Compare LG xboom Buds by will.i.am vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen)

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.

Noise cancelling is repeatedly described as class-leading, with especially strong suppression of engine rumble and broad-spectrum everyday noise; a few reviews note minor hiss or occasional artifacts with sudden loud impacts, but overall performance remains top tier. Adjustability is strong via app modes and sliders, including custom levels and adaptive behavior (such as smoothing spikes), though some mode limitations and UI quirks are mentioned.

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

Android support is repeatedly framed as a strong use case, with modern Bluetooth features and higher-quality codec options that cater well to Android ecosystems.

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

The Bose app is generally seen as essential and functional for modes, device management, and settings, though some workflows (like mode creation) can feel limited or slightly confusing.

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

aptX Adaptive (including higher-quality variants cited by reviewers) is a key advantage versus some rivals for Android listeners who want better Bluetooth audio performance when supported by their phone.

Audio/video sync is usually fine for casual viewing and even editing for some users, but multiple comments suggest latency is not ideal for competitive gaming or fast-reaction play.

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

Bass is consistently described as deep, punchy, and satisfying; some listeners consider it aggressive or dominant, especially out of the box.

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 consistently called average for the category: typically around 6 hours with ANC, dropping with immersive/spatial modes, and supported by multiple case recharges.

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

Bluetooth stability is generally reported as solid across iOS and Android devices, with few or no dropouts in typical use, though some reviewers mention earlier-gen complaints and suggest toggling certain features if problems appear.

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

Earbud build quality is generally considered premium, with durability expectations aligned to the price; the case gets more mixed feedback on feel and refinement.

Controls are easy to learn and include useful gestures (notably swipe volume), yet multiple reviews mention finickiness and accidental activations; the ability to disable touch controls is an important mitigation.

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

The case is frequently described as bulky and less premium-feeling than the earbuds themselves; some reviewers also note the buds can be awkward to retrieve.

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

Charging is a Gen 2 strong point thanks to wireless charging support, plus fast top-ups via the case; a few notes suggest wireless coil placement can be finicky on some pads.

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 highlight for many reviewers, especially for Android users, with modern high-quality options noted alongside broad device compatibility.

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 widely praised for long sessions, especially once tips and stability bands are dialed in; a consistent caveat is that the shell size may not suit the smallest ears.

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

Design is polarizing: many like the sleek, modern look, but the buds are visually and physically large, which can be a problem for smaller ears.

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.

Tip and wing options are helpful for achieving a strong seal, but multiple reviews note the included range is adequate rather than expansive given the premium price.

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

EQ customization is a frequent criticism: it is typically described as a basic 3-band tool with limited precision, which may frustrate listeners trying to meaningfully reshape the tuning.

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.

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

Accessories commonly include multiple tip sizes and stability bands plus a charging cable; a few reviewers wish for extras like more sizes or a longer cable.

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

Instrument separation is repeatedly rated as strong, helping busy tracks stay organized and making details easier to pick out.

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 higher volumes, clarity generally holds up well according to multiple impressions, though overall tonal preference still depends on how you feel about the bass-forward tuning.

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

Noise reduction for calls is frequently praised (including AI-style voice isolation), yet a minority of measurements-based reviews report that wind and background sound can still bleed through depending on scenario.

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 widely reported as improved versus earlier generations, often sounding clear and intelligible; however, some tests still find it can struggle in very windy or extremely noisy environments.

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

Midrange presentation is generally clear enough for vocals and instruments, but opinions vary: some hear warmth and natural tone while others cite recessed or uneven mids that can affect certain voices.

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

Cross-platform use is broadly positive across phones, tablets, and computers; iOS works well, though several reviewers still note Apple ecosystem extras remain a separate advantage for AirPods users.

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

Multipoint is a meaningful quality-of-life feature and is mostly described as seamless for switching between two devices, with occasional notes that pausing one stream before starting another helps.

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

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

Portability is mixed: the case is pocketable but noticeably larger than key competitors, and runners often find it inconvenient to carry during workouts.

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

Preset EQ profiles are described as basic and not always effective at fixing core tuning preferences, especially for listeners sensitive to boosted bass or treble.

In-ear detection and related sensors are supported and configurable; at least one review suggests turning detection off if it contributes to unwanted playback behavior or stutters in edge cases.

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

Setup is usually straightforward, but several reviews emphasize the app is effectively mandatory for fully managing features like multipoint, modes, shortcuts, and certain tuning behaviors.

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.

Overall sound is widely praised as rich, engaging, and detailed, though it is not tuned for strict neutrality; a few reviewers find the stock profile too boosted at the extremes and harder to correct due to limited EQ.

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 commonly described as roomy and spacious for earbuds, with immersive modes able to expand the sense of space further (sometimes with tonal side effects).

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

Spatial/immersive audio features are robust and can sound more natural than many implementations, but not everyone prefers the processing, and it typically reduces battery life.

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 a major strength thanks to stability bands/wings, with several reviews calling them suitable for workouts and even running, though some users mention footstep thud in ANC mode.

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

Touch responsiveness is generally strong and often praised for quick gesture recognition, but sensitivity can lead to accidental triggers during fit adjustments or certain activities.

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

Transparency/Aware mode is generally clear and natural, with useful loud-spike handling in some implementations, but several reviewers still place it behind the very best competitors and note occasional hiss or wind sensitivity.

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 often described as crisp and detailed without obvious harshness for many, though some reviews report boosted regions that can fatigue sensitive listeners and note limited EQ control to tame it.

USB-C charging is explicitly confirmed.

USB-C charging is standard and widely appreciated, with fast-charge behavior commonly referenced for quick listening time boosts.

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 present via shortcut customization, with practical use reported (including Google Assistant), though it is not typically positioned as a headline differentiator.

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

Volume output is frequently described as loud and satisfying, with enough headroom for travel and commuting environments.

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

An IPX4 rating is repeatedly cited as sufficient for sweat and light rain, appropriate for workouts but not for full submersion scenarios.