The world of true wireless earbuds is a crowded one, with numerous options available from top brands like Apple, Sony, and Samsung. Among Samsung’s offerings, the Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Live are two of the most popular choices. But which one is better? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll delve into the features, design, sound quality, and more to help you make an informed decision.
The Design and Fit
When it comes to design, both the Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Live have their unique appeal. The Galaxy Buds 2 have a more traditional earbud design, with a compact shape that fits snugly in the ear. They’re available in three colors: white, black, and a limited edition olive green. The earbuds themselves are lightweight, weighing just 6.3 grams each, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Buds Live have a more futuristic design, with a bean-shaped earbud that doesn’t have a traditional ear tip. Instead, the earbud sits gently in the ear, providing a comfortable and secure fit. The Galaxy Buds Live are available in three colors: white, black, and a trendy bronze.
In terms of fit, the Galaxy Buds Live are designed to be more ergonomic, with a shape that mirrors the natural curve of the ear. This design allows for a more comfortable fit and better noise isolation. However, some users may find that the earbuds don’t fit as snugly as the Galaxy Buds 2, especially for those with smaller ears.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is a crucial aspect of any earbud, and both the Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Live deliver in this department. The Galaxy Buds 2 feature dual 12mm dynamic speakers, which provide clear and balanced sound with good bass response. The earbuds also support Samsung’s proprietary Scalable Audio technology, which allows for seamless audio streaming between devices.
The Galaxy Buds Live, on the other hand, feature a unique speaker design with a 12mm dynamic driver and a bass duct. This design allows for deeper bass response and clearer sound with less distortion. The earbuds also support Samsung’s Scalable Audio technology, ensuring a seamless listening experience.
In terms of sound quality, the Galaxy Buds Live have a slight edge over the Galaxy Buds 2, thanks to their unique speaker design. The bass response is more pronounced, and the sound is clearer and more detailed. However, the difference is not dramatic, and the Galaxy Buds 2 still provide excellent sound quality.
Active Noise Cancellation
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a feature that’s become increasingly popular in true wireless earbuds. Both the Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Live offer ANC, but with some differences.
The Galaxy Buds 2 offer basic ANC, which helps to reduce ambient noise. However, the earbuds don’t have multiple noise-cancelling modes, and the feature can’t be customized.
The Galaxy Buds Live, on the other hand, offer advanced ANC with two modes: High and Low. The High mode provides maximum noise cancellation, while the Low mode provides a more subtle noise reduction. The earbuds also feature a “Voice” mode, which allows voices to pass through while still blocking ambient noise.
In terms of ANC, the Galaxy Buds Live have a clear advantage over the Galaxy Buds 2. The advanced noise-cancelling modes and customization options make them more effective at blocking out distractions.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is an essential consideration for true wireless earbuds. The Galaxy Buds 2 offer up to 5 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 20 hours provided by the charging case. The earbuds also support wireless charging and fast charging, which provides 1.5 hours of playback with just 15 minutes of charging.
The Galaxy Buds Live offer up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge, with an additional 21 hours provided by the charging case. The earbuds also support wireless charging and fast charging, which provides 1 hour of playback with just 5 minutes of charging.
In terms of battery life, the Galaxy Buds Live have a slight advantage over the Galaxy Buds 2. However, both earbuds offer more than enough battery life for most users, and the fast charging capabilities ensure that you can quickly top up your earbuds when needed.
Additional Features
Both the Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Live offer a range of additional features that enhance their functionality.
The Galaxy Buds 2 feature Samsung’s intuitive touch controls, which allow you to play/pause music, skip tracks, and answer calls with ease. The earbuds also support Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app, which provides a range of customization options and fitness tracking features.
The Galaxy Buds Live also feature Samsung’s touch controls, but with some additional functionality. The earbuds support ” Labs” features, which provide experimental features like audio sharing and voice amplification. The earbuds also support Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app, which provides a range of customization options and fitness tracking features.
In terms of additional features, the Galaxy Buds Live have a slight edge over the Galaxy Buds 2. The experimental features and customization options make them more appealing to those who want to get the most out of their earbuds.
Conclusion
So, which is better: the Galaxy Buds 2 or the Galaxy Buds Live? The answer ultimately depends on your priorities.
If you’re looking for a more traditional earbud design with a comfortable fit, the Galaxy Buds 2 are an excellent choice. They offer excellent sound quality, basic ANC, and a range of additional features.
If you’re looking for a more futuristic design with advanced ANC and superior sound quality, the Galaxy Buds Live are the better option. They offer a more ergonomic design, advanced noise-cancelling modes, and a range of experimental features.
Ultimately, the Galaxy Buds Live are the better choice for those who want the latest and greatest in true wireless earbud technology. However, the Galaxy Buds 2 are still an excellent option for those on a budget or who prefer a more traditional earbud design.
| Feature | Galaxy Buds 2 | Galaxy Buds Live |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Traditional earbud design | Bean-shaped earbud design |
| Sound Quality | Good sound quality with clear and balanced sound | Superior sound quality with deeper bass response and clearer sound |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Basic ANC | Advanced ANC with multiple modes |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 hours of playback on a single charge | Up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge |
| Additional Features | Touch controls, Galaxy Wearable app support | Touch controls, Galaxy Wearable app support, Labs features |
What are the main differences between Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Live?
The main differences between Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Live lie in their design, fit, and features. Galaxy Buds 2 have a more traditional earbud design with ear tips, providing a snug fit and better noise isolation. On the other hand, Galaxy Buds Live have an open design without ear tips, allowing for greater awareness of your surroundings.
Galaxy Buds 2 also have more advanced noise-cancellation technology, with active noise control and a more comprehensive noise-cancellation system. In contrast, Galaxy Buds Live have a more minimalist approach to noise cancellation, relying on ambient sound rather than active noise control. Additionally, Galaxy Buds 2 have a slightly longer battery life and faster charging capabilities compared to Galaxy Buds Live.
Which buds are more comfortable to wear?
Galaxy Buds Live are generally considered more comfortable to wear due to their open design, which allows for greater airflow and less ear fatigue. The buds themselves are also smaller and lighter, making them less noticeable when worn. However, some users may find that the lack of ear tips can make them more prone to falling out.
Galaxy Buds 2, on the other hand, have a more secure fit thanks to their ear tips, which can provide a better seal in the ear canal. However, this can also lead to ear fatigue and discomfort over extended periods of wear. Ultimately, comfort is subjective and will depend on individual ear shapes and preferences.
What is the sound quality like between the two buds?
Both Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Live offer high-quality sound with clear and balanced audio. However, Galaxy Buds 2 have a slightly more detailed and nuanced sound, thanks to their more advanced drivers and noise-cancellation technology.
Galaxy Buds Live, on the other hand, have a more neutral sound signature, which can be beneficial for those who prefer a more natural sound. However, they may lack the depth and detail of the Galaxy Buds 2. It’s worth noting that sound quality can also be affected by the fit of the buds in the ear, so it’s essential to find a comfortable and secure fit to get the best possible sound.
Do the Galaxy Buds 2 or Galaxy Buds Live have better noise cancellation?
Galaxy Buds 2 have more advanced noise-cancellation technology, with multiple microphones and a more comprehensive noise-cancellation system. This allows them to better block out background noise and ambient sounds, providing a more immersive listening experience.
Galaxy Buds Live, on the other hand, take a more minimalist approach to noise cancellation, relying on the earbuds’ design and ambient sound to create a more natural listening experience. While they don’t offer the same level of noise cancellation as the Galaxy Buds 2, they are better suited for everyday listening and conversing with others.
Can I use the Galaxy Buds 2 or Galaxy Buds Live with non-Samsung devices?
Both Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Live can be used with non-Samsung devices, including iPhones and other Android devices. However, some features may not be compatible or may require additional setup.
For example, features like seamless pairing and integration with Samsung Health may only work on Samsung devices. However, the core listening and calling functions will still work on non-Samsung devices. It’s essential to check compatibility and feature availability before purchasing.
How long do the batteries last on the Galaxy Buds 2 and Galaxy Buds Live?
Galaxy Buds 2 have a slightly longer battery life, with up to 7.5 hours of listening time on a single charge. The charging case provides an additional 24 hours of battery life.
Galaxy Buds Live, on the other hand, have up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, with an additional 21 hours of battery life from the charging case. It’s worth noting that battery life can vary depending on usage and volume levels.
Which buds are more affordable?
Galaxy Buds Live are generally more affordable than Galaxy Buds 2, with a lower launch price point and more frequent sales.
Galaxy Buds 2, on the other hand, are a more premium product with advanced features and technology. As such, they tend to be priced higher than the Galaxy Buds Live. However, prices can vary depending on the region and retailer, so it’s essential to check prices before making a purchase.