- Better: sonic performance What Hi-Fi? treated the Sony WF-C710N as the stronger class-leading benchmark in this price range.
- Compared: price bracket and competing noise-canceling earbuds Tom's Guide positioned the Sony WF-C710N as a same-price competitor.
LG xboom Buds by will.i.am Review
Bottom Line
Choose the LG xboom Buds for strong ANC, long battery life, rich bass, and a highly useful app. Skip them if sound clarity, long-session comfort, premium codecs, or best-in-class value matter most.
Best for
Best for commuters and feature-focused buyers who want strong ANC, long battery life, app-based tuning, secure fit options, and bass-forward sound at a moderate price.
Not for
Not for listeners who want the clearest sound, premium codec support, spacious instrument separation, or guaranteed comfort during long sessions.
Verdict
The LG xboom Buds land as feature-rich, affordable noise-canceling earbuds with strong ANC, useful app tools, solid battery life, and bass that can be enjoyable after tuning. The tradeoff is that the same bass-forward tuning often hurts clarity, separation, and spaciousness, while several reviewers found the rounded design bulky or uncomfortable for longer sessions. Call quality and stability are generally dependable, and Auracast adds an uncommon extra, but codec support and sound refinement trail several named rivals. The evidence points to capable commuter earbuds with real feature appeal, not a consistently convincing pick for listeners who prioritize sonic detail or long-wear comfort.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Worse: touch control sensitivity Tom's Guide found the xboom Buds' touch controls less overly sensitive than the EarFun OpenJump open-ear earbuds.
- Compared: budget alternative What Hi-Fi? listed the Sony WF-C510 as a cheaper non-ANC alternative.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
41 reviewed features- Very positive 4.5-5.0 10% 4 features
- Positive 3.5-4.4 29% 12 features
- Neutral 2.5-3.4 37% 15 features
- Negative 1.5-2.4 22% 9 features
- Very negative below 1.5 2% 1 feature
Pros
-
Charging is a positive in the available review evidence, especially because the buds topped back up quickly.
-
The integrated microphone earns praise through whisper-style use, with one reviewer saying it could pick up every word.
-
Portability is strong because the case is compact and light enough to pocket easily.
-
Software and setup are helped by the useful fit-test function and simple pairing experience on supported platforms.
-
Auracast is repeatedly framed as a useful, uncommon, or unique feature that adds value if nearby broadcasts matter to the user.
-
Battery life receives broad praise, with reviewers calling the figures strong, competitive, or impressive for the price.
-
Noise cancellation is one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers praising how effectively it dulled or blocked low-frequency and everyday noise for the price.
-
Transparency mode is praised as useful for letting outside sound through when needed.
-
Multipoint is viewed as a useful perk, though the evidence is more about convenience than stress-tested reliability.
-
Call microphone quality ranges from usable to excellent, with one reviewer reporting exceptionally clear call sound and others noting some tinniness.
-
EQ customization is useful and can improve the sound, though reviewers agreed it does not fully erase the underlying tuning problems.
-
The companion app is mostly praised for customization, fit testing, ANC controls, and clarity, though one short review criticized it.
-
Eartip fit can be secure with a tight seal, but fit remains inconsistent because limited tip options and shape caused issues for some users.
-
Water and sweat resistance is adequate for light rain and workouts, but review evidence does not frame it as a standout durability feature.
-
Stability is generally good thanks to hooks, seal, and secure fit, but it can fall apart when the eartips do not suit the wearer.
-
Build quality is acceptable rather than premium, with the buds described as decently built while the overall feel remains basic.
Cons
-
Touch controls are mixed: they can be fast and responsive, but other reviewers reported accidental or phantom taps.
-
Bass is a mixed strength: reviewers heard impact, depth, and fun energy, but several also connected the tuning to muddiness or reduced clarity.
-
Ear tip options are mixed: one reviewer achieved a snug fit, while another considered the number of options disappointingly modest.
-
Multi-platform compatibility is mixed: Google and Microsoft pairing was praised, while iOS pairing was criticized.
-
Sound quality is the most divisive area: some reviewers heard enjoyable or even stellar audio, while others found it muddy, unclear, or below rivals.
-
Value for money is highly split: the buds bring ANC, battery, and features at a moderate price, but several reviewers preferred cheaper or clearer-sounding rivals.
-
Microphone noise reduction is serviceable but imperfect, since higher-frequency background sounds could still get through.
-
Midrange clarity improves with tuning but can become muddy when bass dominates.
-
Comfort is sharply split: multiple reviewers found the rounded, bulky fit poor for long sessions, while others reported a comfortable fit.
-
Preset EQ quality is uneven, with some presets improving individual tracks while treble-heavy tuning could sound harsh or tinny.
-
Frequency balance needs adjustment, with TechRadar saying the buds require tuning for a more balanced sound.
-
Carry case impressions are modest, with reviewers describing it as basic or cheap rather than premium.
-
Treble clarity is inconsistent, sounding crisp in places but harsh or tinny without tuning.
-
Bluetooth setup is hurt by iOS pairing friction, with one reviewer criticizing the lack of automatic discoverability on iOS.
-
Instrument separation is a limitation, with TechRadar noting that vocals, synths, and other elements were not layered enough.
-
Soundstage width is limited, with reviewers wanting greater spaciousness and more expansive layering.
-
Maximum-volume clarity is weak, with reviewers hearing distortion, fuzziness, or quality loss at high volumes.
-
Soundstage depth is limited, with What Hi-Fi? describing the presentation as claustrophobic.
-
Design and aesthetics are consistently weak, with reviewers calling the buds boring, bulky, not sleek, or visually uninteresting.
-
Codec support is a drawback because reviewers criticized the lack of higher-resolution codec options.
-
Sound leakage is a clear weakness in one review, especially above roughly 40% volume.
-
Spatial audio is a weakness because the product lacks the more immersive, three-dimensional focus found in pricier LG earbuds.
-
Volume output is a weakness because one reviewer found the buds quiet enough to push volume into leakage-prone levels.
-
LDAC support is absent, and reviewers treated that lack of higher-end codec support as a sonic limitation.
-
aptX support is a weakness because TechRadar specifically called out the absence of aptX Adaptive as a limitation.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Earbud Headphones, this product is below average in Volume output, Soundstage width, Design and Aesthetics.
Summary
8 compared features- Above average 0.4+ pts higher 0% 0 features
- Same as average within 0.3 pts 0% 0 features
- Below average 0.4+ pts lower 100% 8 features
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume output | 2.0 | 3.9 | -1.9 |
| Soundstage width | 2.4 | 4.3 | -1.9 |
| Design and Aesthetics | 2.2 | 4.0 | -1.8 |
| Maximum volume clarity | 2.3 | 4.0 | -1.7 |
| LDAC | 1.5 | 3.2 | -1.7 |
| Instrument separation | 2.5 | 4.2 | -1.7 |
| Bluetooth | 2.5 | 4.2 | -1.7 |
| Soundstage depth | 2.2 | 3.8 | -1.6 |
FAQ
Are the LG xboom Buds good at noise cancellation?
Yes. Reviewers repeatedly praised ANC as effective for the price, especially against low-frequency traffic, office noise, and general background rumble.
How do the LG xboom Buds sound?
Sound quality is mixed. Reviewers liked the bass and said EQ tuning can improve the balance, but several complained about muddiness, harsh treble, weak separation, or rivals sounding clearer.
Are they comfortable for long listening sessions?
Comfort is one of the most divided areas. Some reviewers found the fit secure or comfortable, while others said the rounded, bulky shape made long sessions unpleasant.
Is the LG xboom Buds app useful?
Mostly yes. Reviewers praised the app for EQ, ANC adjustment, fit testing, and touch-control customization, though one short review said the app leaves a lot to be desired.
How is battery life?
Battery life is a strength. Reviewers called the figures strong or impressive, and one review said real-world testing confirmed the claimed numbers held up.
Are they good for calls?
Call quality is generally decent to strong. One reviewer said they had never sounded clearer on a call, while others heard enough clarity with some tinniness or higher-frequency background noise.
Consider This Instead
If you want better aptX
Choose Audio-Technica ATH-CKS50TW Earbuds. It scores 4.3 vs 1.0 for aptX, with a 3.9 overall score.
If you want better Volume output
Choose Technics EAH-AZ100 Earbuds. It scores 5.0 vs 2.0 for Volume output, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better Codec support
Choose JBL Tour Pro 3 Earbuds. It scores 4.9 vs 2.0 for Codec support, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better LDAC
Choose Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds. It scores 4.4 vs 1.5 for LDAC, with a 3.9 overall score.
Overall Top Earbud Headphones Alternatives
Choose the JBL Tour Pro 3 if you want feature-packed earbuds with strong sound, ANC, LDAC and a genuinely useful smart case. Skip them if you have smaller ears, want...
Pros: Codec support, Dongle
Cons: Sound leakage, Find My
Choose the Technics EAH-AZ100 if sound quality, bass, ANC, battery life, and multipoint matter most. Skip them if you need flawless calls, Bose-level ANC, the most natural transparency, or a...
Pros: Volume output, Maximum volume clarity
Cons: aptX, Auracast support
Choose these for excellent sound, deep app control, strong codec support, and a premium true-wireless package. Skip them if call quality, best-in-class ANC, iPhone integration, or a compact case matters...
Pros: Maximum volume clarity, Stability
Cons: Spatial audio, Microphone noise reduction
Choose the Sennheiser CX 80U for detailed, comfortable USB-C wired listening at a low price. Skip them if you need deep sub-bass, waterproofing, wireless features, volume buttons, or a cleaner...
Pros: Comfort during long use, USB-C
Cons: Microphone noise reduction, Water/sweat resistance rating