@honest_lynx_87 · Owner-reported
Owned over 2 years · Still using it: yes, daily · Posted
Case sends earbuds flying in random directions if dropped
- Battery · better than expected
- Mic on calls · worse than expected
- one_bud · gave out
Would buy again
All products featured are independently chosen by us. However, SoundGuys may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links. See our ethics statement.
1 / 12In their words
Own it? Your review joins these
Three answers, four quick reads, one sentence nobody tells you before buying · About 2 minutes · No account needed · Photo optional
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
The Galaxy Buds 2 is a well-priced pair of ANC earbuds. Does it stand out from the Galaxy Buds line, or get lost in the middle?
noise cancelling
7.4/ 10
ANCNoise cancelling7.4
0.010.0
At 7.4, its noise cancelling beats 25% of wireless earbuds we've measured.
Measured on 89 of the 254 we've cataloged.
See the lab data ↓Frequency response · Isolation · Noise cancelling
1of 1
Would buy it again and still uses it daily.
Owned over 2 years.
- Fit and comfort over hours1 as expected
- Noise cancelling in the real world1 as expected
- Battery in real life1 better
- Mic on calls1 worse
- Buds and case after months1 as expected
Read the 1 owner review ↓
What gave out: One bud quieter / dead (1)
Key specs
Battery Life Earbuds
5 hBelow average5 h
3 h15 h
below average for wireless earbuds — based on 237 of 254 we've cataloged.
Battery Life With Case
20 hBelow average20 h
7 h60 h
below average for wireless earbuds — based on 234 of 254 we've cataloged.
IP Rating
IPX2IPX435%IP5516%IP5416%IPX22%
IPX2 appears on 2% of the 233 wireless earbuds we've cataloged (of 254).
Live translation
Platform AINone50%Platform ai36%In-app14%
Platform ai appears on 36% of the 22 wireless earbuds we've cataloged (of 254).
Battery
- Battery Life Earbuds
- 5 h
- Battery Life With Case
- 20 h
- Charging Method
- USB-C + Wireless
- Battery Life Anc On
- 5 h
- Charging Case Capacity
- 472 mAh
- Earbud Capacity
- 61 mAh
- Fast Charging
- Yes
Build
- IP Rating
- IPX2
- Sweat Resistance
- Yes
- Water Resistance
- Yes
- Material Case
- Plastic
- Material Chassis Primary
- Plastic
Features
- Live translation
- Platform AI
- Companion App
- IOS + Android
- Control Type
- Touch controls
- Eq Customization
- Presets only
- Find My Device
- Find My Device (Google)
- Gaming Mode
- Standard
- Auto Pause
- Yes
- Mono Mode
- Yes
- Spatial Audio
- Head tracking
- Voice Assistant Support
- Siri, Google Assistant, Alexa, Bixby
Sound
- Noise Cancellation Type
- Active
- Ambient Levels
- 3 levels
- Ambient Mode
- Adjustable level
- Anc Modes
- Off,anc,transparency
- Driver Count
- 2
- Driver Type
- Dynamic
- Frequency Response
- 20-20000 Hz
- Frequency Response High Hz
- 20000 Hz
- Frequency Response Low Hz
- 20 Hz
Connectivity
- Bluetooth Version
- 5.2
- Bluetooth Codec
- SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth
- Headphone Jack
- No
Design
- Earbud Form Factor
- In-ear
- Case Dimensions
- 50.2×50×27.8 mm
- Color Options
- Graphite, lavender, olive, white
- Ear Tip Material
- Silicone
- Ear Tip Sizes Included
- S, M, L
- Weight Per Earbud
- 5 g
- Weight With Case
- 41.2 g
Identity
- Model Number
- SM-R177NZKAXAR
Microphone
- Count
- 3
- Type
- Dual microphone
Release
- Date
- 2021-08-28
- Msrp Usd
- 149 USD
- Year
- 2021
Lab data
How we test ›Objective measurements from the SoundGuys test lab — overlay other models to see how this one compares.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve
Measured frequency response (dB relative) against the SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve. When the measurement goes above the dashed line, that frequency is louder than our preference curve, and when it goes below: it's quieter. Use the curve for comparison purposes only, as your taste may vary.
| Frequency (Hz) | Response (dB) |
|---|---|
| 20 | -5.3 |
| 25 | -0.2 |
| 32 | 2.4 |
| 40 | 3.6 |
| 50 | 3.8 |
| 63 | 3.3 |
| 80 | 2.4 |
| 100 | 1.1 |
| 125 | -0.8 |
| 160 | -2.7 |
| 200 | -3.7 |
| 250 | -4.0 |
| 315 | -4.0 |
| 400 | -4.4 |
| 500 | -4.9 |
| 630 | -4.3 |
| 800 | -2.6 |
| 1000 | 0.0 |
| 1250 | 2.0 |
| 1600 | 3.9 |
| 2000 | 5.3 |
| 2500 | 7.2 |
| 3150 | 7.8 |
| 4000 | 5.4 |
| 5000 | 3.3 |
| 6300 | 4.7 |
| 8000 | 2.6 |
| 10000 | -0.4 |
| 12500 | -4.1 |
| 16000 | -6.8 |
| 20000 | -19.9 |
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Passive isolation (dB) with ANC off — how much ambient noise the fit blocks on its own. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | 0.4 |
| 26 | -1.6 |
| 33 | 3.0 |
| 41 | 3.2 |
| 52 | 3.7 |
| 65 | 4.7 |
| 82 | 5.5 |
| 103 | 5.2 |
| 130 | 6.6 |
| 163 | 6.6 |
| 205 | 6.5 |
| 259 | 8.5 |
| 325 | 9.2 |
| 410 | 14.6 |
| 516 | 14.1 |
| 613 | 11.1 |
| 772 | 10.5 |
| 972 | 14.5 |
| 1220 | 17.2 |
| 1540 | 24.4 |
| 1940 | 34.6 |
| 2440 | 32.3 |
| 3070 | 31.4 |
| 3870 | 29.6 |
| 4870 | 33.8 |
| 6130 | 34.7 |
| 7720 | 27.3 |
| 9720 | 32.5 |
| 12200 | 40.1 |
| 15400 | 29.7 |
| 19400 | 34.2 |
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Total attenuation (dB) with ANC on — passive isolation plus active noise cancelling. Higher on the chart means more attenuation.
| Frequency (Hz) | Total attenuation (dB) |
|---|---|
| 21 | -12.0 |
| 26 | -4.8 |
| 33 | 8.0 |
| 41 | 11.4 |
| 52 | 14.6 |
| 65 | 19.1 |
| 82 | 22.8 |
| 103 | 21.2 |
| 130 | 18.6 |
| 163 | 16.8 |
| 205 | 14.0 |
| 259 | 15.3 |
| 325 | 14.4 |
| 410 | 18.4 |
| 516 | 17.5 |
| 613 | 12.0 |
| 772 | 10.6 |
| 972 | 14.1 |
| 1220 | 18.5 |
| 1540 | 25.7 |
| 1940 | 31.8 |
| 2440 | 35.0 |
| 3070 | 34.1 |
| 3870 | 30.5 |
| 4870 | 31.9 |
| 6130 | 29.7 |
| 7720 | 27.2 |
| 9720 | 33.6 |
| 12200 | 38.9 |
| 15400 | 23.8 |
| 19400 | 29.6 |
SoundGuys review
Noise cancelling7.4
Isolation6.2
Battery life5.6
Comfort & fit8.5
Connectivity6.0
Design7.0
The verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 isn't a breakout set of earbuds, but it does its job well as an everyday headset. The sound quality is sure to please most listers and the noise canceling, while not the best, is quite good for the price. Even still, you might find it hard to justify this compared to the more advanced Galaxy Buds Pro and more comfortable (and affordable) Galaxy Buds Plus.
✓Liked: Compact design, In-app ear tip fit test, Sound quality, Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, AAC, and Samsung Scalable codec
✕Could be better: Lacks aptX, Sensitive touch controls, People with sensitive skin might have a reaction
Owners (1)
How we verify ownersWhat a reader who owns the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 reports after living with it. Owner-reported, checked before publishing; ordered photo-verified first, then newest.
Owner reviews are not paid for, not solicited from specific owners, and not edited by us. The commission SoundGuys may earn on this page comes from retail links, never from owner reviews.
1 owner review
Every author writes under a generated pseudonym. A signed-in author’s email is never shown. Read more · The reader says they own it. We have not seen proof, and we say so — no label here is proof of a purchase. Read more · Owned over 2 years · Still using it: yes, daily · Posted
Would buy againCase sends earbuds flying in random directions if dropped
- Battery · better than expected
- Mic on calls · worse than expected
- one_bud · gave out
Showing 1 of 1 owner review · sorted by newest
Related comparisons
Browse all versus ›See how the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 stacks up against the competition.
Features & Opinions
More from the team ›Commentary and deep dives from the SoundGuys editorial team.
Samsung, why are you so afraid of aptX Lossless?There's no good reason left for Samsung to keep locking Galaxy devices out of true wireless lossless audio.
Adam BirneyManaging EditorSamsung, it's time to make an AirPods Max competitorI love my Galaxy Buds, but I want the sound and comfort of a pair of headphones.
Zac Kew-DennissThe Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro's ecosystem lock-in only hurts itselfHead gestures, Ultra High-Quality audio, and ultra-wideband calls require a compatible Samsung phone.
Tom TriggsContributorThe 5 best headphones to look forward to in 2026Strap in — we're in for a wild year.Tom TriggsContributorBest Earbuds Prime Day Deals October 2025Looking for the best Prime Day earbuds deals this October? We’ve tested the top options — here are our top four picks, for all budgets.
Chase BernathBrand & Partnerships ManagerPhone-specific features suck. Here's whyHeadphone manufacturers are marching to the same somber beat.Tom TriggsContributorHow long should your earbuds last? Our battery tests have the answerEarbuds don't last long, but how much is enough?
Christian ThomasEditor-at-large
Adam BirneyManaging EditorSamsung, it's time to make an AirPods Max competitorI love my Galaxy Buds, but I want the sound and comfort of a pair of headphones.Zac Kew-DennissThe Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro's ecosystem lock-in only hurts itselfHead gestures, Ultra High-Quality audio, and ultra-wideband calls require a compatible Samsung phone.Tom TriggsContributorThe 5 best headphones to look forward to in 2026Strap in — we're in for a wild year.Tom TriggsContributorBest Earbuds Prime Day Deals October 2025Looking for the best Prime Day earbuds deals this October? We’ve tested the top options — here are our top four picks, for all budgets.Chase BernathBrand & Partnerships ManagerPhone-specific features suck. Here's whyHeadphone manufacturers are marching to the same somber beat.Tom TriggsContributorHow long should your earbuds last? Our battery tests have the answerEarbuds don't last long, but how much is enough?Christian ThomasEditor-at-largeMore Wireless Earbuds
See our top picks ›
Wireless Earbuds
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
8.5/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$299.95at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Wireless Earbuds
EarFun Air Pro 4
8.4/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
The battery beat their expectations
$89.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Wireless Earbuds
Sony WF-1000XM5
8.3/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
0 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
Expected more from the noise cancelling
$198at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Wireless Earbuds
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 5
8.3/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$299.95at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Wireless Earbuds
Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
8.2/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$99.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Wireless Earbuds
Bowers & Wilkins Pi8
8.2/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
$375at Amazon
Buy on Amazon
Wireless Earbuds
Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
8.2/10SoundGuys scoreRead our review ›
1 of 1 would buy again
1 owner
The battery beat their expectations
$79.99at Amazon
Buy on Amazon