The Samsung — affectionately nicknamed 'the beans' — introduced open-fit design to Samsung's earbuds lineup. In 2026, it remains available in the lineup at an accessible price. We revisit it to see if it holds up.

Design & Fit

The Galaxy Buds Live's bean-shaped design sits in the outer ear rather than sealing into the ear canal. This open-fit approach makes them significantly more comfortable for extended wear — many users report wearing them for 4–6 hours without discomfort.

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The unique design has a trade-off: because there's no ear canal seal, bass response and passive isolation are inherently limited compared to in-ear designs. IPX2 water resistance covers light sweat but not rain or intense workouts.

Sound Quality

For an open-fit earbud, the Buds Live sounds surprisingly good. The 12mm driver delivers a wide, spacious soundstage — one of the widest of any earbud design. Mids and highs are detailed. Bass is present but predictably limited by the open fit — don't expect deep sub-bass rumble.

For podcast listeners, audiobook listeners, and anyone who prioritises clarity and comfort over bass punch, the Buds Live is a compelling choice.

Active Noise Cancellation

ANC is included — a technical achievement for an open-fit design. However, physics limits the effectiveness: without a seal, the ANC has less to work with. It reduces steady background noise (office hum, mild traffic), but in loud environments, it's noticeably less effective than in-ear ANC designs. Consider this ambient-reduction rather than active noise cancellation in the traditional sense.

Battery Life

6 hours per charge, up to 21 hours with the case. The case supports wireless charging. Solid battery performance for the open-fit category.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable open-fit design — ideal for all-day wear
• Wide, spacious soundstage — excellent for vocals and podcasts
• Wireless charging case
• Galaxy Wearable app support

Cons

• Limited bass — open fit removes deep low-end extension
• ANC less effective than in-ear models by design
• IPX2 — not suitable for gym or rain
• Unusual fit — won't suit all ear shapes

Verdict

The Galaxy Buds Live is a niche product that excels in its specific category: comfortable, all-day open-fit listening. If you prioritise extended comfort and situational awareness over ANC depth and bass, the Buds Live is one of the best open-fit choices available. For general-purpose use, in-ear designs offer better all-round performance.

Rating: 7.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Galaxy Buds Live stay in the ear?

The bean shape creates a secure fit for most outer ear shapes. However, the open-fit design means they will slip out more easily than in-ear designs during vigorous movement. They're excellent for office use, walking, and light activity — less secure for running or gym workouts.

Is ANC effective on Galaxy Buds Live?

ANC on the Buds Live reduces steady background noise effectively for an open-fit design. However, physics limits performance: without an ear canal seal, true noise cancellation cannot match in-ear designs. It's best used for mild noise reduction rather than full acoustic isolation.

Are Galaxy Buds Live good for calls?

Yes — the open-fit design and microphone array make the Buds Live a particularly good call headset. Voice pickup is accurate, and the open-ear design means you can hear yourself naturally during calls — reducing the 'sealed ear' effect that causes some people to speak unnaturally loudly.

How is the battery life of Galaxy Buds Live?

6 hours of playback per charge, with up to 21 hours additional from the case. The case supports Qi wireless charging — a premium feature for this price tier. USB-C wired charging is also available.