Samsung’s line of devices, accessories, and hardware is nothing short of impressive. And with the release of Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds Plus, this manufacturer offers you two of the best wireless buds that money can buy. But which of them is best for you?
The new Galaxy Buds Live is the higher-end model of both accessories and it comes with a sleek, attractive design alongside many useful features and effective noise canceling. Galaxy Buds Plus is more affordable but offers more value with its durable battery life and noise-canceling feature.
There’s no doubt that both buds offer one-of-a-kind quality, but which of them suits you best? Keep reading to find out more.
Specs
| Galaxy Buds Live | Galaxy Buds Plus | |
| Price | $169 | $149 |
| Colors | Mystic White, Mystic Black, Mystic Copper | White, Black, Red, Blue, Cloud Blue |
| Battery Life | Up to 8 hours (29 with charging case | 11 hours (22 with charging case) |
| Size | 0.64 x 1 x 0.58 inches | 0.7 x 0.9 x 0.8 inches |
| Weight | 0.19 ounces (earbuds); 1.4 ounces (case) | 0.2 ounces (earbuds); 1.4 ounces (case) |
| Water Resistance | IPX 2 | IPX 2 |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
Design & Comfort
Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds Plus are well-designed and attractive, but Buds Live just nudges it here. The Buds Live has a bean-shaped design that looks less conspicuous than the Buds Plus.
Samsung offers a great range of colors for both earbuds, with the Buds Plus available in White, Black, Red, Aura Blue, and Cloud Blue. Buds Live is also available in Mystic White, Mystic Black, and Mystic Copper. Buds Plus has an interesting choice of colors, while Buds Live can be said to have a premium design.
The charging cases that are pre-designed with these buds are equally sleek. The Buds Live comes in a curved-shaped cased that’s a little larger than the pill-shaped case of the Galaxy Buds Plus. Both cases are enabled for wireless charging which is a huge advantage over similarly priced buds.
Samsung’s earbuds are pretty comfortable to wear, but the Buds Live seems to have a tighter fit. Both buds are incredibly lightweight making it possible for you to wear them for long periods.
Controls
Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds Plus offer a variety of controls but not all of them are easily accessible. The controls of the Buds Plus can be considered to be oversensitive, leading to accidental pauses even when your finger just grazes over them. There are even times when single taps are considered double taps. However, Buds Live seemed to operate in a reverse manner. Only solid touches register inputs on these buds.
Both buds allow users to enjoy fairly the same amount of functionality; pause music with a single tap, skip music with a double-tap and go back with a triple tap. Users can also perform other actions with a long tap on the buds on either ear, such as making adjustments to the volume, summoning the voice assistant, or turning on noise-canceling (Buds Live) or ambient sound (Buds Plus). The Buds Live slightly has better controls, and you can activate Bixby if you have a compatible Galaxy phone.
Audio Quality
This round completely goes to Galaxy Buds Live, as it has much better audio when compared to Galaxy Buds Plus. The former offers deeper bass, clearer treble, and crispier vocals. The Buds Plus offers great audio in its own right, but the music quality sounds with lesser bass.
Battery Life
Finally, this is where the Buds Plus beats the Buds Live – and other wireless earbuds of a similar price. The Buds Plus can run for an amazing 11 hours (and 22 from the case) when tested.
The Buds Live doesn’t perform poorly either. It can run for 8 hours (and 29 from the case). Users also get 6 hours (21 from the case) when you have ANC and Bixby running. Both buds can run for long hours on a single charge, but the Galaxy Buds Plus can go for longer before you have to put them back in their case.
Noise Cancellation and Ambient Listening
One of the top features of Galaxy Buds Live is noise canceling, though it’s not on the same level as what you get on the Sony WF-1000xM3 or Apple AirPods Pro. The Buds Live has a subtle ANC effect that’ll even cancel low-frequency noises and give you clearer podcasts. But don’t expect it to drown out heavy noises like construction or nearby chatter.
The Buds Plus offers something a little different with its ambient feature that lets in noise from the outside such as nearby cars or pedestrians. This feature is awesome, but it can also amplify unwanted noises such as wind.
Call Quality
Both of these accessories offer a triple-microphone array that supports clear calls, but Samsung’s cheaper buds offer better call quality for less. But the Galaxy Buds Plus offers a clearer sound than its high-end cousin. Users can choose to get any of these, without any noticeable difference.
Final Verdict
Both of Samsung’s buds are a one-two hit, but Buds Live has the edge. Samsung’s high-quality buds offer unbeatable sound, lengthy battery life, and an impressive list of features. They are some of the best buds you can get on the market if you are ready to spend about $150.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus is a reasonable buy if you want something with unbeatable battery life. However, the Galaxy Buds Live is the most attractive and feature-rich earbud you’ll find on the market.
