Compare Poly Voyager Free 20 Earbuds vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4

ANC was one of the strongest consensus points, repeatedly described as effective against office, commute, fan, and low-frequency noise.

ANC is available, but reviewers consistently treat it as limited by the open-fit design; one comparison piece expects improvement over Buds 3, while hands-on reviews still call it modest or not serious noise blocking.

Android compatibility was supported by app availability and Android, Pixel, or Samsung testing.

Android support is strong for everyday use, especially on Galaxy phones, and non-Samsung Android users can still use the Wearables app, though some Galaxy-only features remain locked down.

The Poly Lens app is important and feature-rich on mobile, but desktop functionality and firmware workflows drew criticism.

The app and settings experience is broad on Samsung and Android, with Wearables support for non-Samsung Android phones and Galaxy settings integration for Samsung users.

aptX support was not confirmed; the only evidence flags uncertainty around advanced codec support.

Auracast is explicitly included among the shared features across the Buds 4 lineup.

Bass was divisive: some reviewers heard strong or punchy low end, while others found it timid or lacking energy.

Bass earns positive notes across reviews, ranging from punchy and crunchy to loud, wide, fuller and more refined.

Battery life was broadly praised, commonly around 8 hours with ANC and longer with ANC off or the case.

Battery life is serviceable rather than standout, with reviewers citing 6 hours without ANC, 5 hours with ANC and 30 hours via the case.

Bluetooth support was strong overall, with Bluetooth 5.4, stable pairing, and good range mentioned despite setup quirks.

Bluetooth support is a strength because the Buds 4 include Bluetooth 6.1, which reviewers connect to range, stability and future-proofing.

Build quality was mixed: earbuds were described as solid or well built, while the case and hinges felt fragile.

Build impressions are positive: reviewers describe a premium feel, refined stems and a cleaner physical design.

Hi-res playback is a Galaxy-centered strength, with UHQ and 24-bit Hi-Fi audio noted when paired with compatible devices.

Control usability was mixed: push buttons prevent accidental touches but often push the buds into the ear and require pressure.

The included cable drew criticism for being very short.

Case quality was split: reviewers liked magnets, size, and style, but several criticized plastic feel, loose hinges, and fingerprints.

The case is viewed positively for its translucent lid, updated flat-bud layout and physical pairing button.

Charging was strong, with repeated fast-charge mentions plus USB-C and wireless charging positives.

Charging evidence centers on the case reserve, with reviews citing up to 30 hours of total listening time through the charging case.

Codec support was a weak point because HP did not specify supported codecs in one review.

Codec and high-quality audio support is represented by UHQ and 24-bit Hi-Fi playback on compatible Galaxy devices, not by aptX or LDAC.

Comfort was mostly strong, with multiple reviewers reporting long wear or low fatigue, although one had soreness after a couple of hours.

Comfort is a clear strength in the Tom's Guide review, including for small ears.

The design was generally liked for its sleek, professional, black-and-gold or lightweight look.

Design feedback is broadly positive, describing the Buds 4 as polished, premium and more refined, even while acknowledging the AirPods-like stem style.

Dongle support is absent, and reviewers called out the missing USB dongle compared with more work-focused alternatives.

Fit was a recurring strength, aided by fit tests and tip choices, though fit still depended on ear size.

Fit evidence is mixed to weak: the open design can require adjustments and lacks a seal, though one review still found the earbuds comfortable.

Ear tip options were strong because multiple reviews confirmed four sizes or multiple tips.

Ear tip options are effectively absent because the Buds 4 use an open-fit, no-silicone-tip design.

EQ customization was a repeated weakness, with reviewers wanting more than limited presets or a custom curve.

EQ customization is strong, with access to a 9-band equalizer in the app/settings experience.

Find My-style location support appears in Poly Lens, but evidence is limited to last-known or location features.

Head gestures are a supported modern control feature, with reviewers noting nods or shakes for calls, Bixby prompts and notifications.

Hinge durability was a concern because reviewers found loose hinges on the charging case.

Included accessories were solid, with ear tips, charging case, and USB-C cable included.

One review praised the earbuds for balancing different sounds, supporting strong instrument separation.

Instrument separation is supported by a detailed listening note about synth effects layered between bassline and percussion.

Integrated microphones are a core feature, with repeated references to three mics per bud or six noise-canceling microphones.

The mic hardware is described as upgraded, with multiple microphones and voice pickup units.

LDAC support was not confirmed; the only evidence flags uncertainty around advanced codec support.

Maximum-volume clarity was limited by peaking and high-frequency distortion in one review.

Noise reduction for calls was praised for reducing background noise and helping voices stay clear.

Microphone noise reduction is a strength, with reviewers saying background roar, white noise and wind/background noise are reduced or blocked.

Call quality was consistently positive, with reviewers hearing clear, understandable voice pickup.

Call quality is generally good and intelligible, though one review says the voice can sound muffled and another notes processing in noisy places.

Midrange clarity was generally a strength, with repeated comments about clear vocals and mids suited to calls and podcasts.

Midrange clarity is praised through adequate mids, clean vocals and strong mids/treble performance.

Multi-platform compatibility was strong across phones, laptops, Windows, iPhone, MacBook, Android, and general Bluetooth use.

Multi-platform compatibility is limited: basics work outside Galaxy, but advanced features and seamless switching are restricted by ecosystem.

Multipoint was a major work-use strength across phone and laptop pairings, though one reviewer noted switching delays.

Multipoint is context-dependent, working best in the Galaxy ecosystem and improving in Samsung contexts while remaining limited for non-ecosystem devices.

Passive isolation was decent to strong because the sealed tips fully plugged the ears before ANC was considered.

Passive isolation is weak because the open-fit, no-seal design lets external noise seep in.

Portability was helped by a slim case that fits in a pocket.

Preset EQ options were limited to Bass, Flat, and Bright and were often described as underwhelming or too similar.

Preset EQ support is good, with six presets including speech and instrumental options.

Sensors were useful for wear detection, call answering, and media pause/resume behavior.

Sidetone adjustment scored poorly because one reviewer said the Free 20 lacked the ability.

Smudge resistance was poor, with multiple reviewers calling out fingerprints and scratches.

Setup and software simplicity were mixed: basic setup could be straightforward, but firmware and desktop support created friction.

Setup is simplest on Galaxy devices through Bluetooth/settings integration and remains available through Wearables on non-Samsung Android.

One review referenced a fit test for audio leakage, suggesting leakage control depends on getting a proper seal.

Most reviewers described sound as good to excellent, especially for calls, vocals, and everyday music, though one found music compressed and shallow.

Sound quality is the product's strongest theme, with reviewers calling it richer, cleaner, clear, balanced and better than expected.

Soundstage depth was mixed, with one review finding it unexciting and another finding it immersive.

Soundstage depth is supported by listening impressions of deeper low-end and expansive playback.

Soundstage impressions were mixed, ranging from solid but unexciting to spacious and immersive.

Soundstage width is supported by the UHQ soundscape and wide bass impressions.

Spatial audio scored low because one review explicitly said it is lacking.

Spatial audio is present as 360 Audio/360° sound, though one reviewer does not personally use it.

Stability was good, with reviewers noting no slipping, secure fit, and fit-test support.

Fit stability is a concern because one review calls out constant fit adjustments from the open design.

Touch controls scored poorly because one review stated the earbuds have no touch controls.

Controls are well regarded, with swipe, press and pinch gestures described as straightforward, precise and easy to locate.

Transparency mode was useful in some reviews but less consistent, with complaints about switching friction or weak amplification.

Transparency is improved by the addition of a proper Ambient Sound mode.

Treble came through clearly in some reviews, but one reviewer heard high-frequency distortion at maximum volume.

Treble clarity is praised alongside mids, with reviewers noting crunchy highs and strong mids/treble performance.

USB-C is well supported for the case and charging cable.

Value was strongest when discounted or judged against sound and ANC performance, but one review felt $150 was pricey.

Value is positive for Galaxy or Android users because reviewers frame the $179 Buds 4 as compelling and able to challenge bigger rivals.

Voice assistant support is present through controls, though evidence focused on activation rather than deeper integration.

Voice assistant support is clear, with Bixby and Gemini assistance plus head-gesture responses to Bixby prompts.

Volume output was treated as a strength in hands-on use, though evidence was limited.

Water and dust resistance was a positive feature across reviews, though one reviewer warned against running water.

Water and sweat protection is adequate but not rugged, with IP54 covering sweat and splashes while dropping below Buds 3's IP57 rating.

The earbuds’ low weight was repeatedly tied to easy long-session comfort.