Are Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Worth It?

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 earbuds sport a distinctive open-ear design that sets them apart from many of their competitors.

Unlike traditional earbuds that form a seal inside the ear canal, the Buds3 sit just outside the ear canal. This design approach has several implications. On the positive side, it tends to be more comfortable for extended listening sessions, particularly for users who find in-ear designs intrusive or uncomfortable. The open fit can make the earbuds less noticeable and more breathable, contributing to a more natural listening experience.

However, this design choice does come with its trade-offs. Since the earbuds don’t form a tight seal, there is a noticeable increase in sound leakage. This means that the sound you’re listening to can be heard by people around you, which might not be ideal in quiet or public spaces. Additionally, the open-ear design can result in less effective isolation from external noise, which we'll explore further in the noise cancellation section.

Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Galaxy Buds3 offer a fairly neutral audio profile. They deliver a decent amount of bass, which adds depth to music and other audio content without overpowering the mids and highs. The upper-mids have a mild emphasis, which helps in making vocals and certain instruments stand out. This balanced approach to sound makes the Buds3 versatile for various genres of music and types of audio.

One key aspect to note is that the sound quality of the Buds3 is highly dependent on the fit. Because they don’t create a seal, the fit of the earbuds can significantly impact the audio experience. If the earbuds don’t sit comfortably or securely in your ears, you might find that the bass becomes less pronounced and overall sound quality suffers. This is a departure from other earbuds that offer a more consistent sound experience regardless of fit, due to their sealing design.

App and Features

The Samsung Wear app enhances the functionality of the Galaxy Buds3 by providing a range of customizable settings. Users can access equalizer (EQ) customization, which allows for adjustments to the sound profile to suit personal preferences. Ambient sound control is also available, enabling users to adjust how much external sound is allowed in, which can be useful when you need to be aware of your surroundings.

Notably, features like 360 Audio and seamless codec switching are exclusive to Samsung devices. If you’re using a Samsung smartphone or tablet, you’ll be able to enjoy these advanced features, which provide an immersive audio experience and smooth transitions between different audio sources. However, if you’re using a non-Samsung device, you won’t have access to these premium features, which could be a significant downside for users who don’t own Samsung products.

Noise Cancellation

In terms of noise cancellation, the Galaxy Buds3 fall short compared to many other options on the market. Their open-ear design means that they do not provide passive noise isolation, which is a crucial component of effective noise cancellation. While the Buds3 do manage to reduce some external noise, they cannot block out louder sounds or create a significant barrier against ambient noise. This limitation might be less of an issue in quieter environments, but in bustling or noisy settings, the lack of substantial noise reduction could detract from the listening experience.

Comfort

Comfort is one of the strongest suits of the Galaxy Buds3. Their open-ear design ensures that they don’t press into the ear canal, which can be a major plus for users who find in-ear designs uncomfortable. This design can lead to a more relaxed and natural feel, which is great for extended listening sessions.

That said, the open fit can sometimes result in a less secure fit. Some users may find that the earbuds feel loose or that they shift easily if touched or bumped. This can affect the sound quality and overall listening experience, as even slight changes in fit can alter the audio performance. Additionally, the lack of a secure fit means that the earbuds might fall out more easily, particularly during physical activities or if you’re moving around a lot.

Value

While the Galaxy Buds3 may seem overpriced compared to competitors strictly based on specs alone, there are some value factors that could make them a worthwhile purchase for the right consumer. Let's evaluate some of these value drivers in more detail.

• Comfort and Fit: As open-fit earbuds, the Buds3 are designed for all-day wear comfort without the pressure or tightness some users experience from canal-sealing designs. For those who find other buds physically uncomfortable after extended listening periods, the improved ergonomics could provide tangible value in terms of enjoyability and usability. Pairing this with the pocket-friendly compact case means the Buds3 system as a whole may offer better portability than bulkier competitors.
• Integration with Samsung Devices: Perhaps the Buds3's strongest value driver is its tight smartphone integrations with Samsung's Galaxy devices. Automatic pairing, device-switching between registered Samsung products, and quick access to features through the Galaxy Wearable app provide a more seamless multi-device experience than other brands can offer. For those deeply invested in Samsung's ecosystem, this brand synergy may create unique value through enhanced connectivity and control.
• Battery Life: While active noise cancellation significantly impacts battery on competing designs, the open-ear Buds3 achieve solid battery metrics without this power-draining feature - up to 5 hours per charge with ANC off. This provides competitive standalone listening longevity compared to costlier options. With the charging case replenishing the buds 2-3 times, total battery life isn't far off from esteemed competitors either.
• Audio Tuning: The Buds3 employ an 11mm woofer and 6.5mm tweeter to produce a wider, more balanced soundstage than basic entry-level buds. AKG's digital sound processing aims to enhance clarity and richness across a variety of genres. While audiophiles may still prefer the precision of high-end wireless IEMs, most casual listeners will find the Buds3 an enjoyable step up from cheap earbuds at comparable price points.
• Ambient Sound: While active noise cancellation is lacking, the open design and dual microphones provide clean ambient amplification for hearing your environment without removing the buds. This delivers convenience value for situations like listening on your commute while still being aware of platform announcements or surrounding noise levels for safety.

Considering the Buds3's strong suits like lasting comfort, capable sound, multi-device integration ease and ample battery life - in the full context of each user's priorities and technology ecosystem - Samsung's latest earbuds could represent a balanced value proposition compared to some seemingly superior competitors that only outperform in isolated specs. Overall value is in the eye and ears of the beholder.

The Takes Away

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 are a solid choice if you specifically need an open-ear design and are using a Samsung device to take advantage of its exclusive features. Their comfort and natural listening experience make them appealing for certain users, particularly those who find traditional in-ear designs uncomfortable.

However, the Buds3 do have notable limitations. The open-ear design leads to less effective noise cancellation and sound isolation, which might not suit everyone’s needs, especially in noisy environments. Additionally, their price point might be seen as high when compared to other options that offer better performance for a similar or lower cost.

If you’re not tied to Samsung devices or don’t require the open-ear fit, exploring other earbuds might be worthwhile. Many alternatives provide better noise cancellation, a more secure fit, and better overall value, making them a more comprehensive choice for a range of listening environments and needs.