Samsung has been at the forefront of innovation in the realm of wireless earbuds, consistently pushing the boundaries of technology and design. Samsung has established itself as a formidable player, offering a diverse range of options tailored to different preferences and needs.
With the recent release of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, the lineup now boasts four distinct models: Galaxy Buds 2, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds Live, and Galaxy Buds Plus.
Evolution of the Galaxy Buds Lineup
The journey of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds spans over a year and a half, showcasing the company’s commitment to innovation and refinement.
It began with the Galaxy Buds Plus in early 2020, which built upon the success of its predecessor by enhancing key aspects such as sound quality, battery life, and microphone performance. 
Subsequently, Samsung ventured into the realm of active noise cancellation with the Galaxy Buds Live, introducing a unique bean-shaped design that prioritized comfort over traditional earbud aesthetics. While praised for their comfort, the Galaxy Buds Live faced criticism for their less secure fit, particularly during physical activities.
In response to consumer feedback, Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds Pro in early 2021, marking a significant leap forward in active noise cancellation technology. With a tighter seal and improved sound quality, the Galaxy Buds Pro aimed to deliver a premium listening experience tailored to discerning users.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
The latest addition to the Galaxy Buds lineup, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, arrives as a culmination of Samsung’s efforts to balance form, function, and affordability.
Boasting a smaller and lighter design compared to its predecessors, the Galaxy Buds 2 aims to appeal to users seeking a compact yet feature-rich audio solution.
Fit, Comfort, and Battery Life
One of the critical factors distinguishing the Galaxy Buds lineup is the fit and comfort they offer to users. The Galaxy Buds Plus stand out for their secure fit, thanks to the inclusion of silicone wingtips that ensure stability during physical activities.
However, the Galaxy Buds Pro also offer a secure fit, albeit with a slightly larger form factor. In terms of comfort, the Galaxy Buds Live excel due to their lightweight design and open earbud architecture. This design choice, while enhancing comfort, may compromise the earbuds’ stability during vigorous movement.
Battery life remains a key consideration for wireless earbud users, with each Galaxy Buds model offering varying levels of playtime. While the Galaxy Buds Plus lead the pack with an impressive 11 hours of playtime, the Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds Pro offer slightly shorter durations due to their active noise cancellation features.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
Samsung’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences is evident across the Galaxy Buds lineup. The Galaxy Buds Pro, with their balanced sound profile and advanced drivers, offer the most immersive listening experience, especially when paired with active noise cancellation.
The Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Plus follow closely behind, providing enjoyable sound signatures tailored to different music genres and user preferences. However, the open design of the Galaxy Buds Live may limit their ability to deliver a truly immersive audio experience, particularly in noisy environments.
Features and Compatibility
Each Galaxy Buds model comes equipped with a range of features accessible through the Galaxy Wear app, including customizable touch controls, ambient sound modes, and compatibility with iOS devices. However, the Galaxy Buds Pro stand out with additional features such as 360 audio and voice detect, enhancing the overall user experience.
Design and Comfort
- Galaxy Buds Pro: The Galaxy Buds Pro feature a traditional in-ear design with silicone ear tips, providing a secure and comfortable fit for extended wear. They also come with adjustable ear tips to ensure a personalized fit for every user.
- Galaxy Buds Live: The Galaxy Buds Live stand out with their unique bean-shaped design, which sits snugly in the ear without entering the ear canal. This unconventional design may appeal to users seeking a more open and comfortable fit.
- Galaxy Buds: The original Galaxy Buds offer a compact and lightweight design, featuring a more traditional in-ear style with silicone ear tips. While they may not have the distinctive look of the Galaxy Buds Live, they still provide a comfortable fit for most users.
Audio Performance
- Galaxy Buds Pro: Samsung’s most advanced earbuds to date, the Galaxy Buds Pro boast impressive sound quality with AKG-tuned drivers and active noise cancellation (ANC). Whether you’re listening to music, taking calls, or watching videos, the Galaxy Buds Pro deliver rich and immersive audio.
- Galaxy Buds Live: Despite their unconventional design, the Galaxy Buds Live offer surprisingly good sound quality, thanks to their 12mm speaker and bass duct. While they lack ANC, they do feature active noise reduction (ANR), which helps to minimize background noise for a more focused listening experience.
- Galaxy Buds: The original Galaxy Buds deliver solid sound performance with balanced audio and clear vocals. While they may not have the advanced features of their successors, they still provide a satisfying listening experience for everyday use.
Features and Functionality
- Galaxy Buds Pro: Packed with features, the Galaxy Buds Pro offer ANC, ambient sound mode, 360 Audio for immersive spatial audio, and Voice Detect to automatically switch between ANC and ambient sound when speaking. They also boast an IPX7 water resistance rating, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
- Galaxy Buds Live: The Galaxy Buds Live feature ANC, but their standout feature is their unique design and open-type earbud concept, which allows for a more natural listening experience while still providing some noise isolation. They also offer touch controls for easy navigation and customization through the Samsung Wearable app.
- Galaxy Buds: While lacking some of the advanced features of their successors, the original Galaxy Buds still offer touch controls, ambient sound mode, and customizable EQ settings through the Galaxy Wearable app. They also feature an IPX2 water resistance rating for protection against sweat and splashes.
Battery Life
- Galaxy Buds Pro: With ANC enabled, the Galaxy Buds Pro offer up to 5 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 13 hours provided by the charging case. Without ANC, battery life extends to 8 hours of playback on a single charge.
- Galaxy Buds Live: The Galaxy Buds Live provide up to 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled, with an additional 15 hours provided by the charging case. With ANC disabled, battery life increases to 8 hours of playback on a single charge.
- Galaxy Buds: The original Galaxy Buds offer up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 7 hours provided by the charging case. With a quick 15-minute charge, they can provide up to 1.7 hours of playback.
Conclusion
Each model in the Samsung Galaxy Buds series offers its own unique blend of design, features, and performance to cater to different preferences and lifestyles.
Whether you prioritize advanced audio technology, comfort, or style, there’s a pair of Galaxy Buds to suit your needs. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and how you intend to use your wireless earbuds.
