Galaxy Buds Live vs Galaxy Buds Plus: Which Buds Reign?
Choosing the perfect earbuds can be a real challenge, especially with so many fantastic options available. If you’re eyeing Samsung’s wireless earbuds, you’ve likely come across the Galaxy Buds Live and the Galaxy Buds Plus. Both promise a premium audio experience, but they cater to different preferences and needs.
This in-depth comparison will explore the key differences between the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live and the Galaxy Buds Plus. We’ll delve into their design, sound quality, battery life, and special features. This will help you decide which pair of earbuds best suits your lifestyle and listening habits.
Get ready to discover which Samsung earbuds come out on top in this head-to-head battle. We’ll analyze everything from comfort and convenience to overall value, ensuring you make an informed decision before investing in your next audio companion. Let’s dive into the world of the Galaxy Buds Live vs Galaxy Buds Plus!
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | Buds Live | Buds Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Open-ear | In-ear |
| Noise Cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Passive Noise Isolation |
| Water Resistance | IPX2 | IPX2 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Drivers | 12mm | 2-way (Woofer + Tweeter) |
| Microphones | 3 (2 outer, 1 inner) | 3 |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC, SSC | SBC, AAC, SSC |
| Ambient Sound Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (per bud) | 5.6g | 6.3g |
| Case Design | Square | Square |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design & Comfort
- Galaxy Buds Live: Features a unique bean-shaped design that sits in the outer ear, offering a more open and less intrusive fit. This design can be comfortable for some, but may not provide a secure fit for all ear shapes. Some users might experience less passive noise isolation.
- Galaxy Buds Plus: Boasts a more traditional in-ear design with silicone ear tips that create a seal in the ear canal. This design offers a more secure fit and better passive noise isolation, but some users may find it less comfortable over extended periods.
- Winner: Tie
Sound Quality
- Galaxy Buds Live: Delivers a balanced sound profile with emphasis on bass. Its open design allows for a more spacious soundstage, but can leak sound at higher volumes.
- Galaxy Buds Plus: Provides a richer and more detailed sound with improved audio quality, especially in the mid-range frequencies. Offers a more immersive listening experience, due to the in-ear design.
- Winner: galaxy buds plus
Noise Cancellation
- Galaxy Buds Live: Includes Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which helps to reduce ambient noise. However, the open design limits its effectiveness compared to in-ear designs.
- Galaxy Buds Plus: Lacks Active Noise Cancellation, relying on passive noise isolation from its ear tips.
- Winner: galaxy buds live
Battery Life
- Galaxy Buds Live: Offers up to 6 hours of playtime with ANC on and up to 8 hours without ANC. The charging case provides additional charges.
- Galaxy Buds Plus: Provides an impressive battery life, up to 11 hours on a single charge and up to 22 hours with the charging case.
- Winner: galaxy buds plus
Microphone Quality
- Galaxy Buds Live: Features multiple microphones for clear call quality, but the open design might pick up more background noise in noisy environments.
- Galaxy Buds Plus: Also has multiple microphones, delivering excellent call quality, even in moderately noisy environments.
- Winner: galaxy buds plus
Water Resistance
- Galaxy Buds Live: Has an IPX2 rating, offering some protection against light splashes and sweat.
- Galaxy Buds Plus: Has an IPX2 rating, offering some protection against light splashes and sweat.
- Winner: Tie
Connectivity
- Galaxy Buds Live: Uses Bluetooth 5.0 for stable and reliable connectivity. Includes easy pairing with Samsung devices.
- Galaxy Buds Plus: Also uses Bluetooth 5.0, providing strong and stable wireless connection. Offers seamless pairing with Samsung devices.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- Galaxy Buds Live: Typically priced higher than the Buds Plus, reflecting its newer features, such as ANC.
- Galaxy Buds Plus: Generally more affordable, offering excellent value for its features.
- Winner: galaxy buds plus
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Design | Buds Live |
| Noise Cancellation | Buds Live |
| Battery Life | Buds Plus |
| Sound Quality | Buds Plus |
| Comfort | Buds Live (for some) |
| Value | Buds Plus |
What They Have in Common:
- Water Resistance: Both the Galaxy Buds Live and the Galaxy Buds Plus share an IPX2 water resistance rating, which means they can withstand light splashes and sweat, making them suitable for workouts and everyday use.
- Bluetooth 5.0: Both earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.0, providing a stable and reliable wireless connection to your devices with improved range and efficiency.
- Touch Controls: Both models feature touch controls on the earbuds, allowing you to easily manage music playback, answer calls, and adjust the volume with simple taps and gestures.
- Wireless Charging: Both the Galaxy Buds Live and the Galaxy Buds Plus charging cases support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Ambient Sound Mode: Both earbuds include an ambient sound mode, letting you hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Galaxy Buds Live Vs Galaxy Buds Plus Buying Guide
Comfort and Fit
Both the Galaxy Buds Live and the Galaxy Buds Plus prioritize comfort, but they achieve it differently. The Buds Live boast a unique bean-shaped design that sits in the ear without fully sealing the ear canal, making them feel less intrusive for some. However, this design might not be as secure for vigorous activities. The Buds Plus, with their more traditional in-ear design and wingtips, offer a more secure and stable fit, ideal for workouts or running. Consider your intended use and ear shape when choosing. If you prefer a less-intrusive feel, go for the Live; for a secure fit, the Plus is the better choice.
Sound Quality
Sound quality varies between the two. The Galaxy Buds Plus excels in sound quality, providing a balanced and richer audio experience with enhanced bass response, thanks to its two-way speaker system. The Buds Live, with their open design, offer a more spacious soundstage, but may lack the deep bass and overall loudness of the Buds Plus. They are better suited for casual listening and environments where you need to remain aware of your surroundings. Consider what you listen to most and your preferred sound profile when making your decision.
Noise Cancellation and Ambient Sound
The Galaxy Buds Live feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which helps to reduce background noise, making them ideal for commuting or working in noisy environments. However, the open design limits the effectiveness of ANC compared to in-ear designs. The Galaxy Buds Plus do not have ANC, but they offer excellent passive noise isolation due to their snug fit. Both models offer ambient sound modes, which allow you to hear your surroundings. The choice depends on your needs: ANC for noise reduction, or passive isolation with ambient mode.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important factor. The Galaxy Buds Plus truly shine in this aspect, offering up to 11 hours of playback on a single charge and an additional 11 hours with the charging case. The Galaxy Buds Live provide around 6-8 hours of playback, with the charging case adding extra hours. If long listening sessions are a priority, the Buds Plus are the obvious winner. For shorter listening periods and the convenience of ANC, the Buds Live are still a solid option, but require more frequent charging.
Microphone Quality and Call Clarity
Both models provide decent microphone quality for calls, but there are some differences. The Galaxy Buds Plus feature multiple microphones and beamforming technology, resulting in clearer voice transmission, especially in noisy environments. The Galaxy Buds Live also have multiple microphones, but the open design might make them more susceptible to picking up background noise. If you frequently take calls, the Buds Plus offer a slight advantage in call clarity. However, both are perfectly serviceable for casual phone calls.
Price and Value
The Galaxy Buds Plus are often available at a lower price point than the Galaxy Buds Live. The Buds Plus offer excellent value for the money, providing a well-rounded experience with great sound quality and impressive battery life. The Buds Live, while more expensive, offer the unique feature of ANC and a distinctive design. Consider your budget and desired features when making your decision. If you prioritize value, the Buds Plus is the better choice; if you want ANC and a unique style, the Buds Live are worth considering.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy galaxy buds live If…
- You prefer an open-ear design that doesn’t fully block your ear canal.
- You want active noise cancellation for blocking out some ambient sound.
- You prioritize a stylish, unique design.
- You want a comfortable fit for extended wear.
Buy galaxy buds plus If…
- You prefer a more traditional in-ear design for a secure fit.
- You prioritize long battery life.
- You desire excellent sound quality for the price.
- You want strong passive noise isolation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds Plus?
The primary difference lies in the design and features. The Galaxy Buds Live have an open design with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), while the Galaxy Buds Plus feature a more traditional in-ear design without ANC. The Buds Plus also typically offer superior battery life and a more secure fit for active use. Sound profiles also differ, with the Buds Plus offering a more balanced sound.
Which earbuds offer better sound quality?
The Galaxy Buds Plus generally provide better sound quality. Their two-way speaker system delivers a more balanced and richer audio experience, with enhanced bass response. While the Galaxy Buds Live offer a spacious soundstage, the Buds Plus excel in overall sound clarity and depth. Consider your preferred sound profile – if you like a more balanced sound signature, the Buds Plus are the better choice.
Do the Galaxy Buds Live have noise cancellation?
Yes, the Galaxy Buds Live do feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This helps to reduce background noise, making them suitable for use in noisy environments such as commutes or offices. However, due to the open design, the ANC is less effective than in-ear designs with a tighter seal. The Buds Plus do not have ANC, but they offer passive noise isolation.
Which earbuds have longer battery life?
The Galaxy Buds Plus have significantly longer battery life compared to the Buds Live. The Buds Plus offer up to 11 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 11 hours provided by the charging case. The Buds Live provide around 6-8 hours on a single charge, with their case providing additional hours. The Buds Plus are the better option for long listening sessions.
Are the Galaxy Buds Live comfortable for long periods?
The Galaxy Buds Live are designed to be comfortable for extended use due to their unique bean-shaped design. They sit in the ear without fully sealing the ear canal, which can make them feel less intrusive than the Buds Plus. However, comfort is subjective, and some users may still find the Buds Plus more comfortable due to their secure fit. Try both if possible.
Which earbuds are better for making calls?
Both the Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds Plus offer decent microphone quality for calls. However, the Galaxy Buds Plus, with their multiple microphones and beamforming technology, generally provide clearer voice transmission, especially in noisy environments. The open design of the Buds Live might allow more background noise to be picked up. If call clarity is a priority, the Buds Plus are a slightly better choice.
Which earbuds are better for workouts?
The Galaxy Buds Plus are generally better for workouts. Their in-ear design and wingtips provide a more secure and stable fit, which is crucial during physical activity. The Galaxy Buds Live might not stay in place as securely during vigorous movements. If you plan to use your earbuds for workouts, the Buds Plus are the recommended choice for a more secure and stable fit.
Final Verdict
Choosing between the Galaxy Buds Live and the Galaxy Buds Plus depends on your priorities. The Buds Plus excel in sound quality, battery life, and call clarity, making them a great all-around option. The Buds Live offer a unique design and Active Noise Cancellation. Ultimately, the Buds Plus offer a more compelling package for most users, offering superior value and features.
Winner: Galaxy Buds Plus