After years with Skullcandy wireless headphones and a long reluctance to give up my wired Apple headphones even after I switched to Android, the time has finally come. I have the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live! I have been using these headphones for a month, and I have some thoughts. We’re going to skip specs like the 1-way, 12mm Driver speakers and stick to my personal experience.
Are the Galaxy Buds Live Comfortable to Wear?
When I first tried the buds, they took some getting used to. I never had any discomfort in my left ear, but they weren’t super comfortable in the right at first. I don’t have that problem anymore, so I think I just needed to get used to them.
The buds don’t actually go into your ear canal, which I really like. There is also an extra set of wingtips in the box so you can get a better fit if needed. Overall, I prefer these over the traditional in-ear style. I usually have my headphones in for hours at a time and the buds that actually go into the ear often lose their tight and comfortable fit after a while, sometimes even falling out. I don’t have that problem with the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live.
Wireless Charging for the Samsung Buds Live Case
I LOVE the wireless charging. This is my first pair of headphones where the case charges wirelessly, and it is so convenient. I have the 15W Wireless Charger Duo and have placed the case in the spot for the watch as well as the bigger pad for my phone. Both charge the Buds Live case with no issues.
Also, you can charge the case alone or with the buds inside. The buds and the case will charge simultaneously if the buds are inside.
Charging the Samsung Buds Live – Buds Only
The headphones themselves charge super fast inside the case. Samsung claims five minutes can get you an hour of playtime and while I haven’t timed it, I definitely believe the claim. There have been multiple times where I took them out for maybe 10-15 minutes, took them out of the case, and was shocked at how much the battery charged in such a short time.
Galaxy Buds Live and Samsung Galaxy Phone Compatibility
I have the S21 Ultra and pairing the earbuds with the phone was so simple with the Galaxy Wearable app, which is the same app you use to pair a Galaxy Watch.
There is also a widget you can use to check the battery level while they’re in use, or easily access the settings. Need some more bass? Use your phone to change the equalizer. Want to change up your touch controls? You can easily change that up, too.
Galaxy Buds Live and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Compatibility
First, here’s a fun fact for you. I didn’t have to do anything to pair my buds with my watch because they were already paired with my phone!
On the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, you’ll see a little music note when you’re actively using the buds. Tap that little blue music note, and you’ll have the controls for your Buds Live right there on your wrist. You can adjust the volume, skip, go back, or pause.
Sound Quality in Phone Calls
I am very pleased with the sound quality. My previous wireless headphones were decent for music or listening to audiobooks, but I hated using them for phone calls. I have used these multiple times during a call and had no problem understanding what was being said. They also had no problem understanding me.
Sound Quality for Music and Audio Books
I listen to a LOT of audiobooks. I have a degree in English literature, so that probably shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are wonderful for listening to audiobooks and music. I don’t have to turn the volume up half as high as I did with my previous headphones, and yet the sound is so much better.
How is the Sound Canceling?
First, make sure your expectations are correct here. If you want sound canceling to the level where you can’t hear a damn thing beyond your music, these aren’t for you. They’re not designed for that level of canceling. The Buds Live have Active Noise Canceling (ANC), so they’re much better at filtering out low-level background noise. Airplane noise? Should be fine. People next to you having a conversation? You should still hear it unless you jack the volume way up.
Available in 5 Colors
I have the Buds Live in black because black goes with everything and I love a dark aesthetic, but the Galaxy Buds Live are available in four more colors so you should be able to pick one that fits your style.
- Black
- White
- Blue
- Bronze
- Red
Would I Recommend These?
Overall, I’d say yes – I would absolutely recommend the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live. They’re comfortable, I never feel like they’re going to fall out, and they’re easy to control with a tap, Galaxy phone, or Galaxy watch. These are my new favorite earbuds.