KEY POINTS

  • Samsung's new wireless earbuds are here
  • The Galaxy Buds Live come in a unique design and offer a slew of new features
  • Samsung will sell them for less than the price of other earbuds, even those without ANC

Samsung recently announced new devices and accessories, which include a unique pair of wireless earbuds called the Galaxy Buds Live.

The new Galaxy Buds Live, which Samsung said will be available starting Thursday, is a unique audio accessory in that it comes in a shape that no other earbuds have. It also comes packed with a slew of new features meant to take on Apple's AirPods Pro and a price that is meant to compete with the other big players in the truly wireless stereo earbuds market, including Sony and Bose.

Here's a quick rundown on the new wireless earbuds' features and why consumers should consider getting it now.

Design

Samsung proudly said that the Galaxy Buds Live “defy conventional design” using “one-of-a-kind aesthetics,” and it didn't lie. The new earbuds come in a kidney bean shape designed to fit snugly in the user's ear. It comes with two sizes of wing tips that will allow users to choose the right fit for themselves.

The earbuds do not have any protruding part like that of the AirPods and AirPods Pro. They aren't bulky unlike some of Sony and Bose's offerings. A website dedicated to the device shows that it stays neatly tucked in the user's ear and might not even be noticed from other angles.

The Galaxy Buds Live's glossy design, however, makes them stand out from the user's ear. It has a few openings for microphones that will be used for the device's active noise-canceling feature.

Galaxy Buds Live
Samsung's new Galaxy Buds Live in three colors. Samsung

Noise-Canceling

Speaking of noise-canceling, Samsung says the earbuds use “the first Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for open type.” It's interesting to see how the feature works, primarily because the device doesn't offer passive isolation. (It doesn't use in-ear tips and doesn't have an over-ear design.)

The company said the feature “reduces background noises without missing what's important, like voices and announcements.” All it takes to use the feature, it added, is a long press.

Big speakers

Samsung said the earbuds feature 12mm speakers, and its sound has been tuned by AKG. The company assures users that it offers spacious sound, deep bass and a sound that flows “seamlessly.”

Battery and IP rating

The Galaxy Buds Live can last for up to eight hours on a single charge, with ANC turned off. Turning ANC on drops that to six hours tops. The charging case extends battery life for a total of 21 hours with ANC turned on.

The device is IPX2 rated for splash and sweat resistance. It's not waterproof but can resist splashes at an angle, CNet noted.

Price

Now here's the most interesting detail. Samsung will be selling the new Galaxy Buds Live for only $170. This price includes the earbuds and a wireless charging case, plus all the above features and more. Buyers can get it in three colors: Mystic White, Mystic Black and the new Mystic Bronze finish.