LG Wireless Tone Flex Headphones Black

Used these for a few weeks, and gotta say, they're the worst LG Tones unit I've ever used. I've been using Tones devices since 2011, had at least 4 or 5 different models. The previous set (HBS820) lasted an incredible 6 years before needing to be replaced. This particular unit, the HBS-XL7, is pretty damn horrible, really. Reception: Terrible, even at point-blank range, no matter the device it's connected to. Even when connected to only a single device, the audio stutters constantly. Tried resetting the headset and re-pairing; no improvement. Dell desktop computer running W11, Microsoft Surface laptop running W10, Asus smartphone running Android... doesn't matter, audio always stutters. Battery: Some sources say it is supposed to last 10 hours; others only 8. In my experience, it's only about 5 or 6. It drains incredibly fast for a device of this size, even on the normal EQ mode. Design: It's a nice, clean design, but they went a little too far into form over function. For comparison, my old set, the HBS820, had the following switches and buttons: a power switch, a call answer/end button, a volume up/down switch, a track forward/reverse switch, and a media play/pause button. This set, the HBS-XL7, has one button for power on/off, media play/pause, call answer/end; one switch for volume up/down and track forward/reverse, and a button dedicated singularly to the Google Assistant. The setup works relatively well, but I don't trust it to work every time, if that makes sense. I'd prefer the extra buttons and switches. Comfort: Good if you like a loose-fitting neckband. It's looser than my old HBS820. Earbuds are slimmer, and sit nicely in my ears. Sound: Middle-of-the-road. Nothing to write home about. The bass boost EQ option does a respectable job, but it won't blow your socks off. [Insert 4th idiomatic criticism here] App: There's an app you can use with it that acts like a Quick Reference guide and allows you to select from 3 equalizer presets (but no custom EQ options). Other than that, it's just more bloat to have on your phone. Set the EQ you like and uninstall the app. Reinstall it when/if you need or want to change the EQ again. Overall: It looks nice, it's an interesting attempt at minimalism that sacrifices reliability, the battery life is bad, and the stuttering audio makes it useless. I do NOT recommend this product.