Compare LG xboom Buds by will.i.am vs Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Earbuds

Reviews consistently praise ANC for strong everyday isolation, especially against low-frequency noise, even if it is not described as class-leading versus premium rivals.

ANC performance ranges from average to solid-for-the-price: it reduces low-frequency rumble well but is not class-leading versus premium models. Noise control is adjustable in the app with ANC on/off and hear-through options, making it easy to tailor for different environments.

One review says Google and Microsoft fast pairing makes setup with those devices simple, indicating solid Android-side compatibility.

Android support is strong thanks to features like Google Fast Pair and aptX/aptX Adaptive compatibility.

App support is generally a strength thanks to EQ, ANC and control customization, but one short review says the app still feels lacking.

The Connect app is feature-rich (EQ, noise modes, codec selection, updates, extras like soundscapes and ear-profile tools) and is generally reported as stable.

The only direct codec evidence is negative, with one review explicitly noting there is no aptX Adaptive support.

aptX/aptX Adaptive support makes these particularly attractive for Android users seeking higher-quality Bluetooth audio.

Low-latency mode delivers good audio-video sync, with most reviewers reporting minimal lip-sync delay for video and casual gaming.

Bass is repeatedly described as deep, impactful and weighty, though some reviews say the low end can dominate or muddy the presentation.

Bass is the headline: deep extension and punch are repeatedly praised, though it can sound forward on bass-heavy mixes.

Battery life is a clear positive, with reviews repeatedly citing around 10 hours from the buds and roughly 30 hours total with the case.

Battery life is repeatedly described as best-in-class, commonly around 20 hours in the buds (about 15 with ANC) plus roughly 30 more from the case.

One review explicitly confirms Bluetooth 5.4 with low-energy support.

Bluetooth stability is typically strong (including longer-range anecdotes), but a few users report occasional dropouts, especially in multipoint or obstructed scenarios.

Build impressions are mixed: one review says the buds themselves have decent build quality, while other design comments are less enthusiastic overall.

Build quality is widely seen as robust for the price, though a few note the silicone tips feel thin and may wear over time.

Physical buttons help avoid accidental touches, but their placement and size can be fiddly; some find multi-tap actions or locating the buttons frustrating.

Case impressions are mixed-to-negative, with one review calling it basic and another saying it feels cheap.

The case is generally sturdy with clear battery indicators and secure retention, but its large footprint is a common complaint.

Charging is described as quick, with one reviewer seeing the buds return to full after a short top-up.

Charging is USB-C with strong fast-charge results (about 10 minutes for roughly 90 minutes playback); most reviews note no wireless charging on the CKS50TW.

Codec support is functional rather than premium, with SBC, AAC and LC3 confirmed but no evidence of higher-end wireless codecs.

Codec support is a strength, with SBC/AAC plus aptX and aptX Adaptive mentioned often, and some app control over codec selection.

Comfort is the biggest divisive point: several reviews call the buds bulky or tiring in-ear, while two shorter reviews describe them as comfortable.

Comfort is generally good once the right tips are found, but the larger housings can feel bulky or less secure for smaller ears.

Design is broadly seen as plain, bulky or utilitarian rather than stylish.

Design is functional but plain, and the size is frequently called bulky compared to sleeker rivals.

Fit can be snug and sealed with the right tips, though not every reviewer found the available options ideal.

The buds include multiple ear tip sizes, but reviewers still note that the selection is modest compared with some rivals.

Multiple ear tip sizes are included (often four), helping with fit and seal, even if durability concerns pop up in a few reviews.

EQ customization is a major strength, with multiple reviews highlighting custom tuning tools and flexible adjustment.

EQ customization is a highlight, offering a five-band EQ and useful adjustments to tailor bass/vocals and overall balance.

One review confirms a Find My feature that can play a sound to help locate the buds.

The app includes a locate/find function for the earbuds, which is useful if you misplace them.

Tonal balance is inconsistent in the direct listening tests, with one review specifically calling the sound muddy.

Tuning trends warm rather than strictly neutral, but multiple reviews call it well-balanced across the range with good overall coherence.

Included extras are modest but useful, with extra ear tips and a removable hook specifically mentioned.

Instrument separation is a weak point, with one review explicitly saying these buds do not deliver phenomenal separation.

Separation and imaging are strong for the class, keeping transient details in context, but it does not match higher-end audiophile flagships.

Integrated microphones are clearly present and feature-rich, with one review noting three mics per earbud.

LDAC support is directly criticized as missing.

Maximum-volume performance is a weakness, with one review saying clarity worsens at higher volumes.

At very loud listening levels, some note dynamics can feel slightly compressed or squashed, even if clarity remains decent.

Mic processing features are a strength, with reviews mentioning suppression of unwanted noise and dedicated wind-noise handling.

Noise reduction on calls is inconsistent, with wind and busy-street noise sometimes bleeding through and degrading intelligibility.

Call quality is generally good rather than class-leading, with reviews describing clear speech and one standout whisper-mode result, but also a little tinniness in one case.

Call quality is mostly clear in quiet settings, with mixed results outdoors or in noisy rooms; some experiences are excellent while others report average performance.

Midrange clarity is mixed: some tuning improvements help, but muddiness remains a recurring complaint in other listening notes.

Midrange is generally clear, but the stock tuning can let bass mask lower mids and push vocals back; the Clear Vocal/EQ options help restore presence.

Cross-platform behavior is uneven, with iOS pairing friction specifically called out in one review.

One review highlights multipoint as a perk for maintaining connections with multiple devices.

Multipoint is widely appreciated for switching between phone and computer, though there can be slight delays and occasional reliability quirks.

Passive isolation benefits from a snug seal and secure in-ear fit when the right tips are used.

The seal provides solid passive isolation, sometimes good enough to reduce noise even before ANC is enabled.

The small, lightweight case makes the buds easy to carry on the go.

Portability is the main physical downside: the case is chunky and the buds are large, so jeans-pocket carry can be awkward even if bags and jacket pockets are fine.

Preset EQ modes are useful but inconsistent: they can improve some tracks, yet reviewers also describe the preset selection as limited.

Preset EQ modes (such as Bass Boost and Clear Vocal) are frequently cited as helpful and can meaningfully change the listening profile.

Wear-detection sensors are a notable omission in multiple reviews, so playback does not auto-pause when you remove a bud.

Sidetone/side-talk features help you hear your own voice more naturally during calls, which several reviewers appreciate.

Software and setup are not fully frictionless, with one review warning users to find the correct app.

Sound leakage is a clear weakness once volume rises past moderate listening levels.

Overall sound quality is highly mixed across the review set: some hear enjoyable, affordable tuning, while others call it a letdown that trails key rivals on clarity and refinement.

Across reviews, sound is described as warm and engaging with strong detail for the price, especially after EQ tweaks; a minority find it merely average without tuning.

Depth is limited, with one review specifically describing the presentation as claustrophobic.

Reviewers wanting a more open presentation are left unsatisfied, with one review explicitly calling for greater spaciousness.

Soundstage is often called convincing and well-staged for true wireless, though a few impressions place it closer to average rather than expansive.

One review says LG removed the focus on spatial, three-dimensional sound found in pricier alternatives.

Spatial audio/360 Reality Audio is a mixed bag: some find it immersive, others dismiss it, and it is limited by supported services.

Stability is generally good thanks to the hook and snug fit, although one review says that security is only moderate if the tips do not suit your ears.

Stability is generally strong once fitted, with multiple workout and head-movement anecdotes indicating the buds stay put.

Touch controls are polarizing: some reviewers found them fast and reliable, while others complained about phantom or accidental taps.

Transparency and ambient listening are described positively, with reviewers saying outside sound comes through naturally enough for awareness.

Hear-through/transparency is generally usable and fairly natural, but it can be mild and is not on the level of the best implementations.

Treble needs care: one review found crisp vocals on the right track, but others say the upper range can be overly forward or harsh.

Treble is usually smooth and non-fatiguing; some reviewers want more sparkle or sharpness, while others note it stays crisp at higher volumes.

USB-C charging is explicitly confirmed.

USB-C charging is consistently included and straightforward.

Value is mixed but not disastrous; several reviews see decent value or fair pricing, while others say stronger-sounding alternatives exist nearby.

Voice assistant support is limited in some coverage, with at least one review noting a lack of built-in voice-assistant control compared with certain rivals.

Volume output is on the low side in one review, forcing louder listening and exposing leakage issues.

Water resistance is consistently listed as IPX4, making the buds suitable for splashes and light rain rather than tougher workout protection.

Water resistance is consistently positioned as workout-friendly (commonly IPX4, with some coverage citing higher ratings on newer variants).

Weight is noticeable for some (and a few describe the fit as unbalanced), but others find the buds comfortable for long sessions.