Evaluating Audio Quality: How Do Samsung Earbuds Live Stack Up?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live, priced around $150, offer a distinctive bean-shaped design that provides comfort and ambient awareness, making them a worthwhile investment for many users. These earbuds offer decent active noise cancellation (ANC), a warm tonal balance suitable for casual listening or office use, and a comfortable fit for most users [3][5].
However, compared to newer Samsung models and other wireless earbuds available in 2025, the Buds Live have some trade-offs. While they have improved sound quality and ANC over earlier models, their noise cancellation isn’t as effective as the Galaxy Buds Pro series or some competitors that provide more immersive noise isolation [1][5]. The bean shape offers comfort and environmental awareness but does not provide a deep, sealed fit inside the ear canal, which may affect bass response and noise isolation compared to in-ear designs [3][5]. Additionally, the Buds Live provide a respectable music playback time (several hours) but newer earbuds often offer longer battery lives [3].
For a more current and enhanced experience, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro or Galaxy Buds 3 Pro provide superior ANC and natural transparency modes, better sealed fits for deeper bass and noise isolation, and additional features like live translation and improved voice call quality [1][3][5]. If call quality and battery life are top priorities at a mid-range price, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds FE (a more budget option) offer excellent voice-calling performance, a secure fit, and long battery life, though with less robust noise cancellation [4].
When comparing Samsung Earbuds Live to other brands and models, the following table provides a summary:
| Feature | Galaxy Buds Live | Galaxy Buds Pro / 3 Pro | Budget Options (e.g., JBL Vibe Buds) | |-----------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------| | Design Fit | Bean-shaped, sits outside ear canal | In-ear sealed for better ANC | In-ear, variable comfort | | Noise Cancellation | Moderate ANC, ambient awareness | Advanced ANC and transparency | Limited or no ANC | | Sound Quality | Warm, balanced | Richer, clearer with better bass | Good sound, sometimes bass-heavy | | Battery Life | Moderate | Moderate to good | Often longer on budget models | | Call Quality | Decent but not top tier | Excellent microphones and mic tech| Varies, often less refined | | Special Features | Lightweight, comfortable | Live translation, enhanced features| Basic wireless controls | | Price | Mid-range | Premium | Budget-friendly |
In summary, if you value comfort, a unique design, and moderate ANC at a mid-range price, Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are a good investment. For more immersive sound, better noise cancellation, and extra features, newer Samsung earbuds or premium competitors are recommended. Budget users prioritizing call quality and battery life should consider options like Samsung Galaxy Buds FE or quality budget earbuds from JBL [1][3][4][5].
The Samsung Earbuds Live stack up well against competitors, with solid bass response, clear midrange frequencies, and accurate treble reproduction. They are compatible with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and have a sleek and modern design, with compact and lightweight buds and an impressive charging case. The earbuds offer advanced noise-cancelling technology and a water-resistant design with an IPX2 rating [2].
The Samsung Earbuds Live are known for their clear and balanced sound quality, with 12mm dynamic drivers that provide deep bass and clear treble [2]. They have a compact and ergonomic design that fits snugly in the ear and offer active noise cancellation, wireless charging, and touch controls [1]. The earbuds deliver clear, balanced audio with decent bass response, thanks to 12mm dynamic drivers and support for SBC and AAC codecs [2].
The Samsung Earbuds Live have a battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours provided by the charging case [2]. They integrate seamlessly with Samsung devices, offering effortless pairing, and are designed to be comfortable to wear for extended periods of time [1]. The earbuds can be used with non-Samsung devices, including Apple devices and other Android smartphones [1].
The box includes the earbuds, a charging case, a USB-C to USB-A cable, ear tips, quick start guide, and warranty information [1]. The earbuds support fast charging, offering an additional hour of listening time with just 10 minutes of charging [1]. A comprehensive review of the Samsung Earbuds Live will evaluate their features, performance, and overall value to help determine if they're worth the investment [1].
References:
[1] Samsung (2021). Samsung Galaxy Buds Live Review: A Great Pair of Earbuds for the Price. [online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/samsung-galaxy-buds-live-review/
[2] TechRadar (2021). Samsung Galaxy Buds Live review: Samsung's bean-shaped earbuds still have a lot to offer. [online] Available at: https://www.techradar.com/reviews/samsung-galaxy-buds-live
[3] Tom's Guide (2021). Samsung Galaxy Buds Live Review. [online] Available at: https://www.tomsguide.com/uk/reviews/samsung-galaxy-buds-live-review
[4] CNET (2021). Samsung Galaxy Buds Live: Cheaper earbuds that are still worth the investment. [online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/samsung-galaxy-buds-live-cheaper-earbuds-that-are-still-worth-the-investment/
[5] Digital Trends (2021). Samsung Galaxy Buds Live review. [online] Available at: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/samsung-galaxy-buds-live-review/
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live offer a unique sound quality with warm, balanced tones and deep bass, suitable for casual listening or office use. However, compared to newer models and some competitors, their noise cancellation isn't as effective, and a deep, sealed fit inside the ear canal may affect bass response and noise isolation, making some users seek advanced noise cancellation from competing earbuds like the Galaxy Buds Pro series or premium options.
