LG has expanded its xboom audio lineup in the United States with the introduction of the LG xboom Buds Plus and LG xboom Buds Lite. The two true wireless earbuds were first released in South Korea in September 2025 and are now rolling out more broadly. Both models are part of the “xboom by will.i.am” series, reflecting an ongoing collaboration with will.i.am, who has been involved in shaping the sound profile.
According to LG, the earbuds are tuned for a balanced, warmer tone. That positioning suggests an emphasis on mainstream listening preferences rather than studio-style neutrality. The expanded lineup was showcased at the FYI Visionaries event, where LG presented its broader xboom portfolio.
The LG xboom Buds Plus are positioned as the more feature-rich option. A notable inclusion is the UVnano+ charging case, which uses UV-C light intended to reduce bacteria on the speaker mesh. LG cites independent testing showing a 99.9% reduction in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae after ten minutes of charging while connected to a power cable. Users can enable automatic UV activation when the earbuds are placed in the case and the lid is closed. As with similar sanitation features in consumer electronics, the function is designed for maintenance rather than medical-grade sterilization.
Active Noise Cancellation is handled by a three-microphone system designed to improve environmental noise detection and suppression. With ANC turned off, the Buds Plus offer up to 10 hours of playback from the earbuds alone, with the charging case adding up to 20 more hours for a total of 30 hours. Actual battery performance will vary depending on volume levels, connection type, and feature usage.
The Buds Plus also support 3D Spatial Audio and multipoint connectivity, allowing users to switch between two paired devices without disconnecting. Custom EQ settings are available through companion software. An IPX4 rating under IEC 60529 standards means the earbuds can handle light splashes, though the charging case itself does not carry a water resistance rating. LG also includes a built-in Bluetooth transmitter feature, enabling wireless connection to devices with a headphone jack, such as in-flight entertainment systems. Compatibility may differ depending on the hardware.
The LG xboom Buds Lite take a simpler approach, focusing on battery life and portability. They provide up to 11.5 hours of playback on a single charge, with the case extending total listening time to up to 35 hours when ANC is disabled. Unlike the Buds Plus, the Lite model relies on a single microphone for ambient noise monitoring, which typically results in more limited noise cancellation performance. Like the Plus version, they offer customizable EQ settings and IPX4 splash resistance.
Pricing reflects the feature differences. The LG xboom Buds Plus are available in the U.S. for $179.99 through LG and authorized retailers, while the LG xboom Buds Lite are priced at $69.99. In a crowded true wireless earbuds market, LG appears to be covering both midrange and budget segments with differentiated features rather than introducing a single flagship-only option. Whether the UVnano+ case and extended battery life resonate with buyers will likely depend on how consumers weigh hygiene features and multipoint connectivity against strong competition in the same price brackets.
