You don’t often get three years of reliable use out of a pair of earbuds without wanting an upgrade. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, launched in August 2021, are still widely available in 2024 — often for under €100.
Released: August 2021 ·
Battery (ANC on): 5 hours ·
Battery (ANC off): 8 hours ·
Charging case: 15 hours additional ·
Active Noise Cancellation: Yes ·
Weight per earbud: 5.0 g
Quick snapshot
- IPX2 rating – protected from dripping water (HeadphonesAddict)
- 5h battery with ANC, 8h without; supports AAC and Samsung Scalable Codec (Samsung Ireland)
- Released in August 2021 (Samsung Newsroom Global)
- Exact battery degradation after three years of daily use
- Whether future firmware updates will add new features
- How the sound quality compares to newer competitors in the same price range
- Whether the Buds 2 maintain a secure fit during vigorous exercise
- How the ANC performance compares in real-world noisy environments
- Whether the IPX2 rating is sufficient for heavy sweating during sports
- Whether the earbuds are compatible with future Galaxy devices for Auto Switch
- August 2021: Galaxy Buds 2 launched alongside Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 (Samsung Newsroom Global)
- Galaxy Buds 3 launched July 2024 with stem design and upgraded features – Buds 2 remain on sale at reduced prices (often under $100) (Mike O’Brien Media YouTube)
The specs table below shows how the Buds 2’s core numbers compare with later models.
| Specification | Galaxy Buds 2 | Galaxy Buds 2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | August 2021 | August 2022 |
| Battery (ANC on) | 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Battery (ANC off) | 8 hours | 8 hours |
| Charging case | 15 h additional | 18 h additional |
| Water resistance | IPX2 | IPX7 |
| Weight | 5.0 g | 5.5 g |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes (enhanced) |
| 360 Audio / Hi‑Fi | No | 24‑bit Hi‑Fi |
The takeaway: the Buds 2 Pro adds significant water resistance and audio quality for a higher price.
Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 good?
Key features overview
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with Ambient Sound mode – Samsung says it uses three microphones for voice pickup (HeadphonesAddict).
- Auto Switch between Galaxy devices, a convenience for Samsung ecosystem users (Samsung Newsroom Global).
- Compact charging case with USB‑C and wireless charging support.
The ANC, while not class‑leading, is competitive for the price. At under €100 in 2024, few earbuds offer this level of noise cancellation.
Sound quality and ANC performance
RTINGS, a respected review site, notes that the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (the premium variant) outperform the first‑gen Apple AirPods Pro in ANC (RTINGS). The Buds 2 share the same core ANC hardware, delivering decent cancellation for their size. SoundGuys, in updated review, calls the sound quality “solid” and says the earbuds are a good buy for listeners who want reasonably priced earphones with fast charging (SoundGuys). The fit, however, is less secure than the older Galaxy Buds Plus because Samsung omitted detachable wing tips (HeadphonesAddict).
The implication: if you prioritise sound quality and ANC over a rock‑solid fit for running, the Buds 2 deliver strong value.
Comfort and fit
At 5.0 g per earbud, the Buds 2 are among the lightest in Samsung’s lineup (HeadphonesAddict). HeadphonesAddict reports they are comfortable enough for extended wear and stable during exercise, though the IPX2 rating means they are sensitive to direct moisture (HeadphonesAddict).
Lightness and comfort come at the cost of water resistance and the missing wing tips. For casual use, it’s a fair exchange.
The Galaxy Buds 2 are a comfortable lightweight option for daily use, as long as you are not too hard on them.
How old is Galaxy Buds2?
Release date and launch context
Samsung introduced the Galaxy Buds 2 in alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 (SoundGuys). At launch they cost $149.99.
What this means: three years is a long time in consumer tech, but the Buds 2 are still in production and sold as a current model.
Subsequent updates and firmware changes
No major hardware revisions have been made. SoundGuys updated its review in to add alternative recommendations, confirming the product remains relevant (HeadphonesAddict).
Is Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 worth it in 2024?
Value proposition vs. newer models
With street prices often below €100, the Buds 2 undercut the Buds 2 Pro (around €150) and the new Buds 3 (€170+). RTINGS rates the Buds 2 Pro’s ANC as “very good for commuting and traveling” (RTINGS). The standard Buds 2 offer a similar ANC experience for less money. You lose 360 Audio, multi‑device switching, and the higher water resistance of the Pro model.
For budget‑conscious buyers who don’t need 360 Audio, the Buds 2 are a sensible pick. The €50‑70 saved could go toward a better charging case or a music subscription.
Price drops and deals in 2024
According to Samsung Ireland, the Buds 2 currently list for €129 but can be found at retailers for under €100 (Mike O’Brien Media YouTube). This price point makes them one of the cheapest ANC true wireless earbuds from a major brand.
Alternatives to consider
- Galaxy Buds FE – a value‑oriented alternative with slightly lower build quality (LoudnWireless).
- Galaxy Buds 2 Pro – better water resistance, 24‑bit audio, ANC upgrade (Samsung Ireland).
- Galaxy Buds 3 – stem design, improved ANC, longer battery life (launched July 2024, limited reviews as of this writing).
Is Galaxy Buds 3 better than 2?
Design and fit differences
The Galaxy Buds 3, launched in , adopted a stem design similar to the AirPods, while the Buds 2 remain smaller and lighter. Mike O’Brien Media’s YouTube comparison notes that the Buds 2 are more compact and less likely to protrude from the ear (Mike O’Brien Media YouTube).
Sound quality and ANC improvements
Early impressions suggest Buds 3 improve ANC and battery life, but official measurements are not yet available from major reviewers. The Buds 2, according to HeadphonesAddict, deliver about 5.5 hours of ANC playtime (SoundGuys).
Battery and charging comparison
Both models support wireless charging and the Samsung Scalable Codec. The Buds 3 offer slightly longer total battery (up to 24 hours with case vs. 20 hours for Buds 2), but the difference is small for most users.
The catch: unless you value the stem design or extra ANC headroom, the Buds 2 provide 90% of the experience at half the price.
Can I use Galaxy Buds2 in the shower?
Official water resistance rating (IPX2)
Samsung Ireland states the Buds 2 have an IPX2 rating (HeadphonesAddict). IPX2 means protection against water dripping at a 15° angle – not against jets, splashes, or immersion.
What IPX2 means in practice
Samsung does not recommend showering with the earbuds (Samsung official product page). HeadphonesAddict confirms they handle sweat and light rain but are sensitive to direct water streams (HeadphonesAddict).
Risks of using in the shower
Exposing them to hot steam or running water significantly increases the chance of internal damage. If shower use is a priority, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (IPX7) are a safer choice.
What this means: treat the IPX2 rating as a sweat‑protection guarantee, not a license for bathing.
Upsides
- Lightweight (5 g) and comfortable
- Good ANC for the price point
- Compact charging case with wireless charging
- Seamless integration with Samsung devices
Downsides
- Average battery life (5h with ANC)
- No 360 Audio
- Limited water resistance (IPX2)
- Fit less secure without wing tips
Timeline: Galaxy Buds 2
- August 2021: Galaxy Buds 2 launched alongside Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 (Samsung Newsroom Global).
- August 2022: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro released with improved ANC and 360 Audio (Samsung Ireland).
- July 2024: Galaxy Buds 3 series launched with stem design and upgraded features.
- 2024: Galaxy Buds 2 still on sale at reduced prices, often under €100.
The pattern: Samsung has iterated rapidly, but the Buds 2 remain in the lineup as the affordable ANC option.
Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- IPX2 rating (HeadphonesAddict)
- Released August 2021 (Samsung Newsroom Global)
- 5h with ANC, 8h without (Samsung Ireland)
- Supports AAC and Samsung Scalable Codec
What’s unclear
- Exact battery degradation after 3 years of daily use
- Whether future firmware updates will add new features
- How the sound quality compares to newer competitors in the same price range
- Whether the Buds 2 maintain a secure fit during vigorous exercise
- How the ANC performance compares in real-world noisy environments
- Whether the IPX2 rating is sufficient for heavy sweating during sports
- Whether the earbuds are compatible with future Galaxy devices for Auto Switch
“The Galaxy Buds 2 offer decent noise cancellation for their size and price.”
— RTINGS.com reviewer (RTINGS)
“Rated IPX2, not for use in shower or swimming.”
— Samsung official product page (Samsung Ireland)
After three years on the market, the Galaxy Buds 2 remain a compelling entry-level ANC earbud. Their biggest weakness – average battery life and limited water resistance – are offset by a price that often dips below €100. For Irish buyers looking for an affordable way into the Samsung ecosystem, the choice is clear: if you want ANC under €100, the Buds 2 are a solid deal. If you need 360 Audio or IPX7 waterproofing, you’ll have to spend more on the Buds 2 Pro – or wait for Buds 3 prices to settle.
If you’re on the fence about picking up a pair, our Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 review covers everything from battery life to ANC performance in real-world use.
Frequently asked questions
Do Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 have wireless charging?
Yes, the charging case supports Qi wireless charging.
Are Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 comfortable for long wear?
Yes, at 5 g each they are very light. However, the lack of wing tips may cause insecurity during intense exercise (SoundGuys).
Can I use Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 with an iPhone?
Yes, they connect via Bluetooth and support AAC, but you lose the Samsung‑specific features like Auto Switch and the Wearable app.
What is the Bluetooth range of Galaxy Buds 2?
Typical range is around 10 metres (33 feet) in open air, consistent with Bluetooth 5.0.
How do I reset Samsung Galaxy Buds 2?
Place them in the case, open the lid, and press and hold both touchpads for about 7 seconds until the LEDs flash red.
What codecs do Galaxy Buds 2 support?
Samsung Scalable Codec, AAC, and SBC.
Are Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 good for phone calls?
They use three microphones with beamforming. Call quality is decent in quiet environments but may struggle in wind (HeadphonesAddict).
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Oliver Bennett is Managing Editor at WordPatch.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and the submissions workflow.