Compare LG xboom Buds by will.i.am vs Soundcore by Anker Space A40 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.

Across reviews, ANC is strong for the price, especially against steady low-frequency rumble (traffic, engines), but it is less consistent against voices and higher-frequency clatter; a few reviewers still call it merely adequate compared with premium flagships. ANC offers manual and adaptive modes plus strength presets, but several testers report little real-world difference between levels, and changing presets from the earbuds is limited; others find the adjustability useful enough to dial in.

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

Android support is strong, including access to LDAC and the full Soundcore app feature set on compatible devices.

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

The Soundcore app is a major value add: it is usually described as straightforward, stable, and essential for unlocking features like EQ, control remapping, and firmware.

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

aptX support is explicitly absent in multiple reviews, so users prioritizing aptX should look elsewhere.

Latency and A/V sync are generally reported as good, especially for video; gaming modes exist, but several reviewers say improvements are subtle and best for casual mobile gaming.

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

Bass tends to be punchy and fun, with some reviews noting a mid-bass lift; extension and sub-bass weight are more variable, and stock tuning can feel light down low for bassheads unless EQ is used.

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 consistent highlight: real-world playback commonly lands around 6–8 hours with ANC and higher without it, with the case extending total time well beyond a full workweek for many.

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

Bluetooth stability is usually reliable with quick pairing and solid range, though at least one review reports intermittent re-pairing frustration that may require forgetting devices.

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

Overall build quality is solid for the price, though small durability concerns show up around case hinges and scratch-prone glossy interior surfaces.

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

The case is compact and convenient with wireless charging, but some reviews flag lid/hinge security or imperfect closure that can risk accidental opening.

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

Charging features are premium for the price, typically including fast-charge boosts and wireless charging; real-world convenience is strong even if total runtime varies by codec and ANC.

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 class (SBC/AAC with LDAC often available), but higher-quality modes can reduce battery life and may constrain other features like multipoint.

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 a strong point thanks to the small shells and light weight; long sessions are generally easy, though a few users report minor pressure or discomfort after several hours.

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

Design is frequently described as stylish and premium-looking for the price, with a compact, pocket-friendly aesthetic that does not scream budget.

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 five or six), improving fit odds; however, people with very large ear canals may still need third-party XL tips.

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

EQ customization is one of the standout features, with extensive presets plus custom multi-band control and HearID-style personalization that can noticeably refine mids/highs and bass balance.

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

Find My-style locating is present in some accounts, typically using audible beeps rather than true GPS tracking, and works as a practical backstop for misplaced buds.

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

Tuning is described as broadly balanced and inoffensive, with the ability to correct the signature via EQ; some note small tonal shifts when ANC is enabled.

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.

Instrument separation and imaging are often highlighted as a strength, delivering good layering and placement for the money, though not at true flagship levels.

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 repeatedly called a key differentiator for Android users, enabling higher-bitrate streaming; expect higher power draw and the need to toggle settings in the app.

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

Maximum-volume clarity is mostly maintained, with limited distortion reported; tonal balance, rather than distortion, is the more common complaint at higher levels.

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

Mic noise reduction can be effective at separating voice from traffic or café noise, yet wind processing artifacts and aggressive suppression can reduce naturalness or intelligibility for some callers.

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 mic quality is mixed: indoor clarity is often fine, and some reviewers are impressed, but others report thin, muffled, or inconsistent voice pickup in louder or windy environments.

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

Midrange is generally clear with decent vocal intelligibility, but a few reviewers note slightly veiled vocals or a cooler tuning that benefits from HearID/EQ tweaks.

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

Cross-platform support is good across iOS and Android, but the best codec features and some behaviors vary by platform (for example LDAC typically being Android-only).

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

Multipoint/dual-device connectivity is commonly praised as smooth and dependable, but at least one source claims it is missing and others note tradeoffs (like dropping to AAC/SBC when enabled).

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

Passive isolation is generally above average with a good seal, providing a solid baseline even before ANC; fit-dependent leakage is the main limiter if tips do not seal well.

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.

Preset EQ profiles are plentiful and generally useful, giving workable options for music genres and spoken word; most reviewers still recommend light personalization for best results.

Wear sensors are a weak spot: multiple reviews call out the lack of auto-pause/in-ear detection, which reduces day-to-day convenience compared with some rivals.

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

Setup is generally easy with quick pairing, but the feature set can feel dense; most reviewers suggest using the app to configure controls, codecs, and listening modes early.

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 widely praised for a sub-$100 set, with a clean, detailed presentation and lots of tuning flexibility; a recurring theme is that it is enjoyable rather than truly reference-grade for critical listening.

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 typically called wider than expected for compact buds, but still varies by listener and EQ, with some describing it as more in-head than expansive.

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 stability is generally good for daily use and light exercise, though the lack of stabilizing fins means heavy workouts and running can require occasional readjustment.

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

Touch controls are customizable and usually responsive, but several reviewers mention occasional missed taps, lag, or finicky behavior that takes practice.

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

Transparency mode is feature-rich (often with full and vocal-focused options) and can work well for quick conversations, but opinions diverge on naturalness: some hear hiss, brightness, or a narrow sound window.

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 good for the price, yet multiple reviewers mention either a treble spike/snappiness or a slight roll-off and reduced sparkle depending on tuning and ANC mode.

USB-C charging is explicitly confirmed.

USB-C charging is standard and universally present, with quick top-ups frequently cited as genuinely useful.

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

Voice assistant integration is available but not always reliable, with reports of lag or misinterpreted commands on some platforms.

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

Peak volume is generally more than sufficient for most listeners, with at least one measured test placing it firmly in loud-enough territory without obvious strain.

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

The IPX4 rating is adequate for sweat and light rain but not for dunking or heavy water exposure; runners wanting more protection may prefer higher-rated alternatives.

Weight comfort is excellent, with the buds routinely described as lightweight and easy to forget once seated properly.