Expert rating
Benefits
- Small and light
- Fits firmly and comfortably
- Good sound quality
The inconvenients
- Mainly for Android phones
- Few features
- Poor battery life
Our Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE perform very well compared to the more expensive Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbuds and are even better in a few ways. But unfortunately, some shortcomings remain, such as the lack of an iPhone application. Overall, though, the Galaxy Buds FE are an affordable pair of earbuds.
Best prices today: Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
$79.99
About a year ago we reviewed Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, a good pair of rather expensive wireless earbuds better suited to Android phone owners.
Now it’s time to test the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, a cheaper alternative that works well and even turns out to have some advantages over its more premium sibling.
One immediately noticeable difference is the design of the earbuds. Where the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro had a slightly rounder touch surface, it is rather cut and flat in the Galaxy Buds FE. Whether or not it’s more attractive is debatable, but it’s undoubtedly more practical. It’s also very precise on the Galaxy Buds FE: there are very few accidental touches and the touch controls have just the right amount of sensitivity.
Another difference is that the Galaxy Buds FE are equipped with a pair of “wings”, which makes them much more stable and comfortable in the ears. These wings can also be removed if desired. Three pairs of “plugs” are also included to ensure a perfect fit.
Jan Sandbladh
In terms of weight, there is no major difference. Galaxy Buds FE weigh 5.5 grams each, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro weigh 5 grams each. However, the Galaxy Buds FE’s charging case is slightly lighter, 40 grams compared to 44 grams for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
As with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, there’s a limit to how far you can change the settings for what the touch controls should do in the companion app. It is not possible to change the action of a single, double or triple press, only the “press and hold” function.
This is a bit limiting, but what’s even more limiting is that the app is only available for Android. In other words, if you are an iPhone user, you cannot change the touch control settings at all.
Other features that iPhone users miss include equalizer, headphone fit test, and “find my headphones.” The Galaxy Buds FE also have slightly fewer Android features than the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
For example, it’s missing “voice detection” (which automatically turns off noise reduction and lowers the playback volume when you start speaking), 360-degree sound and some “Labs” functions.
Jan Sandbladh
Good sound, decent noise cancellation
Despite their small size and delicacy, the Galaxy Buds FE sound great. Granted, they don’t quite reach the same heights as the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, but considering the price, it’s okay.
The noise reduction is also not as good as the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. It is also not possible to adjust its settings other than turning it on or off. But here, however, the Galaxy Buds FE benefit from the help of the wings and narrow design, which contribute to passive noise reduction that complements active reduction.
And just like the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, phone calls are clear, noise-free and crisp.
Although battery life is slightly better with the Galaxy Buds FE than the Galaxy Buds Pro 2, it’s still not impressive. Without noise reduction it is possible to get a total of 30 hours of listening time, compared to for example Nothing Ear 2 which gives 36 hours or the similarly priced JBL Live Pro 2 which gives a total of 40 hours.
Finally, unlike the Galaxy Buds Pro 2, the Galaxy Buds FE do not support wireless charging.
Overall, the Galaxy Buds FE has both advantages and disadvantages compared to its bigger brother, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. But considering the lower price, the Galaxy Buds FE arguably offer better value for money.
Jan Sandbladh
Features
Product: Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Tested: December 2023
Wireless: Bluetooth 5.2
Required configuration: Android or iOS
Related app: Yes (Android only)
Active noise cancellation: Yes
Hands-free function: No
Voice command support: Yes (Google Assistant and Alexa)
PI Certification : IPX2 (anti-drop)
Colors: Black and white
Weight (two headphones): 11 grams
Weight of charging case without earphones: 40 grams
Charging Case Size: 4.8 x 4.8 x 2.6 centimeters
Full battery life with noise reduction: 21 hours
Battery life with noise cancellation per charge: 6 hours
Total battery life for music only: 30 hours
Battery life for music only per charge: 8.5 hours
Wireless charging of the box: No
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