Compare LG xboom Buds by will.i.am vs OnePlus Buds 3

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 is good for the price but not unanimous: several reviews call it strong in Max/Smart modes, while others describe it as average or clearly behind key rivals. Expect solid low-frequency reduction, with more variance on mid/high chatter and wind. Most reviewers note multiple ANC strength options (Mild/Moderate/Max plus Smart/adaptive). Smart can be handy, but lower settings may feel much weaker than Max and the adaptive shifts are not always obvious.

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 Fast Pair, broad feature access in HeyMelody, and LHDC availability on compatible phones. Non-OnePlus Android devices may need the app for full control.

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

The HeyMelody app (or OnePlus system settings) delivers broad control over modes, EQ, and features. Experiences range from polished and fast to occasionally glitchy, especially when the app fails to detect the buds reliably.

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

Video lip-sync and general A/V timing are typically good, and low-latency/game modes help in demanding scenarios. Some gaming use can still show slight delay in fast shooters depending on device and settings.

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

Bass is a defining trait: often described as powerful and punchy, sometimes even thunderous. Whether it is a plus or a minus depends on your taste, and several reviews suggest using EQ/BassWave to moderate it.

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

Real-world battery is usually around 6.5 to 7 hours with ANC on and closer to 10 hours with ANC off, matching most manufacturer claims. Heavy feature stacking (ANC + LHDC + spatial) can noticeably reduce runtime.

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

Baseline Bluetooth stability is generally solid in everyday use, with rare reports of app-connection hiccups or slower initial pairing rather than persistent dropouts.

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 generally good for the price, with solid fit and finish and durable day-to-day handling. A few reviewers flag that the buds are not especially rugged or that glossy parts show wear like fingerprints.

Control mapping is flexible in the app and most gestures work reliably. A few reviews dislike the lack of pressure-squeeze controls or note that default mappings may require customization to feel complete.

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

The case is typically described as compact and pocketable with a decent hinge and finish. A few reviews call the plastic feel less premium or note it can be a bit slippery when removing buds.

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

Charging is fast and generally reliable, with quick-charge behavior repeatedly mentioned. The main downside is the lack of wireless charging on the case.

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 tier (SBC/AAC plus LHDC 5.0) and generally works well. However, some testing suggests very high LHDC bitrates can be unstable and can cost battery.

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 consistent strength: the buds are lightweight and many reviewers report long-session comfort. Fit can feel slightly loose for some ears, so tip selection matters.

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

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 box typically includes three tip sizes, which covers most ears but not all; some reviewers wish for extra-large tips or more varied options.

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

EQ support is a major strength: multiple presets plus a custom multi-band EQ are widely praised for meaningful tuning, though a minority say changes can feel subtle depending on the preset and listening habits.

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

Find My features are typically audio-based (playing a sound) rather than full location tracking. Useful for nearby couch-cushion situations, less helpful for true lost-and-gone scenarios.

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

Frequency response out of the box is commonly described as V-shaped rather than neutral. With the right preset or custom EQ, several reviewers say it can get much closer to balanced listening.

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 is often praised for this class, helped by the dual-driver design and tuning tools. Not every review calls it exceptional, but most agree it is above average at the price.

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

LDAC support is directly criticized as missing.

LDAC is not supported; multiple reviews point to LHDC as the hi-res option instead. If you specifically want LDAC, this model is a mismatch.

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

Clarity at high volume is good overall, though several reviews warn that treble can get harsh or sibilant when pushed toward the top end of the volume range.

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

Background-noise handling on calls is frequently praised, with several reviews noting strong suppression of chatter and environmental sounds. Wind handling is good but not universally perfect across all reports.

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 often rated very good for the price, with voices coming through clearly. A minority describe it as merely adequate rather than class-leading.

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

Midrange presence is generally decent but can feel recessed compared to the bass and treble in the default tuning. Some reviewers find vocals clear, while others want more natural mid emphasis.

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

Cross-platform support is better than many budget buds: iOS users get the app and most core features, but hi-res codec advantages and some behaviors may vary by device ecosystem.

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

Multipoint is frequently highlighted as a standout convenience feature, with several reviewers calling it excellent or flawless for switching between two devices. Using multipoint can reduce available hi-res bandwidth on some setups.

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.

Preset profiles are generally useful (with some reviewers preferring certain presets as closer to balanced). Bass-leaning presets and BassWave can be fun but may not satisfy listeners chasing a reference curve.

Wear detection and other sensors generally work as expected for pausing, mode toggles, and personalization tests, though performance can vary by ear fit and configuration.

Glossy or chrome-like surfaces tend to pick up fingerprints and smudges, which multiple reviewers call out. The case finish is often less prone to marks than the earbuds.

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

Setup is usually straightforward with Fast Pair on Android, but a few reviewers report slower pairing or extra friction when installing/using HeyMelody on non-OnePlus phones.

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 quality is widely considered strong for the price, with an energetic, consumer-friendly tuning and plenty of detail for casual listening. A few reviewers still categorize it as merely good-not-great versus flagship sets.

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 generally moderate with a sense of space that improves with spatial modes, but it is not universally described as wide or holographic in standard stereo playback.

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

Spatial or 3D audio is polarizing: some reviewers find it immersive and a big value add, while others call it underwhelming or artificial, and it may not behave consistently across apps/devices.

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 in the ear is good for most users and workouts, but not perfect: a handful of reviews mention needing occasional readjustment, especially with sweat or a looser seal.

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

Touch and swipe controls are generally responsive and feature-rich (including volume gestures). Some users report occasional mis-taps or finicky behavior when moving or when the touch area is hard to locate.

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

Transparency generally sounds natural and usable, but quality varies: some find it close to best-in-class for conversations, while others say it still muffles speech or is not clearly better than ANC.

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 described as lively and detailed, though it can become sharp, sibilant, or fatiguing at higher volumes for some listeners.

USB-C charging is explicitly confirmed.

USB-C charging is standard and consistently present across reviews, with no major complaints about the port itself.

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.

Maximum loudness is a frequent positive: many reviewers note it gets very loud without needing to push the volume far. This helps in noisy environments but can tempt unsafe listening levels.

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

The IP55 dust and water rating is a meaningful plus for rain and sweat, and reviewers generally treat it as dependable for everyday exercise. It is not intended for submersion.