Samsung’s audio lineup underwent a significant transformation in early 2026. Following the controversial, stem-heavy design of the Buds 3 series, the Galaxy Buds 4 (released alongside the S26 series) represent a return to comfort-focused engineering while doubling down on artificial intelligence integration.
These are not merely incremental upgrades; they are a fundamental rethink of what “everyday earbuds” should be. By utilizing computational data from millions of ear scans, Samsung has produced an open-fit earbud designed to be worn all day without fatigue.
In this comprehensive review, we will dissect the design, sound quality, smart features, battery performance, and value proposition of the standard Galaxy Buds 4.
1. Design and Ergonomics: The Data-Driven Revolution
The most significant change in the Buds 4 is the physical structure. Samsung clearly listened to user feedback regarding the fit of the Buds 3, which many found uncomfortable due to their rigid, AirPods-like stems and lack of ergonomic customization.
Computational Engineering
Samsung utilized data from over 10,000 simulations and hundreds of millions of ear-data points to refine the shape of the Buds 4. The goal was to create an earbud that fits the vast majority of ear shapes securely without needing silicone ear tips.
Open-Fit Architecture
Unlike the “Pro” model, the standard Buds 4 are open-fit. They do not seal your ear canal.
- Pros: This design is exceptionally comfortable for long periods. It eliminates the “plunger” effect (pressure buildup) that many users dislike. It also allows ambient noise to pass through naturally, increasing situational awareness while walking or working.
- Cons: The lack of a seal means passive noise isolation is almost non-existent.
The New Blade Design
The stems have been redesigned into a flatter, more refined “blade” shape. They feature a premium metal finish that feels much more robust than the glossy plastic of the previous generation. The stems also include a tactile groove for the pinch controls, making them much easier to locate by feel.
2. Sound Quality: Balanced for Daily Use
Because the Buds 4 do not seal the ear canal, the acoustic physics are inherently different from in-ear models. The bass response, in particular, tends to dissipate.
11mm Dynamic Driver
Samsung has equipped the Buds 4 with a single 11mm dynamic speaker. While this lacks the specialized planar tweeter found in the Pro model, Samsung has tuned it aggressively to compensate for the open design.
Audio Performance
- Bass: The bass is punchy and tight, but it lacks the deep, visceral rumble of in-ear earbuds. It is sufficient for pop, rock, and podcasts, but bass-heavy genres may feel underwhelming.
- Mids and Highs: The midrange is clear and forward, making voices sound intimate and detailed. The treble is bright without being harsh, giving music a clean, open feel.
- Hi-Fi Capability: When paired with a Samsung phone, the Buds 4 support 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Fi audio, allowing for high-resolution streaming that retains musical textures.
3. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) 1.0
ANC in an open-fit earbud is inherently limited. Without a physical seal to block sound, the microphones must work harder to generate opposing sound waves.
Performance
The Adaptive ANC 1.0 on the Buds 4 is effective at reducing low-frequency, consistent drone sounds—like the roar of a plane engine or a vacuum cleaner. However, it struggles significantly with unpredictable, high-frequency noises, such as human voices or loud clattering.
Adaptive Features
The ANC intelligently adapts to your environment, turning down intensity when it detects you are in a quiet room to conserve battery, and ramping up when you are on a busy street. It is a good feature for adding a layer of calm, but it is not designed for complete isolation.
4. AI Features and The Galaxy Ecosystem
In 2026, earbuds are no longer just for audio; they are wearables designed for productivity. The Buds 4 are deeply integrated into the Samsung Galaxy AI ecosystem.
Voice Detect and AI Translation
- Live Translate: When paired with an S26 series phone, the Buds 4 can provide real-time language translation. During a call, you will hear the translated audio in your ears, while the translated text appears on your phone screen.
- Voice Detect: The buds can automatically lower your music volume and switch to ambient mode when they detect you are speaking, allowing you to have a conversation without removing the buds.
Head Gestures
A new, hands-free feature allows you to accept or decline calls by nodding or shaking your head. This is incredibly useful when your hands are full.
Setup and Connectivity
Opening the case near a Samsung phone or tablet initiates a seamless pop-up setup process. The buds support auto-switching, allowing you to watch a movie on your tablet and automatically switch to your phone when a call comes in.
5. Microphone Quality and Calls
The call quality on the Buds 4 is stellar, largely thanks to the improved stem design, which brings the microphones closer to your mouth.
Microphone Array
The buds feature a three-microphone system combined with a machine-learning algorithm to filter out background noise. Your voice comes through clearly during calls, even in loud environments like a bustling cafe.
6. Battery Life and Charging
The battery life has improved slightly through better power management and the efficiency of the Bluetooth 6.1 standard.
Playtime
- With ANC On: Approximately 5 hours of continuous playback from the buds, with 24 hours total including charges from the case.
- With ANC Off: Approximately 6 hours of continuous playback from the buds, with 30 hours total including charges from the case.
Charging
The redesigned, transparent clamshell case supports both USB-C wired charging and Qi wireless charging. A quick 10-minute charge in the case provides roughly 60 minutes of listening time.
7. Comparison Table: Buds 4 vs. Buds 4 Pro
| Feature | Galaxy Buds 4 (Standard) | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
| Form Factor | Open-Fit (Comfort) | Canal-Fit (Isolation) |
| Driver Setup | 11mm Dynamic Driver | 11mm Woofer + Planar Tweeter |
| ANC | Adaptive ANC 1.0 | Adaptive ANC 2.0 (Enhanced) |
| Battery (ANC On) | 5h (Buds) / 24h (Total) | 6h (Buds) / 26h (Total) |
| Durability | IP54 | IP57 |
| Price | $179.99 | $249.99 |
8. Final Verdict: Worth Buying?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 are the best open-fit earbuds on the market for Samsung users. They resolve the comfort issues of their predecessors while adding advanced AI features that make them invaluable for productivity.
Buy them if:
- You find in-ear buds uncomfortable and want a lightweight, “barely there” fit.
- You work in a quiet office or walk in traffic and need to remain aware of your surroundings.
- You are firmly in the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem.
Do not buy them if:
- You commute on loud trains or fly frequently and need total noise isolation.
- You prioritize deep, heavy bass above all else.
Ultimately, the Buds 4 succeed by prioritizing comfort and intelligent features over absolute acoustic isolation.
Pros
- Exceptional Comfort: The open-fit design does not seal the ear canal, eliminating pressure buildup and making them comfortable for all-day wear.
- Situational Awareness: Because they don’t block the ear canal, you can hear ambient noises (traffic, conversations) naturally, improving safety while walking or running.
- Improved Fit over Buds 3: Based on massive ear-data simulations, they fit a wider variety of ear shapes more securely than the previous generation.
- Stellar Microphone Quality: The redesigned “blade” stem brings the mics closer to your mouth, resulting in very clear call quality.
- Rich Ecosystem Features: When paired with a Samsung phone, you get seamless auto-switching, 24-bit Hi-Fi audio, and hands-free access to Gemini/Bixby.
- More Affordable: Priced lower than the Pro model, offering great value for the features included.
Cons
- Limited Noise Isolation: Without a physical seal, the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is only effective against low-frequency drone sounds. It struggles with voices and high-frequency noises.
- Weak Bass Response: The open design allows bass to escape, meaning you will not get the deep, rumbling bass found in in-ear earbuds.
- Lower IP Rating: Rated IP54, meaning they are splash-resistant but not designed for heavy sweat or submersion in water, unlike the Pro model.
- Features Locked to Samsung: You need a Samsung device to utilize premium features like 24-bit audio and auto-switching.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do the Galaxy Buds 4 have silicone ear tips?
No. The Galaxy Buds 4 feature an open-type design and do not use silicone ear tips. They are designed to rest just outside the ear canal for maximum comfort, allowing you to hear ambient noise naturally.
2. How effective is the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
While the Buds 4 feature Adaptive ANC 1.0, it is limited by the open-fit design. It is effective at reducing low-frequency, consistent drone sounds (like airplane engines), but it cannot block out human voices or unpredictable, high-frequency noises because it does not create a physical seal in your ear.
3. What is the battery life of the Buds 4?
The buds provide approximately 5 hours of continuous playtime with ANC enabled, and up to 6 hours with ANC disabled. The charging case provides an additional 19-24 hours of charge, depending on usage.
4. Are these earbuds sweatproof for workouts?
The Galaxy Buds 4 have an IP54 rating. This means they are resistant to splashes of water and light sweat, making them okay for light exercise, but they are not fully waterproof or protected against heavy sweat or immersion in water.
5. Do I need a Samsung phone to use these earbuds?
You can pair the Buds 4 with any device via Bluetooth, but a Samsung Galaxy smartphone is required to access premium features like 24-bit Hi-Fi audio (UHQ), seamless auto-switching between Galaxy devices, and hands-free access to Gemini/Bixby.
