When they arrived at the editorial office we thought that the LG Tone Free FP9 they were very similar to others Bluetooth headsets present on the market. Using them, however, we realized that there are really several features offered by these true wireless headphones, starting with Plug and Wireless, the mode that allows you to use the Free Tone FP9 even with products that do not have Bluetooth connectivity, from the TV at home. at the gym treadmill.
We tell you about this and all the other functions of LG Free Tone FP9 in this one review.
The self-sanitizing headphones
For some time now, LG has been accustoming us to true wireless headphones that can self-sanitize. The Tone Free FP9s are no exception. There UVnano technology, integrated into the case, allows you to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria in 5 minutes. Considering that the headphones spend a lot of time in the ears and that our ears are exposed to a little bit of everything, it is an added security.
We also notice this same attention to health by taking the earphones in hand, with the rubber pads made of non-toxic hypoallergenic silicone, a medical-grade gel that reduces the possible discomfort deriving from prolonged use.
Both the case and the headphones boast extremely small dimensions. The first is light, circular and suitable for any pocket; it has a USB-C connector for charging and a small switch on the side to activate the Plug & Wireless mode. The latter are designed for fit any type of ear; this allows them to also be suitable for prolonged use and very comfortable even for physical activity. On the other hand they have IPX4 certification for resistance to sweat and rain.
The outer surface is touch and you can use it to manage calls and music. The controls are pretty classic. For example, with one touch you can start or pause playback while with three touches on the right earphone you go to the next song.
You also have the option to adjust the volume: two taps to the right to raise it and two to the left to lower it.
Find all these indications in the LG Tone Free app, which you can download for free from both the App Store and the Google Play Store. The latter also allows you to customize the controls. Not all but many can be tailored to your needs.
One note: we were unable to do this with the app installed on the iPhone while on Android we were able to modify them to our liking.
Field use
The functionality that won us over is undoubtedly Plug and Wireless, which allows you to use the headphones even on devices that do not support Bluetooth. All you have to do is activate the switch on the case and then connect the case to another device using the USB / 3.5mm jack cable found in the case.
It is very useful and very convenient for both older PCs and other devices. Think, for example, of the treadmills in the gym or the entertainment system on planes.
A really nice idea from LG.
However, this is not the only feature offered by the Tone Free FP9. But let’s go in order.
First of all these earphones use Bluetooth 5.2, the connection is stable even at a distance of several meters and the latency is very low so audio and video go hand in hand, without that unpleasant feeling of out of sync. If you want then you can activate the Game Mode which reduces the latency to the minimum wage.
We have 3 microphones for the management of calls but the yield, in our opinion, can be improved. They eliminate background noise very well but the voice is a bit metallic.
There’s also an option we’ve never seen on other headphones: Whisper. You activate it from the app and it allows you to use the right earphone as a super close microphone, allowing you to keep your voice very very low. We haven’t used it often, but if you’re on public transport and don’t want everyone to mind your own business, it has its usefulness.
Also this time LG collaborated with Meridian Audioa British company specializing in the production of audio equipment.
There are 5 preset within the app: 3 are the work of Meridian while Bass Boost and Treble Boost are from LG.
We don’t think there is one better than the others, they simply are different and suit different tastes and different ways of listening to music. Perhaps, having to choose one, the Treble Boost is the one we liked the most because it is more balanced and enhances the vocals. You can also use the built-in equalizer but it does not benefit from the software optimization of the presets.
The LG Tone Free FP9 also have the active noise cancellation. There are two levels: High and Low. The first is more aggressive, the second lighter. However, both allow you to bring home a good result.
We also have the opposite, so the Ambient Sound. Here too on two levels: Listening Mode and Conversation Mode. Be aware that the second amplifies the voices more but lowers the volume of the music a little.
A special mention also deserves the app that we really liked a lot. Sometimes the translation into Italian is a bit imprecise but there are a lot of functions and it is very intuitive.
We end with autonomy. Are around 6 hours with ANC rising to 10 by deactivating the option. The case then gives you another 15 with active noise cancellation or 24 by giving up this function. Not bad really.
The review of the LG Tone Free FP9
As you have seen, LG Tone Free FP9s are loaded with interesting features. In addition, they are comfortable, self-sanitizing, have quick and intuitive controls and can even read notifications. The audio quality is not audiophile but absolutely satisfying.
The price is then centered: 199 euro but in reality you can find them for less, even on the LG website.