Tech
LG Expands will.i.am xboom Line with Buds Plus and Buds Lite Wireless Earbuds
LG Electronics is doubling down on its partnership with will.i.am, expanding the xboom lineup with the new Buds Plus and Buds Lite. The additions join the existing xboom Buds and continue the “xboom by will.i.am” collaboration, which positions the nine-time Grammy winner not just as a marketing face, but as what the company calls its “experiential architect.”
According to LG, the new models were tuned and approved by will.i.am and carry forward the series’ sonic profile—balanced, warm, and designed for everyday listening rather than exaggerated flash. The Buds Plus and Buds Lite also retain the core design philosophy of the xboom range, focusing on stable performance, accessible pricing, and a foundation aimed at delivering consistent, high-quality wireless audio.
LG xboom Buds Plus
At the top of the xboom earbuds lineup, the $179.99 Buds Plus steps things up with a UVnano+ charging case. The case uses UV-C light to help reduce bacteria on the earbud mesh, underscoring a user-focused approach that goes beyond sound quality and into everyday hygiene. Wireless charging support is included as well, keeping the feature set in line with what buyers now expect at this tier.
With up to 30 hours of total battery life, the earbuds deliver 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, with another 20 hours available from the charging case. That kind of stamina supports longer listening sessions, enhanced by 3D Spatial Audio designed to create a more immersive and dimensional soundstage.
Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is onboard, supported by a six-microphone array designed to reduce external noise and improve call clarity. The result is a more focused, distraction-free listening experience. Stabilizing fins are also included to help ensure a secure, comfortable fit during longer sessions.
The Buds Plus also offers multi-point connection for seamless switching between devices and an IPX4 rating for water and sweat resistance, making them ideal for both focus and fitness.
Customizable EQ settings allow users to further personalize audio.
LG xboom Buds Plus also supports Auracast and includes a built-in Bluetooth transmitter, expanding its wireless flexibility. This allows users to connect to a broader range of compatible devices and share audio more seamlessly across supported platforms.
LG xboom Buds Lite
Occupying the entry-level position in the xboom lineup, the $69.99 Buds Lite aim squarely at value-conscious buyers without stripping things down to the bare minimum. The compact, lightweight design makes them easy to live with day to day, but LG hasn’t ignored performance.
Battery life is actually one of their stronger plays: up to 35 hours total, with 11.5 hours of continuous playback from the earbuds and another 23.5 hours from the charging case. That’s more than enough for commuting, workdays, and a few workouts in between.
Despite being the smallest model in the xboom range, the Buds Lite retain several premium touches, including an IPX4 water resistance rating and customizable EQ settings, giving users some control over their sound rather than locking them into a single tuning.
Comparison
| Buds Plus (2026) | Buds Lite (2026) | Buds (2025) | |
| Product Type | Wireless Earbuds | Wireless Earbuds | Wireless Earbuds |
| Price | $179.99 | $69.99 | $109.99 |
| Drivers | Dynamic 10Φ (graphene coated) | Dynamic 10Φ (graphene coated) | Dynamic 10Φ (graphene coated) |
| Connectivity | Google Fast Pair
Multi Pairing Swift Pairing (PC) |
Multi Pairing
Swift Pairing (PC) |
Google Fast Pair
Multi Pairing Swift Pairing (PC) |
| Features | Voice Command via Smartphone (Google Assistant, Siri)
Auracast LE Audio Active Noise Cancellation Fast Charging Water Resistant IPX4 Wireless Charging LG EQ 3D Spatial Audio Multipoint Connection |
Voice Command via Smartphone (Google Assistant, Siri)
Active Noise Cancellation Fast Charging Water Resistant IPX4 LG EQ |
Voice Command via Smartphone (Google Assistant, Siri)
Auracast LE Audio Active Noise Cancellation Ambient Sound Fast Charging Water Resistant IPX4 LG EQ |
| Convenience | Touch Control
Wear Sensor App charging status (Earbud) App charging status (Cradle) Companion App(Android/iOS |
Not indicated | Touch Control
Wear Sensor App charging status (Earbud) App charging status (Cradle) Companion App(Android/iOS) |
| NOT | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Bluetooth Audio Codec | AAC SBC |
AAC SBC |
LC3 AAC SBC |
| MIC System | 3 Mic system
Calls ANC |
1 Mic | 3 Pairs MEMS (each ear)
2 pairs for calls 2 pairs for ANC Noise Reduction/Echo Cancellation |
| Battery Type | Lithium + ion | Lithium + ion | Lithium + ion |
| Battery Charging Time | Charging Case Within 2.5 hours Earbud Within 1 hour |
Charging Case Within 2.5 hours Earbud Within 1 hour |
Within 1 hour |
| Battery Life/Music Playtime | Battery Life (Playing Music on Earbuds)
10 hours (without ANC) Music Play Time (Earbuds/With harging Case) 30 hours (without ANC) |
Battery Life (Playing Music on Earbuds)
11.5 hours (without ANC) Music Play Time (Earbuds/With Charging Case) 35 hours (without ANC) |
Battery Life (Playing Music on Earbuds)
7.5 hours (with ANC) Music Play Time (Earbuds/With Charging Case) |
| Dimensions (WHD) | Charging Case 2.48″ x 1.29″ x 1.23″ Earbuds |
Charging Case 2.48″ x 1.29″ x 1.23″ Earbuds |
Charging Case 2.48″ x 1.29″ x 1.23″
Earbuds 0.99″ x 0.82″ x 0.94″ |
| Weight | Charging Case 1.39 oz
Earbuds: .4.8 oz |
Charging Case 1.27 oz
Earbuds: .3.2 oz |
Charging Case 1.27 oz
Earbuds: .1.9 oz |
| In The Box | Extra Ear-Gels
Stabilizing Fins Quick Start Guide |
Extra Ear-Gels
Quick Start Guide |
Stabilizing Bands S/M Eargels
Extra Ear-Gels Stabilizing Fins Quick Start Guide Charging Only Cable |
The Bottom Line
The wireless earbud space is brutally competitive. At $69.99, the Buds Lite go straight at models like the SOUNDPEATS Clip1 Open ($69.99), Skullcandy Method 360 ($99.99), and J-Lab Epic Sport ANC 3 ($99.99). The Buds Plus step into a tougher lane alongside the Beats Powerbeats Fit ($199), SOUNDPEATS H3 ($129), and Edifier NeoDots ($129.99).
LG’s angle isn’t just specs. The will.i.am partnership is positioned as hands-on, shaping the tuning and overall identity of the xboom line. Add features like UVnano+ hygiene tech, Auracast, a built-in Bluetooth transmitter, strong battery life, and spatial audio, and the Buds Plus in particular look well equipped for their tier.
Buds Lite are for everyday listeners who want long battery life and useful features at a sharp price. Buds Plus target buyers who want more connectivity and ANC without drifting into $250 territory.