LG headphones are distinguished by the emission of ultraviolet light to eliminate certain bacteria 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.
Headphones true wireless LG’s Tone Free T90, sold for around 230 euros, stands out from the competition with an original function of which we can get a hint by looking at the accessories supplied. In addition to the two pairs of additional tips and the USB Type-A to USB Type-C charging cable, the manufacturer delivers a mysterious USB Type-C to 3.5 mm jack cable (right in the image below) .
This cable connects to the charging box which has a dual function: charging the headphones and serving 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). The activation of this function, called Plug & Wireless, is extremely simple: we just had to switch a small switch located on the side of the case.
We therefore tested this function in analog, by connecting the audio jack of the cable to a laptop PC, then to a tablet, and by connecting the USB side of the cable to the box. So yes, we hear the audio from the analog source with the headphones, but alas the sound level is very low, even when pushing the volume to the maximum on the source. It turned out to be just enough when we plugged it into the headphone output of a CD player. It’s a real shame that LG didn’t think of putting an amplifier in its case. On the other hand, the digital connection works perfectly, for example by plugging the charging cable into the USB port of a laptop PC. The box is then recognized as an external USB sound card by the computer.
If you choose the right size eartips, the Tone Free T90s are comfortable and fit well in your ears. In addition, they are resistant to perspiration and rain thanks to their IPX4 certification. 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 discreet ANC
When listening, LG’s headphones deliver warm sound, with good bass and good midrange rendering thanks to 11mm drivers. We appreciated the very good spatialization of the instruments, but regretted a slight lack of treble, which takes away from the brilliance, and can even make the sound a bit muffled when listening to metal bands such as Rammstein. This problem can nevertheless be corrected with the equalizer of the free application (see below).
We also tested the Dolby Atmos function, available for example on certain Netflix series, but did not find the surround effect very stunning, despite a widening of the soundstage. On the other hand, we appreciated the multipoint Bluetooth which allows you to connect two devices at the same time and to 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 adapts the speed to the quality of the Bluetooth connection to offer you the best possible sound.
Another criticism: the active noise reduction (ANC) is correct, but nothing more. It eliminates most low frequencies in the subway, but not all. In the street, it is rather effective in reducing car noise. On the other hand, it absolutely does not filter the voices, which makes it of little use in a crowded place or in a open space. In this area, Apple and Bose do much better.
Ultraviolet light cleaning
Like the Tone Free FP8, which we tested, the Tone Free T90 benefit from UVnano technology. This emits ultraviolet light to eliminate Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli from inside the tips. The operation takes approximately five minutes, but requires the headphones to be in their case and connected to a wired or wireless (Qi standard) charger.
This function is useful knowing that Escherichia coli, also called colibacillus, is a bacterium that can cause gastroenteritis, even meningitis. As for Staphylococcus aureus, it is also dangerous, because it causes food poisoning, but also potentially fatal nosocomial infections.
A little lack of stamina with ANC
LG announces up to 9 hours of autonomy without ANC and it is indeed the case. We measured a very good score of 9 h 27 min. Alas, stamina drops when noise reduction is enabled. It passes at only 5 h 41 min, a value slightly below the average. By comparison, the Tone Free FP8s score 9h 21m, which rises to 10h 28m if you turn off noise reduction. Note that the AirPods Pro 2 Apple take 6h 7min with ANC active. Finally, the box provides up to 20 additional hours according to the manufacturer.
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 function to determine if you have chosen the right size earmolds and if the insulation is optimal.
It also allows you to ring the left earphone or the right earphone if you have misplaced them. This is rather practical if they are close and within range of your smartphone. It manages multipoint Bluetooth, as well as automatic pausing when you remove one of the two headphones.
Finally, it has an option to modify the controls of the touch zones, with the exception of the long touch, reserved for changing ANC modes. You can choose what action to perform when you touch the areas once, twice or three times.
