Android Central 2021: Best Samsung earbuds
Samsung has been pushing its audio expertise, especially with its expanding line of earbuds that are complementary to its mobile phones. While the Galaxy Buds Pro are currently the best Samsung earbuds, you may be looking for something more.
Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central
Galaxy Buds Pro combine past features with new tweaks to make the most advanced wireless earbuds ever made by Samsung. Samsung took some time to achieve this level of performance. There are many reasons for this. Although the design is identical to the Galaxy Buds and Buds+ models, the slightly wider frame means that the fit will not be as snug and secure right away. These earbuds are small and lightweight. The matte interior makes it easier to grip. These earbuds are also the most durable Samsung have made in terms of water and sweat resistance. The earbuds are large enough to justify the tech. Active noise cancellation (ANC) is available with two settings that keep ambient noise at bay. Ambient mode now offers four settings for filtering out outside noises. You can use both to work together. Voice Detect lowers the volume of audio and activates Ambient mode when you start speaking. This allows you to converse with your phone without having to touch anything on your phone or earbuds. You can adjust the sound quality in the Galaxy Wearable app to get a cleaner sound. However, larger drivers produce a clearer sound default. It is a shame that there is no way to modify it or create your own presets. The call quality is excellent, with clear calls at a consistent level. The touch controls can be finicky so you need to be careful, no matter if you are using the phone or listening music. Samsung's 360 Audio with Dolby Head Tracking technology was a first. It's an interesting effect when you want virtual surround sound for watching movies and shows coded for it. Battery life is the only thing that will be sacrificed. The battery can last up to five hours on ANC, and up to eight hours if ANC is off. You can add three additional charges to the case, which you can charge via USB-C and wireless charging. You can charge up in five minutes using USB-C and get up to one hour of playback. The Pros: Great sound
Effective ANC
Water and sweat resistance
Comfortable design
Spatial 360 Audio
Low battery life
Finicky touch controls
Custom EQ is required
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro: Best Overall Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Samsung's best Samsung did a lot to make the Galaxy Buds Pro a great product, especially with the additional features that make it easy to use. Amazon: $159
Best Buy $170
$170 at B&H
Best runner-up: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central
Galaxy Buds 2 don't go back to basics, but instead create a strong link between comfort and performance. While this should be the standard for all wireless earbuds in general, it is a good combination. Samsung was able to achieve a similar balance between durability, features, and price. These are not the best if you sweat often, but they will work well for leisure and casual use. These are your regular earbuds. They fit comfortably into your ears and feel small. Although they have different drivers to the Galaxy Buds Pro's, their goal is the same: to improve audio quality without being too loud. Even though the mids sound a bit muffled, they still sound clear and crisp. The included silicone tips can passively block outside noises. Ambient Sound and ANC are two new features that you would expect from earbuds of this price range. Ambient Sound is a step back, while the ANC is very similar to what the Galaxy Buds Pro can do. Although the onboard mics work well, they are not as efficient as the Pro models. This is also why the call quality is not at the same level. Although the battery life is a bit less than the Galaxy Buds+, the technology inside makes it a good result. Depending on the volume, you can expect to get 7.5 hours of battery life with ANC off and five hours with it turned on. You can add three additional charges to the charging case, or use wireless charging or USB-C to top it up. You have a few options for colors: white, graphite and olive, as well as lavender. Pros: Bold sound
Effective ANC
Comfortable fit
Battery life is excellent
Good color options. However, the IPX2 rating doesn't make it very durable.
Microphones are so-so
Finicky controls
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2: Best Runner-up All about Balance Samsung has taken its entry-level true wireless headphones up a notch, focusing on a solid combination of comfort and performance. Amazon: $150
Best Buy $150
$150 at B&H
Best comfort: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
Source: Joe Maring/Android Central
The unique design of the Galaxy Buds Live is a must-see when talking about the Galaxy Buds Live. Samsung tried to make earbuds that fit as many ears as possible with the bean-shaped design. Engineers removed the driver from the car, and the earbud rested over the ear. It reduces fatigue and discomfort when worn for long periods of time, as nothing sticks to the ear canal. This could also be beneficial for smaller ears. These were Samsung's first earbuds with ANC support. However, the open-fit design means that it must work harder to block ambient noise. It won't be as efficient as the Galaxy Buds Pro. Passive noise isolation is also easier when an eartip is plugged into the canal, something that the Buds Live cannot offer. To deliver a stronger sound, Samsung fitted them with 12mm drivers. These drivers provide better sound quality and bass than you would expect. The Galaxy Wearable app allows you to adjust the sound to your liking. The onboard microphones ensure that callers can hear you clearly, even during calls. The battery life is good, lasting up to eight hours if ANC is off and six if it is always on. The case is small and supports both USB-C as well as wireless charging. You also have the option of a variety of colors, including Mystic bronze, but you can also choose from mystic black or white. Pros: One-size-fits-all design
Case compact and well-built
Audio from 12mm drivers is great
Battery life is long-lasting
It's a very useful companion app
Pros Qi wireless charging Supports
ANC is not the best
Samsung phones have some exclusive features
Samsung Galaxy Buds+ - The best earbuds at a reasonable price:
Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central
You may still be able find the Galaxy Buds+ in place of the Galaxy Buds Pro or Buds2 or Buds Live. These are an affordable alternative in the same ecosystem and may still be a good option if you need something with a Samsung logo. They could also be the most comfortable option. Samsung did a great job keeping the original Galaxy Buds' form factor intact and has only made them more viable in key ways. Although they lack ANC support the passive noise isolation is excellent. The lightweight design doesn't feel heavy and it doesn't feel bulky at all. The audio quality is excellent, with call quality that was a significant improvement over their predecessors. Galaxy Wearable still supports all features, including Ambient mode and EQ presets. These are also the longest lasting, lasting up to 11 hours depending on the volume. To double the battery life, you can add an extra charge to the inside of your case. This will bring it to 22 hours. For added convenience, you can charge your phone via USB-C and wireless charging. The Galaxy Buds+ is the perfect choice if budget is an issue and you prefer a traditional design. Pros Great sound quality
Comfortable and secure
Better call quality
Continuous use for up to 11 hours
Compact, sleek case
USB-C and Qi wireless charging cons Glossy finish on the case doesn't look great
There is no ANC support
Best for tight budgets: Samsung Type-C Earbuds
Source: Samsung
The Samsung Type-C Earbuds are a great option for those with tight budgets who don't mind keeping wires around. While they aren't the most flashy or exciting pair, it is hard to disagree with what you pay for them. They are a great investment because they can be used to play your favorite tunes. They are wired earbuds and connect to your phone via USB-C. This is great for phones that don't have a headset jack. Samsung claims that the USB-C connector allows for separate left and right channels, which is 10x more than traditional 3.5mm connection. The real benefit is the high-quality DAC, which amplifies the sound quality and makes them more affordable than you would expect for earbuds that are this inexpensive. To make them easier to hold and prevent them from tangling, the company used a braided cable. The in-line controls for playback are simple to locate and responsive to adjust volume, play/pause a song or to change the playback speed without reaching for your phone. Pros: Great price for those with tight budgets
Connects via USB - C
Lightweight
Excellent sound quality for the price
Cons: In-line controls are not as convenient as wireless headphones
Samsung Type-C Headphones are the best for tight budgets. The Samsung Type-C Earbuds offer a great solution for shoppers who want to spend as low as possible. Amazon: $11
Best middle ground: AKG Y100
Source: Samsung
Although the Y100 earbuds do not have Samsung branding, AKG is a subsidiary of Samsung that you will often see working in the audio engineering of Samsung's phones and tablets. These earbuds are Samsung products, even though the naming conventions might be slightly different. The AKG Y100 wireless earbuds are robust and all-around great value. The AKG Y100 have a simple and durable design that is available in multiple colors. The sound quality is excellent, with approximately eight hours of battery life per charged depending on the volume. After 15 minutes, you can get about an hour of juice by plugging in. Unfortunately, you will have to use Micro-USB instead of USB-C. The AKG Y100 is able to pair with two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, and intelligently switch between them based upon what device you are using. We're happy to include this feature on the Y100, as it's something that not many earbuds have. Pros Available in a few fun colors
Design is durable and comfortable
Pairing with 2 devices at once
Battery life up to eight hours
Fast charging speeds Cons Charges via Micro-USB
