Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Review: Comfort Wins, ANC Divides
The most surprising pattern in user discussions is how Samsung Galaxy Buds3 sit at a crossroads between loyal praise and frustrated returns. For open‑type earbuds without silicone tips, they're pulling comfort scores far above expectations—yet active noise cancellation (ANC) reports remain notably mixed. Looking across hundreds of comments and reviews, these land at a 7.8/10: excellent sound and ecosystem features for Samsung users, but divisive fit and control ergonomics for others.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy—best for Samsung ecosystem users who prefer open‑ear comfort.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich, balanced sound with deep bass | ANC less effective than in‑ear designs |
| Comfortable for extended wear | Pinch controls can be finicky/inconsistent |
| Seamless pairing with Samsung devices | Fit insecure for some ear shapes |
| Long battery life (up to 30h total) | Ecosystem features locked to Samsung gear |
| IP57 water/dust resistant | Lacks ambient sound mode found in Pro model |
| Effective Galaxy AI features like translation | No silicone tips, no fit adjustment |
| Stylish clear‑lid case design | Price high versus similar‑performing rivals |
Claims vs Reality
Samsung markets the Buds3 with phrases like “Ultimate Hi‑Fi sound” and “adaptive ANC for all ears.” Digging deeper into user feedback, two claims stand out.
First, the sound quality claims largely hold. Reddit user u/adam_0 wrote: “The sound… is simply incredible in dynamic mode. Bass is deep, mids clear, highs slightly less distinct than the Buds3 Pro, but the soundstage feels wider.” Verified buyers on Best Buy echoed this, saying the audio “is spot on… not overly loud, even at max volume” when tuned via the app’s EQ.
However, ANC reality is more complicated. While Samsung says adaptive ANC compensates for an open design, Reviewed’s Geoffrey Morrison reported it “can reduce the hum of an air conditioner…but bassier sounds like airplane engine noise aren’t reduced much.” Multiple Best Buy customers agreed, noting “without silicone ear tips ANC is never great… I can still hear ambient rumble.”
Another big claim is “all‑day secure comfort.” For some, it’s true: one Best Buy reviewer said they forgot they were wearing them during errands. Others found the opposite—“I could barely get them to stay in my ear,” wrote one buyer who returned them. Fit security seems highly dependent on ear shape.
Cross‑Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The comfort factor for users who dislike in‑ear canal designs garners consistent praise. Samsung Community user adam_0 compared them to Buds Live, calling them “the most comfortable… they stay in place without silicone tips.” Runners and gym‑goers with compatible ear shapes benefit from the IP57 water resistance and feather‑light 4.7g weight per earbud. The openness reduces ear fatigue; one Best Buy reviewer noted no soreness “even after long hours at work.”
Sound quality is also a clear win. Powerful yet controlled bass, crisp vocals, and spatial clarity from the Samsung Seamless Codec at 24‑bit/96kHz come up repeatedly. A user pairing with a Pixel 8 using LC3 codec said, “It sounds amazing in a quiet room… better than my Nothing Ear (2024).” Streaming and video playback benefit from low latency and 360 Audio when paired with newer Samsung gear.
Samsung ecosystem integration gets rave reviews from owners of Galaxy phones, tablets, and TVs. Features like Live Translate and PC Auto Switch create frictionless use cases. A Trustpilot review enthused: “Love it! Battery life is good… connects seamlessly to my other device.” For monolingual travelers, in‑ear real‑time translation is a standout.
Common Complaints
Touch and pinch controls frustrate a sizeable group. Best Buy and Reddit reports state pinch gestures often require multiple tries, sometimes nearly knocking the bud out. One user described needing “three or four tries to pause or skip,” compared to flawless slide‑to‑adjust volume. In calls, inadvertent pinches can even hang up unintentionally.
Fit insecurity affects those with smaller ears or ear shapes that don’t grip the stem. Sellers and reviewers note “no way to adjust fit,” so movement or certain postures (side sleeping) can dislodge them. For some, twisting them upward improves stability but compromises comfort. These complaints often lead to exchanges for Buds Pro models with tips.
ANC disappoints frequent flyers and commuters in noisy settings. The open design inherently limits passive isolation, so environmental hum and voices still seep through. A Redditor summarised: “ANC is more pleasant in that it reduces without isolating, but it’s not complete.”
Divisive Features
The open‑type design itself splits opinions. For AirPods‑style fans, it’s perfect relief from ear canal intrusion. For isolation seekers, it's a deal‑breaker. Similarly, Galaxy AI features like Live Translate get applause from supported device owners, but create frustration for others—they’re entirely locked to Samsung phones running One UI 6.1.1 or newer.
Pinch‑activated LED blade lights also divide owners. Their novelty and public visibility appeal to some; others call them “limited… bright enough to be seen by others in public” with no app‑based on/off toggle other than a manual squeeze method.
Trust & Reliability
Scam or durability concerns are low, but some users cite rare charging contact issues where one bud doesn’t register unless pressed in the case. Samsung Community members suggest manually pressing buds into slots to correct alignment. Over months of use, software updates draw mixed reactions—some claim audio immersion worsened post‑update, while call quality improved.
Trustpilot patterns for similar Samsung wearables show customers valuing warranty support and app‑based troubleshooting. Outdoor users report the IP57 rating protecting buds during rain and runs, with no ingress issues months later.
Alternatives
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro emerge as the main sibling alternative. For $50 more, they add a dual‑driver setup, silicone tips for better seal, ambient sound mode, and slightly longer battery life. Several Best Buy reviewers upgraded, citing discomfort and weak ANC on Buds3.
Cross‑brand, the Apple AirPods Pro 2—likewise brand‑locked—offer stronger ANC and fit options but cost more. The Sony WF‑1000XM5 are pricier still, but praised for noise blocking and audio fidelity. Reviewed notes Buds3 match none of these on ANC, but can beat them on comfort for those set against canal tips.
Price & Value
At $179.99 MSRP (currently in some markets $149.99–AED 249), the Buds3 sit mid‑range. eBay refurbished prices show small depreciation, with “like new” units at ~¥1,477. For resale, open‑type designs appeal to a niche, so used prices may drop faster than Pro equivalents.
Community buying tips emphasise paired ecosystem savings: Samsung trade‑in deals and bundles with new Galaxy phones or Watches can offset cost. Experienced buyers advise trial fitting before purchase to avoid returns over ear mismatch.
FAQ
Q: Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 have good noise cancellation?
A: ANC can reduce certain constant noises but is limited by the open‑ear design. Expect less isolation than in‑ear models, especially for low‑frequency sounds like engine rumble.
Q: Will they fit securely during exercise?
A: For many with compatible ear shapes, yes—especially in running or gym sessions. But others report loosening during movement, with no tips to adjust fit.
Q: Are premium Galaxy AI features available on non‑Samsung phones?
A: No. Translation, adaptive EQ, and 24‑bit/96kHz streaming require recent Samsung Galaxy devices. On other phones, they function as standard Bluetooth earbuds.
Q: How long does the battery last with ANC on?
A: Up to 5 hours in the buds, with the case providing a total of ~24 hours. ANC off boosts that to 6 hours in the buds and 30 hours total.
Q: Can I sleep on my side wearing them?
A: Many side sleepers find the stem’s triangular shape uncomfortable and prone to dislodging when pressed against a pillow.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a Samsung phone owner who values long‑wear comfort over total isolation. Avoid if secure fit and strong ANC are priorities—consider the Buds3 Pro or another in‑ear model instead. Pro tip from community: spend time customising EQ in the Galaxy Wearable app—the “Dynamic” mode wins praise from music lovers.
