Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Score: 78/100
Marshall Motif II with ANC
Score: 75/100Rankings
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE deliver strong ANC, up to 8.5 hours of playback and fast 5-minute quick charging, plus seamless Samsung ecosystem features. Their drawbacks include modest IPX2 water resistance, no wireless charging, and a slippery case. Ideal for Samsung phone owners seeking affordable ANC earbuds.
The Marshall Motif II are true-wireless earbuds with active ANC, transparency mode, IPX5 resistance, and up to 43 hours of total playback including quick charging. Their ANC is decent but not class-leading, and touch controls can be overly sensitive. They fit commuters and workout enthusiasts who value battery life and rugged design.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
8.5 hours | 9 hoursbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 100 g | 50 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 5 minutesbest | 15 minutes |
6.5 mmbest | 6 mm | |
— | 10 mbest | |
— | 16 Ωbest | |
— | 108 dBbest | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (hours) | 8.5 hours | 9 hours |
Quick Charge Time (minutes) | 5 minutes | 15 minutes |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.3 |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (g) | 100 g | 50 g |
IP Rating | IPX2 | IPX5 |
Audio(2) | ||
Driver Size (mm) | 6.5 mm | 6 mm |
Supported Audio Codecs | SSC, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Galaxy Buds FE for their strong ANC that cuts low-frequency noise, comfortable winged fit, solid battery life, and seamless Samsung ecosystem features like Auto Switch and the SSC codec. Criticisms focus on the absence of physical volume controls, a slippery glossy case, limited water resistance (IPX2), and the lack of multi-device pairing or wireless charging.
Everyday users echo the experts, highlighting the earbuds' comfort, bass-forward sound, and portability as major positives. Recurring complaints revolve around the glossy case slipping, the missing volume slider on the touch interface, and occasional pressure from the wing tips during long listening sessions.
Professional reviewers commend the Motif II for its enjoyable, balanced sound, substantial battery upgrades and the addition of Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint. They appreciate the rugged Marshall aesthetic and the improved ANC, though they acknowledge that the noise cancellation is not elite and the lack of high-resolution codecs limits audiophile appeal.
Everyday users love the marathon battery life, comfortable fit and the punchy Marshall-style sound, especially for commuting and workouts. Common praise centers on the sturdy build, IPX5 resistance and quick charging, while cons include ANC not class-leading and touch controls finicky.
