When it comes to high-end wireless earbuds, the LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) and JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) represent two different approaches to premium audio. Let's dive into what makes each special and who they're best suited for.
Since Apple introduced AirPods in 2016, the wireless earbud market has evolved dramatically. Both of our contenders here represent the latest generation of this technology, with the JBL Tour Pro+ launching in early 2021 and the LG T90Q arriving in late 2022.
The key improvements we've seen in this latest generation include better battery life, more sophisticated noise cancellation, and enhanced wireless connectivity. The biggest leap has been in spatial audio technology, which creates a more immersive listening experience by simulating surround sound in a tiny package.
The LG TONE Free T90Q stands out with its implementation of Dolby Atmos with head tracking. This technology adjusts the audio based on how you move your head, creating a more cinema-like experience. Imagine watching a movie where the sound stays anchored to your screen even when you turn your head - that's what head tracking delivers.
In contrast, the JBL Tour Pro+ takes a more traditional approach, focusing on delivering JBL's signature sound profile. While it doesn't offer spatial audio features, many users might prefer its more straightforward, high-quality stereo presentation.
Both earbuds support high-quality Bluetooth codecs (ways of transmitting digital audio), but the LG T90Q has a slight edge with aptX Adaptive support, which can deliver better audio quality when paired with compatible devices.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have feature, and both models handle it differently:
Both offer transparency modes (which let you hear your surroundings), but the JBL implementation feels more natural in day-to-day use.
Battery life remains a crucial factor for wireless earbuds. Here's how they stack up:
LG T90Q:
JBL Tour Pro+:
The JBL Tour Pro+ takes a slight lead here, offering more listening time in all scenarios.
For home theater enthusiasts, the LG TONE Free T90Q has a compelling feature: its case doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter. This means you can connect it to non-Bluetooth sources (like older TVs) via the included cables, effectively adding wireless audio to any device with an audio output.
The Dolby Atmos support also makes it more suitable for movie watching, creating a more immersive experience that better matches what you'd hear in a theater. However, there's still some latency (delay between video and audio) present, though it's minimal with modern TVs and streaming devices.
Both models pack interesting features that set them apart:
LG T90Q:
JBL Tour Pro+:
After extensive testing, here's how they perform in everyday situations:
The JBL Tour Pro+ edges ahead with better noise cancellation and more secure fit. However, the LG T90Q's spatial audio can make longer trips more enjoyable, especially when watching videos.
Both perform well for video calls, but the JBL Tour Pro+ has better call quality. The LG T90Q's multi-point connection makes it easier to switch between your phone and computer.
The JBL Tour Pro+ is the clear winner here with better water resistance and a more secure fit.
At $149.94, the JBL Tour Pro+ delivers exceptional value, offering most of the features people want in premium wireless earbuds. The LG TONE Free T90Q at $229.99 commands a premium price but justifies it with unique features like Dolby Atmos and the UV cleaning case.
Choose the LG T90Q if:
Choose the JBL Tour Pro+ if:
Both models represent the current state of wireless earbud technology, but the market continues to evolve. We're seeing trends toward better battery life, improved spatial audio, and more sophisticated noise cancellation. The LG T90Q, being newer, hints at where the technology is heading with its advanced features, while the JBL Tour Pro+ demonstrates how refined the "traditional" approach has become.
The choice between these two excellent options ultimately comes down to your priorities and use cases. For pure value and practical features, the JBL Tour Pro+ is hard to beat. However, if you want the latest technology and don't mind paying for it, the LG T90Q offers some compelling advantages that could make it worth the extra investment.
Remember, the best earbuds are the ones that fit your specific needs and usage patterns. Consider how you'll primarily use them, what features matter most to you, and which compromises you're willing to make.
| LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) | JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) |
|---|---|
| Spatial Audio Support - Determines how immersive movies and music feel | |
| Dolby Atmos with head tracking | Standard stereo only |
| Battery Life (ANC On) - Critical for daily use without recharging | |
| 5 hours buds, 20 hours case | 6 hours buds, 24 hours case |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting and office work | |
| Good ANC, struggles with variable noise | Better real-world ANC performance |
| Water Resistance - Crucial for workout use and durability | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX5 (stronger water protection) |
| Special Features - Extra capabilities that might justify price | |
| UV cleaning case, Bluetooth transmitter, multi-point connection | Better call quality, more secure fit for sports |
| Codec Support - Affects audio quality with compatible devices | |
| AAC, aptX Adaptive (better quality) | AAC, SBC (standard quality) |
| Case Features - Convenience and additional functionality | |
| Wireless charging, UV cleaning, Bluetooth transmitter mode | Wireless charging only |
| Voice Call Quality - Important for work calls and meetings | |
| Average performance, especially outdoors | Superior with 6-mic system |
| Fit Security - Critical for exercise and movement | |
| Good for casual use, can loosen during activity | More secure fit, better for workouts |
| Value Proposition - Overall worth considering features and price | |
| Premium price for latest tech features | Better value for core features |
The LG TONE Free T90Q ($229.99) offers superior movie watching experience with Dolby Atmos and head tracking, creating a more immersive soundstage. The JBL Tour Pro+ ($149.94) provides good stereo sound but lacks spatial audio features.
The LG T90Q has a unique advantage with its case functioning as a Bluetooth transmitter, allowing connection to any TV with audio output. The JBL Tour Pro+ requires your TV to have Bluetooth capability.
The JBL Tour Pro+ offers slightly better battery life with 6 hours (ANC on) and 24 hours from the case, while the LG T90Q provides 5 hours (ANC on) and 20 hours from the case.
Both work well for late-night viewing, but the LG T90Q excels with its Dolby Atmos support, providing a more theater-like experience. Both have low latency for good audio/video sync.
The JBL Tour Pro+ performs better in real-world noise cancellation, especially with variable sounds. The LG T90Q is good but works best with consistent background noise.
Both have some latency that might affect gaming. The LG T90Q has slightly better latency with aptX Adaptive support on compatible devices.
The JBL Tour Pro+ is better suited for workouts with IPX5 water resistance and a more secure fit. The LG T90Q has IPX4 rating and may loosen during intense activity.
The JBL Tour Pro+ offers superior call quality with its 6-mic system. The LG T90Q performs adequately but struggles more in noisy environments.
At $149.94, the JBL Tour Pro+ provides better value for core features. The LG T90Q at $229.99 costs more but includes advanced features like Dolby Atmos and UV cleaning.
The LG T90Q offers multi-point connection for easy switching between devices. The JBL Tour Pro+ requires manual device switching.
Both offer excellent music quality, but the LG T90Q provides more customization options and spatial audio features. The JBL Tour Pro+ delivers JBL's signature balanced sound.
The LG T90Q is better suited for home theater use with Dolby Atmos and its Bluetooth transmitter case. The JBL Tour Pro+ works well but lacks spatial audio features for immersive movie watching.
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 - digitaltrends.com - harmanaudio.com - bestbuy.com - soundguys.com - tomsguide.com - jbl.com - bestbuy.com - seriousinsights.net - mm.jbl.com - support.jbl.com - bigapplebuddy.com
