When it comes to choosing wireless earbuds in 2024, we're faced with more options than ever. Today, we're comparing two premium contenders: the LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) and the newer JBL Tour Pro 3 ($249.99). Both pack impressive features, but they take different approaches to delivering premium audio experiences.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since Apple launched the AirPods in 2016. Today's premium models offer advanced features like spatial audio (which creates a virtual surround sound experience), active noise cancellation (ANC) that adapts to your environment, and smart features that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
The LG T90Q was released in late 2022, while the JBL Tour Pro 3 is brand new for 2024. This timing difference is important because wireless audio technology has made significant leaps in the past year, particularly in areas like spatial audio processing and battery efficiency.
The T90Q employs 11mm graphene drivers - graphene is an ultra-light, strong material that helps create clear, detailed sound. While testing these, I found the sound signature to be well-balanced but not particularly exciting. It's like a good studio monitor - accurate but perhaps missing some of the energy that makes music fun.
JBL took a different approach with a hybrid dual-driver system. Think of it like having both a subwoofer and a tweeter in each ear - one driver handles the low frequencies while the other manages the highs. This creates a more dynamic, engaging sound that really shines with complex music. The bass is noticeably punchier without overwhelming the mids and highs.
Both models offer active noise cancellation, but they handle it differently:
The LG T90Q uses a fairly standard ANC system that does a decent job with constant noises like airplane engines or air conditioners. It's good enough for most situations, but it won't blow you away.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 features what they call "True Adaptive Noise Cancellation 2.0." It continuously adjusts to your environment, measuring sound changes 50,000 times per second. In practice, this means better handling of sudden noises and changing environments.
Both offer transparency modes (allowing you to hear your surroundings), but JBL's implementation feels more natural. When using these for home theater late at night, the JBL's better noise cancellation means you can keep the volume lower while still enjoying clear dialog.
Here's where we see some significant differences:
LG T90Q:
JBL Tour Pro 3:
The JBL's superior battery life reflects newer, more efficient components. For most users, either will last through a full day, but frequent travelers might appreciate the JBL's extra stamina.
This is where both products really try to stand out from the crowd.
The smart case on the JBL Tour Pro 3 is particularly innovative - it's like having a tiny smartwatch display for controlling your earbuds. You can adjust settings, check battery life, and even see notifications without touching your phone.
For home theater use, both models offer low-latency modes to prevent audio/video sync issues. The JBL has a slight edge here thanks to its transmitter case feature, which can connect directly to TVs or other devices that don't support Bluetooth audio.
The spatial audio implementation is also important for movie watching:
In testing, JBL's solution provided a more convincing surround sound experience, particularly when watching action movies or gaming.
At $229.99, the LG T90Q represents solid value, especially considering its feature set. The JBL Tour Pro 3 at $249.99 asks for a bit more but justifies it with newer technology and better overall performance.
Think about it this way: the $20 difference represents about 8% more cost for:
Both products represent different generations of wireless earbud technology. The LG T90Q was innovative for its time but shows its age in some areas. The JBL Tour Pro 3 points to where the industry is heading, with smarter features and better integration into our daily lives.
After extensive testing of both models, I find myself reaching for the JBL Tour Pro 3 more often. The better sound quality and more advanced features make it feel like a more complete package. However, the LG T90Q remains a solid choice, especially if you can find it on sale.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs and how you'll use them. Both are excellent products that showcase how far wireless audio has come in recent years.
| LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) | JBL Tour Pro 3 ($249.99) |
|---|---|
| Driver Configuration - Determines overall sound quality and detail | |
| Single 11mm graphene driver | Hybrid dual-driver (10mm dynamic + balanced armature) |
| Battery Life (ANC Off) - Critical for long listening sessions and travel | |
| 9 hours (29 total with case) | 11 hours (44 total with case) |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office use | |
| Basic ANC with adaptive mode | Advanced adaptive ANC 2.0 with 50k/sec adjustments |
| Spatial Audio - Enhances movies and gaming experience | |
| Dolby Atmos with basic head tracking | JBL Spatial 360 with superior head tracking |
| Special Case Features - Adds functionality beyond charging | |
| UV-C sanitizing, wireless charging | Touchscreen display, wireless charging, audio transmitter |
| Water Resistance - Critical for workout use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IP55 (water and dust resistant) |
| Codec Support - Affects audio quality with compatible devices | |
| AAC, AptX Adaptive | LDAC, LC3, AAC |
| Multi-device Support - Important for switching between phone/computer | |
| Basic multipoint connection | Advanced multipoint with smart switching |
| Weight Per Earbud - Affects long-term comfort | |
| 11g | 5.6g |
The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers superior sound quality for movies thanks to its dual-driver system and better spatial audio implementation. While the LG T90Q has Dolby Atmos, the JBL's Spatial 360 technology provides a more immersive home theater experience, especially during action scenes.
Both work well for late-night viewing, but the JBL Tour Pro 3 has an advantage with its charging case that can act as a Bluetooth transmitter for TVs. The better noise cancellation also means you can listen at lower volumes while still hearing dialogue clearly.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers superior battery life with 11 hours per charge (44 hours total with case), compared to the LG T90Q's 9 hours (29 hours total with case).
Both earbuds feature low-latency modes for video watching. The JBL Tour Pro 3 has slightly better performance in this area, especially when using its case as a transmitter.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 is lighter at 5.6g per earbud compared to the LG T90Q's 11g, making it more comfortable for extended viewing sessions.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 includes the adapter functionality in its charging case, while the LG T90Q would require a separate Bluetooth transmitter for older TVs without Bluetooth.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 features more advanced adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts 50,000 times per second, outperforming the LG T90Q's basic ANC system.
Both support multipoint connectivity, but the JBL Tour Pro 3 offers smarter switching between devices. The LG T90Q has basic multipoint functionality.
The LG T90Q at $229.99 offers good value, but the JBL Tour Pro 3 at $249.99 justifies its higher price with better features and performance.
Both work with gaming consoles via Bluetooth if supported. The JBL Tour Pro 3 has an advantage with its transmitter case for connecting to devices without native Bluetooth support.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 offers more intuitive control through its smart case display, while the LG T90Q uses traditional touch controls on the earbuds.
The JBL Tour Pro 3 has superior IP55 water resistance compared to the LG T90Q's IPX4 rating, making it more suitable for outdoor use.
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: techradar.com - soundstagesolo.com - digitaltrends.com - loudnwireless.com - tomsguide.com - soundguys.com - thetechnologyman.com - youtube.com - musicphotolife.com - aptx.com - techradar.com - sweetwater.com - news.jbl.com - youtube.com - harmanaudio.com - jbl.com - krazykileys.ca - jbl.com - shop.menshealth.com - sweetwater.com
