Tried 'LG Tone Free'... Blocks Surrounding Noise and Comfortable to Wear

No Noise Cancelling but Noise Isolation Due to In-Ear Design
AirPods Style with In-Ear Fit for Comfortable Wear
Latecomer but Price Higher Than Galaxy Buds+ Is Disappointing

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] LG Electronics' wireless earphones 'Tone Free (HBS-TFN6)' show determined effort overcoming the failure of its predecessor. Although it lacks active noise cancelling that completely blocks noise, the in-ear earbuds partially block noise and allow users to enjoy rich sound quality. Differentiated from AirPods and Galaxy Buds by the UV sterilization feature, which is common in LG home appliances but rare in wireless earphones.

LG Tone Free consists of a macaron-shaped case that fits perfectly in one hand and bean sprout-shaped earbuds that hang below the earlobe like AirPods. The case is engraved only with the product name 'TONE' and the pairing button is placed on the left side. The price has been lowered from 259,000 KRW in the previous model to 199,000 KRW. Pre-orders are accepted until the 16th, and the official release is on the 17th.

Partially blocks ambient noise... comfortable to wear

AirPods 1st generation and LG Tone Free (center), Galaxy Buds Plus

Compared to the 1st generation AirPods and Galaxy Buds Plus, it offers better comfort and stability. Thanks to the in-ear earphone design that drops downward and the light weight (5.4g per side), it exerts less pressure than Galaxy Buds+ and fits more snugly than AirPods. It is shorter than AirPods, so it does not fall off even when removing a mask. LG Electronics explained, "The center of gravity is arranged to face inward from above, providing good wearing comfort."

Long touching the upper part of the earbud activates the 'ambient sound listening' function. On a rainy day, with the ambient sound listening function off, the sound of raindrops hitting the umbrella was faint, but when turned on, even the sound of cars passing through rainwater was vividly heard. Right after wearing, when turning the ambient sound listening function on and off, a voice guidance message is played so users can immediately confirm if it is properly activated.

Price disappointing compared to brand awareness

The TONE Free components include the main unit, extra silicone ear gels, and a USB-C type cable.

The sound quality is optimized for listening to Korean pop music. It is also a feature of in-ear design earphones, but the 'Immersive' sound mode, which enhances immersion, delivers rich volume. The sound was clear enough to enjoy music even at low volume. There are four sound mode options, allowing users to switch between original sound or modes emphasizing bass or treble. High-end audio company Meridian handled the tuning.

In the Tone Free app, the operation can be adjusted according to touch gestures. One tap answers calls and plays music, two taps end calls, cancel, or adjust volume, and three taps play the next track. The touch sensor is located on the upper part of the earbud, so tapping the lower part may not be well recognized. There are two microphones on the upper part of the earbud and the part closest to the mouth, so calls are clear even outdoors.

Tone Free earphones can play music and handle calls for up to 5 to 6 hours, and up to 18 hours including the case. The earbud usage time is less than half of Galaxy Buds+ (11 hours), but including case charging, Tone Free lasts one hour longer. The sterilization feature is a fresh function rarely found in other products. It operates for 10 minutes when wired charging is done, sterilizing harmful bacteria. The waterproof rating is IPX4, the same as AirPods. Considering LG Electronics is a latecomer in the wireless earphone market and has low brand awareness, it is disappointing that the price is 20,000 KRW higher than Galaxy Buds+.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.