Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: Problems & Best Features After 2 Weeks
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I have been testing Samsung’s new $99 Galaxy Buds FE for the past 2 weeks and I have to say, these could have easily disrupted the entire earbuds market and become my most recommended earbuds of 2023… but there are three choices that hold them back from that legendary potential. Instead, these are just solid. An easy recommendation and a purchase you won’t regret. Let’s get into it.
Please comment below with any questions you might have. Thank you all for watching! I appreciate you!
Disclaimer: This video is purely based on my experiences, research, and opinions. You and only you are responsible for your actions. I made this channel to advise viewers and I truly hope to help you all out. I love making these videos and connecting with my viewers!
One or more of the products shown in this video may have been sent to me at no cost. This does not influence my opinions; I always cover both pros and cons.
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ADDITIONAL VIDEO NOTES:
So after my hands-on time, I was not allowed to try these earbuds
Fit/comfort after working out
MIC TEST
Should I make another video comparing these to the other Galaxy Buds in the lineup?
Sound Quality
I just reviewed the Sony SM5’s, Bose Ultras, and Jabra Elite 10s. All of which are 3-4x more expensive than this so I need to keep that in mind when discussing the audio quality
There are no blatant issues I see with the sound quality for this price. It makes sense and I think most people would enjoy these
To describe them in more detail, however,
Warm basslines in Bob Don by Goose
A bit bloated with mid bass making vocals slightly less pronounced
This leads to weak instrument separation
Lacks details in the snares
Overall pretty fun, lively with boosted bass and although they lack detail, I think they make up for that with better ANC and mics than I would expect at this price
ANC
Surprisingly good for this price!
TRANSPARENCY
WHEN YOU CONNECT:
Fit check in app
Tap and hold each earbud to enter pairing mode (I like that there is no button required)
More affordable - $100, but with the link below, you can get $25 for trading in any wired or wireless earbuds or headphones. There is also a 10% student discount so these could really be $68
PROs
Long battery life (6/21 hr battery 8.5/30 w/o ANC)
Wing tip is back
Pretty impressive ANC
Lots of cool software like left behind alerts, and lost mode
Gaming mode
CONs
1) No wireless charging!!
Missing some of the features I expected like double tap ear edge, voice detect, etc
2) No real multipoint connectivity
Only IPX2
Can’t really do much with these if you have an iphone
3) Can you not double tap to skip?
If samsung wanted to blow the market up, they just needed to add a few features to these. It probably would have been easy. Instead, they are making a comfortable budget friendly option that intentionally omits some features to encourage sales of the more premium models in the lineup. With that said, these are still a solid option for most people!
Please do the comparison with the Buds FE, Buds 2, Buds Pro, & Buds 2 Pro!
Up!
Yes please do!
👍
Aregina tech reviews did one and it's interesting that this comes in second only to the buds 2 pro
Lmao he did just that just a few days after your comment
I really hope samsung keeps this designs and puts it on one of the higher end line ups
I like the Buds2 Pro design way more tho :(( Dem little Quail eggs buds
@@VinnyUnion i really hated them from a practical standpoint, if you ear got any kind of moisture they would fall right out because of how damn smooth the design was, and because of how rounded it was extremely easy to accidently hit the touch pad on them, and the anc and sound quality suffered because it was super hard to really get a good fit because of how round they were
@@douglaswalker7707 why did u like ur own comment, whatever, everyone does that nowadays anyways, self worth bs yeeeay. Thanks for your input. Since i haven't purchased these yet, this was a very good insight on what to expect. I'm really looking forward to connect it with my galaxy watch. Use it as a very portable mp3 player sometimes. By the way, how's the volume of the Buds2 Pro? Do they get ear shattering loud? I mean like really really loud. I cannot stand having premium sound but barely any volume. I had that "issue" with the Sony W/720N as well, they wete headphones though. I liked their mcdonalds meal packaging but eh, sound was just eh. I like cheap packaging for premium products for some reason. Although i did really like Skullcandy Crusher EVO packaging as well, super premium, but the product's sound man... That bass was artificially created from external vibration motors, that's utterly misleading. Like, the sound itself was sharp and mediocre with barely any bass. That's the fakest bs i've listened to. I almost wanted to keep it because of awesome that pouch and material quality was ong π-π
I really hope Samsung to make stem design earbuds, like how B&O did with the Beoplay EX.
Yeah I'm going to wait for their next pro and just hope they will keep this design since I don't really think going from buds+ to fe is a great upgrade
the outdoor sound is so good like what i barely noticed it was the buds mic
I've had these little less than a week now and I'm very pleased with them. Best buds that I've owned so far! Wayyy better comfort and ANC than on Galaxy Buds Pro or OnePlus Buds Pro. Only real downside is the lack of user defined EQ. These have too V-shaped frequency response for my liking and the preset EQs just make them sound even worse. Luckily Galaxy phones have system wide EQ that can mostly fix this issue. With Bixby Routines I can enable the custom EQ when the Buds Fe is connected. Wireless charging would have been nice but definitely not a deal breaker for me. The wing tips are too short for my ears although overall I have normal sized ears. Luckily, the fit is still very good and secure. And finally, the flat and clearly outlined touch area is just awesome! You know exactly where to touch and where to hold them when putting on ears or adjusting them. No risk of accidental play/pauses or song skips. I really hated that on Galaxy Buds Pro because you couldn't know exactly where the touch sensitive area ends.
I'm willing to spend on these, will i miss out on some features by using buds fe with my pixel ?
@@hriday.ki.dhadkanusing them on a pixel 7, the buds are completely configurable in the wearable app, you'll just miss gaming mode which is only available for samsung devices
@@hriday.ki.dhadkanhola, acabo de comprarlos, estos tienen todas las funciones básicas que uno utiliza a diario, no extrañará las funciones avanzadas de otros auriculares
Can you share eq settings
100$ bill 😢 to purchase 'em
Bought them and absolutely love them. Wing tips are the best
I still use the Buds +. They're so good that I'll use them until they completely die on me. After 3 years the battery life is still amazing and I still cant kill them in a day.
Me too 😃😃
You can easily replace the battery for 15 bucks.
I had the buds + but i lost them in the train im devastated they where perfect😢
@@ImDamian09 🥺🥲
I got them too and honestly after hearing this I don’t feel I need to even need to switch to these the buds + are perfect imo
Earbuds will not stay in my ears without the wingtips. I'm glad Samsung brought those back.
I returned the Buds 2 Pros as they just wouldn't fit. Fe is great coming from the Buds+
I am hoping for next year, the Galaxy Buds 3 series will use the wing tips of the Buds FE, easier to take out from the case and able to stay firm in your ears while running or jogging or any kind of heavy workouts. Anyway, I had the Buds 2 Pro since a month ago but I'm very tempted to buy the Buds FE despite a few omissions. So... should I get the Buds FE as a second/spare daily driver?
I wore these at the gym and not once did I have to adjust them during my workout. The wings really do make a difference when it comes to comfort and I'm glad Samsung brought them back. The sound quaity is good but would be even bettter if there was an EQ. I hope Samsung adds an EQ in a future firmware update. The only disappointemnt is the ambient mode.
hello. Are you still using the product? Have you experienced any problems due to sweating during sports? What are your views.
@@eren13232I just bought them today for 800 ttd
I didn't know about the relaunch if it wasn't for you. Love the earbuds and the fact they fixed the mic issue.
Yes, please do a comparison of all of the buds! I still have the Buds+ but i'm considering an upgrade. I trust you on tech stuff, Mike! 😊😊
Bud 2 pro, its bettter
I just got the earbuds fe, love them so far, ANC is on point and the quality is great!
O'Brian, how can I buy some of the earbuds that you have reviewed from you? Love your reviews, very objective
I love these very secure, touch pause and play which is huge for me, sound great, and can get very loud. Just all around to me a very good pair for what I need. Not really interested in the wireless charging or water resist would rather keep the price down.
Hey Mike, nice video!! Think you can compare these Galaxy buds against the Soundcore Liberty 4 NC? I think they're their closest competitors, and would be intersting to compare Sound Quality, ANC, and other features...
Acquired mine this past Thursday. I like them! Not as comfy as Buds Live, but the wingtips make them secure. No matter how hard I try, they haven't fell out. I only use ANC. From the few times I tried ANC off & ambient, the sound wasn't that great. I have the EQ set to Dynamic, double tap for volume up & down. works like a charm. The range of the Bluetooth isn't as far as my Soundcore Life q20 over the ear headphones, but not bad. Got mine for $76+ including tax, so a great deal!
Is the sound better than the live's one?
@@user-rw9io5uq3d I believe so. The Buds Live are over the ear, whereas Buds FE are in ear. Buds Live are more comfortable
Trying to upgrade from the galaxy buds(og) version. Are these any good for running/working out? Sound quality and anc?
@omarpineda57 The Buds FE have never fallen out during weightlifting or HIIT. I keep mine on the Dynamic setting, and am happy with the sound quality
We also gotta keep in mind the original buds were $130 at launch. The buds+ were $150 at launch. These are only $100. So taking away wireless charging, getting rid of the two way speakers, and some other in app functions kind of makes sense. We get what we paid for. These are probably the best ear buds for price range of $70-$100 if we’re being honest.
Yes, remove wireless charging is good choice
I just bought these for $45 for their early black Friday deal
@@Swole_Gecko I buyed the redmi buds 4 pro, but they have some software problem so I'm not 100% satisfied about them. For Black Friday I found the Buds FE for 60, do you think it's worth to switch? (I can return the redmi one for free)
@@nicknameprivato I'm unfamiliar with redmi brand and my buds fe are still being shipped for the 24th
@@nicknameprivato although if you own a Samsung phone I'm sure the software will work seamlessly like my older buds I'm replacing
I got these for $50 and I'm so happy with it. 🥰 If there's one thing I wanted this to have is atleast IPX5 water resistance.
Still proudly using my 2yo buds plus. I love to see rhe wingtips come back. How do these compare to the other ones out now like the 2, 2 pro, and pro?
As a Galaxy Buds Pro user and used Buds+ in the past I would really love a comparison between Buds 2 Pros and FE and Buds pro
Hi Mike, I watch ur videos and yes I would like to see a bubs comperecis for the mic
Yes I would like to see how they compared to the Galaxy buds 2 ? Do they amplify the noise around you and the other person on the phone hear all the background noise? Also which one has a better mic or are they the same?
I've just got mine, second hand unit still warranty until november 2024 at just around USD 35.25. Still solid love it
Yes to the comparison video my man.
Yes! It would be great if you could make a Samsung Buds comparison with some key points such as comfort, sound quality, and other features
The pill shape case need to come back too. It’s very unique and different from other brands. I started off with a galaxy phone but now using an iPhone and I still use the buds+ cos of the shape of the case and comfort from the buds themselves.
Hello there 😃 I've got the buds 2 pro, and I don't think I've used the wireless charging more than once. Lining things up to charge, and keeping it lined up isn't as easy as plugging it in. A feature I do miss from my previous Buds Pro is volume control on the pass-through sound. The Buds 2 pro have normal, and a setting for very loud deep in the menu, but my old ones had four levels on a slider and it doesn't make any sense that they took it away.
I believe there is a setting in android developer tools for that. Try checking
@@aamirmalik2298trey tchicking!
I was skeptical of these only because of the lack of Qi charging... but knowing Samsung... these are probably going to become giveaways on flagship Samsung phones this holiday season... so I'm good with them.
Got these buds in a bundle with Tab S9 FE. This is my first time using not so cheap earphones in my life and I'm more than satisfied overall. ANC is an amazing thing, sound quality is pretty good, though I needed to tweak eq to make it likeable. I like the fit, but couple of hours in a row still make my ears tired. If you connect them to windows laptop make sure to do it via buds app from store, default bt connection make them sound like cheap crap 😅 the only thing I'd appreciate is having a case in color with buds, but this is a shortcome to make them cheaper in production.
most definitely make a comparison video. that's what we all want and your comparisons of pretty good
Buds 2 user here. love them and even got a replacement bud when i lost one
I agree with you on the sound profile. It is kinda bassy, especially when compared to the Buds+ I owned, however changing the sound profile in the settings has helped tremendously. Doesnt go as neutral as the Buds+, but good enough for what they are.
I'm in the UK and loved the buds+ I own buds 2pro & after purchasing the buds fe you want my comment the fe are wicked I love them
Hello Mike, awesome review. I can't afford them right now😅 but I know I one day will be able to buy the stuff you review so I still enjoy watching your videos... Please do the ear buds comparison video. We will appreciate
Yes we want a ultimate galaxy buds comparison ❤💯💯
How does the audio quality compare to the Galaxy Buds Live?
I hope you can do the full comparison between samsung buds, and include numbers pls (ANC, transparency, battery..more if you can). Thank you and hope the best for you
What I want is Bluetooth LE Audio (LC3) and Multi-point for better integration with my windows laptop. The samsung ecosystem works great on it's own but it needs way better windows compatibility to compete with Apple. Galaxy Buds comparison sounds great 👍
I use a work iPhone and a private IPhone. Can I easily switch the buds to either phone? Thank you!
Been using them and love them. Fit better than Buds2 pro and almost same sound quality. All around definitely better than the regular Buds2 and original Buds Pro
Buds Pro hurts like hell 😅
Sound quality/eq differences?
Is it possible to change the ambient sound settings on a Windows notebook? When I'm having a call I don't want to have my colleagues' voices amplified.
This is their best design. I bought buds pro and buds 2 but finally going back to OG buds. Hope they bring this design to pro version.
Please make the comparison between the Galaxy buds Pro and buds 2 Pro. A great video. I own the Buds 2 Pro and The Bose QCs. 😊
I had the 2's and the 2 pros, blew through them in less than 6 months, I miss my plus ones so much, and I can't wait to pick these up
Yes, I would watch that Samsung buds comparison
Hey @mikeobrienmedia I have the Galaxy buds plus because of your recommendation from years ago, how would you compare these to them?
But does it fit into the samsung buds case? I wanted to buy the pokemon eco-friends cover case along with this but wonder if this buds fit like other buds version
Please, do the comparison of the entire samsung earbuds as I want to get one and I'm confused as with which I should go for.
Hi Mike I want to ask a question about your job. If I want to work in the field of technology and make videos I have to buy every one of these products? Because I live in Turkey and there is a law here that if you open the product box, you cannot return it. May I know how you prepare the products? I would be very grateful if you could answer me and guide me
I have the bose qc earbuds 1. In rtings, they rate the sound quality of the galaxy FE buds similar to the QC 1. Is this true? My main issue with the bose is that they're too bulky and fall off after a couple of minutes running, but i do love how they sound.
Great review!
I bought them today by watching your video comoair. Wery happy, sound is awersome, it fit into ear perfectly.
still rocking the Buds+, would definitely like to see a comparison
same,i hv buds+ ,but now i use buds FE,the diffrent is huge,mostly on bass and anc
@@natsu78999 yep, got the buds FE as well and I agree with that
All these features you mentioned that Samsung did not add to Buds FE, mainly the lack of wireless charging, would make the earbuds more expensive. I believe the idea here is to be more accessible like the FE smartphone, for example, which does not have some features as the flagships, like the S21 and S21 FE. The average price for Buds 2 pro is $ 170, and the Buds FE launch price is $ 99, and considering Samsung's launch strategy, we will be able to find for less in a few months. One thing that made me happy about the Buds FE is the design bringing back the flippers that made the Buds+ so unique, in my opinion. I was wondering about buying the Buds 2 Pro on 2023 black Friday, but I might consider the Buds FE as an option too.
Yo tuve los 3, buds 2, buds pro y estos. El sonido es mejor del fe
Please do compare with buds2 pro because those were selling at just $79 to $89 in festival sale and buds FE at around $72..
The buds + really are hard to beat! I use them everyday and hope they last forever!
We are on the same boat. However ANC is makes me think 🙄🙄
I also was using my buds plus until few months back someone gifted me a jbl anc earbuds. The noise cancellation is worth it guys trust me.
@@shubhankar_sharma The thing is, how can the aforementioned earbuds perform ANC features?
Replace the battery
I think the buds + are the best ever. I don't understand why they were able to put such big battery back then but now can't?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
I've been using this since it came out and it's been so good. The bass is insane, and the microphone can capture my voice even if I speak so small
You are hands down one of the most reputable channels I've come across. Thank you for being true to the cause. I look for someone who gives an honest opinion, rather than just being a monetary proprietary person. I'm a fan!
I'd love to see a big Galaxy buds comparison!
I would love a big Samsung earbud comparison please O.B. Many thanks as ever.
Glad to see the wingtip back. I hated my buds 2 because they kept falling out and having to buy refurbished buds+ every year sucked. Picking up a set. Thanks
Got my pair today and I can say I’m happy with the sound.
Yes, please make a Samsung Buds comparison video! Please include the Sony Linkbuds S in that comparison too :)
I'm trying to figure out if its worth upgrading from my buds plus (The previous model with wing tips). So far it looks like a step down....No wireless charging, less battery life, less water resistance. I guess the economy is bad and Samsung is creating economy class products that more people can afford? I'd like to see a newer wing tip version exactly like the Buds+ but that are waterproof so I can wear them in the shower, and have a secondary touch sensor thats easy to operate so I can control volume as well as the normal interface controls. Currently you can enable the edge tap function for this but it doesn't work very well.
my friend gave me these as I fucked 3 pairs of AirPod pros now, they sound solid and the audio is pretty much on par with pros which cost 2 times the amount, but of course AirPods have just an insane ANC, and transparency.
Please compare Buds FE, Buds 2 Pro and Buds+. Considering trading in the Buds+ for one of these models, but is it worth it?
Very good buds and very good review. But I wanted to test the mics in very windy weather. I want to buy them mostly for calls. I have right now Huawei Freebuds 4 and they are very bad in windy weather in phone calls.
Honestly, I think these are great. Biggest problem is I think that the FE and the Buds2 will be at the same price where I'm from so I'm anxious for your comparison!
These honestly seem like the buds 2 in the packaging of the buds plus. Description of sound and NC is very comparable. Definitely go with the fe IMO
pls make a comparison between these, the buds 2, and the buds pro 2
I own Buds 2 Pro and these and I think they sound almost the same, and perform very similarly. I haven't had any issues at all with the FE. Sound is good, ANC is really good. The only difference con I've seen so far is that the build quality feels and looks cheap. For the price, that doesn't bother me. I think they're even better than my Pixel Buds Pro. Those things are really quiet and the touchpads have a delay.
Are they repackaged buds plus? Or do they sound different
Does it work on iOS devices? I mean.. the ANC and Transparency modes
Im listening on my GB+ 11 hours of play time Samsung should have brought that back
Would love if you could compare FE, 2, professionella, 2pro thanx a lot. Like your videos 👍
I just got these from amazon for a good deal of 5000 rupees and really loved them so far. Left bud feels like it doesn't fit that well when compared to the right one. Any fix for that?
Hello Mike, thanks for the video and the review. Could you please specify, even though buds FE would definitely WORK with an iphone, what features do work and which ones do not work, since there is no app for ios etc.?
There is an app for Windows, where can configure the controls.
@@centuriomacro9787 do these settings remain after pairing with another device though? ty.
How is your experience with your buds
@@asmatullahkhantareen9793 they're decent but since there is no app for iOS you'd need another android or windows device to configure them. Buds work fine, very comfortable actually and the sound is rather bass/mids focused. Although these are my go-to TWS buds now, I would not recommend buds FE at full price - samsung gives them 'for free' with new tablets and phones in certain regions. Tradein is also very good in NA from what I've heard.
My buds also fall out of my left ear too. How can I fix that? Changing the earpiece works sometimes
When I looked at the website and saw these were $59 I thought it was a mistake Glad to see theres no alarming problems
Hi, do you think white Galaxy Buds prone to yellowing? I'm your fans from Indonesia.
Is this sweat resistance? Can I workout with it?
Got them for free in the launch bundle of the S23 FE, got the phone for $380 and these just come with it, couldnt be happier
Would you say that these are overall better than the Sony Linkbuds S ?
Compare all of the Samsung Buds please! Buds & Buds+ are GOATs🔥
Is the switch from buds plus worth it?
I bought the FEs recently. Pretty good for the price. ANC is surprisingly good. Lack of wireless charging doesn't bother me. These aren't going to ne my main earbuds so it doesn't have to have all the bells and whistles. Going to keep these in my car to use in the event I forget my regular earbuds, etc.
Do a comparison between Buds+ and FE
Yes . Make the comparison please
Yes Make that comparison
Hello guys I got it yesterday but I have iphone, any suggestions to utilize the buds more even im using iphone?
I was upgrading from the original galaxy buds since I figured it was time for an upgrade. I was stuck between these and the buds 2. I ended up with the buds 2 due to the extra speaker.
Definitely do the comparison
Hows sound quality compaired to buds 2 ?
Hello, I need anyones help with sennheiser cx plus or Samsung G buds fe which is a better buy?
I have the buds 2, and I find that they are good enough for movement as long as you keep pushing them in and you keep them clean.
Buds comparations pls Also y not compare the S23fe with the rest of the family like the a54 and the s23?
Got for $45. Happy with them. Recommend it.
I just got mine yesterday. Galaxy buds FE is the best buds I've ever bought so far at this price point. The buds are super secure in the ear for having wing tips. Im really glad they brought back wing tips after so many years unlike other galaxy buds which doesn't have. These are so comfy even after wearing for long periodsl of time and doesn't get skin irritation. The only problem i have with this is it have high latency so the sound delays while playing games. i use OnePlus so i don't get gaming mood feature 😭
What would be the best alternative earbud in the same price segment?
Just got it a few hours ago. Its not bad. Anc is good while listening to music, alone tho i still like 5-10% of the area. Sound is just a good 7 or 8. Sounded like my 1st gen razer hammerhead that has no anc.
I have buds 2 and I'm so interested in switching to FE just because of the shape, I'm just not sure if the sound quality is better, worse of the same
No cambies, es lo mismo
Well, if we compare this headphone with JBL Wave Buds or Wave Beam, which one is better?