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Samsung Galaxy Buds3 vs Galaxy Buds FE: Best budget Galaxy Buds?
The Galaxy Buds3 is the latest flagship offering from Samsung, featuring a revamped open-ear design. But despite their lower price point than the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, do they outperform the budget-friendly Galaxy Buds FE from Samsung released last year? In this Samsung Galaxy Buds3 vs Galaxy Buds FE comparison, we’ll explore how these two models stack up against each other in terms of design, features, and performance to determine which is truly the better value.
Editor’s note: this article was published on August 16, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.
What’s it like to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 compared to the Galaxy Buds FE?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds FE offer distinctly different user experiences, primarily due to their design philosophies. The Galaxy Buds3 features an unsealed, lollipop-style design reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods (3rd Gen). On the other hand, the Galaxy Buds FE opts for a more traditional in-ear design with silicone tips and a concha fin for added stability.
The Galaxy Buds3’s design can be polarizing. Some users may appreciate the open-ear feel, but many will struggle with fit issues. The lack of a proper seal can lead to inconsistent audio quality and ANC performance. In contrast, the Galaxy Buds FE provides a more secure fit for most users, thanks to their in-ear design and multiple ear tip sizes.
Both models feature compact charging cases, with the Galaxy Buds FE’s case being particularly tiny and pocket-friendly. However, the Galaxy Buds3 case offers wireless charging, a feature absent from the more budget-friendly FE model.
In terms of durability, the Galaxy Buds3 boasts an IP57 rating, making them more resistant to water and dust compared to the Galaxy Buds FE’s IPX2 rating, which only offers minimal protection against water splashes.
| Input | Left earbud | Right earbud |
|---|---|---|
| Input Slide up / down | Left earbud Volume | Right earbud Volume |
| Input Pinch once | Left earbud Play / pause | Right earbud Play / pause |
| Input Pinch twice | Left earbud Track forward | Right earbud Track forward |
| Input Pinch three times | Left earbud Track backward | Right earbud Track backward |
| Input Long pinch | Left earbud ANC | Right earbud ANC |
| Gesture | Left earbud | Right earbud |
|---|---|---|
| Gesture Single tap | Left earbud Play / pause / answer call / end call | Right earbud Play / pause / answer call / end call |
| Gesture Double tap | Left earbud N/A | Right earbud N/A |
| Gesture Long press | Left earbud Toggle ANC / Ambient | Right earbud Toggle ANC / Ambient |
| Gesture Triple tap | Left earbud N/A | Right earbud N/A |
Should you use the Samsung Wearable app for either the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 or Galaxy Buds FE?
Both the Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds FE benefit from using the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app, but there are some key differences in their implementations.
The app is essential for accessing features like ANC toggle, EQ presets, and AI features on the Galaxy Buds3. It also allows for firmware updates and customization of touch controls. Likewise, the Galaxy Buds FE relies on the Wearable app for many of its features, including control customization and equalizer adjustments. However, some users may find the extensive permissions required by the app concerning from a privacy standpoint.
How do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds FE connect?
Both the Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds FE use Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. The Galaxy Buds3 features Bluetooth 5.4 and supports SBC, AAC, and Samsung Seamless Codec. The Samsung Seamless Codec offers near-lossless listening, but it’s only available on Samsung Galaxy devices. The Galaxy Buds FE uses Bluetooth 5.2 and supports SBC, AAC, and Samsung Scalable Codec. Like the Seamless Codec, the Scalable Codec is only available to Samsung devices but uses 16-bit instead of 24-bit.
Is battery life better on the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 or Galaxy Buds FE?
The battery life of these two models is fairly similar, with a slight edge going to the Galaxy Buds3:
- Galaxy Buds3: 4 hours 56 minutes with ANC on, 6 hours 20 minutes with ANC off
- Galaxy Buds FE: 4 hours 38 minutes (ANC on)
Both models should provide enough battery life for most daily use cases, including commutes. However, neither is particularly outstanding in this regard compared to some competitors in the market.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 or Galaxy Buds FE block noise better?
In terms of noise attenuation, the Galaxy Buds FE has a clear advantage over the Galaxy Buds3.
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The Galaxy Buds FE offers surprisingly good ANC performance, especially for their price point. They can cancel up to 30dB of outside noise and provide excellent isolation due to their in-ear design. This makes them particularly effective for commutes and flights.
In contrast, the Galaxy Buds3 struggles with consistent noise cancelation due to its unsealed design. The ANC performance can vary significantly depending on fit, and users may experience frequent issues with the ANC dropping out if the fit changes slightly.
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Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 sound better than the Galaxy Buds FE?
The sound quality comparison between these two models is complicated by the Galaxy Buds3’s fit issues. When properly fitted, the Galaxy Buds3 can produce good sound quality. However, maintaining this ideal fit can be challenging for many users.
The Galaxy Buds FE, while not audiophile-grade, offers a more consistent sound experience. They have a bass-heavy tuning that may appeal to many listeners, especially in noisy environments where it can help make certain sounds more audible.
Objective Measurements
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The frequency response of the Galaxy Buds3 varies significantly depending on fit. In an ideal fit scenario, they show a relatively balanced response with slightly elevated bass and low mids. However, in a typical (non-ideal) fit, bass response drops off considerably, and treble becomes over-emphasized.
The Galaxy Buds FE exhibits a notable bass emphasis that’s higher than what we would like to see, which may be too much for some listeners but can be helpful in noisy environments. They also show some roll-off in the highs, which can limit treble-heavy content.
Both models offer EQ presets through the Samsung Wearable app, allowing users to adjust the sound to their preferences to some extent.
Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 or Galaxy Buds FE have a better microphone?
Both the Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds FE offer decent microphone performance for calls, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
The Galaxy Buds3 microphones produce clear audio in ideal conditions but don’t seem to attempt much noise reduction in challenging environments. They may perform better when used with Samsung’s app or phones to leverage additional noise rejection capabilities.
The Galaxy Buds FE microphones offer acceptable quality for most call situations. They handle office and street noise reasonably well but struggle more in windy conditions or reverberant spaces. Take a listen for yourself below and check out our full reviews for more sample recordings.
Galaxy Buds3 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Galaxy Buds FE microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Galaxy Buds3 microphone demo (Street conditions):
Galaxy Buds FE microphone demo (Street conditions):
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 vs Galaxy Buds FE: Price and availability
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 was released in 2024 and is priced at $179.99 at Samsung.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, on the other hand, are more budget-friendly at $99 at Amazon. They were released in 2023 and are positioned as an affordable option with some premium features.
Both models are widely available through Samsung’s official channels and major electronics retailers.
Should you get the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 or Galaxy Buds FE?
The choice between the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 and Galaxy Buds FE largely depends on your preferences, needs, and budget.
Choose the Galaxy Buds3 if:
- You prefer an open-ear design similar to AirPods
- You want the latest AI features (for Samsung phone users)
- Wireless charging is important to you
- You need better water and dust resistance (IP57)
Choose the Galaxy Buds FE if:
- You prefer a traditional in-ear design with better fit and isolation
- You want good ANC performance at a more affordable price
- Bass-heavy sound signature appeals to you
- You’re on a tighter budget
Overall, we do not recommend the Galaxy Buds3 due to their fit issues and inconsistent performance. For most users, especially those not tied to the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds FE offers better value and more consistent performance if you don’t need any of the AI stuff. If you’re willing to spend more, you might want to consider other options in the market that offer better overall performance than either of these models.
AI features
Wireless charging
Spatial Audio
Advanced processing
Frequently asked questions
While the Galaxy Buds3 are newer and have some advanced features, they suffer from fit issues that can impact performance. The Galaxy Buds FE offer more consistent performance and better value for most users, especially in terms of ANC and fit.
When properly fitted, the Galaxy Buds3 can produce good sound quality. However, the Galaxy Buds FE offer more consistent sound due to their in-ear design. The Buds FE have a bass-heavy tuning that many users might prefer, especially in noisy environments.
Between these two models, the Galaxy Buds FE have better and more consistent noise cancelation. They can cancel up to 30dB of outside noise and provide excellent isolation due to their in-ear design.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 have an IP57 rating, making them water-resistant and protected against dust. While not fully waterproof, they offer better protection than the Galaxy Buds FE, which only have an IPX2 rating.
Yes, you can use the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE with an iPhone as they connect via Bluetooth. However, some features may be limited, and you won’t be able to use the Samsung Scalable Codec, which is exclusive to Samsung devices.
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 supports wireless charging. This feature is not available on the Galaxy Buds FE.
Between these two, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 might be better for workouts due to their higher IP57 rating, offering better sweat and water resistance. However, the Galaxy Buds FE’s more secure fit might be preferable for some users during exercise.