Don't worry, LG's new wireless earbuds still have the incredibly useful adapter feature that I wish all earbuds offered

• LG launches new xboom Buds Plus and xboom Buds Lite
• ANC, long battery life, and useful Plug & Wireless feature in the Plus version
• Pricing TBC; current xboom Buds are $99 / £119 (about AU$240)

LG has announced two new versions of its xboom Buds, its collaboration with will.i.am. The new models include a new premium Plus version that includes LG's excellent Plug & Wireless feature, something we've enjoyed in other LG earbuds.

The Plug & Wireless feature turns the charging case into a Bluetooth transmitter for the buds when the case is connected to wired audio sources, enabling you to go wireless with in-flight audio, gym equipment and other old-school sound sources. It also has Auracast for multi-device transmission.

The Buds Plus and Buds Lite both have lightweight graphene drivers and versions of LG's ANC. The Buds Plus deliver up to 10 hours of playback and 30 with the charging case for the Plus; the Lite can go for 11.5 hours and 35 hours respectively. Both versions have Bluetooth 5.4 with multi-point and Fast Pair.

The Buds Lite seem to have a decent if unremarkable spec – depending on the price, which hasn't been disclosed yet – but it's the Buds Plus that I think are the more interesting earbuds.

LG xboom Buds Plus

The Plug & Wireless feature in the Buds Plus particularly caught our attention in the LG Tone Free T90S, which we really liked. And the Buds Plus also get the UV-disinfecting charging case that promises to kill 99.9% of bacteria from your buds.

The Plus have an adaptive EQ system that continuously optimizes the audio, and a triple-mic ANC system. And the charging case can be topped up wirelessly for extra convenience.

As the name suggests, the Buds Lite are a less premium option. They also have graphene drivers but the ANC is what LG calls "Mild ANC", and instead of adaptive EQ there are four adjustable EQ presets.

Pricing for the new buds hasn't been announced just yet even though they go on sale later this month (September 2025), but the Buds Plus are designed to sit above the $99 / £119 xboom Buds, and the Buds Lite sit below them.

The xboom Buds Plus and xboom Buds Lite will begin rolling out worldwide later this month.

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