Samsung has introduced clip-on open earbuds featuring sound-leakage reduction, machine-learning call filters and up to 38 hours of total battery life.
Samsung has announced a new pair of clip-on open earbuds priced at $229, entering the growing market for open-style audio gear. The new wireless model ships in early November in a black finish, according to TechRadar. Outlets differ on the product’s official name: TechRadar reported the model is called the Galaxy Buds Open, while CNET and Engadget reported the name is the Galaxy Buds On. Engadget also reported a release date in early November 2026, whereas CNET and TechRadar stated they arrive in early November.
Design and ear data research
To shape the clip-on design, Samsung used artificial intelligence to evaluate 119 million ear data points, TechRadar reported. Engadget similarly noted the company pulled data from over 119 million ear scans to fit a range of ear shapes and sizes. Samsung stated that computational modeling helped optimize the geometry of the speakers and batteries, while refining the band’s stiffness to create a low-pressure grip around the ear, according to CNET.
A Samsung executive told TechRadar, “Designing these buds is a complex challenge because of the unique anatomy of ears and the difficulty to find the perfect balance between a secure fit and a comfortable fit.” Engineers chose a flexible alloy for the clip components so the earpieces hold securely without excessive pressure. TechRadar listed the weight of each earpiece at 6.65 grams, while CNET listed it at 6.7 grams. Both CNET and Engadget noted the buds carry an IP54 rating for splash and dust resistance.
Audio hardware and leakage controls
Open earbuds leave the ear canal unsealed, which allows ambient environmental noise in but often leads to audio escaping into quiet rooms. While the earbuds don’t include active noise cancellation, Samsung built an audio leakage reduction system. The mechanism works by projecting reversed soundwaves from the back of each speaker to cancel escaping audio before it travels away from the ear, CNET and TechRadar reported.
Sound output is driven by 11.3-millimeter dual-woofer speakers that Samsung calls TwinBoost drivers, intended to bolster bass response, according to CNET. The earbuds run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform paired with a high-efficiency Class-D amplifier built to balance sound delivery with power use.
For voice calls, the earbuds include three microphones and a voice pickup unit that registers speech vibrations and jaw movement to separate voice audio from background noise. Built-in algorithms filter out environmental sounds such as traffic horns and construction noise, Engadget reported.
Smart controls and battery life
Users can control the earbuds with tap gestures or head movements, nodding or shaking their head to answer or reject incoming calls, dismiss alarms and silence notifications. The earbuds provide integration with Google Gemini, allowing listeners to connect by saying, “Hey Google, let’s talk live,” according to CNET. A long press opens Quick Voice Memo, and users can search those voice recordings hands-free through Bixby.
On a single charge, the earbuds deliver up to 9.5 hours of music playback, extending to 38 hours when paired with the wireless charging case. TechRadar added that voice calls provide 5.5 hours of battery on their own, reaching 25 hours with the case.
Background and market competition
Outlets gave conflicting accounts of Samsung’s history with the format. TechRadar described the release as Samsung’s first open-type earbuds. In contrast, Engadget reported Samsung previously released open-profile audio gear, pointing to the Galaxy Buds Live and the Galaxy Buds 4 released earlier this year.
The earbuds link quickly to Samsung Galaxy phones, provide control shortcuts in Samsung’s Quick Panel and support automatic switching across Galaxy hardware. CNET noted the buds lack multipoint Bluetooth support on non-Galaxy hardware. Non-Galaxy Android owners can adjust settings through Samsung’s Wearable app, but Apple users have no iOS app support.
At $229, the earbuds compete against several clip-on and open models. CNET and TechRadar noted competing products such as the Bose Ultra Open at around $300, the Shokz Openfit Pro at $249, Sony’s LinkBuds Clip at $230, and $200 alternatives like the Shokz Open Dots 2 and Bose Sport Open Earbuds.
