Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 launched, everything you need to know

Samsung Announces Galaxy Buds 2

Samsung today revealed its latest set of wireless earbuds, in addition to two new foldable phones and a pair of smartwatches at its latest Galaxy Unpacked event. The Galaxy Buds 2 will replace the Galaxy Buds Plus in the company’s portfolio and will cost $149.99. (Remaining Buds Plus stock is still available at certain stores, but once that supply runs out, they’ll be gone.) The Galaxy Buds 2 will be released on August 27th, with preorders starting today in a variety of hues including dark gray, white, purple, and green.

They have a similar look to the more costly Galaxy Buds Pro, but they’re smaller. Samsung claims that they are the tiniest and lightest true wireless earphones it has ever created. The Buds 2 include two-way drivers with a woofer and tweeter in each earbud, just as the Buds Pro, and they “produce crisp, clean high notes and a deep bass.” They differ from the previous Buds Plus in that they include active noise cancellation, as well as an ambient sound option that allows you to control how much outside noise is allowed in.

Noise Cancellation Turned On

With noise cancellation turned on, the Galaxy Buds 2 has a battery life of up to five hours of continuous listening (or 20 hours including the case). With the case, which enables wireless charging, those numbers may be extended to 7.5 hours and 29 hours by turning off the ANC. That doesn’t quite equal the Galaxy Buds Plus’s marathon 11 hours of uninterrupted listening, but I believe Samsung has made enough improvements here to justify that compromise. Because they are just certified IPX2, don’t anticipate much in the way of water or perspiration resistance.

The Galaxy Buds 2 are now the cheapest earbuds in Samsung’s range, joining the $199.99 Galaxy Buds Plus and $169.99 Galaxy Buds Live (both of which are now on sale). I expect similar discounts on the Galaxy Buds 2 in the future, which may make them difficult to refuse as many Android users’ new default wireless buds.