The Samsung Galaxy Buds series is a line of Wireless Bluetooth earbuds manufactured, developed 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.
Line-up NameLaunch dateAvailabilityColorsSpeakersMicrophonesBattery life (w/ case)Wireless chargingReferenceGalaxy Buds2019-03-08DiscontinuedWhite, Yellow, Black, and Aura Glow Silver1-way Dynamic1 Outer + 1 Inner6hr (13hr)Yes - Qi CertifiedGalaxy Buds Plus2020-02-14White, Blue, Red, Deep Blue, Pink, and Black2-way Dynamic (Woofer + Tweeter)2 Outer + 1 Inner11hr (22hr)Galaxy Buds Live2020-08-17Mystic White, Mystic Bronze, Mystic Black, and Mystic Onyx12 mm2 outer, 1 inner, and a voice pickup unit5.5-8hr (Up to 28hr)Galaxy Buds Pro2021-01-14Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, and Phantom Violet2-way (11 mm, 6.5 mm tweeter)5–8hr (up to 28hr)Galaxy Buds22021-08-11Olive, Lavender, White, Graphite, and Onyx2-way Dynamic (Woofer + Tweeter)3 Mics + VPU5-7.5hr (Up to 29hr)Galaxy Buds2 Pro2022-08-26Bora Purple, Graphite, and White2-way Dynamic (24-bit Hi-Fi)3 Mics (High SNR) + VPU5-8hrGalaxy Buds FE2023-10-05White, Graphite, and Black1-way Dynamic2 outer, 1 inner, and a voice pickup unit8.5hr (Up to 30hr)NoGalaxy Buds32024-07-24Silver and White1-way (11 mm Dynamic)3 Mics + VPU5-6Hr (Up to 30hr)Yes - Qi CertifiedGalaxy Buds3 Pro2024-07-24Silver and White2-way (Woofer + Tweeter)3 Mics (High SNR) + VPU5-6hr (Up to 30hr)Galaxy Buds Core2025-06-27Available for purchaseWhite and Black1-way2 Outer + 1 Inner5-7.5hr (Up to 35hr)NoGalaxy Buds3 FE2025-09-04Black and Grey1-way3 Mics6-8.5hr (Up to 30hr)NoGalaxy Buds42026-02-25White and Black1-way (11 mm)3 Mics + VPU5-6hr (Up to 30hr)Yes - Qi CertifiedGalaxy Buds4 Pro2026-02-25White, Black and Pink Gold2-way (11 mm, 5.5 mm tweeter)3 Mics (High SNR) + VPU6-7hr (Up to 30hr) Models 1st generation Galaxy Buds
The original Galaxy Buds (SM-R170) launched on March 8, 2019. The launch price was $129.99, and included a wireless charging case. The Buds were discontinued when the Buds Plus was released. 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. The Buds Plus was released on February 14, priced at $149.99, a $20 price increase from the original Buds. 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. 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. It was praised for their improved design and sound quality, but criticized for their 5-hour battery life when active noise cancellation is on. Galaxy Buds FE The Galaxy Buds FE, short for "Fan Edition", was released on October 5, 2023 for , 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. 2nd generation Galaxy Buds 2
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. The Buds 2 was seen as the successor to the Buds Plus, which was discontinued following the announcement. 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.
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. 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. 4th generation Galaxy Buds 4
The Galaxy Buds 4 (SM-R540) was announced on February 25, 2026, alongside the Galaxy S26 series, as the vanilla 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. 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. 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. 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. 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." 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 ProductBuds4 ProBuds4Buds3 FEBuds CoreBuds3 ProBuds3Buds FEBuds2 ProBuds2Buds ProBuds LiveBuds+BudsEarbuds size18.1 x 19.6 x 30.9 mm18.3 x 19.3 x 30.5 mm18.0 x 21.1 x 33.8 mm19.2 × 17.1 × 22.2 mm18.1 × 19.8 × 33.2 mm18.1 X 20.4 X 31.9 mm19.0 × 17.0 × 22.0 mm21.6 × 19.9 × 18.7 mm17.0 × 20.9 × 21.1 mm20.5 × 19.5 × 20.8 mm16.5 × 27.3 × 14.9 mm17.5 × 22.5 × 19.2 mmEarbuds weight5.1g4.6g5.0 g5.3 g5.4 g4.7 g5.6 g5.5 g5 g6.3 g5.6 g6.3 g5.6 gCase size51 x 51 x 28.3 mm50.0 × 50.0 × 27.7 mm50.2 × 50.4 × 27.7 mm48.7 × 58.9 × 24.4 mm48.7 x 58.9 x 24.4 mm50 × 50 × 28 mm50 × 50.2 × 27.8 mm70 × 38.8 × 26.5 mmCase weight44.3g45.1g41.8 g31.2 g46.5 g40.0 g43.3 g41.2 g44.9 g42.2 g39.6 gBluetooth versionBluetooth 6.1Bluetooth 5.4Bluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.2Bluetooth 5.0SensorsAccelerometer, Gyroscope sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor (SWIR), Touch sensor, Voice Pickup UnitAccelerometer, Gyroscope sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor (IR), Touch sensor, Voice Pickup UnitProximity sensor, Hall sensor, Touch sensor, Pressure sensorHall sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensorAccelerometer, Gyroscope sensor, Hall sensor, Pressure sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensor, Voice Pickup UnitProximity sensor, Hall sensor, Touch sensorAccelerometer, Gyro sensor, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensor, Voice Pickup UnitAccelerometer, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensorAccelerometer, Gyro sensor, Proximity sensor, Hall sensor, Touch sensor, Voice Pickup UnitAccelerometer, IR sensor, Hall sensor, Touch sensor, Grip sensor, Voice Pickup UnitAccelerometer, IR sensor, Hall sensor, Touch sensorAccelerometer, Hall sensor, Proximity sensor, Touch sensorBatteryEarbuds: 61 mAhCase: 530 mAhEarbuds: 45 mAhCase: 515 mAhEarbuds: 53 mAhCase: 515 mAhEarbuds: 65 mAhCase: 500 mAhEarbuds: 53 mAhCase: 515 mAhEarbuds: 48 mAhCase: 515 mAhEarbuds: 60 mAhCase: 479 mAhEarbuds: 58 mAhCase: 500 mAhEarbuds: 61 mAhCase: 472 mAhEarbuds: 60 mAhCase: 500 mAhEarbuds: 85 mAhCase: 270 mAhEarbuds: 58 mAhCase: 252 mAhChargingUSB-C and Qi wireless charging References