LG’s lineup of ToneFree true wi-fi earphones incorporates Meridian sound expertise and those we have reviewed earlier than positively impressed us. We now have LG’s newest top-of-the-line TWS earphones referred to as the LG ToneFree FP9. Whereas the naming scheme might positively use some work, these earbuds look spectacular on paper. LG often has a trick or two up its sleeve to tell apart their earbuds from rivals. The earphones come geared up with UV cleaning expertise that rids the earbuds of micro organism when the case is on cost, as per LG. This function has additionally been current on earlier LG TWS earbuds such because the LG ToneFree FN7, we have beforehand reviewed. One other attention-grabbing function is the charging case’s means to double as a wi-fi transmitter, permitting customers to hearken to non-Bluetooth gadgets wirelessly. However are these options sufficient to justify the Rs 13,990 price ticket and the way do these buds carry out? Let’s discover out.

LG ToneFree FP9: Construct and luxury

The LG ToneFree FP9’s charging case appears similar to the FN7 that we reviewed final yr. It has a round charging case with a small footprint that can simply slot in pockets or purses. The earphones can be found in Charcoal Black and Pearl White color choices and we bought the latter for evaluation. The matte end of the case is enjoyable to the contact and avoids fingerprints or smudges. The case is light-weight and simple to open one-handed. The magnets that maintain the buds contained in the case aren’t very sturdy although they usually could topple out of the case if dropped.

While you open the case, it glows blue, presumably to drive house the UV cleaning capabilities however the mild is just for aesthetic functions and the precise cleaning solely occurs when the case is closed and on cost. The case has an LED indicator mild for charging standing and one other one for UVnano tech.  There is a toggle on the left to modify to wi-fi transmitter mode and there is a USB-C port on the again. 

The buds look easy and barely bland, to be sincere. The again of the stem has a slight glow however that is the one aesthetic aptitude. The highest of the stems homes the contact panels that work exceedingly properly with few misreadings. LG has offered medical-grade eargels or ear ideas which might be produced from non-toxic, hypoallergenic silicone. The buds are extraordinarily light-weight and comfy to put on, even for lengthy durations. They barely slip out of the ears even whenever you’re strolling or jogging, which is spectacular. Mixed with the IPX4 score, this makes these earphones appropriate to make use of when exercising as properly.

LG ToneFree FP9: Options

The ToneFree FP9 include a plethora of options together with some that we have not often seen on different earbuds. Let’s first discuss two of its most original options. Beginning with UVNano expertise. The FP9’s case makes use of UV mild to routinely clear your earbuds. This reduces micro organism on the inner-ear mesh by as much as 99.9% in 5 minutes when on cost, in line with LG. We have beforehand examined the FN7 with the identical function and it is good to see the corporate proceed bringing this function to their new gadgets as properly. LG has integrated this function to cut back the prospect of inner-ear infections that some could face when utilizing TWS earbuds.

UV cleaning is not the one distinctive, standout function although. The FP9’s charging case additionally doubles as a wi-fi dongle or transmitter that enable the earbuds for use with non-Bluetooth gadgets. There is a toggle on the left aspect of the case that must be turned on to make use of this function. Then, utilizing the offered USB-C to aux cable, the charging case might be plugged into any machine with a 3.5mm enter equivalent to a gaming console or an in-flight leisure system. The person can then merely take away the earbuds from the case and hearken to media wirelessly with out utilizing Bluetooth. It is a particularly revolutionary and distinctive function, and through our testing, the function labored properly. There’s some audio delay although and the amount is not as excessive as typical.

The earphones additionally include Lively Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode help. The ANC, whereas not as efficient as rivals such because the Sony WF-1000XM4 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, is fairly respectable as cancelling out ambient sound. It offers with fixed sounds equivalent to an AC’s hum or a automotive’s engine fairly properly, nevertheless it would not suppress human voices properly. The Ambient Sound Mode works fairly properly and sounds adequately pure, however the efficiency is not pathbreaking. 

The earbuds additionally include app help. They use the Tone Free app that gives customers entry to loads of options and customisations. The app has 5 EQ presets – Immersive, Pure, Bass Increase, Treble Increase, and 3D Sound Stage. Immersive and Pure have been probably the most balanced EQ presets with Immersive having a wider soundstage. 3D Sound Stage makes use of Meridian’s experience to spatially up-mix media and expands the soundstage even additional. You’ll be able to even customise the EQ as per your personal liking, however for some motive, the amount ranges drop significantly when utilizing a customized EQ. We hope LG can repair that in a software program replace.

Customers may toggle between noise-cancelling modes. You’ll be able to select between Low or Excessive ANC, flip ANC off fully, or activate Ambient Mode. Inside ambient mode, you may select between Listening Mode and Dialog Mode, and the latter permits extra sound in than the previous. Moreover, customers may customise touchpad controls. There are quantity controls too, one thing that is not current on a shocking variety of TWS earphones. You can even toggle voice alerts for notifications, use to seek out my earbuds function to find a lacking earbud, toggle auto-pause/play, and extra throughout the app. The auto pause/play function works properly, it’s dependable sufficient that we felt snug sacrificing the pause/play management in favour of quantity controls. Different options embrace IPX4 sweat and water resistance and mono earbud use.

LG ToneFree FP9: Efficiency

As with earlier ToneFree earphones, LG has as soon as once more partnered with Meridian, a British producer of high-fidelity audio parts and methods, for the FP9. The earphones are geared up with 8mm drivers, an enchancment over the 6mm drivers of LG’s earlier flagship TWS – the ToneFree FN7. You get SBC and AAC audio codec help, which bodes properly for probably the most half, however we did discover ourselves hoping for some aptX or LDAC motion for higher wi-fi constancy. Meridian-tuned audio and improved drivers equate to a extra immersive and refined sonic expertise than what we skilled on the FN7.

The earbuds present detailed and pure sound rivalled by only a few within the shopper TWS section. Meridian’s experience in encompass sound actually reveals with these earbuds. These are one of many few in-ear headphones with a particularly immersive and interesting soundstage that we often solely expertise with over-ear or on-ear headphones.

We additionally used our specialised gear to seek out the sound signature of those earphones, and this is what we came upon. We examined the earphones utilizing the Immersive and Pure EQ presets, for probably the most half, since they’re the closest to impartial. Wanting on the frequency response graph generated, you may see that the bass response from 130Hz to 250Hz has a large dip. Nonetheless, we really feel that that is intentional on Meridian’s half because it tones down the boominess of the bass response right here and maintains the main points within the mids. The bass will not be what buds like OnePlus and even Sony will give you. You aren’t getting plenty of that punchiness and drive within the bass notes, however what you do get is a clear, detailed illustration.

The mids have some peaks and dips within the frequency response which can influence the element in vocals and lead devices barely. The highs are exquisitely produced, even higher than Sony’s flagship – the Sony WF-1000XM4. Cymbals and hi-hats sound detailed and full within the combine. Total, the sound high quality is detailed, clear and technical. Bass lovers will not get pleasure from this sound signature however purists will certainly recognize, particularly because of the broad soundstage which is uncommon in TWS earphones. The imaging can be wonderful throughout the stage and you may precisely place the place of devices and vocals within the combine. These earphones would work excellently for individuals who get pleasure from classical and rock music.

LG ToneFree FP9: Battery life

The FP9’s battery life is nothing value writing house about. The earbuds function a wi-fi playback time of 6 hours with ANC turned on, which is respectable, however in complete, you may get solely 15 hours of complete playback time with the charging case, which is mediocre at greatest. Primarily meaning the charging case solely offers one full further cost with some juice to spare. 

When you flip off ANC although you get a whopping 10 hours of playtime on the earbuds, which is spectacular. Nonetheless, the overall battery life with out ANC is 24 hours, which is once more, underwhelming. So, you may must cost the case extra usually than with rivals such because the Sony WF-1000XM4. 

In our checks, with ANC on and the amount ranges set to 60 per cent, the earbuds lasted a bit of over 5 hours and the case offered a cost and a half. The earbuds include quick charging although the place 5 minutes of charging offers an hour of playback. There is no Qi wi-fi charging help although, which is disappointing at this value.

LG ToneFree FP9: Verdict

The LG ToneFree FP9 simply stands out within the sea of TWS choices available in the market as a consequence of options equivalent to UV cleaning, the case doubling as a wi-fi transmitter, and Whispering Mode. They’re simply one of the vital attention-grabbing pairs of really wi-fi earphones we have examined and in the event you’re a tech fanatic, you could possibly spend hours exploring the buds’ totally different options. When you do get bored with exploring although, you might have a stable pair of TWS earphones full with wonderful match, immersive sound high quality, respectable battery life, and an amazing companion app filled with customisation choices. The microphone, nevertheless, might use some work and the ANC is not the perfect we have skilled at this value, however general this can be a stable bundle that’s like no different TWS you have skilled earlier than. Whereas the Sony WF-1000XM4 will be the extra refined general product, the LG ToneFree FP no matter is certainly extra enjoyable to make use of.