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SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2 Review

The SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2 are true wireless Bluetooth earbuds aimed at everyday listening, calls, and portable use with active noise cancellation. They stand out most for sound quality, noise reduction, and compact design, especially for Samsung users who can access ecosystem-specific features. The main trade-offs are mixed fit feedback and some reported reliability and connectivity issues over time.
Expert reviewed
81
Overall score
Data-driven scoring Expert reviewed Updated analysis

Why we ranked it highly

The SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2 are in-ear true wireless earbuds designed for music, calls, commuting, and everyday portable listening. Based on the provided data, they sit in the mid-range of the category, combining active noise cancellation, Bluetooth 5.2, touch controls, built-in microphones, and a compact charging case. Samsung also promotes ecosystem features such as Auto Switch and translation functions, but these depend on compatible Galaxy devices, software versions, and in some cases a Samsung account. The strongest areas are audio quality, overall features, portability, and customer satisfaction. The earbuds appear best suited to users who want a lightweight, pocketable option for daily use rather than a specialist sports fit. Review evidence suggests the listening experience is generally strong, but fit, comfort, long-term reliability, and connection consistency can vary by user.
90-day review Expert reviewed User feedback Data scoring

Key specs

Item details

Brand Name
Samsung
Model Number
SM-R177NZKAXAR
Model Name
Galaxy Buds2
Built-In Media
Charging Case, Earbuds, Eartips (S, M, L), Quick Start Guide, USB
Age Range Description
Adult
Number of Items
1
UPC
887276546810
Manufacturer
Samsung Electronics
Item Type Name
Wireless Earbuds
Is Autographed
No

Design

Headphones Ear Placement
In Ear
Headphone Folding Features
In Ear
Earpiece Shape
in-ear

Controls

Control Type
Touch Control
Control Method
App, Touch, Voice

Battery

Battery Average Life
7.5 Hour

Audio

Impedance
16 Ohms
Noise Control
Active Noise Cancellation
Audio Driver Type
Dynamic Driver
Frequency Range
20 Hz - 20,000 Hz

Additional details

Enclosure Material
Plastic, Silicone
Specific Uses For Product
Home, Sports and Exercise
Antenna Location
Calling
Compatible Devices
Smartphone,Tablet
Cable Features
Without Cable
Water Resistance Level
Water Resistant
Additional Features
Microphone Included, Noise Cancellation
Is Electric
No

Connectivity

Headphone Jack
No Jack
Connectivity Technology
Wireless
Wireless Technology
Bluetooth
Bluetooth Version
5.2

Style

Color
Graphite
Style Name
Buds 2

Measurements

Item Weight
5 Grams
Unit Count
1.0 Count

Scores breakdown

84 /100

Performance

85 /100

Features

80 /100

Usability

79 /100

Design

71 /100

App experience

100 /100

Display quality

88 /100

Audio quality

100 /100

Camera quality

Strengths

  • Strong audio performance with an Audio Quality Score of 88 and frequent praise for clear, immersive sound.
  • Active noise cancellation is a standout feature, with reviews consistently highlighting effective reduction of background noise.
  • Highly portable in-ear design, supported by a Portability Score of 92, low 5g earbud weight, and compact charging case.
  • Useful feature set for Samsung users, including Auto Switch and translation-related features on compatible Galaxy devices.
  • Easy day-to-day controls through touch input, with customers also noting straightforward pairing in many cases.
  • Strong overall buyer sentiment, reflected in a 4.4/5 rating across 19,089 reviews and a Customer Satisfaction Score of 87.

Limitations

  • Fit is inconsistent: some users find the earbuds secure and comfortable, while others say they fall out even after trying different tips.
  • Reliability is a weaker area, with a Reliability Score of 67 and customer reports of charging issues after a few months in some cases.
  • Connectivity is not class-leading, reflected in a Connectivity Score of 74 and mixed feedback around connection stability.
  • Battery life appears adequate rather than exceptional, with a Battery Life Score of 72 and manufacturer battery claims that may vary by usage.
  • Several advanced features depend on compatible Galaxy devices, Samsung account login, or the Galaxy Wearable app on supported Android devices.
  • Touch controls may take practice, and at least one review noted difficulty consistently hitting the right area for volume adjustments.

Ideal user profiles

  • Samsung Galaxy users who want wireless earbuds with ecosystem-focused features and seamless device switching.
  • Listeners who prioritize sound quality and active noise cancellation for commuting, work, or casual daily use.
  • Buyers looking for compact, lightweight true wireless earbuds for travel and portable everyday carry.
  • Users who regularly take calls and want earbuds with microphones and positive call clarity feedback.

Use cases

  • Listening to music and podcasts during commuting or travel with active noise cancellation enabled.
  • Watching movies or shows on a tablet or phone with wireless Bluetooth audio.
  • Taking voice and video calls where microphone clarity matters.
  • Daily office or home use when switching between focus mode and ambient listening.
  • Light exercise or general movement, provided the ear tips fit securely for your ears.
  • Galaxy ecosystem use across phone, tablet, watch, or PC with compatible Auto Switch support.

Fit and positioning

Who this works for

Category positioning

The Galaxy Buds 2 appear to be a mid-range true wireless earbud option with a feature set that leans slightly premium for Samsung users. Their score profile suggests they compete more on sound quality, active noise cancellation, portability, and ease of everyday use than on ruggedness or standout battery life. They are also more ecosystem-aware than universal in their best experience, as some advanced functions are tied to Galaxy hardware and supported Android software.

Best for

These earbuds are best for users who want compact everyday wireless earbuds with strong audio, effective noise cancellation, and convenient touch controls. They make the most sense for Samsung Galaxy owners, since features like Auto Switch and some software controls depend on compatible devices. With strong Audio, Feature, and Customer Satisfaction scores, they are a sensible fit for commuting, casual music listening, video streaming, and regular calls.

Not best for

The Galaxy Buds 2 are not the safest pick for buyers who struggle with in-ear fit or need especially secure earbuds for cycling, running, or higher-movement workouts. The mixed customer feedback on comfort, falling out, connectivity, and charging reliability also makes them less ideal for anyone prioritizing long-term dependability above all else. Non-Samsung users may also get less value from several headline features.

Performance analysis

How it performs in practice

Each scoring dimension is separated into a compact card so the strengths and tradeoffs are easier to compare without reading one long block.

Performance analysis

The Galaxy Buds 2 perform well in their core job as wireless everyday earbuds. Their Performance Score of 84 and Audio Quality Score of 88 point to a strong overall listening experience, and customer feedback frequently praises clear sound, satisfying bass, and effective active noise cancellation. Reviews suggest they work well for music, podcasts, movies, and calls. Noise cancelling appears useful for reducing background noise, though at least one review indicates voices are reduced less effectively than lower-frequency sounds. Overall, performance is one of the stronger reasons this model ranks well.

Feature analysis

With a Feature Score of 85, the Galaxy Buds 2 offer a competitive set of functions for this segment. Key features include active noise cancellation, ambient sound, touch controls, Bluetooth 5.2, microphones for calls, and Samsung-specific extras such as Auto Switch and translation-related features. The main caveat is that some advanced features require compatible Galaxy devices, supported software, and app access, so the full feature set is not equally available to all users.

Usability analysis

The Usability Score of 80 suggests generally solid day-to-day operation. Touch controls allow playback and call handling without reaching for a phone, and reviews mention easy pairing in some cases. The earbuds are also small and light, which helps daily convenience. However, usability is affected by fit consistency, and some users report the earbuds falling out. Touch accuracy may also take some adjustment, especially for users who prefer physical buttons.

Design

Samsung focuses on a low-profile in-ear design that is described as smaller and lighter than Galaxy Buds Plus, and the 5-gram weight supports the portability-first approach. This design should appeal to users who want discreet earbuds for travel and daily wear. The main design drawback is fit variability: some users find them very comfortable, while others report poor retention. So while the design is compact and practical, ear shape appears to play a big role in the experience.

How it compares

Within the true wireless earbud category, the Galaxy Buds 2 compare well on sound quality, active noise cancellation, and portability. They appear stronger than many basic earbuds in terms of feature depth and buyer satisfaction, especially if you already use Samsung devices. Where they look less competitive is in long-term confidence: connectivity, reliability, and durability scores are notably lower than their audio and feature scores. Battery life also looks more average than class-leading. So compared with the broader category, they stand out more as a feature-rich, compact listening product than as a rugged or universally compatible one.

Ranking summary

The Galaxy Buds 2 earn their position as a strong all-round true wireless earbud option by combining an Overall Score of 81 with particularly good results in audio, features, portability, brand trust, and customer satisfaction. Their best qualities are clear: strong sound, effective ANC, easy everyday use, and a compact design that fits modern mobile listening well. They rank lower than the very best options because weaker areas remain meaningful, especially reliability, durability, battery life, compatibility beyond Samsung, and fit consistency. In short, they score well as a practical mainstream pick, but not as a universal recommendation for every ear shape or ecosystem.

Buying advice

Consider the Galaxy Buds 2 if you want lightweight ANC earbuds for music, calls, commuting, and general daily use, especially if you own compatible Samsung Galaxy devices. Before buying, think carefully about fit, because customer feedback is clearly mixed and secure in-ear placement can affect sound, comfort, and call quality. Also check whether the Samsung-specific features matter to you, since some require Galaxy hardware, software support, and a Samsung account. If you care most about long-term reliability, consistently secure workout fit, or broad platform-neutral features, this may not be the safest option despite the strong sound and solid value.
81
Overall score

Final verdict

The SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 2 are a strong mid-range true wireless earbud option with clear strengths in audio quality, active noise cancellation, portability, and overall user appeal. They make the most sense for everyday listeners and Samsung users who can benefit from the added ecosystem features. Their main limitation is consistency: fit is not equally secure for everyone, and reliability and connectivity feedback are more mixed than the headline scores for sound and features might suggest. If they fit your ears well and you use Galaxy devices, they are an easy model to recommend. If not, they become a more conditional buy.
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Key topics

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Frequently asked questions

Is Samsung Galaxy Buds2 worth it?
The Galaxy Buds2 look like good value if you want compact true wireless earbuds with strong sound, active noise cancellation, and a generally well-reviewed user experience. Their Overall Score of 81 and Value Score of 82 suggest a solid mid-range option, though mixed fit, reliability, and connectivity feedback means they are not the safest choice for every buyer.
Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 good for noise cancelling?
They perform well for this type of earbud. Reviews repeatedly praise the active noise cancellation, and the product scores strongly overall for audio-related performance. Customer feedback also suggests ANC works better on lower-frequency background noise than on voices, so expectations should stay realistic for this earbud class.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 fit securely?
Fit is one of the main variables with this model. Some users say the earbuds are comfortable and secure, while others report that they fall out too easily, even after changing tips. If fit security is a top priority, especially for exercise, this mixed pattern is worth considering before buying.
Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 good for calls?
They appear to be a capable choice for calls. Samsung lists three microphones and noise reduction technology, and several customer reviews mention clear voice transmission and good call clarity. That said, as with most earbuds, real-world call quality can still vary depending on fit, environment, and connection stability.
How is the battery life on Samsung Galaxy Buds2?
Battery life seems acceptable rather than a major strength. The listed average life is 7.5 hours, but Samsung notes actual battery performance varies by settings and usage. Reviews are mixed, with some users satisfied and others less positive, which aligns with the more modest Battery Life Score of 72.
Do Samsung Galaxy Buds2 work best with Samsung phones?
Yes, several features are more useful within the Samsung ecosystem. Auto Switch requires compatible Galaxy devices with Samsung One UI 3.1 or later, and some advanced settings are available through the Galaxy Wearable app on supported Android devices. They can work as Bluetooth earbuds more broadly, but the smart features are more limited outside that setup.
Are Samsung Galaxy Buds2 easy to set up?
Setup appears fairly straightforward for many users, especially for basic Bluetooth pairing, and some reviews specifically mention easy pairing. However, Samsung-specific features can involve extra requirements such as a Samsung account, compatible Galaxy hardware, or supported Android software, which adds some complexity beyond simple audio use.
What are the main drawbacks of Samsung Galaxy Buds2?
The main drawbacks are inconsistent fit, only average battery and connectivity scores, and below-average reliability indicators compared with stronger areas like audio and features. Some customers also report charging issues after a few months, and several headline features work best only with compatible Samsung Galaxy devices.

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