Samsung Galaxy Buds series
Wireless earbuds series by Samsung Electronics
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Samsung Galaxy Buds series is a line of wireless Bluetooth earbuds manufactured and designed by Samsung Electronics. The 1st generation was first announced on February 20, 2019, at the Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked, alongside the Galaxy S10 series, the Galaxy Fold, the Galaxy Watch Active and the Galaxy Fit/Fit e, it was released on March 9, 2019, as the successor to the Gear IconX.
| 2019 | Samsung Galaxy Buds |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds Live | |
| 2021 | Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 | |
| 2022 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro |
| 2023 | Samsung Galaxy Buds FE |
| 2024 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 / Buds 3 Pro |
| 2025 | Samsung Galaxy Buds Core |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE | |
| 2026 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 / Buds 4 Pro |
| |
From left to right: A pair of original Galaxy Buds; a store display of Galaxy Buds Live in bronze, black, and white; a pair of Galaxy Buds 2 | |
| Developer | Samsung Electronics |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Samsung Electronics |
| Product family | Samsung |
| Type | Wireless earbuds |
| Released |
|
| Connectivity | Bluetooth |
| Predecessor | Samsung Gear |
| Related | Samsung Galaxy Watch series Samsung Galaxy Fit series |
| Website | Official website |
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Line-up
| Name | Launch date | Availability | Colors | Speakers | Microphones | Battery life (w/ case) | Wireless charging | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Buds | 2019-03-08 | Discontinued | White, Yellow, Black, and Aura Glow Silver | 1-way Dynamic | 1 Outer + 1 Inner | 6hr (13hr) | Yes - Qi Certified | [1][2][3] |
| Galaxy Buds Plus | 2020-02-14 | White, Blue, Red, Deep Blue, Pink, and Black | 2-way Dynamic (Woofer + Tweeter) | 2 Outer + 1 Inner | 11hr (22hr) | [2] | ||
| Galaxy Buds Live | 2020-08-17 | Mystic White, Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, and Mystic Onyx | 12 mm | 2 outer, 1 inner, and a voice pickup unit | 5.5-8hr (Up to 28hr) | [4][5] | ||
| Galaxy Buds Pro | 2021-01-14 | Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Violet | 2-way (11 mm, 6.5 mm tweeter) | 5–8hr (up to 28hr) | [4] | |||
| Galaxy Buds2 | 2021-08-11 | Olive, Lavender, White, Graphite, and Onyx | 2-way Dynamic (Woofer + Tweeter) | 3 Mics + VPU | 5-7.5hr (Up to 29hr) | |||
| Galaxy Buds2 Pro | 2022-08-26 | Bora Purple, Graphite, and White | 2-way Dynamic (24-bit Hi-Fi) | 3 Mics (High SNR) + VPU | 5-8hr | |||
| Galaxy Buds FE | 2023-10-05 | White, Graphite, and Black | 1-way Dynamic | 2 outer, 1 inner, and a voice pickup unit | 8.5hr (Up to 30hr) | No | ||
| Galaxy Buds3 | 2024-07-24 | Silver and White | 1-way (11 mm Dynamic) | 3 Mics + VPU | 5-6Hr (Up to 30hr) | Yes - Qi Certified | ||
| Galaxy Buds3 Pro | 2024-07-24 | Silver and White | 2-way (Woofer + Tweeter) | 3 Mics (High SNR) + VPU | 5-6hr (Up to 30hr) | |||
| Galaxy Buds Core | 2025-06-27 | Available for purchase | White and Black | 1-way | 2 Outer + 1 Inner | 5-7.5hr (Up to 35hr) | No | |
| Galaxy Buds3 FE | 2025-09-04 | Black and Grey | 1-way | 3 Mics | 6-8.5hr (Up to 30hr) | No | [6] | |
| Galaxy Buds4 | 2026-02-25 | White and Black | 1-way (11 mm) | 3 Mics + VPU | 5-6hr (Up to 30hr) | Yes - Qi Certified | ||
| Galaxy Buds4 Pro | 2026-02-25 | White, Black and Pink Gold | 2-way (11 mm, 5.5 mm tweeter) | 3 Mics (High SNR) + VPU | 6-7hr (Up to 30hr) |
Models
1st generation
Galaxy Buds
The original Galaxy Buds (SM-R170) launched on March 8, 2019.[7] The launch price was $129.99, and included a wireless charging case. The Buds were discontinued when the Buds Plus was released.[8]
Galaxy Buds Plus
The Galaxy Buds Plus (SM-R175) was announced on February 11, 2020, at the spring Galaxy Unpacked event, alongside the Galaxy S20 series and the Galaxy Z Flip.[9] The Buds Plus was released on February 14, priced at $149.99, a $20 price increase from the original Buds.[10] The Buds Plus maintained the same design as the original Buds, but reviewers praised the improved sound and microphone quality and significantly increased battery life. Additionally, a second driver for bass was included to enhance audio quality at lower frequencies.[11]
Galaxy Buds Pro
The Galaxy Buds Pro (SM-R190) was announced on January 14, 2021, alongside the Galaxy S21 series, and launched the following day, on January 15. The Buds Pro improved upon the design of the Galaxy Buds Plus and included improved audio, head tracking technology, and active noise cancellation.[12] It was praised for their improved design and sound quality, but criticized for their 5-hour battery life when active noise cancellation is on.[13]
Galaxy Buds FE
The Galaxy Buds FE, short for "Fan Edition", was released on October 5, 2023 for US$100, alongside the Galaxy S23 FE and the Galaxy Tab S9 FE/FE+, marketed as an affordable alternative to the other Galaxy Buds models. Its specifications include a 30-hour battery life with active noise cancellation disabled and the charging case and an IPX2 water resistance rating, as opposed to the 2 Pro's IPX7.[14][15]
2nd generation
Galaxy Buds 2
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The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 (SM-R177) was announced on August 11, 2021, at Galaxy Unpacked alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and the Galaxy Watch 4 series.[16] The Buds 2 was seen as the successor to the Buds Plus, which was discontinued following the announcement.[17] The Buds 2 includes active noise cancellation, and cost less than the Buds Pro, and was praised for their all around performance for the price.[18] [19][20]
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (SM-R510) was announced on August 10, 2022, at Galaxy Unpacked alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 4, the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Galaxy Watch 5 series. The Buds 2 Pro was seen as the successor to the Buds Pro, which was discontinued following the announcement. The Buds 2 Pro includes active noise cancellation, 24-bit Hi-Fi audio support (only for Samsung device with One UI 4.0 or above) and enhanced 360-degree audio. It was released on August 26, 2022, with a launch price of $229.99, a $30 price increase compared to the original Galaxy Buds Pro.
3rd generation
Galaxy Buds 3
The Galaxy Buds 3 (SM-R530) was announced on July 10, 2024, at Galaxy Unpacked, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Galaxy Z Flip 6, the Galaxy Watch 7, the Galaxy Watch Ultra and the Galaxy Ring. Positioned as the standard model in Samsung's 3rd generation Galaxy Buds lineup, the Buds 3 introduced a new stem-style design, replacing the rounded form factor used in earlier non Pro models. Compared to the Buds 3 Pro, the Buds 3 focuses on everyday listening, while still offering active noise cancellation and 360 degree audio support. It was released on July 24, 2024, with a launch price of $179.99, placing them below the Buds 3 Pro in Samsung's wireless earbud lineup.[21]
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (SM-R630) was announced on July 10, 2024. The Buds 3 Pro is seen as the successor to the Buds 2 Pro, featuring a new stem design and enhanced audio technology with AI capabilities. The Buds 3 Pro includes high-resolution audio support (24-bit/96kHz lossless quality, only for compatible Samsung devices), ultra-wideband call support, 360-degree audio, active noise cancellation (ANC), adaptive equalizer, and an instant translator. It was released on July 24, 2024, with a launch price of $249.99, a $20 price increase compared to the original Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
Galaxy Buds 3 FE
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE (SM-R420) was announced on August 18, 2025, seen as the successor to the Buds FE. Positioned as an affordable alternative in the 3rd generation wireless lineup, the Buds 3 FE deliver features like active noise cancellation and Galaxy AI integration with a stem design. It was released on September 4, 2025, with a launch price of $149.99.[22]
4th generation
Galaxy Buds 4
The Galaxy Buds 4 (SM-R540) was announced on February 25, 2026, alongside the Galaxy S26 series, as the standard model in Samsung's 4th generation Galaxy Buds lineup. It features an open-fit design and continue the blade design identity established in the previous generation, utilizing computational design for a more ergonomic fit. Available in Black and White, it was released on March 11, 2026.[23]
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro (SM-R640) was announced on February 25, 2026, as the successor to the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. These earbuds utilize a canal-fit design and feature a refined blade with a premium metal finish and engraved pinch controls. It was released on March 11, 2026, and is available in Black and White, alongside an online-exclusive Pink Gold colorway.[24]
Standalone
Galaxy Buds Live
The Galaxy Buds Live (SM-R180) was announced on August 5, 2020, during a virtual Galaxy Unpacked event, alongside the Galaxy Note 20 series, the Galaxy Z Fold 2, the Galaxy Tab S7 series and the Galaxy Watch 3.[25] The Buds Live was notable for their "bean" like on-ear design, a departure from the previous in ear design used in the Buds lineup. The Buds Live was the first Galaxy Buds device to launch with active noise cancellation. It was praised for its design, but criticized for the ineffective active noise cancellation.[26][27] Product review site, 'BestReviews' wrote "Unlike the rest of the Galaxy Buds lineup, the bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live is on-ear buds that rest just outside the ear canal. People who have trouble with in-ear buds may find the Buds Live more to its liking. We found when we tested a pair of Buds Live that it ultimately felts more secure than competing earbuds after a short adjustment period."[28]
Galaxy Buds Core
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Core (SM-R410) was announced in mid-2025. The Buds Core is seen as the successor to the Galaxy Buds FE, offering active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, and AI-powered features such as real-time language translation and interpretation. It has an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance and deliver up to 35 hours of total playback time with ANC off. The Galaxy Buds Core was released on June 27, 2025, in India and the UAE, with a launch price of approximately 189 AED, positioning them as an affordable option within Samsung's wireless earbuds lineup. In addition, Samsung's budget-friendly new wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Core, were launched in Turkey on July 11, 2025, priced at 2,299 TL and made available through Samsung stores and authorized retailers.
Specifications
| Product | Buds4 Pro | Buds4 | Buds3 FE | Buds Core | Buds3 Pro | Buds3 | Buds FE | Buds2 Pro | Buds2 | Buds Pro | Buds Live | Buds+ | Buds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earbuds size | 18.1 x 19.6 x 30.9 mm | 18.3 x 19.3 x 30.5 mm | 18.0 x 21.1 x 33.8 mm | 19.2 × 17.1 × 22.2 mm | 18.1 × 19.8 × 33.2 mm | 18.1 X 20.4 X 31.9 mm | 19.0 × 17.0 × 22.0 mm | 21.6 × 19.9 × 18.7 mm | 17.0 × 20.9 × 21.1 mm | 20.5 × 19.5 × 20.8 mm | 16.5 × 27.3 × 14.9 mm | 17.5 × 22.5 × 19.2 mm | |
| Earbuds weight | 5.1g | 4.6g | 5.0 g | 5.3 g | 5.4 g | 4.7 g | 5.6 g | 5.5 g | 5 g | 6.3 g | 5.6 g | 6.3 g | 5.6 g |
| Case size | 51 x 51 x 28.3 mm | 50.0 × 50.0 × 27.7 mm | 50.2 × 50.4 × 27.7 mm | 48.7 × 58.9 × 24.4 mm | 48.7 x 58.9 x 24.4 mm | 50 × 50 × 28 mm | 50 × 50.2 × 27.8 mm | 70 × 38.8 × 26.5 mm | |||||
| Case weight | 44.3g | 45.1g | 41.8 g | 31.2 g | 46.5 g | 40.0 g | 43.3 g | 41.2 g | 44.9 g | 42.2 g | 39.6 g | ||
| Bluetooth version | Bluetooth 6.1 | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 | Bluetooth 5.0 | |||||||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Gyroscope sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor (SWIR), Touch sensor, Voice Pickup Unit | Accelerometer, Gyroscope sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor (IR), Touch sensor, Voice Pickup Unit | Proximity sensor, Hall sensor, Touch sensor, Pressure sensor | Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensor | Accelerometer, Gyroscope sensor, Hall sensor, Pressure sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensor, Voice Pickup Unit | Proximity sensor, Hall sensor, Touch sensor | Accelerometer, Gyro sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensor, Voice Pickup Unit | Accelerometer, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensor | Accelerometer, Gyro sensor, Proximity sensor, Hall sensor, Touch sensor, Voice Pickup Unit | Accelerometer, IR sensor, Hall sensor, Touch sensor, Grip sensor, Voice Pickup Unit | Accelerometer, IR sensor, Hall sensor, Touch sensor | Accelerometer, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensor | |
| Battery | Earbuds: 61 mAh Case: 530 mAh |
Earbuds: 45 mAh Case: 515 mAh |
Earbuds: 53 mAh Case: 515 mAh |
Earbuds: 65 mAh Case: 500 mAh |
Earbuds: 53 mAh Case: 515 mAh |
Earbuds: 48 mAh Case: 515 mAh |
Earbuds: 60 mAh Case: 479 mAh |
Earbuds: 58 mAh Case: 500 mAh |
Earbuds: 61 mAh Case: 472 mAh |
Earbuds: 60 mAh Case: 500 mAh |
Earbuds: 85 mAh Case: 270 mAh |
Earbuds: 58 mAh Case: 252 mAh | |
| Charging | USB-C and Qi wireless charging | ||||||||||||