ANC performance is polarized: several reviewers find it strong and effective, while others rate it merely average and still behind the best-in-class models, especially for certain environments. The buds offer multiple noise modes and adaptive behaviors. Some like the options, but multiple reviews describe adaptive switching as inconsistent or not clearly different from other modes.
Android compatibility is strong overall, and the experience is best on recent Samsung phones where the newest codec and AI features are available.
The app is useful for firmware, library management, and Playlist+ tasks, but it is basic rather than feature rich and can feel awkward compared with more polished headphone apps.
The Galaxy Wearable app unlocks core features like EQ, noise modes, and Find My tools. Reviews repeatedly warn that iPhone support is limited and some features are Samsung-only.
Several reviewers explicitly note there is no aptX support, which is a drawback for some Android users who want broader high-quality codec compatibility.
Video and gaming latency is generally reported as good, helped by a low-latency or game mode in some setups, though availability can depend on device and settings.
Bass is inconsistent. Some reviewers hear solid or even punchier bass, especially underwater or with earplugs, but others call it hollow, woolly, or nearly absent on land.
Bass is frequently described as boosted and punchy. Many enjoy the impact, but a few reviewers call it thumpy or overcooked without EQ.
Battery life is solid for the category, with most reviews landing around the claimed 9 hours over Bluetooth and 6 hours from memory mode, though some testing suggests real-world endurance can fall short of the marketing numbers.
Battery life varies noticeably by reviewer and settings: some measured around 4.5 to 5 hours with ANC, while others report closer to 6 hours or more, and some tests cite longer runtimes. Reviews note the battery is not designed to be user-replaceable, so long-term serviceability is limited compared to more repairable designs.
Bluetooth is fine for some above-water use, but stability is not flawless. Multiple reviewers mention stutters, disconnects, or pairing friction, and underwater Bluetooth remains impractical as expected.
Bluetooth stability is generally strong, with few dropouts reported and solid range, though occasional stutters or device-specific quirks are mentioned.
Build quality comes across as sturdy, flexible, and ready for abuse in the pool or during training. The sealed construction and soft exterior inspire confidence.
Build quality is generally good with strong water resistance, though early QC chatter and fragile or finicky ear-tip swapping show up repeatedly.
The controls are the most common complaint. Physical buttons offer tactile feedback, but many reviewers found them too small, too close together, slow on secondary presses, or easy to trigger incorrectly while moving.
The magnetic proprietary cable supports the waterproof design, but it adds one more special accessory to keep track of, and one reviewer reported unreliable wired file transfers.
The included cases are generally well regarded. Reviewers call them protective and practical, though some found the standard case bulkier than necessary.
The clear-lid case is generally compact and convenient, but a few reviewers dislike the feel, one-hand opening, or the fussiness of seating stems correctly.
Charging is straightforward once aligned with the magnetic connector, and case-based charging options add convenience, but the waterproof-focused approach means living with a proprietary setup.
Charging is well rounded with USB-C and wireless charging. Some sources highlight fast top-ups or convenient reverse wireless charging support on compatible phones.
Codec support is solid for Samsung owners via Samsung Seamless Codec options, but limited for everyone else, with common fallbacks to AAC or SBC.
Comfort is one of the strongest recurring positives. The open-ear design avoids ear-canal fatigue, vibrations are generally well controlled for the category, and several reviewers found them easy to wear for long swims or runs.
Long-wear comfort is widely praised thanks to the stemmed design and reduced ear pressure, but side sleeping can be uncomfortable and fit still varies by ear shape.
The design is sporty and practical rather than stylish. Reviewers like the soft-touch finish and purpose-built form, even if it looks more specialized than everyday headphones.
Design is divisive: many like the blade-stem look and lights, while others view it as too AirPods-like or slightly plasticky.
Ear tips come in three sizes. Several reviews mention the swap process can be annoying and early units had tearing complaints.
EQ tuning is essentially missing, so you are mostly stuck with the default sound signature.
EQ options are unusually deep for mainstream earbuds, with a 9-band equalizer and presets called out as a major advantage for tuning the sound.
Find My and tracking features are improved with lights and alerts, but some reviewers still want UWB-grade precision and note occasional quirks.
Measured tuning is often reported as close to a modern target in mids and treble, with extra bass energy that can be dialed back via EQ.
Accessories are a plus. Earplugs and a protective case show up repeatedly as useful inclusions, and they materially improve the swim experience.
Instrument separation is strong, with multiple reviewers noting they can track individual elements in busy mixes more easily than on older Galaxy Buds.
Multiple reviews point out there is no LDAC option, limiting hi-res codec flexibility outside of Samsung’s proprietary codec path.
Pushing volume too high hurts sound quality. At max levels, reviewers noted distortion, harsher vibrations, and less pleasant listening.
Maximum volume is generally ample for typical listening. No major complaints surface, though the loudest levels can sound a bit strained in some accounts.
Noise reduction for calls is mixed: some tests show strong background suppression, while others struggle to pull much reduction without the right client or conditions.
Call quality is usable but not a strength. Voices tend to sound quiet, distant, or light on detail, which fits the swim-first design but limits all-purpose appeal.
Call mic quality is usually rated good to excellent, with clear voice reproduction in many tests; a few reviewers still describe it as only fine or slightly unnatural depending on device and conditions.
Mids and vocals are serviceable rather than standout. They come through well enough for workouts and can sound more balanced underwater, but several reviews say voices lose body or detail above water.
Midrange is typically clean and articulate with good vocal detail, though some describe it as slightly recessed in a V-shaped tuning.
These earbuds work on many devices, but cross-platform value depends on how much you rely on Samsung-only features and the lack of a full iOS app experience.
Multipoint support is absent, which limits convenience if you switch between devices often.
Multipoint and device switching are often limited to the Samsung ecosystem. Some reviews praise seamless Galaxy-to-Galaxy switching, while others note weak or missing multipoint for mixed-device setups.
The open-ear design provides almost no passive isolation on its own. The included earplugs make a noticeable difference in the pool by reducing splash noise and improving perceived clarity and bass.
Passive isolation is decent with a good seal, but it varies by fit and ear tips; some reviewers say it lags behind foam-tip competitors for blocking high-pitched noise.
The local-memory feature is the reason to buy these. Reviewers like the 8GB storage, drag-and-drop loading, and true phone-free swimming, but Playlist+ is often described as clunky, slow, or awkward, and 8GB trails some rivals.
Sensors enable wear detection and convenience features in supported apps, with some reviews highlighting automatic pausing and posture or voice-detect behaviors.
Setup is usually straightforward, helped by quick pairing and clear in-app controls, but some reviewers find the interface non-intuitive or note feature lock-in outside Samsung.
Sound quality is the main compromise. Underwater playback is often described as good or at least satisfying for the category, while above-water listening ranges from merely okay to clearly weak compared with better open-ear or in-ear alternatives.
Across reviews, sound quality is a standout: a lively, detailed presentation with strong clarity and a generally wide, engaging mix that can compete with top-tier earbuds, especially after EQ tuning.
Soundstage is commonly praised as wider than average for in-ears, helping music feel more open and layered.
Spatial and 360 audio features are included and can be fun, but reviews are mixed on immersion, head tracking accuracy, and real-world usefulness.
Once the fit suits your head, stability is excellent. Reviewers regularly say the headset stays put through swimming, running, and vigorous movement, though smaller heads can end up with extra rear loop.
Stability is often improved versus older Galaxy Buds, with many reporting a secure fit for workouts, but some testers still experienced easy dislodging depending on ear shape.
Controls are a frequent talking point: many find pinch and swipe gestures responsive and precise, while others dislike the stem shape and the learning curve for consistent pinches or swipes.
Transparency mode is a highlight for many, described as natural and very clear, though a few note slight hiss or less realism than the very best implementations.
Treble is acceptable for exercise use, not refined listening. Highs are often described as rolled off, grainy, or slightly distorted when volume climbs.
Treble is crisp and revealing with good sparkle and detail. It can lean bright or forward for sensitive listeners, and some note a bit less refinement with ANC engaged.
Voice controls and assistant integration are widely mentioned, including hands-free commands. Reliability is often praised, but setup and feature depth can vary by device and preferences.
There is enough output for workouts and spoken-word listening, but open-ear use in noisy settings often requires higher volume than ideal.
Water performance is the standout strength. The IPX8 rating and real underwater playback are consistently praised, making these far more convincing for swimmers than most open-ear alternatives.
With an IP57 rating, water and sweat resistance is consistently positioned as a strong point for workouts and daily use.
These are repeatedly described as lightweight and unobtrusive, which helps during long sessions and makes the headset easy to forget once positioned.