ANC is consistently rated as very good for $99: strong enough for commuting, offices, and travel, but still a step below the very best premium earbuds. The ANC controls are a plus, with multiple levels and adaptive behavior giving users more flexibility than many earbuds at this price.
ANC is usually rated as strong and clearly improved, but not universally best-in-class; it excels more with steady noise than sudden sounds and remains behind the very top Bose, Sony, or Apple options for some listeners.
Android users get extra upside from features like Fast Pair and LDAC, making the Ear (a) a particularly good value outside closed ecosystems.
These earbuds pair especially well with Samsung and Android devices, and many reviewers frame that ecosystem fit as one of the product's biggest selling points.
Nothing X is widely praised for being clean, stable, and genuinely useful rather than filler software, adding meaningful value to the overall package.
The Galaxy Wearable experience is feature-rich and useful, but several reviews note that the best tools remain most valuable on Samsung devices.
One review notes that enabling the highest-quality Samsung audio mode can hurt lip-sync performance, making video playback less precise than standard settings.
Bass is energetic and satisfying, with enough weight for pop and hip-hop, but the default tuning can lean bass-heavy until you dial it back in the app.
Bass is widely described as deep, punchy, and well-controlled, but a minority of reviewers thought the low end could overpower some tracks without EQ tweaks.
Battery life is a clear plus overall, especially with ANC off, and most reviewers found the case and quick top-ups easy to live with day to day.
Battery life is serviceable rather than standout. Most reviews land around six hours per charge and see that as fine for everyday use, but short versus the longest-lasting rivals.
Bluetooth stability is mostly solid, but there are scattered reports of stutters in interference-heavy areas, so reliability is good rather than flawless.
Bluetooth stability is generally solid, with good range and few disconnect complaints, though one review did note occasional dropouts.
General build quality is good enough for the price, but the clear plastics and case finish draw some concern about scratches, creaks, and long-term wear.
The case is generally liked for its smaller footprint and pocketability, though some reviewers found it fiddly to open, awkward to load, or prone to cosmetic wear.
The redesigned case earns mostly positive marks for pocketability, easier docking, and the translucent lid, though a few reviewers found it blockier or more scratch-prone than ideal.
Charging is convenient thanks to fast USB-C top-ups, but the missing wireless charging is one of the most repeated compromises in the reviews.
Charging convenience is strong thanks to USB-C and wireless charging support, and reviewers generally liked the case's day-to-day practicality.
Codec support is strong for the price, covering AAC and SBC broadly while also adding LDAC for higher-quality Android listening.
Codec support is strong for Samsung owners thanks to SSC and UHQ options, but the experience is less compelling outside the Galaxy ecosystem where higher-end features are restricted.
Long-session comfort is one of the most consistently praised traits, with reviewers repeatedly calling the earbuds easy to wear for hours without fatigue.
Long-session comfort is a major positive. Many reviewers wore the earbuds for hours on flights, work sessions, or daily use without significant fatigue.
Design is a major selling point: the transparent Nothing look feels distinctive, stylish, and far less generic than most earbuds in this price band.
Samsung's new look is broadly seen as more polished and premium, with the flatter metallic stem and refined case helping the Buds 4 Pro feel more distinct and mature.
The included tip selection works for most listeners, but the fit options are not especially expansive, so very small ears may need more trial and error.
Samsung includes multiple tip sizes, but fit outcomes still vary widely; some reviewers got a strong seal quickly while others could not find a great match.
EQ options are helpful and easy to use, but customization depth is limited versus pricier models because the Ear (a) relies on a simpler 3-band approach.
EQ customization is a clear strength, with reviewers frequently praising the custom bands and the ability to tune the sound away from the stock profile.
Find My is a small but appreciated bonus that makes the feature set feel unusually complete for budget earbuds.
Where instrument separation was discussed, the Ear (a) performed well, making layered parts and small details easier to pick out than expected for budget buds.
Instrument separation is frequently cited as a standout, with cleaner layering and better distinction between elements than earlier Galaxy Buds generations.
LDAC support is a real differentiator in this segment and repeatedly mentioned as one reason the Ear (a) feels more premium than its price suggests.
Voice isolation can be impressively effective in some tests, yet reviewer consensus is more mixed once wind and heavier background noise enter the picture.
Background-noise suppression during calls performs very well in most reviews, especially against wind, traffic, and loud ambient noise, even if the processed voice can sound a bit artificial.
Call quality is usually clear enough for everyday use, but it is not universally excellent, with some reviews reporting compressed or only average-sounding calls outdoors.
Call quality is good overall, with clear enough voice pickup for everyday use, but several reviewers heard some digitizing, fuzziness, or mild warble in tougher conditions.
When reviewers called out the mids, they usually praised clear vocals and an open midrange, though the tuning is still more fun than strictly neutral.
Midrange performance is a strength, with vocals and core instruments coming through clearly and without being swallowed by the boosted low end.
Cross-platform behavior is a quiet strength, with reviewers liking that the core experience works well across Android, iPhone, and PC instead of favoring one ecosystem too heavily.
Outside the Samsung ecosystem, the Buds 4 Pro lose meaningful convenience and some premium features, so cross-platform users get a less complete product.
Multipoint is a standout convenience feature here, with most reviews praising smooth two-device switching, though a few noticed occasional prioritization hiccups.
Multipoint and device switching are a weak spot. Galaxy-to-Galaxy switching is convenient, but true cross-platform multipoint is missing or awkward.
Passive isolation depends heavily on fit: reviewers with a strong seal found it effective, while others said the tips failed to seal well enough for class-leading isolation.
Preset EQ options are generally well received, especially the Dynamic-style tuning, though they are not a full substitute for manual tweaking if you dislike the default balance.
In-ear detection and related sensor-based conveniences add polish, though fit sensitivity can occasionally trigger false pauses until the tips are dialed in.
Setup and day-to-day software use are repeatedly described as fast, intuitive, and frustration-free, which helps the earbuds feel polished beyond their price.
Setup is not difficult, but one review noted a small learning curve because some controls moved from the old app-centered flow into Samsung's system settings.
Across the reviews, sound quality is the Ear (a)'s biggest strength: lively, clear, and more refined than most sub-$100 rivals, even if it stops short of true flagship polish.
Across the review set, the Buds 4 Pro are consistently praised for rich, detailed, energetic sound, though a few reviewers found the tuning a bit bass-forward or Samsung-dependent at the top end.
Several reviews describe the presentation as wider and more spacious than expected at this price, helping music and movies feel less boxed in.
When reviewers commented on staging, they found the presentation surprisingly open and spacious for true wireless earbuds, especially with Samsung's higher-quality audio modes.
Fit security is usually strong enough for commuting and light workouts, though a few reviewers still had occasional loosening depending on ear shape and activity.
Fit security is good for many listeners, but not universal. Several reviewers found the buds locked in well, while others reported slipping during movement or difficulty maintaining a seal.
The pinch-based controls are usually described as responsive and more reliable than typical tap controls, although some advanced gestures take practice.
Pinch and swipe controls are usually considered responsive and easier to use than last generation, though a few people still found the gesture scheme awkward at first.
Transparency mode is usable and sometimes above average for the class, but it is also one of the most common weak spots, especially versus flagship rivals.
Transparency or ambient mode is one of the most consistently praised features, sounding natural and useful for conversations, announcements, and day-to-day awareness.
Treble detail is generally strong for the class, but some listeners noted the top end is not as airy or extended as pricier earbuds.
Treble is generally clear and lively with good sparkle, though a few reviews mention occasional high-frequency leak-through in ANC mode or a slightly uneven top-end balance.
Volume output is strong, with enough headroom for outdoor use, though not every reviewer found it exceptionally loud versus the broader market.
The buds are seen as gym- and commute-friendly thanks to their splash resistance, but the lower-rated case means the protection is not equally robust everywhere.
The IP57 rating is repeatedly highlighted as a useful advantage for sweaty workouts, rain, and general durability, even though the buds are not meant for swimming.