After a period of in-depth experience with the LG Tone Free T90S, from working sessions in crowded cafes to enjoying movies at home, I have come to the conclusion that although this is a groundbreaking product, , but it also shows the current limits of compacting theater sound technology into a tiny device.
First impression: more than just a pretty box
When opening the T90S box, the first thing that strikes is LG’s focus on a premium experience. The charging box attracts eyes with its luxurious matte finish. The weight of the box is quite “compact” but not too heavy to cause discomfort when carrying it in your pocket. The unique feature lies in the array of UV-C LED lights hidden inside – LG’s UVnano technology, which promises to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria on the tip during charging.
The headphones themselves represent a departure from the familiar stem-like design popularized by Apple with its AirPods. Instead, LG chose a more rounded design, creating what it calls a “medical-grade ear canal design.” This is an ambitious choice with mixed results – some of my friends said they found it extremely comfortable, others needed to experiment with different tips several times to find the right fit. Fit.
Experience Dolby Atmos: A future awaits
The integration of Dolby Atmos is the most outstanding feature of the LG Tone Free T90S, and it is here that we see both the product’s greatest success and its limits. When used in a static environment – for example, watching “Dune” on a tablet or playing games – the spatial sound effects are truly impressive. Head tracking technology creates a convincing sense of space, making sound seem to come from fixed points around instead of directly into the ear.
During a test session with the movie “The Mandalorian,” the LG Tone Free T90S’s spatial sound effects were realistic enough to make me instinctively turn my head when I heard sounds behind me. This technology shines best in controlled environments, truly delivering a more immersive listening experience.
However, when wearing headphones on the way to work in the morning, the story is completely different. The head tracking feature, which works well in static environments, can be more distracting than creating a spatial effect when moving. When walking on a crowded street while listening to music, constantly adjusting the soundscape sometimes feels like a… bug rather than a feature. Luckily LG provides easy controls to turn off head tracking when needed, but it’s worth noting that the product’s main selling point comes with certain usage conditions.
Balanced sound quality
Spatial audio features aside, the T90S still needs to function as a high-quality pair of headphones for everyday use. Here, the partnership with Meridian Audio shows value, although it may not be equal across all frequency ranges. Pure graphene driver delivers incredibly clear mids and highs – vocal tracks like Adele’s “Easy on Me” display impressive detail and presence.
However, the limitation of the T90S lies in its ability to reproduce bass. When experimenting with powerful electronic, hip-hop tracks like “bad guy” by Billie Eilish or “HUMBLE” by Kendrick Lamar, the bass lacks the necessary depth and force. While not completely lackluster, it lacks the solidity and vibrance needed to truly satisfy bass lovers.
This becomes even more obvious when compared with competitors in the same price segment such as the Sony WF-1000XM5, famous for its powerful and well-controlled bass. In-app EQ adjustments can improve this situation somewhat, but cannot completely compensate for hardware limitations.
For a more detailed review, I tested the T90S with many different music genres. With classic rock music, the instruments are reproduced well, the electric guitar sound is crisp and powerful. However, when switching to complex symphonic music, the soundstage sometimes lacks the airiness that some other high-end headphones provide. The overall sound leans towards balance, suitable for many genres of music, but not really excellent in any genre.
These smart features are truly smart
Where the T90S really sets itself apart is its smart implementation of practical features. “Whisper Mode” is a novelty – when activated, you can whisper into the right earbud during calls, perfect for late-night chats or quiet office environments. During testing, call recipients consistently reported clear audio, even during whispered conversations.
The “Plug & Wireless” feature turns the charging case into a Bluetooth transmitter for non-Bluetooth devices – especially useful when you connect to unusual media sources such as treadmills or computer entertainment systems. headphones, old headphones, etc. Connecting with the included USB-C to 3.5mm cable, you will be able to enjoy those sources with wireless headphones, significantly more convenient to use.
The LG Tone Free app offers one of the most refined software experiences in the wireless headphone market. The interface balances accessibility and depth, offering plenty of customization without overwhelming the user. The head tracking calibration is done exceptionally well, although I think it would be better if the user could have more granular control over spatial audio effects.
Battery life tells a story we’ve heard many times in the world of multi-featured headphones – good enough, but not great. With ANC turned on, you’ll get around five hours from the headphones themselves, with the charging case providing an additional three full charges. These numbers drop when Dolby Atmos is enabled, although quick charging (5 minutes for an hour of playback) helps to “remove” this limitation somewhat.
Active noise cancellation works admirably in most situations. When riding the bus, the T90S handled vehicle engine noise and conversational voices effectively, but had more difficulty with high-frequency noise such as car horns. However, the transparency mode deserves praise for its natural sound, you can chat easily even while wearing headphones.
Conclusion: A new future is waiting ahead
LG Tone Free T90S (priced at 3.09 million VND according to LG Vietnam website) represents a bold step forward in wireless headphone technology. They show what’s possible when manufacturers think beyond mere sound reproduction to create a more comprehensive personal audio solution. While they may not be the perfect choice for everyone, they offer a glimpse into the future of portable audio – a future that’s coming sooner than we expected.
For those willing to embrace their strengths and work around their limitations, the T90S deliver an experience that, while not perfect, pushes the boundaries of what we can expect from true headphones. wireless. In a market often criticized for trickle-down improvements, LG deserves credit for daring to be different.
For users who primarily enjoy media in static environments and value feature innovation over sheer audio performance, the T90S offers a compelling proposition. The implementation of Dolby Atmos, when used under ideal conditions, delivers a truly enhanced music listening experience. Smart extras like UVnano disinfection and Plug & Wireless functionality add real value beyond the core audio capabilities.
However, for audiophiles or those looking for best-in-class noise cancellation, the T90S’s compromises in bass response and ANC performance may cause hesitation.
Plus point
+ Excellent spatial audio performance in static use
+ Innovative and really useful additional features
+ High quality finishing and design
+ Comprehensive and user-friendly application experience
Points for improvement
– The bass doesn’t really stand out
– Active noise cancellation (ANC) performance is not equal to some products in the same segment
– Battery life is relatively low when advanced features are enabled