LG TONE Free FP9 True Wireless Earbuds review with ANC and UVnano charging case

Description

Initial Impressions and Design

The LG TONE Free True Wireless Bluetooth FP9 earbuds immediately caught my attention with their sleek, minimalist design. They feel premium without being overly flashy, striking the perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality. The UVnano charging case is a standout feature—honestly, it’s not something I expected to care about, but the idea of a case that kills 99.9% of bacteria on the earbud speaker mesh in just five minutes while charging is both fascinating and reassuring. For someone like me who uses earbuds on long flights, at the gym, and even during sweaty outdoor runs, this hygienic touch is a big plus.

The earbuds themselves fit snugly, thanks to the contoured ear seal design. They come with hypoallergenic medical-grade silicone ear gels, which feel soft and comfortable even during extended use. I typically struggle to find earbuds that don’t irritate my ears after a while, but these felt like they were custom-made for me. Plus, their lightweight build—seriously, at just 1.59 ounces—makes them almost unnoticeable.

Performance and Audio Quality

The audio quality of these earbuds is where they truly shine. Powered by Meridian’s Hi-Fi sound technology, they deliver a rich, immersive listening experience. The built-in equalizer enhances both bass and treble tones, providing a lifelike clarity that makes you feel like you’re at a live concert. Whether I was listening to bass-heavy tracks, classical music, or podcasts, the sound was consistently crisp and well-balanced. The frequency range of 20Hz to 20,000Hz ensures a wide audio spectrum, and the dynamic drivers add an extra layer of depth to the sound.

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature is another highlight. While it may not completely eliminate all background noise (no ANC truly does), it significantly reduces distractions, particularly in environments like busy cafés or during a treadmill session at the gym. The combination of the outer high-performance microphone and the inner microphone works effectively to cancel out unwanted noise. It’s not perfect—I could still hear faint murmurs in extremely noisy settings—but it’s more than sufficient for most situations.

Key Benefits

• Hygienic UVnano charging case that kills bacteria while charging.
• Comfortable ergonomic fit with medical-grade silicone ear gels.
• Meridian Hi-Fi sound delivering lifelike audio clarity.
• Effective Active Noise Cancellation for a distraction-free experience.
• Fast charging and 24-hour battery life for uninterrupted use.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is always a deal-breaker for me with wireless earbuds, and these didn’t disappoint. The earbuds themselves last up to 10 hours on a single charge, with the charging case extending that to a total of 24 hours. During my tests, I found the fast-charging feature incredibly handy—just five minutes of charging provided enough juice for about an hour of playback. Whether I was on a long commute or halfway through a day of meetings, I never felt like I was tethered to a charger.

Another feature I appreciated is the Plug & Wireless capability. The case doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter when connected to devices via the included USB-C to 3.5mm audio jack cable. This came in clutch when I wanted to watch in-flight entertainment during a recent trip. Not having to deal with airline-provided wired headphones that barely work was a small but meaningful win.

Areas of Concern

• Active Noise Cancellation could be stronger in extremely noisy environments.
• The IPX4 water resistance is adequate for sweat and light splashes, but I wouldn’t risk using them in heavy rain.
• The touch controls can be overly sensitive at times, leading to accidental skips or pauses.

Alternative Offerings

In a market flooded with wireless earbuds, competition is fierce. Compared to Sony WF-1000XM4, the LG earbuds hold their ground with their UVnano case and Plug & Wireless feature, which Sony lacks. However, Sony’s ANC is slightly more advanced, making it a better choice for users who prioritize noise cancellation above all else.

Another rival, the Apple AirPods Pro, offers seamless integration with Apple devices, but they lack the customizable equalizer and hygienic charging case the LG model includes. For Android users, the LG TONE Free FP9 might actually be a better choice, as it offers more compatibility and features like fast charging.

Smart Spending

Considering all the features packed into these earbuds, they offer excellent value for money. The combination of high-quality audio, hygienic innovation, and versatile connectivity makes them a solid investment. While they aren’t the cheapest option on the market, the premium features justify the price tag. If you’re someone who values a balance of performance, comfort, and hygiene, these earbuds are worth every penny. The UVnano charging case alone is a feature I didn’t know I needed until I had it, and now I can’t imagine going without it.

Additional information