Hygiene And That Certain Extra Are The Focus Of These Headphones

LG headphones are characterized by the emission of ultraviolet light to eliminate certain bacteria present in the tips, but also by their charging box. It can also be used as a Bluetooth transmitter for devices that only have a wired audio output.

The true wireless earphones Tone Free T90 from LG, which are available for around 230 euros, stand out from the competition with an original function, which we can guess by looking at the included accessories. In addition to the two pairs of additional tips and the USB Type-A to USB Type-C charging cable, the manufacturer supplies a mysterious USB Type-C to 3.5 mm jack cable (right in the picture below).

This cable connects to the charging box, which has a dual function: to charge the headphones and as a Bluetooth transmitter for an audio device that does not benefit from the wireless interface. The connection can be analogue (3.5 mm jack) or digital (USB via the charging cable). Activating this function, called Plug & Wireless, is very simple: we only had to flip a small switch on the side of the housing.

The switch to enable the Bluetooth radio © LM/01net.com

We therefore tested this function analogously, by connecting the audio jack of the cable to a laptop PC, then to a tablet and connecting the USB side of the cable to the box. So yes, we do hear the audio from the analog source with the headphones, but unfortunately the audio level is very low even when the volume on the source is turned to the maximum. It turned out to be just about enough when we plugged it into a CD player’s headphone output. It’s really a shame that LG didn’t think of putting an amplifier in its case. The digital connection, on the other hand, works perfectly, for example by plugging the charging cable into the USB port of a laptop PC. The box is then recognized by the computer as an external USB sound card.

If you choose the right size ear tips, the Tone Free T90s are comfortable and fit snugly in your ears. In addition, thanks to their IPX4 certification, they are resistant to sweat and rain. The touch controls work very well and a small nub makes it easy to find the right area with your finger.

Good sound quality, but too subtle ANC

When listening, the headphones from LG deliver a warm sound with good bass and a good mid-range reproduction thanks to 11 mm drivers. We appreciated the very good spatialization of the instruments, but regretted a slight lack of treble, which reduces the brilliance and can even make the sound a bit dull with metal bands like Rammstein. However, this problem can be fixed using the free application’s equalizer (see below).

We also tested the Dolby Atmos feature, which is available on certain Netflix series, for example, but didn’t find the surround effect very stunning despite expanding the soundstage. On the other hand, we appreciated the multipoint Bluetooth that allows you to connect two devices at the same time and easily switch from one to the other. On the audio codec side, LG integrates the classic SBC and AAC, but also the aptX Adaptive. If your mobile device is compatible, it will adapt the speed to the quality of the Bluetooth connection to give you the best possible sound.

Another point of criticism: The active noise cancellation (ANC) is correct, but nothing more. It eliminates most low frequencies on the subway, but not all. On the road, it’s quite effective in reducing car noise. On the other hand, it doesn’t filter the voices at all, which is of little use in a crowded place or in an open space. Apple and Bose fare significantly better in this area.

Cleaning with UV light

Like the Tone Free FP8 we tested, the Tone Free T90 benefits from UVnano technology. This emits ultraviolet light to eliminate Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli from inside the tips. The process takes about five minutes but requires the headphones to be in their case and connected to a wired or wireless (Qi standard) charger.

This feature is useful considering that Escherichia coli, also known as colibacillus, is a bacterium that can cause gastroenteritis, even meningitis. Staphylococcus aureus is also dangerous, causing foodborne illness but also potentially deadly nosocomial infections.

A little bit of staying power with ANC

LG announces up to 9 hours of autonomy without ANC and that’s actually the case. We measured a very good score of 9 hours 27 minutes. Unfortunately, stamina drops when noise reduction is enabled. It only takes 5 hours 41 minutes, which is slightly below average. In comparison, the Tone Free FP8s clock in at 9h 21m, which rises to 10h 28m when you turn off the noise reduction. Note that the Apple AirPods Pro 2 last 6h 7min with ANC active. After all, according to the manufacturer, the box offers up to 20 additional hours.

LG offers the free Tone Free app for iOS and Android. This program embeds an equalizer with several predefined modes and two customizable modes. The app has a handy feature to determine if you have chosen the right size earmold and if the insulation is optimal.

It also allows you to ring the left earbud or right earbud if you misplaced them. That’s pretty handy when they’re close and within range of your smartphone. It manages multipoint Bluetooth, as well as auto-pause when you remove either earphone.

Finally, it has the possibility of changing the touch zone controls, except for the long touch reserved for changing the ANC mode. You can choose what action to take when you touch the areas once, twice, or three times.