Compare LG xboom Buds by will.i.am vs Sennheiser CX 80U Wired 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.

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

USB-C compatibility is a clear strength, with successful use on Android phones in both reviews and no reported compatibility issues.

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

There is no companion app, which is typical for wired earbuds but still limits customization and feature depth.

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 punchy, agile, and clean rather than bloated, but both reviews suggest the very lowest bass lacks some rumble and weight.

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

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

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 viewed positively, with one review specifically calling it impressive for such an inexpensive wired model.

One review specifically highlights the integrated DAC and 24-bit/96kHz playback support as a real value-add for budget wired listening.

The in-line controls are easy to press and responsive, but overall functionality is basic and volume adjustment is a notable limitation.

The cable looks slim and tidy, but the non-flat design can bunch up and tangle in a pocket.

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

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

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

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 one of the strongest recurring themes, with both reviews describing long listening sessions as easy and irritation-free.

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

The CX 80U looks understated and practical overall, with one reviewer liking the classy silver accents while another found the design too plain to stand out.

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 eartip sizes help users dial in both comfort and seal, which directly supports the earbuds' fit and passive isolation.

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

There is effectively no EQ customization here, so users cannot tailor the sound profile beyond tip choice and source settings.

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

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

Reviewers consistently describe the tuning as balanced and accurate for the price, with natural vocals, convincing tonal balance, and good detail retrieval.

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

The accessory bundle is basic but useful, mainly centered on extra eartips rather than premium extras.

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

Layering and separation are generally good for a budget model, though one review noted that mids are not as distinctly separated as on pricier alternatives.

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

An in-line mic is included for calls and voice use, but it feels more functional than premium.

LDAC support is directly criticized as missing.

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

At higher listening levels, the earbuds stay controlled and avoid the harsh or tinny edge that often hurts cheap wired earbuds.

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

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.

Mic performance is acceptable but not exceptional, with decent vocal clarity offset by noticeable static in one review.

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

Mids are clear and robust, especially for vocals and acoustic material, though they do not reach the finesse of more expensive earbuds.

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

Cross-device compatibility is excellent for a wired USB-C model, with smooth use reported on phones, tablets, and laptops.

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

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

Passive isolation is a standout strength, with the seal doing a surprisingly strong job of reducing office chatter and everyday outside noise.

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.

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

Setup is about as simple as it gets: plug in the USB-C connector and start listening with no app, pairing, or extra steps required.

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.

Sound quality is the main reason to buy the CX 80U, with both reviews describing it as unusually refined, detailed, and balanced for the price. The wired USB-C path delivers clean, detailed playback and is a big part of why these earbuds outperform many cheap rivals.

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.

The presentation has more openness and spatial breathing room than expected at this price, helping the earbuds sound immersive rather than cramped.

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.

With the right eartips, the earbuds stay in place well enough for desk use and walking.

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.

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 vivid and expressive without turning harsh, which helps preserve detail and a sense of space.

USB-C charging is explicitly confirmed.

USB-C is a major advantage here, making the earbuds feel current and widely usable across modern devices.

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.

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

No water-resistance rating is highlighted, so these are a poor fit for buyers who need workout or rain-friendly earbuds.

The earbuds are very light, which contributes to their easy long-session comfort and unobtrusive feel.