When Apple's AirPods Pro 2 ($249) and the LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) were both released in September 2022, they represented the cutting edge of wireless earbud technology. A year and a half later, they remain top contenders, thanks to software updates and competitive features. Let's explore how these premium earbuds stack up and help you decide which pair best suits your needs.
Modern wireless earbuds have evolved far beyond simple music playback. They now serve as mini-computers in your ears, handling everything from noise cancellation (which uses microphones and processors to detect and eliminate unwanted sounds) to spatial audio (technology that creates a 3D soundscape around your head).
The key features buyers should consider include:
The AirPods Pro 2 deliver exceptionally balanced sound with Apple's custom-designed drivers (the tiny speakers inside each earbud). Their standout feature is Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation based on your environment. Having tested these extensively, I've found they excel at maintaining audio clarity whether you're in a quiet room or a noisy coffee shop.
The spatial audio feature, which creates a virtual surround sound experience, is particularly impressive when watching movies. The head-tracking capability makes it feel like the sound is coming from your TV or iPad, even when you turn your head.
The LG T90Q takes a different approach, partnering with audio specialist Meridian for sound tuning. They offer more bass out of the box and include several EQ presets. Their Dolby Atmos head-tracking feature rivals Apple's spatial audio, though I've found it slightly less consistent in maintaining the sound position.
For home theater use, the T90Q has a unique advantage: its case doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter. You can plug it into older TVs or airplane entertainment systems using the included 3.5mm cable, effectively making any audio source wireless.
One of the biggest differentiators between these earbuds is how they interact with your other devices. The AirPods Pro 2 are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, offering:
The LG TONE Free T90Q, meanwhile, works equally well with any platform and offers:
Battery life can make or break the wireless earbud experience. Here's how they compare:
AirPods Pro 2:
LG TONE Free T90Q:
Both support wireless charging, but the LG adds UV sterilization in the case, which kills bacteria on the earbuds while charging - a neat feature for hygiene-conscious users.
Since their release, Apple has added features through software updates:
Standout features include:
Having used both extensively, here's how they perform in common scenarios:
The AirPods Pro 2 edge ahead in noise cancellation, particularly with variable sounds like train noise and street traffic. Their Adaptive Audio feature is particularly useful here.
The LG T90Q excels with its six-microphone array, though both handle calls well. The whispering mode on the T90Q is particularly useful for private conversations in public spaces.
The LG T90Q's transmitter case gives it versatility for connecting to any TV, while the AirPods Pro 2 work best with Apple TV or other Apple devices. Both offer excellent spatial audio for movies.
Both are IPX4 water-resistant (protected against sweat and light rain), but the AirPods Pro 2 tend to stay in place better during vigorous movement.
While the AirPods Pro 2 launched at $249 and the LG T90Q at $229.99, you can often find the LG model discounted to around $179.99. This price difference makes the LG particularly attractive if you're not heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Choose AirPods Pro 2 if:
Choose LG TONE Free T90Q if:
Both earbuds represent excellent choices in the premium wireless category, but they serve different users. The AirPods Pro 2 are the obvious choice for Apple users who value seamless integration and top-tier noise cancellation. The LG TONE Free T90Q offers more flexibility and features at a lower price point, making them an excellent choice for platform-agnostic users or those who need specific features like the Bluetooth transmitter or multi-point connectivity.
Consider your primary use cases, ecosystem preferences, and budget when making your choice. Either way, you'll end up with capable earbuds that should serve you well for years to come.
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($249) | LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) |
|---|---|
| Ecosystem Integration - Determines how seamlessly they work with your devices | |
| Optimized for Apple ecosystem, limited Android functionality | Platform agnostic, works equally well with all devices |
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 6 hours (ANC on), 30 hours total with case | 9 hours (ANC off), 5 hours (ANC on), 27 hours total with case |
| Noise Cancellation Quality - Essential for commuting and office use | |
| Industry-leading ANC, excellent transparency mode | Good ANC, slightly less effective transparency |
| Spatial Audio - Important for immersive movie/gaming experience | |
| Advanced spatial audio with dynamic head tracking | Dolby Atmos with head tracking, slightly less precise |
| Special Features - Extra capabilities that might matter for specific uses | |
| Find My tracking, Adaptive Audio, Conversation detection | UV sterilization, Bluetooth transmitter case, Multi-point connection |
| Water Resistance - Crucial for exercise and outdoor use | |
| IP54 (dust and water resistant) | IPX4 (water resistant only) |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience and compatibility | |
| MagSafe, Qi wireless, USB-C | Qi wireless, USB-C |
| Connectivity - Important for stable audio and device switching | |
| Bluetooth 5.3, automatic device switching (Apple only) | Bluetooth 5.3, manual multi-point connection (any device) |
| Sound Customization - Flexibility to match your preferences | |
| Limited EQ options, Adaptive EQ only | Multiple EQ presets, detailed customization available |
| Call Quality - Critical for business users | |
| 4 microphones, excellent wind reduction | 6 microphones, includes whispering mode |
For home theater use, both offer excellent spatial audio, but the LG TONE Free T90Q has an advantage with its charging case's Bluetooth transmitter feature, allowing connection to any TV. The AirPods Pro 2 work best with Apple TV but offer slightly more precise head tracking for spatial audio.
The AirPods Pro 2 at $249 are worth it for Apple users due to seamless ecosystem integration. However, the LG T90Q at $229.99 (often discounted to $179.99) offers better value for Android users or those needing multi-device connectivity.
The AirPods Pro 2 have superior noise cancellation and transparency mode, making them better for commuting or noisy environments. The LG TONE Free T90Q offers good but slightly less effective noise cancellation.
The LG TONE Free T90Q can connect to any TV using its case as a Bluetooth transmitter with the included 3.5mm cable. The AirPods Pro 2 connect easily to Apple TV but require additional hardware for other TVs.
The LG TONE Free T90Q offers 9 hours without ANC (5 hours with ANC), while AirPods Pro 2 provide 6 hours with ANC. Both cases provide about 30 hours total playback time.
Both work for gaming, but latency is better on AirPods Pro 2 when used with Apple devices. The LG T90Q supports low-latency codecs for Android gaming but may have slight delay on other platforms.
The LG TONE Free T90Q features 6 microphones and a useful whispering mode, while AirPods Pro 2 have 4 microphones. Both perform excellently for calls, but LG offers more specialized features.
The LG TONE Free T90Q offers true multi-point connectivity for any device. The AirPods Pro 2 can switch between Apple devices automatically but don't support multi-point for non-Apple devices.
Both offer excellent sound quality, but AirPods Pro 2 provide a more balanced, natural sound signature. The LG T90Q offers more customization through EQ settings and tends to have stronger bass.
Both are IPX4 water-resistant and suitable for exercise. The AirPods Pro 2 typically provide a more secure fit, while the LG T90Q might require more frequent adjustment during vigorous activity.
The LG TONE Free T90Q is more versatile for home theater use thanks to its transmitter case. The AirPods Pro 2 work best within the Apple ecosystem but may require additional adapters for traditional home theater systems.
For home theater enthusiasts, the LG TONE Free T90Q offers better value due to its universal compatibility and transmitter case. However, if you use Apple TV, the AirPods Pro 2 provide a more integrated experience.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: recordingnow.com - apple.com - apple.com - cnet.com - hearingreview.com - target.com - support.apple.com - costco.com - cnet.com - quill.com - techradar.com - soundstagesolo.com - digitaltrends.com - loudnwireless.com - tomsguide.com - soundguys.com - thetechnologyman.com - youtube.com - musicphotolife.com - aptx.com
