Samsung recognized the growing popularity of earbuds and seriously started competing in this segment with the original Galaxy Buds. Launched in 2019, they were arguably the best Samsung earbuds at that time. Since then, the company has significantly improved its offerings.
The true wireless earbuds that Samsung has released since then have delivered incredible gains in sound quality. Some models even boast advanced features like Active Noise Cancellation, Ambient Mode, Game Mode and more.
Samsung earbuds are made to be durable, water-resistant and to provide a comfortable fit. With the exception of one model, all Samsung wireless earbuds since the original Galaxy Buds have stuck with the in-ear design.
This list of the best Samsung Galaxy earbuds has been put together by our expert reviewers. It includes the latest earbuds from Samsung in addition to earlier models that still provide great value for money.
Our Best Samsung Earbuds List
Our list of the best Samsung earbuds in 2023 includes the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. They’re the latest truly wireless earbuds that the company launched in the second half of 2022. They were launched alongside Samsung’s new foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Flip 4.
Do keep in mind that these earbuds will only deliver the best sound profile with Galaxy devices as Samsung’s proprietary Scalable Codec is not used on third-party devices. Naturally, this makes them the best earbuds for Samsung phones.
Best Samsung Earbuds – Overall: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
The Galaxy Buds Pro are the best Samsung earbuds overall not just because they’re the latest model, but they offer exceptional sound quality with improved noise cancellation. Priced at $229, these are also the most expensive wireless earbuds yet from Samsung.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro features a coaxial 2-way tweeter and woofer to provide users with an elevated and immersive listening experience. The excellent hardware is backed up with features like 24bit Hi-Fi and 360 Audio with Direct Multi-Channel support. Samsung has also improved call quality with new microphones and a larger Wind Shield that provides more clarity in voice calls.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can differentiate between noise and human voices. The earbuds switch to Ambient mode automatically and reduce the media volume so that users can have conversations without taking off the earbuds. Samsung has reduced the overall footprint of the earbuds, making them more comfortable to wear.
Reasons to buy: Most feature-packed Galaxy earbuds, IPX7 water resistance, improved audio quality.
Who should buy: Those who appreciate quality, audiophiles and ANC lovers.
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Review | Buy Galaxy Buds 2 Pro on Samsung.com
Best Samsung Earbuds – Value for money: Galaxy Buds 2
If you want Samsung Bluetooth earbuds that provide the best value for money, look no further than the Galaxy Buds 2. The company’s latest model packs an impressive level of functionality in a small footprint and offers that at an incredible price.
Don’t let the fact that they’re thinner and lighter than previous models fool you. The Galaxy Buds 2 deliver exceptional sound quality. The bass is actually punchier than previous models even without tweaking the EQ presets.
Features like Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode make these $150 Galaxy earbuds a very compelling option. Samsung has further improved call quality by relying on a machine learning solution to improve background noise isolation when you’re on a call.
The Galaxy Buds 2 have a lower IP rating than the Galaxy Buds Pro. They also don’t feature 360-degree audio and Voice Detect. Despite that, the lower price tag coupled with the otherwise robust list of features make them deserving of a place on this list.
Reasons to buy: Attractive price tag, great sound quality, improved noise isolation.
Who should buy: Budget conscious customers, bass lovers and loyal Samsung fans.
Galaxy Buds 2 Review | Buy Galaxy Buds 2 on Samsung.com
Best Samsung Earbuds – Most comfortable fit: Galaxy Buds Live
The in-ear design that almost all of Samsung’s wireless earbuds use might not be for everybody. Some even find it to be uncomfortable. The company offers the Galaxy Buds Live for those customers. In addition to having the most unique design of its entire earbuds lineup, the Galaxy Buds Live were also the first Galaxy earbuds to feature Active Noise Cancellation.
The kidney bean-shaped design ensures that the Galaxy Buds Live don’t protrude from the ears. These earbuds offer a very comfortable fit and the design also minimizes the chance of accidental touchpad taps.
One consequence of this open-type design is that sound isolation does suffer a bit. The single but larger AKG-tuned speaker has a separate bass duct. They deliver good sound quality but can’t quite reach the level of Samsung’s most recent models. Active Noise Cancellation performance is also decent but not remarkable in any way.
The very comfortable fit is really one of the main reasons to buy these $169 Samsung wireless earbuds.
Reasons to buy: Comfortable to wear, great for prolonged use, decent ANC.
Who should buy: Those who value comfort, prefer discreet earbuds and don’t need exceptional sound quality.
Galaxy Buds Live Review | Buy Galaxy Buds Live on Samsung.com
Best Samsung Earbuds – Battery champ: Galaxy Buds+
The Galaxy Buds+ have a distinct advantage that even its more advanced successors don’t: exceptional battery life. They last for an impressive 11 hours on a single charge with the carrying case doubling that to 22 hours.
The sound quality is decent enough for most people but the call quality does leave a lot to be desired. There can be some discomfort when wearing them for extended periods of time but it’s nothing you won’t get used to in the long run.
The Galaxy Buds+ is a battery champion because it lacks many of the features of its successors. There’s no ANC, Voice Detect, 2-way speakers, Voice Pickup Unit, etc. The longer battery life alone can’t make up for the lack of those useful features but those that don’t need them will find the Galaxy Buds+ to be exactly what they need.
Samsung did discontinue the Galaxy Buds+ after it launched the Galaxy Buds 2. However, you can still buy a pair online and often at a discount. Originally launched for $149, you can easily get them for $99 online.
Reasons to buy: Great battery life, decent sound quality, low price.
Who should buy: Those who need extended listening time, don’t need to make a lot of calls and deal hunters.
Galaxy Buds+ Review | Buy Galaxy Buds+ on Amazon
Why these are the best Samsung earbuds in 2023
The Galaxy Buds Pro are the best overall because they offer the most functionality of any wireless earbuds that the company has ever released. The features actually work as advertised, enabling the device to deliver a superior user experience.
Also deserving of a place on this list of Samsung Bluetooth earbuds are the Galaxy Buds 2. That’s not just because they’re the latest model. Samsung has struck a great balance between the lower price and the feature set to deliver a product that has mass market appeal.
Lastly, the Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds+ are still deserving of your consideration even as they have been succeeded by better models. Both serve a distinct purpose in the lineup, ensuring that Samsung’s true wireless earbuds lineup has something for everyone.
