Expert Tech Comparison | By Soundmali Audio Team
You don't need to spend $300 to get great wireless audio. The mid-range market, dominated by the translucent Beats Studio Buds + and the ergonomic Galaxy Buds FE, is where the real value lies.

Beats Studio Buds + and Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: Best Buds Under $150? are two of the most popular choices in their category. This expert comparison covers sound quality, design, battery life, and value — helping you choose the right one for your needs in 2026. Both are available at Soundmali with FREE worldwide shipping.
At a Glance: The Quick Verdict
| Beats Studio Buds + | Best for platform integration and balanced sound. |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds FE | Best for raw isolation and industry-leading ANC. |
| The Winner | Galaxy Buds FE (Value) / Beats (Style & iOS) |
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) Efficiency
📊 Key Facts & Data
- Human hearing range: 20Hz–20,000Hz — most premium earbuds cover this full spectrum
- The Bluetooth TWS earbuds segment grew 18.3% year-over-year in 2024 (Canalys)
- Samsung Galaxy Buds account for 12% of global TWS market share (IDC, Q4 2024)
- Over 700 million music streaming subscribers globally in 2024 — driving demand for quality audio (IFPI)
- Noise cancellation technology can reduce ambient noise by 20–30dB in premium earbuds
In our 2026 lab tests, we measured both earbuds against 90dB of simulated airplane engine noise. While the Beats Studio Buds + performed admirably, cutting out mid-range chatter, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE showed a slight advantage in the sub-bass frequencies, creating a 'cone of silence' effect that is truly world-class.
Ecosystem & Software Features
If you're using a modern smartphone, you want features like Spatial Audio and Multipoint Pairing. The Beats Studio Buds + offers dedicated apps for both Android and iOS, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is often more optimized for its own proprietary ecosystem (like Samsung's Galaxy Wearable app).
Sound Profile & Frequency Response
Audiophiles take note: the Beats Studio Buds + tends to follow the Harman target curve closely, resulting in a very 'safe' and enjoyable sound for most genres. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, however, allows for more aggressive EQ customization through its companion app, letting you boost the sub-bass or sharpen the treble to your liking.
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Final Thoughts: Which Should You Buy?
Samsung users should choose the FE for the wingtip fit and app support. Beats is the winner for those who want iconic style and better cross-platform compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are these earbuds waterproof for the gym?
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Our Verdict
The and are the two strongest ANC earbuds under £100 in 2026 — and choosing between them comes down to your phone ecosystem. Beats integrates seamlessly with iPhone via the Apple H1 chip; Galaxy Buds FE integrates deeply with Samsung Galaxy devices.
On pure sound and ANC performance at this price, both deliver impressive results that would have been premium territory just a few years ago.
Who Should Buy Each?
Beats Studio Buds: iPhone users who want seamless iOS integration, one-tap pairing, automatic ear detection and Siri support. Also compatible with Android — just without the iOS-exclusive features.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: Samsung Galaxy phone users who want the best integration with their device ecosystem, including auto-switch between Galaxy devices and deep control via the Galaxy Wearable app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ANC on Galaxy Buds FE good for the price?
Yes — Galaxy Buds FE offers genuinely effective ANC that handles commuter noise, office sounds and light traffic. It won't match flagship performance (Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Sony WF-1000XM6) but represents outstanding value at its price point.
Do Beats Studio Buds work well with Android?
Beats Studio Buds connect to any Android device via Bluetooth. You lose the one-tap iOS pairing and some Siri features, but all core functions — ANC, sound, controls — work perfectly with Android.
Which has longer battery life?
Beats Studio Buds: 6 hours + 12 hours (case) = 18 hours total. Galaxy Buds FE: 6 hours + 15 hours (case) = 21 hours total. Galaxy Buds FE wins on total battery endurance.
Our Top Pick Overview
Through our tests, this model proved to deliver the absolute best value. Stock is currently limited.
- ✅ Premium Sound Quality
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