junyi Park

According to market research firm Global Market Insights, the global wireless earphone market size was $7.4 billion (about 10.2 trillion KRW) in 2023 and is estimated to grow at an average annual rate of about 11% from last year to 2032. According to a Gallup Korea survey last year, the proportion of wireless earphone users among smartphone users approached 60%. LG Electronics also seems to have chosen a mid-to-low price range product line in line with the era of 'wireless earphone popularization.'

The product design was cleaner and slimmer than previous models. The cradle (case), measuring 63 mm in width and 32.8 mm in height, had a slim oval shape, making it easy to carry. Both the earphones and the case come in matte finishes (two colors: white and black), giving a premium design feel despite being a low-cost model. The earphones featured a wingtip design corresponding to the concha area of the ear when worn. Wireless earphones offer freedom of wear but often fall out easily. LG Electronics explained that this design supports the concha to solve this problem. Although the wingtips appeared to be positioned inside the concha, they did not provide a firm grip on the ear.

Wearing the LG XBOOM Buds, Photo by Joon Lee Park

Connection with other devices such as phones and tablets was smooth. Many people connect wireless earphones to their phones, and there was a perception that Bluetooth connection and synchronization would only be possible if the devices were from the same company. However, fast connection was possible even if the devices were from different companies. Especially, there was no recognition problem even when using other companies' devices. As soon as the earphones were worn, they were immediately recognized by other nearby devices. Then, after installing the 'LG XBOOM Buds' app, all functions could be controlled from other phones and tablets.

The XBOOM Buds support multi-pairing technology. They can store information for up to five devices and connect to two devices simultaneously. When actually connecting a laptop and a phone at the same time, it was possible to listen to audio on one device and freely switch to the other. When using low-cost products from other companies without multi-pairing, it was inconvenient to disconnect Bluetooth when a call came on the phone while watching a video on the laptop. With the XBOOM Buds, automatic voice switching between devices was convenient.

Screenshot of the multi-pairing screen on the 'LG XBOOM Buds product' app

The most important aspect of earphones, sound quality, was also at an appropriate level. According to LG Electronics, this product features a 'graphene' coated diaphragm. Graphene is a carbon film one atom thick, and using a graphene diaphragm allows for precise sound reproduction. Various sound settings were also available through the app. There were four modes: Immersive, Natural, Bass Boost, and Treble Boost. Setting the 'Bass Boost' mode, which enhances low frequencies, made the mid-bass sound deeper, creating a concert hall-like experience. The most neutral was the 'Natural' mode, which provided a moderate sound quality across all frequency ranges. Considering the price in the low 100,000 KRW range, it felt like excellent value for money.

Screenshot of the sound effects screen in the 'LG XBOOM Buds product' app

When listening to music and receiving messages or alarms, delicate functions such as music playing softly in the background were available. When music paused and resumed, the transition was smooth, with the volume gradually increasing rather than abruptly switching. When wanting to pause music briefly or set noise-canceling mode in daily life, functions could be easily controlled just by touching the device.

Another feature, noise control (noise canceling), was also decent. After using the product for a month in noisy places like subways and cafes, it did not completely block everyday noise but was effective in blocking moderate noise. The noise control function could be selected among three modes: Noise Cancelling, Off, and Ambient Sound (Listening Mode, Conversation Mode). In noise-canceling mode, loud conversations from people nearby in cafes were lightly blocked. Also, announcements at bus stops were less audible. Using the 'Ambient Sound' mode allowed users to listen to music while appropriately hearing environmental sounds. However, it did not completely block noise during outdoor phone calls.

Overall view of the LG XBOOM Buds product set, Photo by Park Joon-yi

There was no problem with battery usage over the month. Based on daily use of about 1-2 hours during commuting or daily life, one charge lasted at least three days. When noise-canceling mode was activated, usage time decreased slightly. The XBOOM Buds can be used for up to 10 hours on a single charge and up to 30 hours including case charging. It was also good that the battery level could be estimated by the case. When opening the case, a green light indicated over 80% battery, yellow light indicated 20-80%, and red light indicated below 20%, allowing users to check battery status.

Compared to the previous high-end Tone Free, the price was lowered but the UV sterilization function was omitted, which was a drawback. The Tone Free had a UV (ultraviolet) function in the case to reduce harmful bacteria. However, considering the low price in the low 100,000 KRW range, it seemed that LG Electronics tried to include many features such as clean sound quality, long battery life, and various sound mode options. It appears to be a suitable product for users who want to experience various functions at a reasonable price.