Both are Samsung. Both have ANC. Both cost under $75 at Soundmali. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is the former flagship; the Galaxy Buds FE is the "Fan Edition" value champion. Which one should you actually buy?
Updated: March 2026 · Soundmali Audio Team
⚡ Quick Verdict
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro ($59.99): Better sound, stronger ANC, Hi-Fi codec, IPX7. The better earbud.
Galaxy Buds FE ($74.90): Longer battery, similar ANC quality, newer design. The newer model.
Our pick: The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro at $59.99 is the better buy — it's actually cheaper AND has superior ANC and sound quality. The Buds FE is newer but doesn't outperform the 2 Pro in any critical category.
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Galaxy Buds 2 Pro | Galaxy Buds FE |
|---|---|---|
| Soundmali Price | $59.99 | $74.90 |
| ANC Quality | Advanced (3 mics) | Standard (1 mic) |
| Hi-Fi Codec | Samsung Scalable + 24-bit | Samsung Scalable |
| Driver | 2-way coaxial | 1-way |
| 360 Audio | ✅ with head tracking | ✅ without head tracking |
| Battery (buds) | 5h (ANC on) | 6h (ANC on) |
| Battery (total) | 18h | 21h |
| IP Rating | IPX7 | IPX2 |
| Weight | 5.5g | 5.6g |
| Voice Detect | ✅ | ❌ |
🔊 Sound Quality
The Buds 2 Pro uses a 2-way coaxial driver (tweeter + woofer in one unit) that delivers noticeably better instrument separation and bass control than the Buds FE's single-driver design. With 24-bit Samsung Scalable Codec, the 2 Pro reproduces audio with more detail and dynamics — especially noticeable in complex music with multiple instruments.
The Buds FE sounds good — Samsung's tuning is consistently pleasant — but it can't match the 2 Pro's resolution and sound stage width.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
🔇 Noise Cancellation
The Buds 2 Pro uses 3 high-SNR microphones per earbud for ANC. The Buds FE uses just 1 external microphone. The difference is audible: the 2 Pro blocks more consistent noise (airplane hum, air conditioning) and handles voice frequencies better.
Both offer Ambient Mode to let outside sounds through, but the 2 Pro's Ambient mode sounds more natural and less "processed."
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
🔋 Battery Life
The Buds FE wins here with 6 hours per charge (vs 5 hours) and 21 hours total (vs 18 hours). If battery life is your top priority, the FE has the edge.
Winner: Galaxy Buds FE
💧 Water Resistance
IPX7 (Buds 2 Pro) vs IPX2 (Buds FE) is a significant difference. IPX7 means full submersion protection — rain, heavy sweat, even accidental drops in water. IPX2 only protects against light splashes. For gym use or outdoor activities, the 2 Pro is the safer choice.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
💰 Price & Value
This is the surprising part: the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is cheaper at $59.99 vs $74.90 for the Buds FE at Soundmali. You're paying less and getting the objectively better earbuds — better sound, better ANC, better water resistance.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
🏆 Final Verdict — Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro ($59.99) if you want: Better sound, stronger ANC, water resistance, and a lower price. This is the rational choice.
Buy the Galaxy Buds FE ($74.90) if you want: Longer battery life and a newer design — or if the 2 Pro is sold out.