Samsung Galaxy Buds series

Lore & Background

The Samsung Galaxy Buds series began with the original Galaxy Buds (SM-R170), launched on March 8, 2019, at a price of $129.99, including a wireless charging case. These were discontinued when the Galaxy Buds Plus (SM-R175) was announced on February 11, 2020, and released on February 14, 2020, at $149.99. The Buds Plus maintained the same design but added a second driver for bass and improved battery life. The Galaxy Buds Pro (SM-R190), announced on January 14, 2021, introduced active noise cancellation and head tracking technology, though it was noted for a 5-hour battery life with ANC on.

The second generation brought the Galaxy Buds 2 (SM-R177), announced on August 11, 2021, as the successor to the Buds Plus, and the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (SM-R510), announced on August 10, 2022, which added 24-bit Hi-Fi audio support and enhanced 360-degree audio. The third generation, announced on July 10, 2024, introduced a stem-style design with the Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro, the latter featuring AI capabilities and high-resolution audio support. The fourth generation, announced on February 25, 2026, includes the Galaxy Buds 4 with an open-fit design and the Buds 4 Pro with a canal-fit design and premium metal finish.

Standalone models include the Galaxy Buds Live (SM-R180), announced on August 5, 2020, with a bean-shaped on-ear design and the first in the series to feature active noise cancellation, though its ANC was noted as ineffective. The Galaxy Buds Core (SM-R410), announced in mid-2025, was positioned as an affordable option with IP54 rating and AI-powered features, released in select markets.

Reader's Guide

The Samsung Galaxy Buds series represents a significant and evolving line in the wireless earbud market, spanning from 2019 through at least 2026. The series is notable for its rapid iteration across four generations, introducing features such as active noise cancellation with the Buds Pro and Buds Live, head tracking technology, 24-bit Hi-Fi audio, and AI-powered capabilities in later models. The series also includes the Fan Edition (FE) models as affordable alternatives, such as the Galaxy Buds FE released in October 2023 and the Galaxy Buds 3 FE in September 2025. The standalone Galaxy Buds Live offered a unique bean-shaped design that rested outside the ear canal, distinguishing it from the in-ear models. The Galaxy Buds Core, released in mid-2025, targeted budget-conscious consumers with features like Bluetooth 5.4 and AI translation. The series has consistently been tied to Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked events, launching alongside flagship smartphones and wearables. Pricing has varied from $129.99 for the original Buds to $249.99 for the Buds 3 Pro, with the Buds Core priced at approximately 189 AED in India and the UAE. The series' legacy includes a shift from a rounded form factor to a stem-style design in the third generation, and the introduction of computational design for ergonomic fit in the fourth generation.

Did You Know?

• The original Galaxy Buds were announced on February 20, 2019, alongside the Galaxy S10 series and the Galaxy Fold.
• The Galaxy Buds Live were the first Galaxy Buds to feature active noise cancellation, though it was criticized as ineffective.
• The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro introduced a stem-style design and AI capabilities including an instant translator.
• The Galaxy Buds Core was released in India and the UAE on June 27, 2025, at a price of approximately 189 AED.