Choosing between Samsung’s innovative earbuds can be a tough decision. The distinctive bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live offer a unique open-fit design, while the ever-popular Galaxy Buds+ provide a more traditional seal. Both promise impressive sound and seamless connectivity, but which pair truly deserves a spot in your ears?
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of active noise cancellation in an open design versus the proven comfort and isolation of silicone tips, this comparison is for you. We’ll dive deep into sound quality, comfort, battery life, and features to help you make the best choice for your listening needs.
Get ready to discover the key differences between the buds live and buds+ and find out which set of wireless earbuds will elevate your audio experience.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | buds live | buds+ |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 12mm | 11mm |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No | Yes |
| Ambient Sound Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX2 | IPX2 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Wear Detection | No | Yes |
| App Support | Yes (Galaxy Wearable) | Yes (Galaxy Wearable) |
| Customizable EQ | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone | 3 | 3 |
| Voice Assistant Integration | Bixby, Google Assistant, Siri | Bixby, Google Assistant, Siri |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Buds Live: Features an open-type design with ANC, meaning it doesn’t create a seal in your ear. This allows for ambient sound to be heard naturally, but ANC is less effective at blocking out low-frequency noises compared to in-ear designs.
- Buds+: Utilizes a traditional in-ear design with silicone tips that create a passive seal. This, combined with active noise cancellation, provides superior isolation and more effective blocking of a wider range of ambient sounds.
- Winner: buds+
Sound Quality
- Buds Live: Offers a unique “speaker” like sound with a wider soundstage, often described as more natural for casual listening. However, bass can be less pronounced, and the open design means sound can leak out.
- Buds+: Delivers a more balanced and detailed sound profile with stronger bass response due to the in-ear seal. This makes them ideal for music enthusiasts who prioritize clarity and punch.
- Winner: buds+
Comfort and Fit
- Buds Live: The bean-shaped design sits loosely in the ear, which can be very comfortable for extended wear for some users. However, the lack of a secure seal can lead to them falling out during vigorous activity.
- Buds+: The traditional in-ear design with multiple ear tip sizes offers a secure and customizable fit. This makes them more suitable for workouts and active lifestyles.
- Winner: buds+
Battery Life
- Buds Live: Offers up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 21 hours with the charging case. Without ANC, playback extends to 5.5 hours.
- Buds+: Boasts an impressive 11 hours of playback on a single charge with ANC off, and up to 22 hours with the charging case. With ANC on, it’s around 7.5 hours.
- Winner: buds+
Call Quality
- Buds Live: Employs multiple microphones to isolate your voice. While decent in quiet environments, background noise can sometimes interfere with clarity.
- Buds+: Features an advanced microphone system with dedicated inner and outer mics, resulting in clearer voice calls even in noisy surroundings.
- Winner: buds+
Design and Aesthetics
- Buds Live: Stands out with its distinctive, minimalist bean-like design that is quite unique. They are available in a range of stylish colors.
- Buds+: Adopts a more conventional, discreet in-ear design. While less flashy, their compact size and subtle look appeal to many.
- Winner: buds live
Connectivity and Controls
- Buds Live: Uses Bluetooth 5.0 and offers touch controls for playback, ANC, and voice assistant. The controls are generally responsive.
- Buds+: Also features Bluetooth 5.0 and responsive touch controls for music, calls, and voice assistant. They often include more customizable control options.
- Winner: buds+
Water Resistance
- Buds Live: Rated with an IPX2 rating, offering minimal protection against dripping water. Not ideal for intense workouts or rain.
- Buds+: Comes with an IPX4 rating, providing splash resistance. This makes them more suitable for workouts where sweat is a factor.
- Winner: buds+
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Noise Cancellation | buds+ |
| Battery Life | buds+ |
| Fit and Comfort (Subjective) | buds live (for open-ear preference) / buds+ (for secure in-ear fit) |
| Sound Quality | buds+ (slightly more refined) |
| Features | buds+ |
| Design Innovation | buds live |
What They Have in Common
- Design: Both the Galaxy Buds Live and Buds+ feature a compact and comfortable in-ear design, with a focus on secure fit for active use.
- Sound Quality: Both offer a balanced audio profile with decent bass and clear mids and highs, suitable for everyday listening.
- Connectivity: They both utilize Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable and efficient wireless connection, ensuring a smooth audio experience.
- Touch Controls: Both models are equipped with intuitive touch controls for managing playback, calls, and activating voice assistants.
- Wireless Charging: Users can conveniently charge both the earbuds and their cases wirelessly, adding to the ease of use.
- App Integration: Both are supported by the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app, allowing for customization of touch controls, EQ settings, and firmware updates.
Buds Live Vs Buds+ Buying Guide
Design and Comfort
The Galaxy Buds Live sport a unique bean-shaped design, aiming for an open-fit experience that many find comfortable for extended wear without ear pressure. This design, however, means they don’t create a seal, impacting bass response and noise isolation. The Buds+, on the other hand, utilize a more traditional in-ear design with silicone tips. This provides a secure fit and a good seal, which is crucial for effective active noise cancellation and richer bass. The choice here depends on your preference for a barely-there feel versus a more secure, isolating fit. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Sound Quality and Bass
For bass enthusiasts, the Galaxy Buds+ generally offer a more satisfying low-end due to their in-ear seal. The sound signature is often described as balanced and clear, making them a solid all-rounder for various music genres. The Buds Live, with their open design, tend to have a less prominent bass response. While they offer a more natural ambient sound and good mid-range clarity, they might not satisfy those seeking deep, impactful bass. If bass is a priority, the Buds+ hold a distinct advantage in this regard.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Ambient Sound
The Galaxy Buds Live feature Active Noise Cancellation, but its effectiveness is somewhat limited by their open-fit design. While it can reduce some ambient noise, it doesn’t offer the same level of isolation as more traditional ANC earbuds. The Ambient Sound mode on the Buds Live is quite good, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly without removing the earbuds. The Buds+ do not have ANC, but their passive noise isolation from the ear tips is decent. They do, however, offer a strong Ambient Sound mode for situational awareness.
Battery Life and Features
When it comes to battery life, both earbuds offer competitive performance. The Buds+ generally boast slightly longer playback times on a single charge, especially when ANC is not in use. Both models support wireless charging, adding to their convenience. The Buds Live offer touch controls that can be customized, while the Buds+ also have intuitive touch controls. Both earbuds integrate well with the Samsung ecosystem, offering features like seamless device switching and voice assistant access. The Buds+ often edge out the Live in raw battery longevity. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy buds live If…
- You prefer a unique, open-ear design that doesn’t block out ambient sound.
- You want a stylish and discreet earbud for casual listening and calls.
- You are looking for earbuds that offer a secure fit without deep insertion into the ear canal.
Buy buds+ If…
- You prioritize active noise cancellation for an immersive listening experience.
- You need longer battery life for extended listening sessions.
- You want the convenience of wear detection for automatic playback control.
- You prefer a more traditional in-ear fit for better passive noise isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which earbuds are better for workouts?
For workouts, the Galaxy Buds+ are generally the better choice. Their secure in-ear fit with silicone tips ensures they stay put during vigorous activity, and the passive noise isolation helps you focus on your music. While the Buds Live are comfortable, their open design might lead to them dislodging more easily during intense movements.
Do the Buds Live have good bass?
The bass response on the Galaxy Buds Live is present but not as prominent as on the Buds+. Their unique open-fit design means they don’t create a seal in the ear canal, which is essential for deep, impactful bass. If powerful bass is a priority, you might find them lacking compared to more traditional in-ear models.
Which has better noise cancellation?
The Galaxy Buds Live feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), but its effectiveness is somewhat limited by their open-fit design. They can reduce some ambient noise, but it’s not as isolating as the ANC found in more traditional in-ear earbuds. The Buds+ do not have ANC, relying on passive isolation from their ear tips, which can be quite effective for everyday use. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Are the Buds Live comfortable for long periods?
Yes, many users find the Galaxy Buds Live exceptionally comfortable for long listening sessions. Their bean-shaped, open-fit design means they don’t exert pressure on the ear canal, making them feel less intrusive. This comfort is a major selling point for those who dislike the feeling of earbuds being pushed into their ears.
Which earbuds offer better call quality?
Both the Buds Live and Buds+ offer good call quality, leveraging multiple microphones to isolate your voice. However, the Buds+ often have a slight edge due to their more secure seal, which can help reduce background noise interference during calls more effectively. This makes them a more reliable option for important calls in noisy environments.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Buds+ emerge as the more well-rounded audio companion, excelling in consistent sound quality, robust bass, and a secure fit ideal for active lifestyles. While the Buds Live offer a unique comfort and design, their audio performance and ANC capabilities are somewhat compromised by their open-ear nature. For most users seeking a reliable and high-performing true wireless earbud experience, the Buds+ are the superior choice.
Winner: Galaxy Buds+