Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Score: 79/100
Sony WF-C500 Black
Score: 75/100Rankings
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE deliver strong ANC and a comfortable wing-tip fit while offering up to 30 hours of total playback at a budget price. Their limited IPX2 rating, lack of wireless charging, and missing physical volume controls are notable trade-offs. Ideal for Samsung users who value ecosystem features and solid battery life over premium durability.
The Sony WF-C500 deliver balanced sound with up to 20 hours of total battery life and customizable EQ via the Sony Headphones Connect app. They lack active noise cancellation and have physical button controls that can be inconsistent. Great for value-seeking users who prioritize neutral audio and long runtime.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
30 hoursbest | 20 hours | |
8.5 hours | 10 hoursbest | |
6.5 mmbest | 5.8 mm | |
| ↓ lower better | 5 minutesbest | 10 minutes |
| ↓ lower better | 100 g | 58.8 gbest |
6best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Design(2) | ||
IP Rating | IPX2 | IPX4 |
Total Weight (Earbuds + Case) (g) | 100 g | 58.8 g |
Battery & Power(3) | ||
Battery Life (Total with Case) (hours) | 30 hours | 20 hours |
Battery Life (Earbuds Only) (hours) | 8.5 hours | 10 hours |
Quick Charge Time (10 min boost) (minutes) | 5 minutes | 10 minutes |
Controls(1) | ||
Touch Controls | true | false |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | 5.0 |
Audio(2) | ||
Supported Audio Codecs | SSC, AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
Driver Size (mm) | 6.5 mm | 5.8 mm |
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 WF-C500 for their neutral, detailed sound and the flexibility of the Sony Headphones Connect app, highlighting the solid 10-hour battery life and comfortable fit. They criticize the lack of ANC, the limited codec range, a cramped soundstage and occasional driver imbalance, noting that the earbuds are best positioned as a value-focused alternative to higher-end Sony models.
Everyday users consistently praise the earbuds for their balanced sound, comfortable lightweight design and long battery life, describing them as a great value for the price. Common complaints revolve around occasional static, insufficient bass, low volume on larger devices, Bluetooth dropouts and a confusing companion app.
