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Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

Name: Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
Brand: Samsung
SKU: B08J3Y4W5J
Price: 189.99 USD

Current price · Amazon US

$189.99

Check Price on Amazon

Price last checked 23h ago

Noise Isolation / ANC

6.5/ 10

Noise Isolation / ANC — measured in the SoundGuys lab.

Key specs

Battery Life Earbuds

8 hAbove average

8 h

3 h16 h

above average for wireless earbuds — based on 243 of 271 we've cataloged.

Battery Life With Case

21 hBelow average

21 h

7 h60 h

below average for wireless earbuds — based on 245 of 271 we've cataloged.

IP Rating

IPX2

IPX433%IP5516%IP5415%IPX22%

IPX2 appears on 2% of the 244 wireless earbuds we've cataloged (of 271).

Noise Cancellation Type

ActiveMost common

Active61%Passive14%None9%Adaptive8%

Active is the most common — on 61% of the 172 wireless earbuds we've cataloged (of 271).

Battery

Battery Life Earbuds: 8 h
Battery Life With Case: 21 h
Charging Method: USB-C + Wireless
Full Charge Minutes: 5 min
Battery Life Anc On: 5.25 h
Battery Life Wireless: 6.5 h
Fast Charging: Yes

Build

IP Rating: IPX2
Water Resistance: Yes
Material Case: Plastic
Material Chassis Primary: Plastic

Sound

Noise Cancellation Type: Active
Ambient Mode: Standard
Driver Count: 1
Driver Size: 12 mm
Driver Type: Dynamic
Frequency Response Signature: Balanced
Impedance: 32 Ω

Connectivity

Bluetooth Version: 5
Bluetooth Codec: SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec
Connection Type: Bluetooth

Design

Earbud Form Factor: Open-ear
Case Dimensions: 50×50.2×27.8 mm
Color Options: Black, bronze, white
Ear Tip Material: Silicone
Wearing Style: Shallow fit
Weight Per Earbud: 5.6 g
Weight With Case: 42.2 g

Features

Certified For: Universal
Companion App: IOS + Android
Control Type: Touch controls
Eq Customization: Presets only
Gaming Mode: Standard
Auto Pause: Yes
Mono Mode: Yes
Voice Assistant Support: Bixby

Microphone

Count: 3
Noise Reduction Type: Active
Type: Beamforming array

SoundGuys review

Read the full review ›

SOUNDGUYS rating

5.8/ 10

Worth a look

Reviewed byLil KatzReviewed July 2024

Isolation6.5

Battery life5.7

Comfort & fit7.4

Connectivity5.0

Design6.8

Portability9.0

The verdict

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live represent a bold design choice that successfully balances unique aesthetics with functional performance. While the noise canceling is impressive given the unsealed design, it remains a limitation compared to traditional sealed earbuds. The microphone quality stands out as excellent, and the overall comfort and fit are surprisingly good for the unconventional design. However, sound quality is just okay and weighted heavily toward bass, which masks musical detail. Best suited for Samsung users who value design innovation and ambient awareness over premium sound quality and aggressive noise cancellation.

✓What we like

✓Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and Samsung Scalable Codec support

✓Wireless and fast charging with USB-C

✓Unique bean-shaped design with stable fit

✓Updates available on both iOS and Android

✓Excellent microphone quality with triple microphone array and bone conduction technology

✓Earbuds remain secure during exercise like rock climbing and running

✕What could be better

✕Just okay noise canceling that doesn't fully eliminate background noise

✕Only IPX2 water-resistance rating, limiting use during heavy exercise or rain

✕Sound quality is subpar with bass emphasis that masks musical detail and makes voices hard to hear during busy instrumental sections

✕Unsealed ear design compromises passive isolation needed for effective noise cancellation