Samsung's AirPods competitor are the $149 iOS-compatible Galaxy Buds+
Malcolm Owen
Samsung has announced an update to its iOS-compatible AirPods competitor during Tuesday's Samsung Unpacked event, and calls it the Galaxy Buds+.
The new update includes new colors, better battery life, and improved audio. An added iOS app to control the earpieces was also announced, which will include features like an equalizer for the earbuds, something that was exclusive to android phones last generation.
The design appears identical to the previous version, with blue and red colors replacing yellow and silver. The changeable ear tips make a welcome return, since the AirPods at this price point are still one-size-fits-all.
A two speaker system with woofer and tweeter will improve overall audio quality, and since they are in ear buds, there should be sufficient audio isolation when listening.
| Galaxy Buds vs Apple AirPods | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Buds | Galaxy Buds+ | AirPods | AirPods Pro | |
| PrIce | $129 | $149 | $159 | $249 |
| Battery Life | 6 hours | 11 hours | 5 hours | 4.5 hours (ANC on) |
| Charge time | 15 min=100 min playback | 3 min= 1 hr playback | 15 min= 3 hr playback | 5 min= 1 hr playback |
| Speaker | 1 way dynamic | 2 way dynamic | Single driver | Single driver |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5 single device | Bluetooth 5 multi-device | H1 (iCloud sync, Audio Sharing) Bluetooth 5 | H1 (iCloud sync, Audio Sharing) Bluetooth 5 |
| Microphones | 1 outer/ 1 inner | 2 outer/ 1 inner | 2 outer beamforming | 2 outer beamforming 1 inner |
| Noise Isolation | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ambient aware | Yes | Yes | No | Yes (transparency mode) |
| On earpiece control | Play, pause, skip, volume | Play, pause, skip, volume, spotify | Play, pause, skip, or siri (Double tap preset) | Play, pause. Skip, siri (Multi gesture control) |
| Water resistance | IPX2 | IPX2 | Not rated | IPX4 |
| Color | Black, white, yellow, silver | Black, white, blue, red | White | White |
For iOS users, the decision is complicated by AirPods, and the ecosystem perks they bring. From AppleInsider's review we liked the audio quality and charging experience better on the Galaxy Buds. But now that AirPods have their own wireless charging case, its a tougher compare.
If you do not care about iCloud synced pairing or Apple's proprietary Audio Sharing, then the Galaxy Buds+ look to be a good alternative. Although if you want true ANC in an earbud, you'll have to spring for the much more expensive AirPods Pro.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ will launch on March 6 for $149.
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