Introduction
Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Buds On, its first clip-on, open-ear earbuds under the Galaxy Buds lineup. Unlike traditional in-ear earbuds, the new model attaches around the outer ear, allowing users to listen to music while remaining aware of their surroundings.
The Galaxy Buds On combines a lightweight clip-on design with TwinBoost speakers, Intelligent Clear Call technology and hands-free AI features. It also supports Gemini Live, Quick Voice Memo and head gestures on compatible devices.
Another major highlight is battery life. Samsung claims up to 9.5 hours of music playback on a single charge and up to 38 hours with the charging case.
The earbuds launched in South Korea on October 27, 2026, while US availability begins in early November at $229.
Overview
What are the Samsung Galaxy Buds On?
The Galaxy Buds On are wireless open-ear earbuds designed for users who prefer listening without blocking their ear canals.
Their clip-on design attaches around the outer ear. As a result, users can listen to audio while remaining more aware of conversations, traffic and other environmental sounds.
Samsung positions the Buds On alongside its traditional in-ear models. While products such as the Galaxy Buds4 Pro focus on noise cancellation and immersive listening, the Buds On target everyday activities that benefit from environmental awareness.
Who are they for?
The Galaxy Buds On are designed for:
- Outdoor runners and walkers
- Commuters
- Office workers
- Users who prefer open-ear listening
- People who want hands-free controls
- Galaxy smartphone users
- Users who frequently take calls while moving
Why do they matter?
Samsung is expanding its earbuds lineup beyond traditional in-ear designs.
The Galaxy Buds On combine open-ear listening with AI-powered controls and improved call technology. Therefore, users can access music, notifications, voice assistants and voice memos without constantly reaching for their smartphones.
Samsung Galaxy Buds On Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds |
| Design | Clip-On |
| Speaker | 11.3mm TwinBoost Speaker |
| Audio Platform | Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform |
| Microphones | 3 Digital Microphones |
| Additional Call Sensor | Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 6.2 |
| Audio Codecs | SSC, SSC UHQ, AAC, SBC, LC3 |
| Music Playback | Up to 9.5 hours |
| Total Battery Life | Up to 38 hours with case |
| Talk Time | Up to 5.5 hours |
| Total Talk Time | Up to 25 hours with case |
| Earbud Battery | 61mAh each |
| Case Battery | 530mAh |
| Water Resistance | IP54 (earbuds only) |
| Earbud Weight | 6.65g each |
| Case Weight | 41g |
| Colour | Black |
| Compatibility | Android 12 or later, with more than 1.5GB memory |
Specifications are based on Samsung’s published product information. Actual performance may vary depending on usage, settings and connected devices.
Clip-On Open-Ear Design
The biggest change in the Galaxy Buds On is its clip-on design.
Instead of entering the ear canal, each earbud attaches around the outer ear using a flexible band. This leaves the ear canal open and helps users remain aware of their surroundings while listening.
Samsung says it used more than 119 million ear data points, along with AI-assisted optimisation and physics simulations, to refine the design for different ear shapes.
Each earbud weighs approximately 6.65 grams. Moreover, the design aims to distribute pressure around the ear for a secure fit during everyday activities.
The earbuds also support tap controls, allowing users to manage playback and other functions without taking out their phones.
TwinBoost Speakers for Open-Ear Audio
Samsung equips the Galaxy Buds On with an 11.3mm TwinBoost Speaker.
The speaker system aims to deliver rich audio while maintaining awareness of the surrounding environment.
However, open-ear earbuds work differently from traditional in-ear models. Since they do not seal the ear canal, outside sounds remain audible. This makes them useful for outdoor activities, although they may not provide the same isolation as noise-cancelling earbuds.
Audio Leakage Reduction
Another notable feature is Samsung’s Audio Leakage Reduction technology.
It uses reversed sound waves from the rear of the speaker to reduce sound escaping toward other people. Consequently, the technology aims to make listening more private in shared environments.
The earbuds also feature automatic volume adjustment as a Labs feature on compatible devices and software.
Intelligent Clear Call
The Galaxy Buds On include three digital microphones and a Voice Pickup Unit (VPU) to improve call quality.
The VPU is a vibration sensor that detects when the user speaks through movements around the ear.
Samsung combines this system with machine-learning noise reduction. The technology aims to isolate the user’s voice while reducing background sounds such as traffic and construction noise.
As a result, the earbuds are designed to deliver clearer calls in noisy surroundings.
AI Features and Hands-Free Controls
Samsung also integrates the Galaxy Buds On with its Galaxy smartphone and AI ecosystem.
Gemini Live
Users can access Gemini Live through voice commands on compatible devices.
For example, they can start a conversation by saying, “Hey Google, let’s talk live.” This allows users to interact with Google’s AI assistant without manually opening an app.
Gemini Live requires a compatible device, account and internet connection. Availability also varies by country and language.
Quick Voice Memo
The Galaxy Buds On also support Quick Voice Memo.
Users can press and hold an earbud and speak to record their thoughts. The feature works with compatible Galaxy AI devices and Samsung applications.
Head Gestures
Another hands-free feature is Head Gestures.
Users can nod to accept calls and shake their heads to decline them. On supported devices and software versions, the feature can also help dismiss alarms and read notifications aloud.
These functions provide additional control when users cannot easily reach their smartphones.
Galaxy Ecosystem Integration
Samsung designed the Galaxy Buds On to work closely with compatible Galaxy smartphones and tablets.
Galaxy users can connect the earbuds by opening the charging case near a compatible device. Samsung also says users do not need to install the Galaxy Wearable app for the basic setup process.
They can access volume and equaliser controls through the Buds shortcut in the Quick Panel.
However, some advanced features require compatible Galaxy devices and specific One UI versions. Additionally, certain functions may not work on non-Samsung Android devices.
Battery Life
Battery life is another major highlight of the Galaxy Buds On.
Each earbud has a 61mAh battery, while the charging case includes a 530mAh battery.
Samsung claims the following playback figures:
- Up to 9.5 hours of music playback on the earbuds
- Up to 38 hours of total music playback with the case
- Up to 5.5 hours of talk time on the earbuds
- Up to 25 hours of total talk time with the case
Actual battery life will depend on volume, Bluetooth connection, features and usage conditions.
Connectivity and Compatibility
The Galaxy Buds On support Bluetooth 6.2.
They also support several audio codecs, including:
- Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC)
- SSC UHQ
- AAC
- SBC
- LC3
Samsung lists compatibility with Android 12 or later devices with more than 1.5GB of memory.
However, some features remain exclusive to compatible Galaxy devices. Therefore, users should check device and software compatibility before purchasing.
Water and Dust Resistance
The earbuds carry an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance.
This means they can handle limited exposure to dust and freshwater splashes under the tested conditions. However, the charging case does not have a water-resistance rating.
Samsung does not recommend using the earbuds at beaches or swimming pools. Users should also dry the earbuds and their hands before placing them in the charging case.
Price and Availability
Samsung Galaxy Buds On Price
Samsung has announced the following prices in selected markets:
| Market | Price |
|---|---|
| South Korea | KRW 299,000 |
| United States | $229 |
| Nepal | To be announced |
The Galaxy Buds On launched in South Korea on October 27, 2026. Samsung has announced US availability beginning in early November 2026.
Samsung has not confirmed an official Nepal price or local launch date yet. Therefore, buyers in Nepal will need to wait for local availability and pricing information.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Open-ear clip-on design
- Lightweight 6.65g earbuds
- 11.3mm TwinBoost speakers
- Up to 9.5 hours of playback per charge
- Up to 38 hours of total battery life
- Bluetooth 6.2
- Intelligent Clear Call
- Three microphones and VPU
- Audio Leakage Reduction
- Gemini Live integration
- Quick Voice Memo
- Head Gestures
- IP54-rated earbuds
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Charging case is not water resistant
- Some AI features require compatible Galaxy devices
- Advanced features may not work on all Android devices
- Open-ear design offers less isolation from surrounding noise
- Nepal price and availability are not confirmed
FAQ
Samsung Galaxy Buds On are clip-on open-ear wireless earbuds designed to provide audio while keeping users aware of their surroundings.
Samsung has announced a price of KRW 299,000 in South Korea and $229 in the United States. The Nepal price has not been announced.
The earbuds offer up to 9.5 hours of music playback on a single charge and up to 38 hours with the charging case.
They use an open-ear design and do not offer traditional active noise cancellation. Instead, they focus on environmental awareness and audio leakage reduction.
Yes. Users can access Gemini Live through voice commands on compatible devices, subject to account, language and regional availability.
The earbuds have an IP54 dust and splash resistance rating. However, the charging case is not water resistant.
Samsung’s published compatibility information specifies Android 12 or later. It does not list iPhone compatibility, so iPhone users should not assume full support.
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Buds On introduce a different listening experience to the Galaxy Buds lineup.
Their clip-on open-ear design allows users to listen to music while remaining aware of their surroundings. In addition, TwinBoost speakers, Intelligent Clear Call and Audio Leakage Reduction aim to improve everyday listening and communication.
The integration of Gemini Live, Quick Voice Memo and Head Gestures also adds more hands-free functionality for compatible Galaxy devices.
However, the open-ear design is not intended to replace noise-cancelling earbuds in situations where users want isolation. Instead, the Galaxy Buds On target people who value comfort, convenience and environmental awareness.
For Nepal, the main details still to come are the official price and availability.
