The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE (Fan Edition) offer a compelling package for budget-conscious consumers looking for active noise cancellation (ANC) and seamless integration with Samsung devices.
Priced at $99.99, these earbuds deliver solid performance — although they do come with a few compromises.
Design & Comfort
The Galaxy Buds FE feature a minimalist, matte-finish design, available in Graphite and White colors.
Key comfort features include:
- Three sizes of silicone ear tips
- Two wingtip options for a secure, customizable fit
- Redesigned wingtips that improve stability during workouts and daily wear
Overall, they are lightweight and comfortable for extended use.
Sound Quality
- The Galaxy Buds FE are tuned for bass lovers.
- Here’s what you can expect:
- Deep, punchy bass ideal for pop, hip-hop, and casual listening
- Smooth treble that avoids harshness, but lacks some high-end sparkle
- Average soundstage — fine for everyday use, but not audiophile-grade
While serious audiophiles might crave more detail, most users will appreciate the rich, energetic sound.
Active Noise Cancellation & Ambient Mode
One of the standout features at this price point is Active Noise Cancellation:
Effectively blocks out common noises like train rumbles, engines, and office chatter
Ambient Sound Mode allows external sounds through, improving awareness in public spaces
For everyday commuting and work environments, the ANC performance is impressive.
Battery Life
- Battery performance is solid:
- Up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC ON
- Up to 8.5 hours with ANC OFF
- Additional 21–30 hours of battery life from the charging case
This makes the Buds FE more than capable for a full day's use without needing constant recharging.
Connectivity & Features
- The Galaxy Buds FE come packed with useful features:
- Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, efficient connections
- Supports SBC, AAC, and Samsung's Scalable Codec (great for Samsung device users)
- Access to Galaxy Wearable App for:
- EQ presets
- Touch control customization
- Firmware updates
Note:
There’s no fully customizable EQ setting — a minor limitation for those wanting detailed audio tweaking.
Durability & Other Considerations
Some points to keep in mind:
IPX2 water resistance — resistant to light splashes, but not suited for heavy rain or intense workouts
No wireless charging — charging is via USB-C only
Build quality is decent, but feels a little less durable than premium competitors
Final Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are a fantastic choice for general consumers seeking reliable, affordable ANC earbuds.
- Strengths include:
- Solid sound quality
- Good noise cancellation
- Seamless integration with Samsung devices
While they are not built for rugged use or extreme audiophile demands, at under $100, the Buds FE strike a very attractive balance of features and performance.
Recommended for:
Commuters, casual listeners, Samsung phone users, and anyone looking for affordable wireless ANC earbuds.