Samsung’s Fan Edition buds are known for offering flagship features at a friendlier price, and the Galaxy Buds FE continue that trend.
These earbuds promise balanced sound, active noise cancellation, and lasting comfort without the premium price tag.
In this Galaxy Buds FE review, I’ll walk you through how they perform in real life, covering their sound quality, ANC performance, fit, and overall value.
If you’ve been looking for dependable wireless earbuds that won’t strain your budget but still feel refined, the Buds FE fit that sweet spot.
What Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, short for Fan Edition, are budget-friendly wireless earbuds designed to deliver solid performance at a lower price.
These earbuds were released in late 2023 and quickly became one of Samsung’s most popular budget options.
They’re priced around $70–$100, depending on sales and retailers, making them far more affordable than models like the Buds Pro or Buds 3 FE.
You can find them in Graphite (dark gray) and White, both with a clean, minimal look that matches Samsung’s other devices.
Galaxy Buds FE Review: Features and Design
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE focus on everyday practicality, combining comfort, stable performance, and useful features that make them stand out in their price range:
1. Case and Earbud Build Quality
The case feels compact and solid with a smooth matte texture that resists scratches. The earbuds are lightweight yet well-built, offering a snug in-ear fit that feels secure.
Their simple design looks clean and modern while maintaining a premium feel. The magnets hold the buds firmly, preventing them from slipping out when carried around.
2. Wingtip Benefits
The soft silicone wingtips make a big difference in stability. They help the earbuds stay firmly in place during runs, workouts, or commutes without causing discomfort.
This design is especially useful for active users who need a steady fit for long periods. The wingtips also help seal the ear better, improving sound quality and passive noise isolation.
3. Comfort During Long Wear
These earbuds are shaped to rest naturally inside the ear without putting pressure on sensitive areas. The smooth edges and lightweight body reduce ear fatigue, even after hours of continuous use.
They remain comfortable for work calls, travel, or casual listening. Their breathable design helps minimize heat buildup, keeping your ears cool and irritation-free.
4. Tip Sizing and Fit Recommendations
Samsung includes multiple ear tips and wingtip sizes so users can customize their fit. Finding the right size ensures better sound and stronger noise isolation.
A proper seal enhances bass response and keeps the earbuds stable during movement. It’s best to test a few combinations to find which one balances comfort and security for your ears.
5. Bluetooth 5.2 and Codec Support
The Galaxy Buds FE use Bluetooth 5.2 for quick, reliable pairing and a steady connection. They support SBC, AAC, and Samsung’s Scalable Codec, which adjusts quality based on signal strength to prevent dropouts.
This ensures smoother audio when watching videos or gaming. The wireless range is consistent, providing a lag-free experience even when the phone isn’t nearby.
6. Samsung-Only Perks
When paired with Samsung devices, the Buds FE unlock extra features like SmartThings Find and Auto Switch. SmartThings Find helps locate misplaced earbuds, while Auto Switch lets you move between a Galaxy phone and tablet without reconnecting manually.
These small touches enhance convenience for Samsung users, making everyday listening and multitasking feel more fluid.
7. Missing Options
A few features found in higher-end models are missing here. The Buds FE don’t offer multipoint pairing, so they can’t stay connected to two devices simultaneously.
Volume control isn’t active by default, but can be enabled through the Galaxy Wearable app. These minor omissions don’t affect their core performance but are worth noting for multitaskers.
Performance Review
The Galaxy Buds FE are built to deliver balanced everyday performance. They focus on reliable sound, strong ANC, and solid battery life features, which most users care about most:
1. Sound Quality and Tuning
These earbuds have a warm sound profile with deep bass and smooth treble. The mids remain slightly recessed, giving vocals a softer tone.
They’re best suited for bass lovers and casual listeners who prefer full, relaxed audio rather than analytical sound.
Through the Galaxy Wearable app, users can adjust the EQ to match their taste. On non-Samsung phones, sound quality remains decent but loses the scalable codec benefits.
2. Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The ANC performs impressively for the price. It reduces consistent background sounds like train noise or office chatter effectively, though it’s not as deep as the Buds 3 Pro.
Transparency mode feels natural for quick conversations, but has a minor delay when switching between modes.
In outdoor tests, the earbuds managed wind noise well, making them a dependable option for daily commutes or casual travel.
3. Call Quality and Microphone Test
Microphone clarity is generally good indoors, with voices sounding clear and balanced. Outdoors, performance can vary depending on background noise.
During phone and Zoom calls, voices stay understandable but slightly muffled in windy conditions.
Some users on Reddit and forums note occasional echo in loud spaces, but overall, the Buds FE handle daily communication needs with little trouble.
4. Battery Life and Charging
Samsung claims up to eight hours per charge, and real-world tests show close to six hours with ANC enabled. The case offers roughly three full recharges.
Quick charging provides about an hour of playback from just ten minutes of charging. Wireless charging support is included, adding flexibility for users who already use Samsung or Qi-compatible charging pads.
Key Specs Table
These specs show how Samsung balanced simplicity, performance, and everyday usability.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) included |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Audio Codecs Supported | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec |
| Playback Time (ANC On) | Up to 6 hours |
| Playback Time (ANC Off) | Up to 8 hours |
| Battery with Case | Adds about 20 extra hours |
| Water Resistance | Not waterproof, but resists light sweat |
| Design Focus | Practical features and strong value over premium extras |
| Comparison Note | Trades fewer advanced features than Buds 2 or Buds 3 FE, but offers better value |
Overall, the Buds FE stand out as a practical choice for users who want great sound, dependable noise cancellation, and strong battery life without paying premium prices.
Pros and Cons of Galaxy Buds FE
The Galaxy Buds FE strike a good balance between performance and affordability. Here are their strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Great value for the price.
- Impressive ANC for budget earbuds.
- Secure, comfortable fit with wingtips.
- Easy control and customization through the Galaxy Wearable app.
Cons:
- Average call quality in noisy areas.
- No multipoint pairing.
- Bass-heavy, darker sound profile.
- Missing some advanced features from higher-end models.
In short, the Galaxy Buds FE give you practical features and good sound quality without stretching your budget.
Galaxy Buds FE vs.Other Models
It’s always easier to understand what you’re getting when you see how it compares to others.
| Feature | Buds FE | Buds 2 | Buds 3 FE | Buds Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Around $70–$100 | Around $120–$150 | Around $100–$130 | Around $200+ |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Effective for price, blocks out trains and office noise | Moderate, less powerful than FE | Slightly better than FE in many tests | Deepest ANC among them |
| Battery Life (Earbuds + Case) | 6 h (ANC on) + 20 h case | 5–6 h + 18–20 h | 6–7 h + 22–24 h | 7–8 h + 25–30 h |
| Comfort / Fit | Secure with wingtips, good for workouts | More basic fit, less secure under motion | Similar design improvements over Buds 2 | Premium fit, stable but bulkier |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable | SBC, AAC, Samsung Codec | SBC, AAC, Samsung Codec | SBC, AAC, Samsung Codec + hi-fi options |
The Buds FE skip a few premium features to keep the price low. The Buds 3 FE offer slightly stronger ANC and longer battery life but cost more.
The Buds Pro delivers the best features and noise cancellation overall, though the difference feels smaller once you factor in the Buds FE’s lower price.
Who Are They Best For?
The Galaxy Buds FE are made for users who want reliable performance without paying premium prices. Here’s who will benefit most from them:
- Samsung users: Get the most benefits like seamless pairing, Auto Switch, and the Scalable Codec for smoother sound.
- Budget buyers: Ideal for those who want ANC and solid audio quality without spending over $100.
- Gym-goers: The wingtips keep the earbuds secure during movement or workouts.
- Commuters: Strong ANC and a comfortable fit make them great for buses, trains, and offices.
- Android and iPhone users: Work well across both, but Samsung devices unlock more features.
Real User Feedback
Hearing from actual users gives a clearer view of how the Galaxy Buds FE perform in daily life. Reddit discussions, and Amazon reveal what people really think after using them for months:
“I didn’t expect much at this price, but these blew me away. The ANC cancels out office noise perfectly, and the sound feels full without being muddy. I use them all day they’re comfortable, don’t slip out, and the battery lasts a solid 8 hours. The case is small enough to fit in my jeans pocket. Only wish it had wireless charging, but overall, amazing value for money.” – Aaron D. (Amazon Verified Buyer)
“I’ve owned AirPods Pro and Sony XM4s, and for $99 these Buds FE hold up shockingly well. The bass is punchy, and ANC is better than expected. The bad: the fit can feel tight after an hour, and wear detection still misses sometimes. Still, for Galaxy phone users, it’s the best deal out there right now.” – u/PixelDreamer (Reddit)
“I own a drawer full of earbuds, and somehow, these are the ones I grab the most. They’re light, reliable, and the ANC works surprisingly well in cafes. The bass hits nicely without drowning vocals. The only thing missing is wireless charging and multipoint support – but for the price, I can live without those.” – TechFluent (YouTube Reviewer)
Conclusion
The Galaxy Buds FE are a smart choice for anyone who wants solid performance without paying premium prices.
They deliver dependable sound, effective ANC, and all-day comfort that make them perfect for daily use. While they miss out on a few high-end extras like multipoint pairing, their value easily outweighs those trade-offs.
If you’re a Samsung phone user or someone who just wants reliable earbuds for work, travel, or workouts, these are worth considering.
This Galaxy Buds FE review shows they’re proof that great performance doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
