What is new about Samsung's open-earbuds?
Samsung appears to be preparing its first clip-style, open-ear earbuds, now rumored to debut under the name Galaxy Buds On. This form factor avoids sealing in your ear canal, making them distinct from traditional in-ear buds. With this design, users gain greater comfort for long listening sessions and the ability to remain aware of their surroundings—ideal for office, urban walks, or anyone who dislikes the plugged-in sensation of standard buds.
Which features could set the Galaxy Buds On apart?
The Galaxy Buds On are rumored to include several features to overcome open-ear design's typical trade-offs:
- Head gesture controls: Expect nods or shakes to manage calls or playback, similar to what’s available on Samsung’s high-end earbud models.
- Volume Boost and Auto Volume: Because open earbuds often lack deep bass and isolation, Samsung intends to offset this with software that boosts audio output and automatically compensates for noisy environments.
- AI integration: Hands-free voice controls via Bixby or Gemini, plus the potential for instant voice memo recording with a tap or gesture.
These additions may help the Buds On stay competitive in the growing open-ear market. However, audio quality in open designs generally can't match sealed earbuds—expect a lighter, airier sound best for podcasts, calls, and casual music listening, not for bass-heavy tracks or demanding listening.
How does this compare to rivals and is it worth waiting for?
Major competitors like the Shokz OpenFit and Sony LinkBuds offer similar open-ear experiences, focusing on comfort and situational awareness. Shokz uses bone conduction, which doesn't block your ears at all, while Sony’s LinkBuds have a ring-driver design for a natural, open sound. Each has battery life around 6–9 hours, and all trade noise isolation and bass impact for all-day comfort and awareness. If you prioritize clear vocals, podcasts, and a barely-there feel, these are the main alternatives to consider.
If you often need deep noise cancellation or immersive sound for travel or workouts, sealed in-ear models will serve you better. For those excited by Samsung's rumored AI features and seamless integration with Galaxy devices, it may be worth waiting to see if the Buds On offer something genuinely new when they launch—likely in late 2026 or possibly later.
Should you wait for the Galaxy Buds On or buy open-earbuds now?
If you’re invested in Samsung’s device ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds On could be a smart addition—especially if AI controls and smart volume modes matter to you. Open-earbuds from Sony or Shokz are already excellent for everyday comfort and safety, though, and you won’t find dramatic leaps in audio performance from any open design. If you need new buds right away, current rivals are reliable. If you want Samsung’s unique integration and the latest features, waiting may pay off, but there’s no official launch date confirmed yet.