LG DFP9 in the test: These Bluetooth in-ears also work on the headphone jack!

First of all, the LG ToneFree DFP9 are just like other true wireless in-ears: two small headphone plugs with Bluetooth, together weighing 10.6 grams and with a good fit for a wide variety of ears. Silicone rubbers in three different sizes are included for a tight fit in the ear canals. Other manufacturers are more generous and supply four or more variants. Controlling with a fingertip works very well: Whether it’s answering a call and pausing or adjusting the volume, the in-ears reacted reliably in the test and acknowledged fingertips with a subtle click – it couldn’t be better. Everything that can be adjusted at the touch of a finger on the right and left in-ear can be configured in the associated app. The app is already very successful and also offers good adjustment options for the sound, but more on that later. Only a search function is missing in the app.

As always, a small storage box is included for transport and charging. It’s not uncommon for these to be huge blobs that cause embarrassing dents in your trouser pocket, if you can fit them at all. The box of the LG ToneFree DFP9 is completely different: It is round with a diameter of only 5.4 centimeters and is 3 centimeters flat, so it also fits into skinny jeans. The in-ears don’t have to be put in too often, because at 10:36 hours they are among the long-running true wireless headphones. Half the term is more usual. The discharged batteries are also quickly ready for use again: after ten minutes in the transport case, the in-ears have already drained for almost three hours. Then the in-ears are not only charged, but also cleaned: UV LEDs are located in the transport box to disinfect the earplugs.

But that’s not all, the box also supports audio sources without Bluetooth. The scope of delivery includes an adapter cable with a jack plug for standard headphone outputs. At the other end, the cable has a USB-C plug for the charging socket. This is how the audio signal gets to the built-in Bluetooth transmitter in the box. It then sends the sound to the in-ears – great for air travelers, switch gamers and nostalgics who can’t get rid of their Walkman. The Bluetooth connection is absolutely fumble-free: simply plug in the cable and flip a slide switch on the side of the charging socket, and the connection is established. The only drawback: In the test, it turned out to be a little quieter than, for example, the Bluetooth radio from the smartphone, which can be tight on low-cost airlines.

The LG ToneFree DFP9 are almost too good for telephoning, with their good sound quality they are ideal for listening to music. The in-ears sound a bit cool, but very clear and lively, the image is beautifully spacious. The bass is powerful, but not overdone. If you prefer a warmer sound, you can adjust it very well in the app. The sound settings are saved by the headphones themselves and not by the app, so they are also effective when playing other sources. It is also particularly worth experimenting with the different rubber sizes with the LG. Not every headphone reacts so sensitively. If a film, a YouTube clip or a game is running on the smartphone, the very short latency has a positive effect – the sound is not noticeably delayed compared to the image. In addition to the Apple AirPods, for example, the LG are among the few exceptions among the otherwise always lagging true wireless headphones.

The LG ToneFree DFP9 (and the structurally identical LG ToneFree FP9) would be worth a strong recommendation with their good sound, the long battery life and the practically small transport box. They also score with practical setting options in the good app and with UV light for disinfecting. And then there is the transmitter: the in-ears can also be used with classic headphone outputs using the supplied adapter cable – very practical!