CNN
–
Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds 2 are here, and they are great. The problem is, they are fourth The set of wireless earbuds that Samsung released in less than two years join the Galaxy Buds+, Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds Pro.
unclear? We don’t blame you. Let’s help.
We’ve loved pretty much every incarnation of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds, but they each have a few key differences — some have active noise cancellation (ANC), while others don’t, and only some of the Buds work well with the iPhone. Let’s say a few, just to name a few. So if you’re trying to figure out the difference between the Plus and Pro (or just wondering which are the buds that look like beans), we’ve got you covered below.
Jacob Kroll / CNN
You want the cheapest Galaxy Buds. NS Galaxy Buds+ Samsung’s current lineup is technically going to be replaced by the Galaxy Buds 2, but they’re only a year and a half old — and still a pretty good set of earbuds. They sound good, they’re very comfortable and, like Samsung’s more expensive buds, they have an ambient noise mode to help you hear your surroundings better while jamming some music. And since they’re on the way, you can usually snag them for super cheap (they’re only $99 as of this writing).
You want something that works equally well on iOS and Android. Unlike Samsung’s recent Galaxy Buds, the Galaxy Buds+ has full app support on both iOS (via) Galaxy Buds app) and Android (via) Galaxy Wearable application). This means you can switch between different sound presets, customize controls, and toggle off the ambient noise feature whether you’re using an iPhone or Android device.
Mike Andronico/CNN
You want the best looking (and most comfortable) Galaxy Buds around. Samsung has a knack for crafting flashy buds that are easy on the ears, but Galaxy Buds 2 Stand above the rest in the design department. These oval earbuds are the perfect mix of stylish and subtle, with a rounded design that’s thinner than the Buds Pro and less conspicuous than the bean-shaped Buds Live. They come in some beautiful colors, including lavender and olive over the more traditional white and graphite. They’re also Samsung’s lightest earbuds yet, complete with silicone ear tips that make them a pleasure to wear for hours at a time.
You are an Android user who wants tons of features at a reasonable price. The Galaxy Buds 2 are especially ideal for those with Android phones, which will require you to use Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app. This software lets you tap into some of the Buds 2’s most useful features, including the ability to customize controls, perform a fit test, and tweak ambient noise and ANC modes. (Yes, these $149 buds have ANC, but it’s not stellar.) While the Buds 2 is fine for an iPhone via Bluetooth (and lets you switch between ANC and ambient noise using the onboard controls), You’ll need an Android phone to get the most out of them.
Jacob Kroll / CNN
You want a pair of earbuds that really stand out. NS Galaxy Buds LiveThe bean-shaped design became the subject of many internet memes when it first appeared, but it has a certain allure. These unique buds are among Samsung’s most comfortable, and don’t feel too jittery once you put them in your ears. They’re also the only Galaxy Buds that come in the attractive Mystic Bronze (which matches last year’s) Galaxy Note 20 Ultra) other than black, red and white.
You want cheap, platform-agnostic buds. Like the Galaxy Buds+, the Galaxy Buds Live can be used with a companion app on both iPhone and Android devices, allowing you to fine-tune the sound of your music through the equalizer, customize controls, and more. Can turn on ANC. Just keep in mind that the ANC is barely noticeable on these buds, and there’s no ambient noise feature like the rest of the lineup.
Michael Andronico/CNN
You are willing to pay for ANC and more features. At $199 (but often on sale for less) Galaxy Buds Pro The Buds are the most premium member of the family, and you get what you pay for. These buds have the most sophisticated ANC and ambient sound modes of the entire lineup, which do a solid job at both blocking and noise while providing multiple levels of intensity for each. This is in addition to Samsung’s usual software features, including a voice equalizer, customizable controls, and hands-free Bixby controls (sorry, no swapping for Google Assistant here) for summoning Samsung’s virtual assistant.
You use an Android phone. Like the Galaxy Buds 2, many of the Buds Pro’s useful software features are limited to the Android-only Galaxy Wearable app. You can still switch between ANC and ambient noise modes using the on-ear controls when paired with an iPhone, but you won’t be able to customize the Buds in any way.
You care about ear control (and purple color). We’ve found the Galaxy Buds lineup to have very fine touch controls across the board, with some models too sensitive to touch and others not receptive enough. The Buds Pro does most things just fine, responding well to various combinations of taps to control music playback and activate noise cancellation. And if color options are a priority, the Buds Pro comes in an attractive Phantom Violet in addition to black and white. and yes it matches Galaxy S21 and S21+.
It’s hard to go wrong with either version of the Galaxy Buds – they all sound great, are super comfortable and offer pretty strong battery life. People who want the cheapest option should go for it Buds+ Or Buds LiveThis is also your best bet if you use an iPhone. $149 Galaxy Buds 2 Most preferred location for most Android users, while $199 Buds Pro Offer slightly better features for those willing to pay.
.