We tested the LG Tone Ultra HBS-820S earphones, certified by the DGT for use while driving

Today we bring you a test that is quite different from what we usually offer, because over these past few days we have been testing the LG Tone Ultra HBS-820S earphones, the new model joining the long-standing and well-established family of neckbuds created by LG. In addition, these earphones have the distinctive feature of being certified by the DGT for use while driving, which broadens their range of use.

In my opinion, I have always preferred over-ear headphones because I consider them to deliver the best sound quality, although it is true that they are the least suitable for use during sporting activities, as they can be more uncomfortable and get sweatier. Despite this last point, I have always prioritised sound quality, so when I was offered the chance to try the LG Tone Ultra HBS-820S, I was somewhat sceptical.

Sound quality backed by JBL

Once the unboxing was done, we found in our hands a pair of earphones to wear around the neck, with a band that feels discreet, being quite thin and narrow compared to what we are used to with this type of earphone. Besides being so comfortable that you will hardly notice you are wearing the earphones. The speaker and the microphone, which are built in on the right and left respectively, are not so discreet, and buttons that perform various functions have also been placed on them.

At the ends we have the in-ear earphones with a retractable system, meaning you only need to pull them to cover the distance from your neck to your ears and insert them into the ear canal, while once you stop using them, a slight tug is all it takes for them to retract by themselves. Frankly, the system seems too fragile, at least that is the impression it gives at first, although you soon realise that you would need to be quite brutal to “tear” them off. As an extra, the box includes two additional sets of foam tips in different sizes, so they fit any type of ear.

They feature Bluetooth 4.1 technology, which allows connection with our devices, as well as a 3.7 V lithium polymer battery that provides standby autonomy of up to 720 hours, while in conversation mode you can use them for 14.5 hours and in music playback mode for up to 11.5 hours. The sound quality you will enjoy through the in-ear earphones is backed by JBL, a sound that will not be the panacea, but is decent enough to enjoy our technology; they also feature Qualcomm aptX Audio Codec technology, which compresses stereo sound to transmit it over Bluetooth at 24-bit quality.

Earphones aimed at athletes or “executives”

Now that we have described what we could consider the conventional part of these earphones, let us move on to their external speaker, which is undoubtedly their most prized feature and the one that will precisely allow us to use them while driving. These earphones are mainly aimed at two types of people: athletes who want to use them during their sporting activities, and executives, especially those who need to talk while performing another task.

The former will make especially good use of the external “mono” speaker during sporting activities that require particular awareness of our surroundings, such as cycling, since while listening to music or the radio they can stay alert to what is happening around them. These users can also benefit from the feature aimed at the other group of potential customers, since on the left side it has a high-quality microphone that lets us make and receive calls, so the person on the other end can hear us without any difficulty. Another great advantage is that we can do this while driving, since the DGT has certified these earphones.

The other buttons on the LG Tone Ultra HBS-820S are used to end and answer calls, create voice notes through LG’s official app, change tracks, play or pause music, raise and lower the volume, a switch to change from the external speaker to the in-ear earphones, a power on/off button and a charging port where you plug in the USB cable supplied for charging.

Personal experience and price

After using them for a few days, my personal experience is that I get great use out of them when doing outdoor activities. I really enjoy going out into the hills, whether cycling or walking my dog, and thanks to these earphones I can listen to podcasts or my favourite music without isolating myself from my surroundings; whereas in my car I have not made as much use of them while driving, since I have Bluetooth to connect my smartphone and listen to music or make and receive calls with much better quality. In terms of connectivity, I have no complaints: it remained stable at all times for every function, although I should add that my phone was kept in my pocket throughout.

Are they really worth it? Well, if we consider that their price is around 125 euros, you will need to take carefully into account the use you are going to give them. If what you want are earphones for listening to the radio or, especially, high-quality music, the LG Tone Ultra HBS-820S are not for you. You should keep in mind that they are sports earphones that you will get great value and benefit from while doing the activities you enjoy most, and that you can make or receive calls without having to stop what you are doing, but above all without risk to yourself, especially if there are elements around you that could cause you harm.

As I said at the beginning, I was initially sceptical about these earphones, but today they have become a regular companion on my outings in nature, allowing me to enjoy what I love most along with my best audio.