Compare LG xboom Buds by will.i.am vs Nothing Ear (a) 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 is consistently rated as very good for $99: strong enough for commuting, offices, and travel, but still a step below the very best premium earbuds. The ANC controls are a plus, with multiple levels and adaptive behavior giving users more flexibility than many earbuds at this price.

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

Android users get extra upside from features like Fast Pair and LDAC, making the Ear (a) a particularly good value outside closed ecosystems.

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

Nothing X is widely praised for being clean, stable, and genuinely useful rather than filler software, adding meaningful value to the overall package.

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

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

Bass is energetic and satisfying, with enough weight for pop and hip-hop, but the default tuning can lean bass-heavy until you dial it back in the app.

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 a clear plus overall, especially with ANC off, and most reviewers found the case and quick top-ups easy to live with day to day.

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

Bluetooth stability is mostly solid, but there are scattered reports of stutters in interference-heavy areas, so reliability is good rather than flawless.

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

General build quality is good enough for the price, but the clear plastics and case finish draw some concern about scratches, creaks, and long-term wear.

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

The case is generally liked for its smaller footprint and pocketability, though some reviewers found it fiddly to open, awkward to load, or prone to cosmetic wear.

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

Charging is convenient thanks to fast USB-C top-ups, but the missing wireless charging is one of the most repeated compromises in the reviews.

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

Codec support is strong for the price, covering AAC and SBC broadly while also adding LDAC for higher-quality Android listening.

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

Long-session comfort is one of the most consistently praised traits, with reviewers repeatedly calling the earbuds easy to wear for hours without fatigue.

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

Design is a major selling point: the transparent Nothing look feels distinctive, stylish, and far less generic than most earbuds in this price band.

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.

The included tip selection works for most listeners, but the fit options are not especially expansive, so very small ears may need more trial and error.

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

EQ options are helpful and easy to use, but customization depth is limited versus pricier models because the Ear (a) relies on a simpler 3-band approach.

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

Find My is a small but appreciated bonus that makes the feature set feel unusually complete for budget earbuds.

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

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.

Where instrument separation was discussed, the Ear (a) performed well, making layered parts and small details easier to pick out than expected for budget buds.

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

LDAC support is directly criticized as missing.

LDAC support is a real differentiator in this segment and repeatedly mentioned as one reason the Ear (a) feels more premium than its price suggests.

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

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

Voice isolation can be impressively effective in some tests, yet reviewer consensus is more mixed once wind and heavier background noise enter the picture.

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 usually clear enough for everyday use, but it is not universally excellent, with some reviews reporting compressed or only average-sounding calls outdoors.

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

When reviewers called out the mids, they usually praised clear vocals and an open midrange, though the tuning is still more fun than strictly neutral.

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

Cross-platform behavior is a quiet strength, with reviewers liking that the core experience works well across Android, iPhone, and PC instead of favoring one ecosystem too heavily.

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

Multipoint is a standout convenience feature here, with most reviews praising smooth two-device switching, though a few noticed occasional prioritization hiccups.

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

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

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

In-ear detection and related sensor-based conveniences add polish, though fit sensitivity can occasionally trigger false pauses until the tips are dialed in.

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

Setup and day-to-day software use are repeatedly described as fast, intuitive, and frustration-free, which helps the earbuds feel polished beyond their price.

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 the reviews, sound quality is the Ear (a)'s biggest strength: lively, clear, and more refined than most sub-$100 rivals, even if it stops short of true flagship polish.

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.

Several reviews describe the presentation as wider and more spacious than expected at this price, helping music and movies feel less boxed in.

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

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.

Fit security is usually strong enough for commuting and light workouts, though a few reviewers still had occasional loosening depending on ear shape and activity.

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

The pinch-based controls are usually described as responsive and more reliable than typical tap controls, although some advanced gestures take practice.

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

Transparency mode is usable and sometimes above average for the class, but it is also one of the most common weak spots, especially versus flagship rivals.

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 detail is generally strong for the class, but some listeners noted the top end is not as airy or extended as pricier earbuds.

USB-C charging is explicitly confirmed.

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

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

Volume output is strong, with enough headroom for outdoor use, though not every reviewer found it exceptionally loud versus the broader market.

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

The buds are seen as gym- and commute-friendly thanks to their splash resistance, but the lower-rated case means the protection is not equally robust everywhere.