Samsung isn’t a name you immediately associate with headphones, but in recent years, the company has turned things around recently, with its Galaxy Buds headphones becoming increasing popular – and increasingly competitive, thanks to Samsung’s work with AKG.
The original Samsung Galaxy Buds weren’t great and we’re not including them in this comparison, because we don’t think they are worth buying. Instead we’re focusing on the current run of devices, the Galaxy Buds Pro, the Galaxy Buds 2 and the Galaxy Buds Live.
We’ve extensively used all these headphones to help evaluate which of these headphones is the best.
What to look for in true wireless headphones
When buying a pair of true wireless headphones there’s plenty to consider. This is now the most popular form of headphone, ditching the wires so you can just plug in and not have to worry about catching that wire as you move around.
That means that battery life is important, as no battery means no headphones. All these headphones charge from the case that they come in, offering wireless charging and USB-C connections.
The other big feature to look out for is active noise cancellation. This lets headphones reduce the exterior noise meaning you can listen to your music or podcast with less interruption. This is a key feature for travellers, especially to cut out the persistent hiss on aircraft.
Then there’s comfort and how well they fit, which dictates what the experience will be like wearing them for long periods of time, while a great fit will ensure the best performance.
Finally, it’s worth considering whether there’s any waterproofing, as this will protect your headphones from rain or sweat, and is well worth considering.