Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Review: Would Owners Buy Them Again?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How this review was made: We did not test these earbuds in person. This verdict is based on our analysis of expert reviews and lab measurements, all listed at the end of this article. We found little long-term owner data, and say so below. Our method.
Only worth it for Galaxy owners who dislike ear tips
The Galaxy Buds3 are open-fit earbuds with a stem, squeeze controls and Samsung-only extras like high-resolution audio and live translation. When they fit well they sound good. But several testers found them slipping out, the noise cancelling barely works in noisy places, and sound quality drops sharply with a loose fit. SoundGuys and Reviewed both say most people are better served elsewhere. They make sense mainly if you own a Samsung phone and simply cannot wear ear tips.
Check current price on Amazon → Prices and availability change often, so we don't list them here.Buy it again if you…
- own a recent Samsung Galaxy phone
- find silicone ear tips uncomfortable
- want Samsung extras like live translation and auto switching
Skip it if you…
- need real noise cancelling for flights or commutes
- want earbuds that stay put during workouts
- use an iPhone
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 (2024) are the open-fit sibling of the Buds3 Pro. They rest in the outer ear without silicone tips, have a stem with squeeze and swipe controls, and offer active noise cancelling, IP57 water and dust resistance and a charging case.
We combed lab tests and expert reviews. Long-term owner data is thin, so we flag where evidence is limited.
What owners say, at a glance
Bars show our editorial summary of how consistently owners praise or complain about each area across all sources — not a lab measurement.
The key specs
| Design | Open fit with stem, no ear tips |
|---|---|
| Noise control | ANC on or off (no adjustable levels) |
| Battery | Rated 5 h with ANC, 6 h without; about 30 h with case |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, Samsung Seamless Codec (24-bit/96 kHz on newer Galaxy phones) |
| Water resistance | IP57 |
| App | Galaxy Wearable on Android; no settings app on iPhone |
What owners love
What owners complain about
How they hold up over time
We found no solid long-term durability data on the regular Buds3. The bigger long-term question is fit: if they do not sit securely in your ears in week one, owners and testers suggest that will not improve.
Tips from owners
- Test the fit early while you can still return them.
- Use the EQ in the app to add back some bass.
- Do not expect silence; the ANC helps most with steady background noise.
Pros and cons
What owners love
- Comfortable for people who dislike ear tips
- Good sound with a secure fit
- Squeeze controls reduce accidental taps
- IP57 rating
- Useful extras with Samsung devices
What owners complain about
- Fit is loose for many ears
- Noise cancelling is weak
- Sound and bass drop with a poor fit
- Middling battery life
- Key features need a Samsung phone
Other options owners compare
These are the earbuds most often compared with the Galaxy Buds3.
| Model | Style | Consider it if… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 (this review) | Open fit, stem | You own a Galaxy phone and dislike ear tips | See on Amazon |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE | Stem design, Samsung | You want a lower-cost Samsung option | See on Amazon |
| Soundcore Liberty 4 NC Read our review | In-ear tips, strong ANC | You want real noise cancelling on any phone | See on Amazon |
Galaxy owner who can't stand ear tips?
Check the current price and colors on Amazon.
Frequently asked questions
Do the Galaxy Buds3 have good noise cancelling?
Not really. Without ear tips, testers found the ANC weak, especially on low engine noise and voices.
Do they work with iPhone?
They pair over Bluetooth, but iPhone users get no app settings and miss the Samsung-only features.
Are they good for the gym?
They are IP57 rated, but several testers found them slipping out during movement.
Buds3 or Buds3 Pro?
The Pro uses ear tips for better isolation; the Buds3 suit people who cannot wear tips.
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Sources we analyzed
- SoundGuys: Galaxy Buds3 vs Galaxy Buds2 — battery test, ANC, fit and sound measurements
- Reviewed: Samsung Galaxy Buds3 review — ANC, sound, Samsung-only features
- nextpit: Galaxy Buds 3 review — fit, IP57, codecs, battery
- MobileSyrup: Galaxy Buds 3 review — comfort, controls, battery
Figures reflect each source as of October 14, 2026 and may change. We summarize owner feedback in our own words and do not reproduce retailer reviews.