LG xboom Buds

LG xboom Buds: The Hardware

Each LG xboom Bud weighs just 5.3 grams. Along with the earbuds, you’ll receive a USB-C charging case (note that it doesn’t support wireless charging), a USB-C cable, three pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M, L), two sets of silicone rings (one with an ear hook and one without), plus a quick-start guide.

Rated IPX4 for splash resistance, each earbud houses a 10 mm graphene driver. Touch-sensitive surfaces on the back of each earbud allow for tap-based control. Thanks to the right ear-tip size and snug fit, you’ll also enjoy decent passive noise isolation even before turning on ANC.

As for the silicone ear hook, it’s quite soft and short. Depending on your ear anatomy, it may or may not provide extra grip. Some users find that the hook doesn’t really “catch” anywhere on the ear—so fit can be more dependent on the ear tips themselves than the silicone hook.

The xboom Buds utilize Bluetooth 5.4 and support SBC, AAC, and LC3 audio codecs. That means they’re fully prepared for Auracast Broadcast Audio, a major leap in Bluetooth audio streaming capabilities. You’ll also benefit from Google Fast Pair, Windows Swift Pair, and optimized pairing with newer LG gram laptops. Under clear conditions, the connection remains stable beyond 20 meters in open space, and it can typically extend through adjacent rooms or floors indoors.

Control With and Without the App

To make the most of your LG xboom Buds, you’ll need the app, available for Android and iOS. Through the app, you can manage ANC and transparency modes (LG calls this “Ambient Sound”), use a conversation mode (lowers music volume slightly to help you hear speech), and take advantage of the built-in EQ.

There are four preset EQ profiles plus two slots where you can save custom 8-band EQ settings. However, there’s a slight usability quirk: once both custom slots are used, there’s no easy way to revert back to a fully flat EQ unless you reset one of the profiles. An “EQ on/off” switch would have been helpful.

In the settings, you can assign different functions to single-tap, double-tap, triple-tap, or a long press. You can also deactivate the touch surfaces if you find yourself accidentally triggering commands during everyday activities.

A standout feature is the well-designed multipoint management. You can search for and pair with additional sources on the fly, easily disconnect one device, and reconnect another. If you don’t need to stay paired with two devices at once, you can disable multipoint altogether.

Additional App Features

• Wearing Test: Checks earbud fit and optimizes ANC.
• Auto-Pause: Automatically pauses playback when you remove an earbud.
• Low-Latency Gaming: Reduces audio lag during mobile gaming.
• Find My Earbuds: Plays a tone to locate them within Bluetooth range.
• Auracast Scanning: Detects nearby Auracast broadcasts for expanded listening options.

LG xboom Buds: ANC and Transparency Mode

ANC (Active Noise Cancelling) on the LG xboom Buds is decent—but no more than that. When switched on, you’ll notice a gentle static hiss, and it does reduce some low-frequency noise, yet it won’t give you that near-silent experience top-tier ANC might deliver.

The ambient mode (transparency) also introduces noticeable background hiss. However, it does a reasonable job of letting external sounds through. LG includes a conversation mode that lowers music volume further so you can talk without removing your earbuds, but some users find the music level still too loud for genuinely easy conversations.

LG xboom Buds: Sound Quality

Out of the box, the LG xboom Buds offer a lively sound profile that suits modern pop and chart music. The bass is strong, setting a solid foundation. The midrange can feel a bit too prominent, however, and the treble might lack some sparkle, creating a slightly “veiled” audio presentation.

Using the EQ, you can dial back the mids or boost the highs to achieve a more vibrant, open sound. While the sound never becomes perfectly crystalline, the presets and manual EQ can go a long way in adapting the signature to your personal preferences.

LG xboom Buds: Phone Calls and Battery Life

Phone calls on the LG xboom Buds come through clearly, albeit with a slightly “boxed-in” tone. Background noise gets filtered out effectively, and callers on the other end won’t immediately notice you’re speaking through earbuds.

In terms of runtime, expect around seven hours on a single charge with ANC on, or up to ten hours with ANC off. Including the charging case, you can reach a total of 24 hours (ANC on) or 30 hours (ANC off). A quick five-minute charge in the case provides about an hour of playtime, making short top-ups convenient.

Conclusion

At a suggested retail price of around €129, the LG xboom Buds offer a compelling mix of features—from Auracast readiness and robust multipoint management to customizable EQ and decent noise-cancelling. There’s little missing in terms of modern functionality (except Dolby Atmos, head tracking, or higher-end codecs).

Visually and functionally, these earbuds match the current market expectations. The noise cancelling, while useful, is merely average, and the overall audio could use a bit more clarity. Still, the solid build, strong battery life, and feature-packed app make the LG xboom Buds a worthy contender if you value flexibility, convenience, and style.