Samsung Galaxy Buds Series: Main Differences
 |  Buds+ |  Buds Live |  Buds Pro |  Buds 2 |
BATTERY LIFE (ANC OFF) | 11 hours (22 with case) | 8 hours (29 with case) | 8 hours (28 with case) | 7.5 hours (29 with case) |
BATTERY LIFE (ANC ON) | N/A | 6 hours (19 with case) | 5 hours (18 with case) | 5 hours (20 with case) |
WEIGHT | 6.3g (per earbud) 44.9g (case) | 5.5g (per earbud) 19g (case) | 6.2g (per earbud) 39.6g (case) | 5g (per earbud) 41.2g (case) |
WATERPROOF | IPX2 | IPX2 | IPX7 | IPX2 |
DRIVER SETUP | 2-way square DD (5.8pi) | 12mm | 2-way circular DD (11mm and 6.5mm) | 2-way square DD (5.8pi)* |
CUSTOM FIT | Ear tips (3 sizes) Ear wings (3 sizes) | Ear wings (2 sizes) | Ear tips (3 sizes) | Ear tips (3 sizes) |
Galaxy Buds Plus
Pros
- Ridiculous 11-hour battery life on a single charge
- Best custom and secure fit
- Perfect Airpods alternative
Cons
- No active noise cancelling (only passive noise cancelling)
- Only IPX2 water resistance
Conclusion
After coming out with 3 newer models in the Galaxy Buds series, you’d think the Buds Plus would be washed. Think again.
The sound quality is right up there with the newer Buds 2, because they feature similar driver setups and AKG tuning. Also, the square 2-way dynamic drivers are more efficient on space and battery.
Even though they don’t feature ACTIVE noise cancelling, they have the best PASSIVE noise cancelling in the series. This is achieved by finding the best combination of ear tips and ear wings sizes. The comfortable and secure custom fit provides a great seal and blocks out a great amount of background noise.
The main reason you should choose these is for the incredible 11-hour battery life and iOS compatibility. Not to mention, they now start at just under $100.
Galaxy Buds Live
Pros
- Very unique look and premium glossy finish
- Great audio and call quality
- Unique design provides secure fit without jamming them in your ears
Cons
- No ear tips to passively block out background noise
- Only IPX2 water resistance
Conclusion
If you’re the type of listener that likes (or needs) to be aware of their surrounding, the Buds Live are your best choice. Their unique design, with no ear tips, creates an equally unique listening experience. Plus, they’re a lot less invasive than ear tips.
Since they don’t have ear tips, they can never get a true seal to take full advantage of the ANC. On the other hand, that’s what makes them the best option for Ambient Mode lovers.
Their light, yet secure fit lets your ears breathe and will make you forget you have them on. Combined with the subtle, yet effective, “Relieve pressure with ambient mode” setting, they make your music sound like it’s coming out of thin air.
The large 12mm drivers do a good job of making up for the more open style of fit. Plus, they have plenty of in-app luxury features available on both Android and iOS.
Galaxy Buds Pro
Pros
- Studio-quality sound and best overall audio quality in the Buds series
- Voice detection for automatically switching between ANC and ambient mode
Cons
- No ear wings for a more secure fit
- No compatibility with the iOS version of the Samsung Wearables app
Conclusion
Even though they aren’t the newest earbuds from Samsung, they’re the best sounding. With an 11mm woofer and a 6.5mm tweeter in each earbud, they produce a great range and clarity.
They also have the best durability in the series. With the IPX7 waterproof rating, workouts and other wet conditions are no match for the Buds Pro.
Even though they aren’t compatible with the iOS version of the Samsung Wearables app, they’re still the smartest earbuds in the bunch.
When paired with Samsung devices, you get luxury features like:
- 360° Audio
- Voice Detection ANC-to-Ambient mode
- Read Notifications Aloud
- EQ presets
- Gaming mode
- and more…
To put it simply, if you use a Samsung phone, the Galaxy Buds Pro give you the most control over you listening experience.
Galaxy Buds 2
Pros
- 2-Way square dynamic drivers produce great sound quality with maximum efficiency
- Earbuds are 21% lighter than Buds Pro and the lightest in the series
Cons
- No ear wings for a more secure fit
- Only IPX2 water resistance
Conclusion
The Galaxy Buds 2 are essentially a “Lite” version of the Buds Pro. Not only are they lighter in weight, but their also lighter on the spec sheet.
The 2-way square dynamic drivers on the Buds 2 are similar to the driver setup on the Buds+. Plus, they’ve been upgraded to Bluetooth 5.2. Combined with the AKG tuning, the audio quality is better than the Buds Plus, and almost as good as the Buds Pro.
The main difference is that the Buds 2 don’t have 360° Audio and Voice Detection. On the other hand, they still include all the other essentials that make them a perfect option if you can make the sacrifice. Plus, they’re around $50 less than the Pros.
