Samsung Galaxy Buds4 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2: Newer isn’t necessarily better
The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 vs the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 represent two very different takes on wireless earbuds. The Buds4 lean into an unsealed, AirPods-style design with newer Galaxy AI features, while the Buds2 stick with a more traditional in-ear design and a basic yet proven feature set. In my testing, the biggest differences come down to fit, isolation, and how consistently each pair performs in daily use.
How has this article been updated?
This article was originally published on April 2, 2026, and this is the first version.
What’s it like to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 compared to the Samsung Galaxy Buds2?
Samsung added 360 Audio to the Galaxy Buds 2, which is compatible with video content.
Using the Galaxy Buds4 feels like a refinement of Samsung’s newer open-ear design. I found the flat stem and engraved pinch controls easier to use than before, and the clamshell case is much more convenient for everyday handling. That said, the unsealed fit is the defining factor. The earbuds rely entirely on your ear shape, and in my experience, they tend to shift over time, which can become frustrating. The IP54 rating offers decent protection, though it’s a step down from the previous generation.
The Galaxy Buds2 take a more conventional approach with a rounded, sealed design. I found the fit generally more stable thanks to the ear tips, though the lack of wing tips means they can still loosen during movement. Their IPX2 rating is less robust than the Buds4, but the physical seal formed with the ear tips helps them feel more secure while exercising. Just be mindful that, while the touch controls are responsive, they’re overly sensitive and frequently trigger accidental inputs when adjusting the buds.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 have more features?
The Galaxy Buds4 clearly push the envelope with new features, especially for Samsung users. I was able to access adaptive noise control, a 9-band EQ, 360 audio recording, and head gesture controls for calls and notifications. Voice assistant support now includes Bixby, Google Gemini, and Bixby powered by Perplexity. However, unlike the Buds2, the Buds4 no longer enjoy native voice commands. Also, many advanced features, like UHQ audio and super-wideband calls, are limited to Samsung devices.
The Galaxy Buds2 still offer a strong feature set given their age, including ambient sound mode, EQ presets, and an ear tip fit test. However, there’s no custom EQ, and iOS support is very limited. I did appreciate extras like Gaming Mode and seamless device switching, but overall, the Buds2 feel outdated compared to the Buds4’s newer AI-driven additions.
How do the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 connect?
You can control the earbuds in the Wearable app.
The Galaxy Buds4 use Bluetooth 6.1 with SBC, AAC, and the Samsung Seamless Codec for near-lossless audio on compatible Galaxy devices. I didn’t run into latency issues during testing, but the lack of true multipoint means you must install the Samsung Wear app on both devices to switch seamlessly.
The Galaxy Buds2 use Bluetooth 5.2 and support SBC, AAC, and the Samsung Scalable Codec. In my testing, connection stability is reliable, switching between devices is relatively straightforward, and codec support is competitive, especially for those within the Samsung ecosystem. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Buds2 do not support Auracast broadcasting, which limits their future functionality.
Is battery life better on the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds2?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 last marginally longer per charge cycle than the Galaxy Buds4.
Battery life is very similar between the two. The Galaxy Buds4 lasted 4 hours and 56 minutes in our standardized battery test with ANC enabled, just under Samsung’s 5-hour claim. The case provides up to 24 hours of total playtime, which I found sufficient for daily use but somewhat limiting for long trips.
The Galaxy Buds2 edge slightly ahead with 5 hours and 3 minutes per charge in our testing. However, they only offer an additional 15 hours from the case. If you’re in a bind, giving the buds a quick 5-minute fast charge provides about an hour of playback. Wireless charging and PowerShare add extra flexibility to both earbuds.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 block noise better?
The Galaxy Buds2 perform noticeably better here. Provided you achieve a robust fit, their sealed design delivers superior passive isolation and effective ANC. At their best, the Buds2’s ANC makes low frequencies sound one-quarter as loud as without the earbuds inserted. This makes them a suitable option for frequent commuters and for those who work in other noisy environments. However, as stated, your experience may vary depending on how well you fit the earbuds.
Conversely, the Galaxy Buds4 struggle to quell background noise due to their unsealed design. In particular, most sounds up to 2kHz will reach your ear with little to no attenuation. Even when I achieved a good fit, performance was inconsistent, and shifting the earbuds can cause the ANC to drop out entirely. Transparency isn’t highlighted as a strength either, largely because the open design already lets in external sound.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 sound better than the Samsung Galaxy Buds2?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 have slightly better ANC than the Buds Pro.
Like ANC, sound quality on the Galaxy Buds4 depends heavily on fit. When I find a stable position, the earbuds deliver decent sound with pleasant vocal reproduction. However, bass depth and strength are weak below 250Hz, and the elevated treble frequencies can make some sibilants sound shrill. They’re not particularly immersive, either, making it harder to locate instruments around you in a 360-degree sphere.
Objective Measurements
The Galaxy Buds2 offer a more reliable listening experience because their sealed design shifts less during wear and helps retain bass frequencies. The ample low end and even midrange align well with our target house curve and what I usually enjoy, delivering a balanced sound that accommodates most genres. While busy tracks with very loud bass can mask some details, the earbuds have a consistent frequency response that’s clear-sounding most of the time.
How would most people rate the sound from 1 to 5?
What do the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores mean?
- Timbre (MOS-T) represents how faithfully the headphones reproduce the frequency spectrum and temporal resolution (timing information).
- Distortion (MOS-D) represents non-linearities and added noise: higher scores mean cleaner reproduction.
- Immersiveness (MOS-I) represents perceived source width and positioning: how well virtual sound sources are defined in three-dimensional space.
The Galaxy Buds4 earn an overall MDAQS score of 3.8, with Timbre at 4.2, Distortion at 3.4, and Immersiveness at 2.0. These results reflect how much the unsealed design limits consistency, especially in Immersiveness. We haven’t put the Galaxy Buds2 through our MDAQS tests at the time of writing. However, it’s fair to assume that, because of their superior in-ear design, Immersiveness would score higher than the Buds4.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 have a better microphone?
The Galaxy Buds4 have a hard time staying in place.
The Galaxy Buds4 perform very well for calls. In my testing, voices come through clearly even in noisy environments, and background noise rarely overpowers speech. The addition of super-wideband support helps improve voice clarity when conditions allow.
The Galaxy Buds2 are more average. While usable for calls, the microphones don’t effectively reduce background noise, so callers on the other end may hear ambient sounds, such as keyboard clicks. Compared to the Buds4, call quality is less consistent in challenging environments.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 microphone demo (Windy conditions):
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 microphone demo (Windy conditions):
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Samsung Galaxy Buds4 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2: Price and availability
You get three pairs of silicone ear tips, which are serviceable but don’t fit a wide range of ear shapes.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 retail for $179, placing them in direct competition with other open-ear buds. They maintain the same price as their predecessor while adding new features and design tweaks.
The Galaxy Buds2 fall into a more affordable category and are often available for under $149. They position themselves as a midrange option with solid performance, making them easier to justify for budget-conscious buyers. However, they’re now nearly 5 years old and were discontinued when the Galaxy Buds3 were announced on July 10, 2024. Subsequently, the Galaxy Buds2 are more difficult to find nowadays.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 price history
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 price history
Should you get the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds2?
The Galaxy Buds 4 have an unsealed design like the AirPods 4.
If you specifically want an unsealed, open-ear design and use a Samsung phone, the Galaxy Buds4 offer the most refined version of that experience so far. I found their features, call quality, and ecosystem integration compelling, particularly if you enjoy the latest Galaxy AI functions. However, they do very little to block out the world around you. Similarly, if you’re born with the “wrong” ear shape, there’s very little you can do to remedy the fit.
For most people, the Galaxy Buds2 are the safer choice. The sealed design delivers more consistent sound quality, better isolation, and more reliable ANC. Their battery life lasts marginally longer per charge, and they have enough goodies under the hood to keep you from twiddling your thumbs. The fit isn’t perfect, but in everyday use, they perform more predictably, which matters more than the Buds4’s newer features.
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