Launched earlier this year, LG’s TONE Free FP series wireless headphones sport impressive features like active noise cancellation and a bacteria-killing case. 

These bud offer excellent calling quality thanks to the three microphones embedded in each one. Additionally, they have a plug mode which allows you to connect wirelessly to non-Bluetooth device.

As attractive as these extras are, however, MailOnline’s experience with the earbuds was that they were let down by small issues with their more fundamental functions.

These included intermittent — and, on one occasion, prolonged — loss of sound, audio distortion at higher volumes and a noticeable lag with the touch controls.  

The TONE Free FP series wireless headphones are currently retailing from LG for £79.98–£179.98, depending on the specific FP series model purchased.

Also, depending on the specific model purchased, the earbuds offer 8–10 hours of playback time, increasing to 22–24 hours when used with the charging case. 

The quick-charge feature allows the buds to be charged in just five minutes. This gives them enough time to listen for an hour.

Launched earlier this year, LG's TONE Free FP series wireless headphones (pictured) sport natty features like active noise cancellation and a case that kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria

The LG TONE Free FPS series of wireless headphones, which were launched earlier in the year (pictured), features nifty features such as active noise cancelling and a case that kills 99.9% of bacteria.

MailOnline's experience with the buds (pictured) was that they were let down by small issues with fundamental functions. These included intermittent ¿ and, on one occasion, prolonged ¿ loss of sound, audio distortion at higher volumes and a noticeable lag with the touch controls

MailOnline had a disappointing experience with the buds (pictured), as they failed to perform basic functions. These included intermittent — and, on one occasion, prolonged — loss of sound, audio distortion at higher volumes and a noticeable lag with the touch controls

'With fit and comfort top priorities for the LG TONE Free line-up, LG collaborated with a leading ergonomic design technology lab to analyse hundreds of subjects' ears,' an LG spokesperson said. 'With an earbud stem 4.4 millimetres shorter than on previous models, [they] create the perfect balance and fit for an active lifestyle'

LG spokesperson explained that the LG TONE Free line was focused on comfort and fit. LG collaborated to study hundreds of ears with leading ergonomic technology labs. The earbud stem is now 4.4mm shorter than the previous model. [they]Find the right balance for an active lifestyle.

LG TONE Free SPECS 

Price: £79.98–£179.98*

Noise cancellation: Active & Passive

Microphones:Three to the bud

Battery life total: 22–24 hours*

Life expectancy of a Bud Battery 8–10 hours*

Wireless chargingOnly for FP8 models 

Plug & Wireless mode:Only FP9 Mode

UVnano: FP8 & FP9 models only

Colours: Black, White & Gold*

(*Depending on specific model)

According to an LG spokesperson, the newest LG TONE Free models are ‘ideal for those who lead active, high-energy lifestyles.’

“With comfort and fit being top priorities in the LG TONE Free range, LG teamed up with an ergonomic technology lab to analyze hundreds of subjects’ ears.

The earbud stem is now 4.4mm shorter than in previous models. [they]You can achieve the ideal balance between fitness and health for an active lifestyle.

“The FP Series earbuds have an IPX4 rating, which means they can be used in rain or hard training sessions.

Arguably the most noteworthy feature of the earphones is the UVnano charging case, which — ‘to reduce the chance of inner ear infections’ — subjects the buds to five minutes of UV sterilisation with the promise of killing 99.9 per cent of bacteria.

This LED-based feature only engages, however, when the case is itself closed and being charged — whether by wire, or in the case of the FP8 model, wirelessly — unlike the decorative LEDs which light up whenever the earbuds are taken out.

LG stated that the new models include hypoallergenic, medical-grade ear gels for added hygiene. This reduces the chance of skin irritations within the ear canal.

Unchecked bacteria in earbuds can be a real threat, but I found the call quality of each bud to be exceptional.

Tone Free FP Series also includes Whisper Mode. This allows for more subtle calls to be made in places like workplaces and crowded trains.

Another feature that I really liked was the ‘Plug & Wireless’ mode, which allows the wireless earbuds to be used with non-Bluetooth devices (such as, for example, a treadmill, airplane entertainment system or older media player).

The supplied USB-C to-AUX cable is used to link the charging case with any device that has a 3.5mm audio jack. This effectively turns the charger into a wireless dongle.

While I was unsure about the true menace posed by unchecked earbud bacteria, what did unequivocally impress was the superior calling experience afforded by each bud sporting three individual microphones

Although I wasn’t sure about the danger posed unchecked earbuds bacteria, the exceptional calling experience provided by each bud with three microphones was what impressed me the most.

Arguably the most noteworthy feature of the earphones is the UVnano charging case, which ¿ 'to reduce the chance of inner ear infections' ¿ subjects the buds to five minutes of UV sterilisation with the promise of killing 99.9 per cent of bacteria. This LED-based feature only engages, however, when the case is itself closed and being charged ¿ whether by wire, or in the case of the FP8 model, wirelessly ¿ unlike the decorative LEDs which light up whenever the earbuds are taken out (as pictured)

Arguably the most noteworthy feature of the earphones is the UVnano charging case, which — ‘to reduce the chance of inner ear infections’ — subjects the buds to five minutes of UV sterilisation with the promise of killing 99.9 per cent of bacteria. This LED-based feature only engages, however, when the case is itself closed and being charged — whether by wire, or in the case of the FP8 model, wirelessly — unlike the decorative LEDs which light up whenever the earbuds are taken out (as pictured)

The earbuds come in a range of colour options ¿ including pearl white (left), haze gold (centre) and charcoal black (right) ¿ depending on the specific model purchased

The earbuds come in a range of colour options — including pearl white (left), haze gold (centre) and charcoal black (right) — depending on the specific model purchased

An accompanying smartphone app ¿ available via both Google Play and the Apple iOS store ¿ opens up additional functionality, including access to an equaliser, customisation options for the touch controls and a 'Find My Earbuds' feature

An accompanying smartphone app — available via both Google Play and the Apple iOS store — opens up additional functionality, including access to an equaliser, customisation options for the touch controls and a ‘Find My Earbuds’ feature 

LG claimed that the buds have a ‘Headphone Spatial Process from Meridian Audio, which envelopes the listener in sound that appears to be coming from all directions.

They added that 3D Sound Stage was another enhancement. This expands the soundstage via spatial up-mixing and brings users more real audio to create a better listening experience.

An accompanying smartphone app — available via both Google Play and the Apple iOS store — opens up additional functionality, including access to an equaliser, customisation options for the touch controls and a ‘Find My Earbuds’ feature.

The earbuds come in a range of colour options — including charcoal black, pearl white and haze gold — depending on the specific model purchased.

More information on the LG TONE Free FP series can be found on the LG website.

Another feature that I really liked was the 'Plug & Wireless' mode, which allows the wireless earbuds to be used with non-Bluetooth devices (such as, for example, a treadmill, airplane entertainment system or older media player). This feature works using a supplied USB-C-to-AUX cable to connect the charging case to any other device with a 3.5 mm audio jack, effectively turning the former into a wireless dongle

Another feature that I really liked was the ‘Plug & Wireless’ mode, which allows the wireless earbuds to be used with non-Bluetooth devices (such as, for example, a treadmill, airplane entertainment system or older media player). The supplied USB-C to-AUX cable can be used to attach the charging case and any device that has a 3.5mm audio jack to make the latter a wireless dongle.

How does the ACTIVE NOISE CONTROL SOUND CANCELLING TECHNOLOGY work?

Active noise control is found in high-end noise cancelling headphones and promises to reduce the amount of ambient sound entering a wearer’s ears. 

A microphone is included in every headphone speaker. This allows them to hear the sounds coming from the speakers.

It then generates an exact match for these sound waves, which is then inverted. 

This cancels the offending external sounds when these opposite signals are combined.

While some systems claim they are capable of decreasing noise by upto 90%, it may only be possible for certain models to reduce the level to as low 50%.

Although the technology is known for many decades, it has only recently been applied to commercial headphones.

Recent applications of the principle have been made in both industrial and public settings.

This technology works with full size speakers that are equipped with large-sized speakers. It is designed to eliminate the noises from transformers, compressors, and low frequency machinery.

A variety of institutions are working to include it in commercial and residential buildings such as homes, shops and office spaces.