Best Samsung Earbuds

TL;DR: The Galaxy Buds 3 FE deliver 30 dB of active noise cancellation, a feather‑light 5.6 g design, and up to 30 hours of total playback for $119.99, but they lack on‑ear volume swipes.

What really stands out is the up‑to‑30 dB ANC level paired with an 11 mm driver, giving a noticeable reduction in ambient noise while keeping the sound clear. The earbuds weigh just 5.6 g each, and the case adds another 40.0 g, making the whole set easy to slip into a pocket. Battery life’s solid: 8.5 hours of music with ANC off, 6 hours with ANC on, and a total of 30 hours when you factor in the charging case.

Compared with the other six Samsung models, the Buds 3 FE are lighter than the Galaxy Buds Pro (0.220 lb) and the Galaxy Buds Plus (0.014 lb), but heavier than the Buds 2 (0.011 lb) and the Buds Core (0.012 lb). Its 479 mAh case capacity edges out the Pro’s 472 mAh while sitting below the 515 mAh case in the Buds 3 Silver. Total playback matches the Buds 3 Silver’s 30‑hour claim, and the 6‑hour ANC‑on runtime exceeds the Pro’s 5‑hour figure.

Reviewers consistently praise the comfortable fit and the strong ANC for commuting and office work. Professional outlets note the clear microphone quality, thanks to six microphones (three per earbud). On the downside, users point out the absence of default volume swipe controls, a standardized‑test playback of only 4 hours 38 minutes, and a glossy case that can slip from a bag. Some also mention a bass‑heavy tuning that may not satisfy audiophiles.

Technical details round out the package: the earbuds support SSC, AAC and SBC codecs, run on Bluetooth 5.2, and carry an IPX2 splash rating. Sensors include proximity, Hall and touch, and the touch‑based controls let you activate Auto Switch, Game Mode (low‑latency on Samsung devices), Bixby voice wake‑up and SmartThings Find. Talk time reaches 240 minutes with ANC off and 210 minutes with ANC on, while the total talk time caps at 840 minutes (ANC off) and 780 minutes (ANC on).

Best for: Budget‑conscious Samsung Android users who need reliable ANC for commutes, travel, and office work.

Avoid if: You require multi‑device pairing, wireless charging, a neutral sound profile, or extended single‑charge sessions without the case.

TL;DR: The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro deliver premium ANC (up to 99% reduction), a dual‑driver sound system, and quick charging, but their five‑hour ANC runtime and higher price may deter budget shoppers.

What sets these earbuds apart is the combination of up to 99% active‑noise‑cancellation and a 2‑way speaker design that pairs an 11 mm woofer with a 6.5 mm tweeter. Ambient Sound Amplification boosts up to +20 dB across four levels, and a five‑minute quick‑charge adds roughly one hour of playback.

Compared with the other six Samsung models in this roundup, the Buds Pro are heavier than the Galaxy Buds 3 FE (0.115 lb) and the Galaxy Buds 3 Silver (0.31 lb) earbuds, while the case’s 44.9 g still feels compact. Their 472 mAh case battery is a touch lower than the 479 mAh case in the Buds 3 FE, which translates to a total play time of 28 hours (ANC off) versus the Buds 3 FE’s 30 hours. The Buds Core pushes 35 hours of ANC‑off playback, so the Pro’s battery life sits in the middle of the pack.

Users consistently praise the ANC’s “fantastic” reduction and the balanced sound that the dual‑driver layout provides. Professional reviewers note the fast‑charging feature as a major convenience for daily use, while some mention Bluetooth 5.0 feels dated and that fit can vary, occasionally affecting ANC performance in windy conditions. The earbuds also carry IPX7 water resistance, 360 Audio support, and a suite of sensors (accelerometer, gyro, proximity, Hall, touch, and voice pickup unit) for smooth interaction.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option

Avoid if: You want the best value-per-dollar in its price range

TL;DR: The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Silver offer an 11 mm driver, adaptive ANC, and up to 30 hours of playback, all in a lightweight design for Samsung users at a budget‑friendly price.

At the heart of the Buds 3 Silver is an 11 mm single driver that delivers clear, high‑resolution audio, while Adaptive ANC and Adaptive EQ, powered by Galaxy AI, tailor the sound to your surroundings. Samsung lists a total music playback time of 30 hours when ANC is off, and the earbuds weigh just 0.31 pounds, making them easy to wear all day.

Compared with the six other Samsung earbuds in this roundup, the Buds 3 Silver carries the largest case battery capacity at 515 mAh—higher than the 472 mAh in the Galaxy Buds Pro, the 479 mAh in the Buds 3 FE, the 500 mAh in the Buds Core, and the 252 mAh in the Buds 2. However, it is noticeably heavier than all of its peers, which range from about 0.011 to 0.220 pounds.

User reviews consistently praise the earbuds for their clear sound, comfortable fit, and long battery life, while many note that the earbuds can slip during vigorous movement and that the touch controls feel unintuitive. Professional reviewers also highlight the ergonomic angular design that reduces canal pressure and the smooth integration of Samsung’s 360 Audio and SSC‑UHQ codecs.

Beyond sound, the Buds 3 Silver carry an IP57 rating, protecting them from sweat, dust, and water. They run on Bluetooth 5.4, feature six microphones for voice pickup, and support 360 Audio, AAC, SBC, SSC and SSC‑UHQ codecs. Sensors include an accelerometer, gyro, hall, pressure, proximity, touch and a voice‑pickup unit, while software features such as Auto Switch, Samsung Find, Bixby Voice Wake‑up and real‑time translation round out the package.

Best for: Samsung Galaxy owners who want an open‑fit earbud with AI‑driven sound tuning, long battery life, and solid water resistance for daily commuting or casual listening.

Avoid if: You prioritize deep bass, a sealed in‑ear seal, or need completely reliable touch controls for hands‑free operation.

TL;DR: The Samsung Galaxy Buds Core give you up to 35 hours of music with ANC off, a feather‑light 5.5 g design, and useful AI features for a budget‑friendly $50.49 price tag.

What really stands out is the 35‑hour total playback time when active noise cancellation (ANC) is turned off, backed by a 500 mAh case battery and 65 mAh earbud cells. Even with ANC on, you still get 20 hours, which is generous for an entry‑level true‑wireless set. The earbuds weigh just 5.5 g each and sit in a compact 19.2 × 17.1 × 22.2 mm housing, making them almost unnoticeable during a commute or a workout.

Compared with the six other Samsung models in this roundup, the Core is the lightest option—lighter than the Galaxy Buds 3 Silver, the Buds Pro, and even the Buds Plus. Its total music time also tops the group; most peers hover around 8‑30 hours, and the Buds Plus reaches 22 hours total, still shy of the Core’s 35‑hour claim. While several higher‑priced models tout adaptive or higher‑dB ANC, the Core still includes basic ANC and an Ambient Sound mode, giving budget shoppers a noise‑reduction feature that many lower‑tier rivals lack.

Users consistently praise the reliable Bluetooth 5.4 connection and the intuitive touch controls that let you pause, skip, or summon the Galaxy AI Interpreter for real‑time translation on compatible phones. Reviewers frequently mention the built‑in Samsung Find feature as a lifesaver when an earbud slips out of a pocket. Reviewers also note the six microphones (three per side) deliver clear call quality, and the support for AAC, SBC, and Samsung’s Scalable Codec keeps streaming smooth on most devices. The IP54 rating adds a layer of splash resistance, which's handy for gym sessions.

Technically, the Core relies on a single‑way speaker design, which some audiophiles see as a limitation compared with dual‑driver setups. It also omits premium spatial‑audio formats like 360 Audio, and it doesn’t list high‑resolution codecs such as aptX or LDAC. Nevertheless, the combination of long battery life, ultra‑light build, and AI‑enabled features makes it a compelling entry‑level choice.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget

Avoid if: You need powerful performance or professional‑grade features

TL;DR: Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus deliver balanced AKG‑tuned sound, 11 hours of play on a charge and 22 hours total with the case, but they lack ANC and carry a premium $228.88 price tag.

What really sets the Buds Plus apart is the 2‑way dynamic driver system (woofer + tweeter) paired with a 270 mAh battery that powers up to 11 hours of listening per charge and 22 hours when the case is included. Fast‑charging adds about 1 hour of play after just 3 minutes in the case, and the earbuds weigh roughly 0.01 lb (5.6 g) each, while the charging case is 39.6 g.

Compared with the other six Samsung models, the Buds Plus is heavier than the ultra‑light Buds 3 Pro (≈0.01 lb) and Buds 2 (≈0.01 lb) but far lighter than the Buds 3 Silver (≈0.31 lb). It also lacks active noise cancellation, a feature the Buds Pro, Buds 3 Pro, Buds 3 Silver and Buds Core include. Battery‑life wise, the total 22 hours outpaces the Buds 2’s 13 hours and the Buds 3 Silver’s 30‑hour claim (ANC off), while matching the longer‑lasting Buds Core’s 35‑hour ANC‑off figure.

Reviewers consistently praise the balanced AKG sound signature, noting clear highs, solid mids and decent bass for everyday listening. Reviewers highlight the 450‑minute (7.5 hour) talk time as generous for calls, though some users miss stronger bass impact. They describe touch controls as intuitive, yet occasional misfires occur. Professional reviewers also commend the reliable Bluetooth 5.0 link and the low‑latency game mode for sync‑critical media.

Additional technical notes include three microphones per earbud (one inner, two outer), ambient awareness mode for hearing surroundings, IPX2 splash resistance, and Qi‑compatible wireless charging. The earbuds support SBC, AAC and Samsung Scalable codecs, and they connect to Android 5.0+ devices, Windows 10 PCs and iPhone 7+ (iOS 10+).

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 deliver AKG‑tuned sound, active noise cancellation and a 15‑minute quick charge for 1.7 hours of play, all in a feather‑light 5.6 g earbud design.

The standout spec is the rapid 15‑minute charge that adds roughly 1.7 hours of listening, thanks to a 58 mAh earbud battery paired with a 252 mAh charging case. At just 0.0110231131 pounds, the buds feel almost weightless, and the case itself weighs only 40 g, making them easy to slip into a pocket or bag.

Compared with the other six Samsung models in this roundup, the Buds 2 sit in the middle of the battery‑life spectrum: the Galaxy Buds 3 FE offers up to 8.5 hours of playback without ANC, while the Buds Pro reaches 8 hours with ANC on. The Buds 2 weigh less than the Buds 3 FE (0.115 pounds) and far less than the Buds Pro (0.220462262 pounds). However, the Buds 2’s total play time of 13 hours with the case falls short of the Buds 3 Silver’s 30‑hour music claim.

Users consistently praise the comfortable fit—thanks to the 5.6 g earbuds and stabilising wings—and the easy pairing with Samsung Galaxy phones. Professional reviewers highlight the AKG‑tuned mids and clear highs, while also noting that the ANC feels basic compared with higher‑end rivals. The IPX2 rating limits protection to light sweat, and many users flag it as a drawback for intense workouts.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high-quality option

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality

TL;DR: The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver premium sound with a 2‑way driver, up to 20 dB ambient boost, and 28 hours total playback, but its $240 price and 4.2‑star rating make it a high‑end choice for Samsung fans.

The standout hardware is the 2‑way driver system – an 11 mm woofer paired with a 6.5 mm tweeter – which Samsung markets as AKG‑tuned for balanced bass and clear treble. Ambient Sound Amplification reaches up to 20 dB, letting you stay aware of surroundings without removing the buds. Battery-wise, the 472 mAh case and 61 mAh earbuds combine for a total playback time of 28 hours when ANC is off, and a rapid 5‑minute quick‑charge adds a full hour of listening.

Compared with the other six earbuds in this roundup, the Buds 3 Pro is lighter than the Galaxy Buds Plus (0.011875 lb vs 0.013889 lb) and carries a larger case capacity than the Buds 2 (472 mAh vs 252 mAh). Its total playtime outpaces the Buds 2’s 13 hours and the Buds 3 Silver’s 30 hours ANC‑off claim, while matching the Buds Pro’s 8‑hour ANC‑off playback and 5‑minute quick‑charge. The Buds 3 FE offers a slightly longer 8.5‑hour ANC‑off run, but its ANC level reaches up to 30 dB, a step above the Buds 3 Pro’s two ANC levels. The Core provides 35 hours ANC‑off playtime, edging the Buds 3 Pro’s 28 hours, yet it uses a 1‑way speaker instead of the 2‑way setup here.

Users consistently praise the strong bass response and crystal‑clear calls, noting the three‑mic array per earbud and Voice Pickup Unit help cut through wind. Professional reviewers highlight the adaptive ANC and AI‑driven equalizer as useful for everyday environments, though they also point out that the ANC isn’t class‑leading against top rivals. A common complaint is that the fit slips during intense workouts, and some users report occasional Bluetooth hiccups despite the Bluetooth 5.0 connection.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns