LG is aiming to disrupt the wireless earbud market with the Xboom Buds Plus, a new offering developed in collaboration with musician will.i.am. Launched on , these earbuds distinguish themselves not only through audio quality but also with features rarely seen in mainstream products: a self-cleaning charging case and a built-in Bluetooth transmitter.
Priced at $180, the Xboom Buds Plus are currently available in black. The collaboration with will.i.am builds on LG’s existing Xboom line of audio products, but the Buds Plus represent a particularly ambitious step forward, addressing common pain points and adding unique functionality.
Beyond Audio: A Focus on Hygiene and Connectivity
One of the most striking features of the Xboom Buds Plus is the charging case’s integrated UVnano technology. This system utilizes ultraviolet light to eliminate 99.99% of bacteria on the ear gels and speaker mesh of the earbuds. LG specifies that the UVnano function is most effective against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae when the charging case is connected to a power source. This addresses a growing concern among users regarding the hygiene of frequently used personal audio devices.
However, the innovation doesn’t stop at cleanliness. The charging case also functions as a Bluetooth transmitter. This allows users to connect the earbuds to audio sources that lack native Bluetooth connectivity, such as in-flight entertainment systems or treadmills. A Reddit user review highlighted that this functionality requires a proprietary USB-C-to-3.5mm cable for non-wireless sources, but the convenience of using the case as a transmitter eliminates the need for separate Bluetooth dongles.
Technical Specifications and Audio Performance
Under the hood, the Xboom Buds Plus boast 10mm graphene drivers, designed to deliver a vibrant and immersive listening experience. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is provided through six microphones, aiming to effectively block out ambient sounds. The earbuds also feature adaptive EQ, which adjusts the sound profile based on the user’s listening environment. An IPX4 water resistance rating ensures durability against sweat and splashes.
LG states that the earbuds offer up to 30 hours of music playback, factoring in the charging case. Wireless charging capabilities are also included. The earbuds support Bluetooth LE Audio, a next-generation Bluetooth audio standard that promises improved efficiency and audio quality. However, full compatibility with Bluetooth LE Audio features is dependent on both the earbuds and the connected smartphone.
Bluetooth LE Audio and Compatibility Considerations
The adoption of Bluetooth LE Audio is a significant step, but its benefits are not universally available. The standard includes features like the LC3 codec and Auracast. Currently, iPhones do not support these wireless technologies. Samsung has a history of prioritizing its proprietary Samsung Seamless Codec over LC3 for music streaming, potentially limiting the benefits of Bluetooth LE Audio for Samsung users. Google’s Pixel smartphones, however, currently support both Bluetooth LE Audio features.
A Competitive Landscape
The LG Xboom Buds Plus enter a crowded market dominated by Apple’s AirPods and offerings from Sony, Bose, and Jabra. The combination of the UVnano cleaning technology, the integrated Bluetooth transmitter, and the collaboration with will.i.am positions the Xboom Buds Plus as a unique contender. Whether these features will be enough to carve out a significant market share remains to be seen, but LG is clearly attempting to differentiate itself through innovation and addressing user needs beyond simply audio quality.
The availability of the Xboom Buds Plus, after an initial announcement last fall, signals LG’s commitment to expanding its presence in the premium wireless earbud segment. The earbuds represent a compelling option for users seeking a combination of advanced features, hygiene, and connectivity.
