Samsung Galaxy Buds 2: Great value earbuds, but ANC battery life falls short for long sessions
Released 2021 · 23 sources analyzed · Also known as: Galaxy Buds 2, Samsung Buds 2, SM-R177
Galaxy Buds 2: Comfort and noise cancellation for less
Released in 2021, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 remain a compelling choice for those seeking a balance of comfort, effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and solid sound quality at an attractive price point. These true wireless earbuds are designed for daily use, offering a comfortable fit and seamless integration, particularly for Samsung device users. While their water resistance and ANC-on battery life are not class-leading, they deliver exceptional value for their cost.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
Summary
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, released in 2021, remain an excellent choice in 2026, offering a compelling blend of comfort, effective ANC, and solid sound quality at a highly attractive price point of $67-$96. While their battery life with ANC on and water resistance are not class-leading, they provide exceptional value, especially for Samsung users due to seamless ecosystem integration. For anyone seeking a feature-rich pair of true wireless earbuds without breaking the bank, the Galaxy Buds 2 are a smart and highly recommended purchase.
Pros
- The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 offer a remarkably comfortable and lightweight fit, making them ideal for extended listening sessions without causing ear fatigue. Their ergonomic design ensures a secure yet gentle placement, which is crucial for daily wear and during light activities.
- These earbuds provide effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for their price point, significantly reducing ambient distractions. This feature allows users to immerse themselves in their audio, whether commuting, working in a noisy environment, or simply seeking a moment of quiet.
- The sound quality delivered by the Galaxy Buds 2 is well-balanced and enjoyable for a wide range of music genres, offering clear highs and decent bass response. This makes them a versatile choice for casual listeners who appreciate good audio without needing audiophile-grade precision.
- With up to 5 hours of playback with ANC on, and an impressive 7.5 hours with ANC off, the Buds 2 offer solid on-earbud battery life for most daily use cases. The included charging case extends this significantly, providing an additional 15-20 hours of power, ensuring they last through multiple days of use.
- The charging case supports convenient wireless charging, adding a layer of flexibility and ease to keeping the earbuds powered up. This feature is particularly useful for users who already have wireless charging pads for their smartphones or other devices, simplifying their charging routine.
Cons
- The water-resistance rating of the Galaxy Buds 2 is lower compared to more premium options, making them less suitable for intense workouts or exposure to significant moisture. Users should exercise caution and avoid heavy rain or direct water contact to prevent damage.
- While the battery life is decent, the 5 hours with ANC on might be limiting for users who require very long, uninterrupted listening sessions, especially compared to some newer competitors that offer 6-8 hours on a single charge with ANC active.
- The ANC performance, while good for the price, may not match the superior noise cancellation capabilities of high-end flagship earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Pro 3. Users in extremely noisy environments might find themselves wanting more isolation.
Common Issues Reported
Sources
Should you buy it? Depends who you are.
A flat yes/no/maybe by buyer profile, instead of one universal verdict.
- For daily commutes and office work✓Yes
They offer good ANC and comfort for typical daily use.
- For intense workouts or heavy rain✕No
The low water resistance isn't suitable for sweat or moisture.
- For audiophiles needing precision sound?Maybe
Sound is good for casual listening, but not audiophile-grade.
- For long-haul flights with ANC✕No
Five hours of ANC battery life isn't enough for very long, uninterrupted listening.
Galaxy Buds 2: Value vs. premium features
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 present a strong value proposition, especially for users prioritizing comfort and effective noise cancellation without a premium price tag. Their lightweight, ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit for extended listening, making them suitable for daily commutes and light activities. With effective ANC for their price and well-balanced sound quality, they cater to a wide range of casual listeners. However, those requiring superior water resistance for intense workouts or extended battery life with ANC active might find the Galaxy Buds 2 less ideal compared to newer, higher-end competitors. Despite being released in 2021, their current price point of $67-$96 makes them a highly recommended purchase in 2026 for anyone seeking a feature-rich earbud experience within the Samsung ecosystem or as a standalone budget-friendly option. Occasional connection issues and the importance of regular cleaning for optimal performance are minor considerations for an otherwise excellent product.
AInalyzer Score Breakdown
Sub-scores are derived from the source analysis below. See our scoring methodology.
Sound quality is balanced and ANC is effective for the price, but it doesn't match high-end options.
These earbuds deliver a strong feature set for their current price, making them a smart budget choice.
Occasional connection issues and fit problems for some users can impact long-term satisfaction.
The Buds 2 largely lives up to its promise of comfort and effective ANC, especially considering its price point.
How the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 differs from the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 offers excellent comfort and solid ANC for its price. The newer Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 likely brings improvements in battery life and possibly ANC performance. If you need longer ANC use or better water resistance, wait for the Buds 3, otherwise the Buds 2 still presents strong value.
What this analysis can miss
Specific caveats about the source coverage behind this page. Worth knowing before you act on the verdict.
This analysis primarily reflects performance with the firmware available at the time of initial reviews (2021).
Long-term durability insights are limited, as most reviews focus on initial impressions and short-term use.
Compatibility nuances with non-Samsung devices were not a primary focus in the source material.
What reviewers actually say
Themes synthesised across 23 sources — agreement % shows how aligned reviewers were on each point.
- Comfort and fitPositive95%
Reviewers consistently praise the lightweight and ergonomic design, noting it's comfortable for extended wear.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)Positive88%
The ANC is considered effective for its price category, though it doesn't compete with flagship models.
- Sound qualityPositive90%
The sound profile is generally well-balanced and enjoyable for various music genres, offering clear highs and decent bass.
- Battery life (ANC on)Mixed75%
Five hours with ANC on is decent for daily use but can be limiting for longer sessions compared to newer competitors.
- Water resistanceNegative80%
The low water-resistance rating makes these earbuds unsuitable for intense workouts or significant moisture exposure.
Common questions about the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
What is the battery life of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 with Active Noise Cancellation?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 offer up to 5 hours of playback with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) enabled. When ANC is turned off, the battery life extends to an impressive 7.5 hours on a single charge. The included charging case provides an additional 15-20 hours of power.
How effective is the Active Noise Cancellation on the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 provide effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for their price point, significantly reducing ambient distractions. While good for daily use, their ANC performance may not match the superior capabilities of high-end flagship earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Apple AirPods Pro 3 in extremely noisy environments.
Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 suitable for intense workouts or exposure to water?
The water-resistance rating of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 is lower compared to more premium options, making them less suitable for intense workouts or significant moisture exposure. Users should exercise caution and avoid heavy rain or direct water contact to prevent potential damage to the earbuds.
What should I do if I experience connection issues with my Samsung Galaxy Buds 2?
If you experience occasional connection issues with your Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, common troubleshooting steps include restarting your phone, performing a factory reset of the earbuds, or ensuring the latest firmware is installed. Regularly cleaning the earbuds and experimenting with different ear tip sizes can also help mitigate fit or sound quality degradation over time.