The original Samsung Galaxy Buds (SM-R170) launched on March 8, 2019.[1] The launch price was $129.99, and included a wireless charging case. The Buds were discontinued when the Buds Plus was released.[2]
The Galaxy Buds Plus (SM-R175) were announced on February 11, 2020, at the spring Galaxy Unpacked event.[4] The Buds Plus were released on February 14, priced at $149.99, a $20 price increase from the original Buds.[5] The Buds Plus maintained the same design as the original Buds, but reviewers praised the improved sound and microphone quality and significantly increased battery life. Additionally, a second driver for bass was included to enhance audio quality at lower frequencies.[6]
The Galaxy Buds Live (SM-R180) were announced on August 5, 2020, during a virtual Galaxy Unpacked event.[8] The Buds Live were notable for their "bean" like on-ear design, a departure from the previous in ear design used in the buds lineup. The Buds Live were the first Galaxy Buds device to launch with active noise cancellation. The Buds Live were praised for their design, but criticised for the ineffective active noise cancellation.[9][10] These earbuds are ideal for people who have trouble with earbuds staying in their ears. After a short adjustment period, they feel more secure than traditional earbuds.[11]
The Galaxy Buds Pro (SM-R190) were announced on January 14, 2021, and launched the following day, on January 15. The Buds Pro improved upon the design of the Galaxy Buds Plus and included improved audio, head tracking technology, and active noise cancellation.[14] They were praised for their improved design and sound quality, but criticized for their 5-hour battery life when active noise cancellation is on.[15]
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 (SM-R177) were announced on August 11, 2021, at Galaxy Unpacked alongside the Galaxy Watch 4.[18] The Buds 2 were seen as the successor to the Buds Plus, which were discontinued following the announcement.[19] The Buds 2 include active noise cancellation, and cost less than the Buds Pro, and were praised for their all around performance for the price.[20]
A pair of lavender Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with custom eartips
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (SM-R510) were announced on August 10, 2022, at Galaxy Unpacked alongside the Galaxy Watch 5. The Buds 2 Pro were seen as the successor to the Buds Pro, which were discontinued following the announcement. The Buds 2 Pro include active noise cancellation, 24-bit Hi-Fi audio support (only for Samsung device with One UI 4.0 or above) and enhanced 360-degree audio. They were released on August 26, 2022, with a launch price of $229.99, a $30 price increase compared to the original Galaxy Buds Pro.
The Galaxy Buds FE, short for "Fan Edition", were released on October 5, 2023 for US$100, marketed as an affordable alternative to the other Galaxy Buds models.
Its specifications include a 30-hour battery life with active noise cancellation disabled and the charging case and an IPX2 water resistance rating, as opposed to the 2 Pro's IPX7.[28][29]
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