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.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE: Don't fix what ain't broken
Mar 28, 2026 — 7:00 AM ET
The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Galaxy Buds3 FE take very different approaches to what represents “good” earbuds. At $179, the Buds4 lean into an unsealed, AirPods-style design with Galaxy AI features and ecosystem perks. The $149 Buds3 FE, on the other hand, focus on fundamentals like a secure fit, strong ANC, and balanced sound. After using both, the choice comes down to whether you prioritize comfort and openness or consistency and performance. Here’s everything you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 vs the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE.
This article was originally published on March 28, 2026, and this is the first version.
What’s it like to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 compared to the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE?
Using the Galaxy Buds4 feels like a refinement of Samsung’s newer unsealed direction. I like the flat stem with its engraved pinch zone because it’s easier to control than before. Likewise, the clamshell case is more practical because the earbuds lie flat instead of dropping vertically. However, the open-ear design is a gamble, and they tend to shift within 20 minutes. That’s because, without any ear tips or stabilizers, they rely entirely on your ear shape. The IP54 rating is also a slight step down compared to the earlier Galaxy Buds3’s IP57 rating.
The Galaxy Buds3 FE take the opposite approach, and I find them far more dependable. The packaging includes three sizes of silicone ear tips, creating a robust seal that stays put during longer listening sessions. The matte finish resists fingerprints better than the Buds4’s case, and the overall design feels understated but practical. Controls are nearly identical between the two, but the FE’s stable fit means adjustments don’t disrupt placement nearly as much.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE have more features?
The Galaxy Buds4 offer a slightly more advanced feature set, especially for Samsung users. They include adaptive noise control, 360 audio recording, head-gesture controls, and expanded voice assistant support, including Google Gemini and Bixby. They do not support native voice commands like the Buds3, but I found the hands-free head gestures particularly useful for calls and notifications.
The Galaxy Buds3 FE still cover the essentials well. Through the Galaxy Wearable app, you get EQ presets, a 9-band equalizer, ANC controls, Find My Earbuds, and Samsung’s AI features like real-time translation. They lack extras like adaptive ANC and head gestures, but in practice, I didn’t feel like I was missing anything critical. Auto Switch between Samsung devices is also handy, though it can sometimes get confused about which device you actually want to use.
How do the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE connect?
The Galaxy Buds4 use Bluetooth 6.1 with SBC, AAC, and the Samsung Seamless Codec for near-lossless audio on compatible Galaxy devices. They also support Auracast, which adds some future-facing functionality. However, there’s no true multipoint, so you’ll need the Samsung Wear app installed on each separate device to switch seamlessly.
The Galaxy Buds3 FE connect over Bluetooth 5.4 with the same tranche of codecs. Like the Buds4, they lack multipoint but include the aforementioned Auto Switch feature for Samsung devices. They also lack Auracast support, making them slightly less future-proof. Nevertheless, in day-to-day use, I didn’t notice a major difference in connectivity reliability.
Is battery life better on the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE?
The Galaxy Buds4 lasted 4 hours and 56 minutes with ANC enabled in our standardized battery test, which is almost exactly in line with Samsung’s claims. The total battery with the case reaches 24 hours, which is workable for daily use, but I found it limiting for longer trips.
The Galaxy Buds3 FE fall slightly behind with 4 hours and 26 minutes with ANC on, and just under 6 hours without it. While neither pair is class-leading, both are serviceable for commuting — the FE lack wireless charging, though, which is a notable omission compared to the Buds4.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE block noise better?
Loading chart ...
The Galaxy Buds3 FE are clearly better here. Thanks to their sealed design, they achieve about 66% noise reduction passively and up to 86% with ANC enabled. That means they’re more than capable of handling everything from street noise to wind, making them among the best ANC performers in this price range.
The Galaxy Buds4 struggle by comparison. Without a seal, isolation is minimal, and ANC has very little to work with. When the fit shifts, ANC performance can even drop out in one ear. They perform reasonably well for unsealed earbuds (provided you can find the correct seating), but they can’t match the consistency or effectiveness of the Galaxy Buds3 FE.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 sound better than the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE?
The Galaxy Buds4 deliver a variable listening experience. When I get a good fit, bass strength, and bass depth sound okay. However, even small shifts significantly reduce the low-end’s perceived loudness. Meanwhile, treble frequencies are elevated, which can make sibilants sound bright, even shrill. Their midrange is decent, but their open design makes fundamentals sound less immersive.
The Galaxy Buds3 FE sound more consistent and balanced overall. Bass is present without sounding overpowering, and the tuning avoids excessive treble, reducing fatigue. I find the midrange is ideal for vocal reproduction, and the earbuds handle most genres well. The sealed fit also helps maintain a stable listening experience without constant readjustment.
Objective Measurements
Loading chart ...
The graph above shows that the Buds4 exhibit inconsistent bass depending on the fit, and treble is emphasized more than we would like. Conversely, the Buds3 FE follow our target house curve more closely, with a frequency response with modest bass emphasis and controlled highs. In daily use, I find the FE more reliable.
How would most people rate the sound from 1 to 5?
- Timbre (MOS-T) represents how faithfully the headphones reproduce the frequency spectrum and temporal resolution (timing information).
- Distortion (MOS-D) represents non-linearities and added noise: higher scores mean cleaner reproduction.
- Immersiveness (MOS-I) represents perceived source width and positioning: how well virtual sound sources are defined in three-dimensional space.
From an MDAQS perspective, the Galaxy Buds4 score 3.8 overall with Timbre at 4.2, Distortion at 3.4, and Immersiveness at 2.0. This reflects their inconsistency and limited spatial presentation.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds3 FE receive an “okay” Timbre score with decent Distortion and Immersiveness results (measured without Samsung’s proprietary codec), suggesting a solid overall sound quality that improves with higher-bitrate connections.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE have a better microphone?
Both earbuds perform well for calls, but the Galaxy Buds4 stand out slightly. Used outside, noise rejection is very impressive, and voices come through clearly even in busy environments. Super-wideband support also helps improve call quality when available.
The Galaxy Buds3 FE also perform strongly, especially compared to previous models. Background noise reduction is noticeably improved, though very windy conditions can still cause issues. For most situations, both are reliable, but the Buds4 have a slight edge in consistency.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 microphone demo (Windy conditions):
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE microphone demo (Windy conditions):
Which microphone sounds better to you?
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE: Price and availability
The Galaxy Buds4 retail for $179 and ship in Black and White colorways. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds3 FE cost $149 and are available in Gray and Black colors. Both are widely available through Samsung and major retailers, though the FE undercut the Buds4 by $30 while offering stronger core performance.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 price history
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE price history
Should you get the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE?
The Galaxy Buds4 make sense if you specifically want an unsealed design and are fully invested in the Samsung ecosystem. However, while I appreciate the added AI features, improved controls, and call quality, everything depends on whether they actually stay in your ears. Without adjustable ear tips, there’s no guarantee the buds will fit your ear anatomy.
For most people, the Galaxy Buds3 FE are the better buy. They deliver excellent ANC, a stable fit, and more consistent sound quality at a lower price. Overall, they get the fundamentals right, while the Buds4 feel more situational.
Get the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 if you:
- Prefer an open-fit design.
- Need longer battery life.
- Want the latest Samsung features.
Get the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE if you:
- Need decent ANC.
- Are on a budget.
- Want superior sound quality.
Which earbuds should you buy?
Thank you for being part of our community. Read our Comment Policy before posting.