Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds4

The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 offer some of the best adaptive ANC you can find in true wireless earbuds, plus excellent call quality. Battery life is a letdown at just 5 hours, and the new fit isn't for everyone. They're a perfect match for Galaxy S26 users who want AI translation, but other listeners have better all-around options.

Let's talk about what these earbuds do well. The adaptive ANC is a genuine standout. In our database, it ranks in the 97th percentile, which means it's some of the best noise cancelling you can get right now. It automatically adjusts to your environment, so the roar of a subway platform fades away without you needing to fiddle with an app. Call quality is also a strong point. The mic setup scores in the 88th percentile, making these one of the better options on the market for taking calls on the go.

Sound quality is solid, landing in the 77th percentile. The 11mm drivers and Hi-Res Audio codec deliver a clean, detailed sound that's well above average. It's not quite the absolute best-in-class audio you'll find on something like the Technics EAH-AZ100, but for most people, it's impressive. The weak spot is battery life. At 5 hours in the buds and 24 total with the case, it's mediocre and falls behind most competitors in this price range. For long-haul flights, you'll be reaching for the charging case more often than you'd like.

Stacked against the Sony WF-1000XM6, the Buds4 win on ANC but lose almost everywhere else. Sony's earbuds offer a more refined sound and significantly longer battery life. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra are another step up in comfort and noise cancelling consistency, though they cost a bit more. If you're an iPhone user, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are the obvious choice for seamless integration, and they beat the Buds4 on comfort and build quality. The Buds4's main advantage is that AI translation trick and top-tier ANC for Android users, but the Technics EAH-AZ100 still outclass them for pure audio quality.

Priced between $180 and $200, the Galaxy Buds4 are in a tricky spot. They're not a bargain, but they're not overpriced for the feature set either. The ANC alone is worth the price of admission if you commute daily. But when you can find the Sony WF-1000XM6 for a similar price with better battery life and sound, or the Soundcore P31i for much less, the value proposition hinges entirely on how much you want those Samsung-exclusive AI features. If you don't own a Galaxy phone, you're paying for software you can't fully use, which makes the value a lot harder to justify.

Samsung's Galaxy Buds4 are the company's latest swing at the true wireless crown, and they're packed with features that sound great on paper. You get Hi-Res Audio support, adaptive ANC, and a whole suite of AI tricks if you're paired with a Galaxy S26. The new fit is a big talking point, and at around $180 to $200, they're priced to compete directly with the heavy hitters from Sony and Apple. If you're deep in the Samsung ecosystem and want earbuds that double as a real-time translator, these are clearly aimed at you.

But specs only tell half the story. The 11mm dynamic driver promises bold sound, and the IP54 rating means they can handle a sweaty commute or a surprise drizzle. The real question is whether the day-to-day experience holds up against the best earbuds out there. We've crunched the numbers from our database to see where the Buds4 shine and where they stumble.

For anyone searching for the best Samsung earbuds for calls or travel, the Buds4 make a strong first impression. The three-mic setup with noise cancelling is designed to make your voice cut through background chaos. But with a total score that lands in the middle of the pack, there are some clear trade-offs you'll want to know about before you click buy.

If you're not using a recent Samsung Galaxy phone, you should probably skip these. You're leaving the best features on the table. Audiophiles should also look elsewhere, the sound is good but the Technics EAH-AZ100 or Sony WF-1000XM6 are noticeably better for critical listening. And if you need all-day battery life for long flights or workdays without access to a charger, the 5-hour bud life here is going to frustrate you. Look at the Sony or Bose options instead.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 are a bit of a mixed bag. They absolutely nail it on noise cancelling and call quality, making them a fantastic choice for frequent flyers and anyone who takes a lot of calls in loud places. The AI features are genuinely useful if you have a recent Galaxy phone and travel internationally. But the mediocre battery life and a fit that doesn't work for everyone hold them back from being an unconditional recommendation.

Should you buy them? If you're a Galaxy S26 owner who prioritizes ANC and calls above all else, yes. You'll love them. For everyone else, there are more well-rounded options out there. These are specialist earbuds that do a few things brilliantly and a few things just okay.