Between manufacturers and consumers, wireless earbuds have gained a large market now. A new edition pops up every couple of months. This time around, the addition to the list is from LG with the first-of-its-kind Tone Free FN7 which comes with a UV charging case which can kill bacteria, according to the company’s claims.
DESIGN
The Tone Free looks like a premium product. It is designed like a pod and is circular in shape, also making it easy to carry. It is available in two colours, white and black. My review unit, which is a black one, came in a matte finish, but the white gets a glossy look.
The case is light and houses an LED indicator for charging, a UV indicator that lights up when the case is on charge, and a USB Type-C charging port. Sterilization happens when the lid is shut and on charge. You can see the UV blue light when you open it. There’s also a pairing button on the left side of the case.
The earphones are fitted in well with a magnet. They are easy to plug in and out. The top of each stem has a touch button that allows users to control music playback and calls. The LG Tone Free FN7 packs in IPX4 water-resistant certification, so it can withstand some sweat and light splashes. Design-wise the earphones are not different from the stuff we have seen. They are just glossy looking which gives them a premium feel.
In the box you get two extra silicon covers, which might look ordinary but they have a lining inside which makes them comfortable to wear and gives them a good grip. Using them while running or during a workout felt very easy and comfortable.
THE TONE FREE APP
What makes the experience better for any device is the ecosystem attached to it. LG provides an app for these earphones. The app helps you select an EQ preset, customise the EQ according to your needs, control ANC and ambient sound, customise controls, etc.
ANC AND SOUND
Tone Free has a great ANC. It can be easily compared to market leaders for its performance. I felt the noise cancellation levels were just right; 95% of the usual noises were muted completely. With the silicon ear covering, there is no fatigue too, which helped a lot.
The most important aspect of a pair of earphones is its sound quality, especially for people who enjoy listening to music. And if you are spending close to Rs 20k on a device, you would want the best out of it. With Tone Free we get a partnership with Meridian for higher sound quality and performance. Listening to music with high bass and treble was delightful and felt easy on the ear. Of course, the app can also be used to adjust the sound the way you want.
BATTERY
This is probably the only downside of this product. You get around seven hours of playtime on the device and an additional two in the box but as you switch on ANC, you lose two hours. You do get fast charging but for people who are always on the go and wish to use it regularly, this might be a deal breaker.
VERDICT
The LG Tone Free FN7, priced at Rs 18,990, is as premium as it can get in the earphone segment. It is a strong competitor in the ANC or all-exclusive UV ray department. The only disappointment is its battery life. With a product in this range, we were expecting better. However, besides that, you would love everything else about the Tone Free, right from its premium design, good sound quality, engaging app, ANC and the bacteria-killing UV technology.
