The Samsung earned near-universal praise at launch for its exceptional battery life and audio quality — without any Active Noise Cancellation. In 2026, it remains a compelling choice at its current price. Here's our full assessment.
Design & Comfort
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The Buds+ features a compact in-ear design with three wing tip sizes — designed for comfort in extended wear. At 5.6g per earbud, it's light enough that most users forget they're wearing them after an hour of use. IPX2 water resistance covers light perspiration but is insufficient for gym sessions or rain.
Sound Quality
The Buds+ is widely regarded as one of the best-sounding Samsung earbuds ever produced. A two-way driver (11mm woofer + tweeter) delivers a wide, detailed soundstage with clear separation across frequencies. Bass is present and controlled. Mids — particularly vocals — are beautifully rendered. The EQ in Galaxy Wearable app allows further customisation across six bands.
For audio quality at its price point, the Buds+ remains a benchmark — even compared to newer budget models that prioritise ANC features over driver quality.
No ANC — Ambient Sound Mode Instead
The Galaxy Buds+ does not include Active Noise Cancellation. Instead, it features an Ambient Sound Mode that pipes in external audio via the outer microphones — useful for staying aware of surroundings during commutes. For listeners who prioritise audio quality over ANC, this trade-off delivers better driver investment at the same price.
Battery Life
11 hours per earbud charge — the highlight of the Buds+ spec sheet. Combined with the case: up to 22 hours. For users who hate stopping to charge, this is a transformative advantage. Charging via USB-C; wireless charging is supported.
Call Quality
Three microphones per earbud (six total) with machine-learning-based voice enhancement. Call quality is among the best ever measured on a Samsung earbud — voices are clear and natural, and background noise suppression is excellent. Business users appreciate the call performance particularly.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 11-hour battery per charge — exceptional longevity
- Two-way driver — audiophile-grade tuning
- 6-band EQ customisation
- Class-leading call quality (6-mic, ML-enhanced)
- Wireless charging case
Cons
- No ANC — a significant omission at any price above $50
- IPX2 — insufficient for gym or outdoor wet conditions
- Older model — no Galaxy AI features
Verdict
The Galaxy Buds+ remains one of the best-sounding wireless earbuds at its price — but the absence of ANC is a meaningful limitation in 2026's feature-rich market. It excels as a pure audio and call quality device for users in quiet environments. If ANC is not a priority, the Buds+ offers audio quality that punches well above its class.
Rating: 8.2/10
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Galaxy Buds+ have ANC?
No — the Galaxy Buds+ does not include Active Noise Cancellation. It features Ambient Sound Mode instead, which amplifies external audio via microphones for situational awareness. If ANC is a requirement, consider the (budget ANC) or (premium ANC).
How long does Galaxy Buds+ battery last?
11 hours per earbud charge — one of the highest single-charge battery lives of any Samsung earbud. Total battery with case: up to 22 hours. The case supports wireless charging. This makes the Buds+ the best Samsung option for users who prioritise battery longevity over ANC.
Is Galaxy Buds+ good for making calls?
Excellent — the six-microphone system with machine learning voice enhancement is among the best call quality implementations in wireless earbuds. Business users, remote workers, and anyone who makes frequent calls will find the Buds+ performs above expectations for its price tier.
How does Galaxy Buds+ sound quality compare to Galaxy Buds FE?
The Buds+ is considered the superior audio performer. Its two-way driver design and 6-band EQ deliver more detailed, nuanced sound than the Buds FE. The Buds FE trades audio quality for the inclusion of ANC — a different priority balance that suits different user needs.
Can I use Galaxy Buds+ without a Samsung phone?
Yes — the Buds+ pairs with any Bluetooth device. Non-Samsung Android users get basic EQ access through the Galaxy Wearable app. iOS users can connect via Bluetooth but won't have app access for customisation. Core audio performance is device-agnostic.
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