Samsung is taking its earbuds in a different direction with Galaxy Buds On, a clip-on, open-ear design. The company’s latest demonstration focuses on moving between exercise, calls and everyday tasks without sealing the ear canal.
What Samsung is showing
In its 27 October Newsroom feature, Samsung describes an adjustable clip-on fit, voice controls and hands-free access to Gemini Live when paired with a compatible Galaxy AI-enabled phone. The feature also highlights gesture controls and call-processing technology. Availability of particular functions depends on compatible devices and software.
The article is a manufacturer demonstration. Its comfort, sound and call-quality descriptions should be read as Samsung’s presentation of the product, rather than independent test results from this site.
Open-ear is a different trade-off
The reason to consider an open-ear design is not that it must beat every sealed earbud. It is that keeping your surroundings audible may be more useful in some situations. Someone who wants music while doing household tasks may make a different choice from someone who wants to shut out a noisy journey.
Hearing the environment also means environmental noise can compete with your audio. The practical question is whether the design works at a comfortable listening level in the places you use it. Raising the volume to fight a loud background is not a substitute for choosing the right product for the setting.
Fit deserves a real trial
Comfort is personal. Ear shape, movement, glasses and the length of a listening session can all affect how a product feels. If possible, use a retailer’s demonstration or a clearly stated return policy to evaluate the fit. A brief try-on and a full afternoon of use answer different questions.
For calls, listen to recordings made in conditions similar to your own: a quiet room, light outdoor noise and a busier environment. Pay attention to whether speech remains natural, rather than judging solely by the number of microphones listed.
Before buying
Check the exact phone and app requirements for the features you want. “AI-powered” is a broad label; a compatibility detail matters more than the label when you are deciding whether a function will work with your current phone.
Our open-ear buying guide explains the questions to ask before choosing this style. We have not yet published a hands-on verdict or a numerical score for Galaxy Buds On.
Source and product image: Samsung Global Newsroom.