LG TONE Free: New TWS earbuds that feature a self-cleaning charging case and up to 18 hours of battery life but no Qualcomm aptX or aptX HD support

LG has announced two new LG TONE Free true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds. Called the HBS-FN4 and HBS-FN6, both will be available in "key European and American markets" starting next month. The company is yet to announce pricing for any of these markets, although last year's LG Tone Free earbuds retailed for US$199.

Both the HBS-FN4 and HBS-FN6 feature Google Assistant and Siri integration, along with touch commands for playing, pausing, skipping and controlling volume levels. The two models are IPX4 certified against rain, splashing water and sweat and include customised EQ profiles developed by Meridian.

Neither model supports active noise cancellation (ANC), but LG claims that both provide a degree of noise isolation through their "snug-fitting ear tips". According to the company, these "provide a tight seal that blocks out most distracting exterior noise". The earbuds also support Ambient Sound Mode, which can be triggered by pressing the earbuds.

The HBS-FN6 also includes a UVnano charging case, which LG claims can eliminate "99.9 per cent of E. coli and S. aureus from the non-toxic, hypoallergenic silicone ear gel and inner mesh". The company adds that the base material in the silicone ear tips "meets ISO 10993 and USP Class VI requirements", although it caveats these claims by stating that the charging case "..or any of its parts not intended or implied to prevent or treat any health conditions".

The HBS-FN4 and HBS-FN6 include the following specifications. The lack of Qualcomm aptX or aptX HD support is rather cheap though, in our opinion:

• Earbud Size: 16.1 x 32.77 x 25.0 mm
• Charging Case Size: 54.6 x 54.6 x 27.5 mm
• Battery Capacity
  • Earbuds: 55 mAh x2
  • Case: 390 mAh

• Fast Charging Time: 5 minutes for 1 hour of playback
• Battery Life:
  • Talktime: 5 hours
  • Playback: 6 hours

• Earbuds & Case: 18 hours
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 (Single Device Connection)
• Speaker: 2 layered Dynamic
• Microphones: 2 outer
• Compatibility: Android/iOS
• Bluetooth Audio Codec: SBC/AAC
• Colours: Stylish Black/Modern White

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