LG’s newest true wireless earbuds arrive with the splashy features you’d expect—active noise cancellation, long battery life, and modern Bluetooth—but the most compelling innovations aren’t about audio at all. The Xboom Buds Plus lean on a high-tech charging case that doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter and a UVnano self-cleaning chamber, a one-two combo aimed squarely at travel convenience and hygiene. They’re available now in Black with a $180 list price.
The Case Is the Headline Feature of These Earbuds
Instead of tossing a separate dongle into your bag, the Buds Plus case can beam audio from wired sources directly to the earbuds. Plug a non-Bluetooth device—think airplane seatback entertainment, a treadmill’s TV, or an older laptop—into the case and it transmits the signal to the buds. Early hands-on reports indicate the transmitter uses a proprietary USB-C-to-3.5mm cable, so you’ll want to keep that cord handy with your travel kit.
For frequent flyers, this design solves a persistent pain point: inflight systems that still rely on 3.5mm jacks. The case-as-transmitter approach reduces clutter, preserves a pocket for your phone, and lowers the chance of leaving a tiny dongle in a seatback. LG hasn’t published end-to-end latency specs for transmitter mode; expect some delay versus a wired connection, which is typical for any Bluetooth bridge.
Self-Cleaning That Targets Bacteria in the Case
LG’s UVnano tech is integrated into the charging case to sanitize the ear gels and speaker mesh. The company says the system eliminates up to 99.99% of common bacteria—including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae—under lab conditions. A key detail in the fine print: the UV function operates only when the case is connected to power, so disinfection happens while you charge.
It’s a smart addition for earbuds that live in gyms, pockets, and backpacks. As context, public health guidance from organizations like the CDC notes that UV-C light can inactivate many microbes when dose and exposure are sufficient, though real-world results depend on how well light reaches surfaces. In other words, UV doesn’t replace routine cleaning, but it’s a helpful layer to reduce bacterial load between uses.
Audio Hardware Plays a Supporting Role Here
On paper, the Buds Plus check the expected boxes: 10mm graphene drivers, six microphones for ANC and calls, adaptive EQ, and an IPX4 rating to shrug off sweat and splashes. LG rates battery life at up to 30 hours including the case, which places these buds comfortably in the upper midfield of current true wireless options. The collaboration with will.i.am lends style, but the headline is still the case tech that makes everyday use easier.
Ready for LE Audio and Auracast Broadcasts
The earbuds support Bluetooth LE Audio, which brings the efficient LC3 codec and Auracast broadcast audio for shared listening in public spaces. Compatibility remains a patchwork: in the US, iPhones have not broadly enabled LE Audio and Auracast; some Samsung models prioritize the Samsung Seamless Codec for music; Google Pixel phones generally support LE Audio features. The Bluetooth SIG has been clear that LE Audio is the future of wireless sound, and pilots for Auracast in venues like airports and arenas have already begun.
In practical terms, that means early adopters get future-facing tech that could make gym TVs, museum exhibits, or conference translations as easy as tapping into a nearby broadcast. Until LE Audio is universal across phones, the payoff depends on your device and where you listen—but the Buds Plus are positioned to benefit as the ecosystem catches up.
Why This Earbud Case Design Truly Stands Out
Most earbuds try to wow with driver materials or DSP tricks. LG went after the friction that actually frustrates users: dealing with legacy audio jacks and keeping ear tips sanitary. The built-in transmitter removes the dongle dilemma, and UVnano cuts down on the bacterial grime that comes with daily wear. Neither feature is flashy on a spec sheet, but both solve problems owners feel every week.
Price, Availability, and Early Takeaways to Consider
At $180, the Xboom Buds Plus are priced against mainstream ANC rivals, but they justify the tag with utility rather than raw sound innovation. If your routine includes flights, hotel gyms, or shared equipment, the case technology could be worth more than another decibel of ANC. Caveats remain—the proprietary cable for transmitter mode and mixed LE Audio support—but for once, the smartest part of a pair of earbuds is the case that carries them.
