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Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds FE have generated a lot of buzz as a highly promising pair of earbuds that bring back the much-loved wing tip design for a secure and comfortable fit. With an impressive array of features and solid performance, the Galaxy Buds FE could have been a game-changer for the wireless earbud market, potentially becoming my most recommended earbuds of 2024. However, there are two key design choices that hold them back from reaching legendary status. While they are undoubtedly a solid choice and an easy recommendation for those seeking reliable earbuds, they fall short of their potential for greatness. Let’s dive deeper into what makes these earbuds great, and where they could have been even better.
Hands-On Experience: Initial Impressions
When I first got my hands on the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, I was already optimistic. I had heard that they carried over the wing tip design seen in the Galaxy Buds Plus and the original Galaxy Buds, which I had always found to be comfortable and secure. When I finally had the chance to test them out for an extended period of time—about two weeks to be precise—my expectations were largely met.
The wing tip design offers a secure and comfortable fit, ensuring that the earbuds stay in place during various activities like running, working out, or even doing burpees. This feature alone makes them an easy recommendation for people who prioritize a stable and secure fit during exercise. I personally don’t struggle with earbud stability in my right ear, but my left ear often struggles to keep earbuds in place during intense physical activity. With the Galaxy Buds FE, that was never an issue. Both earbuds stay securely in place, even during rigorous exercise.
Comfort-wise, the earbuds performed well over extended periods. While the silicone material used in the ear tips felt a bit firmer than I remembered, I still found them to be comfortable for long periods of use. I had no issues with ear fatigue, and in fact, I even fell asleep with the earbuds in on a couple of occasions. They didn’t cause any discomfort, and I felt that they did their job exceptionally well in terms of fit and comfort.
Another standout feature of the design is the aesthetics of the earbuds and their case. Everything about the Galaxy Buds FE feels premium, and they are visually appealing. However, there is one notable drawback when it comes to the case: lack of wireless charging. This is a curious decision by Samsung, especially considering that most of the previous Galaxy Buds models have had wireless charging capabilities. It’s unclear why Samsung chose to omit this feature, but it feels like a deliberate move to make sure the more premium models stay attractive in comparison.
Performance: Sound Quality and Microphone
While the fit and comfort of the Galaxy Buds FE are impressive, the sound quality is just as important. I’ve tested many premium earbuds, including the Sony WH-1000XM5s and Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which are three to four times more expensive than the Galaxy Buds FE. So, when reviewing the sound quality, I had to keep their price point in mind.
For the most part, the sound quality of the Galaxy Buds FE is solid for their price. I listened to various genres of music, and while there weren’t any blatant issues with the audio, the sound was slightly colored by the emphasis on bass. For example, when listening to “Bob Dawn” by Goose, I noticed that the bass was very prominent and warm, which is a plus for genres like rock, rap, and acoustic music. However, the bass could occasionally become a bit bloated, making the vocals and some higher frequencies less pronounced. This resulted in weaker instrument separation, particularly with snare drums and other high-end instruments.
The audio quality is far from perfect, but it’s important to remember that these earbuds cost a fraction of the price of flagship models. Despite the slight bass bloating and lack of detail in some higher frequencies, they still provide an overall fun and lively listening experience, with enhanced bass for those who enjoy it.
One area where the Galaxy Buds FE exceeded my expectations was with the microphone quality. In an indoor environment, the microphone performed impressively well. I could clearly hear my voice during calls, and the earbuds’ transparency mode helped me hear myself while speaking, ensuring that I didn’t have to shout. I also tested the microphone outdoors, and while it did pick up a lot of environmental noise, it still performed reasonably well considering the price point.
Samsung also offers some other features like transparency mode, which allows users to hear their surroundings, though it isn’t as natural or effective as some more expensive earbuds. In fact, the transparency mode on these earbuds is fairly quiet and doesn’t fully replicate the natural environment. That said, the active noise cancellation (ANC) on the Galaxy Buds FE is impressive for the price. The earbuds did an excellent job blocking out low-frequency noise, like jet engine sounds, and even performed well in blocking out higher voices and crowd noise—both of which can be more difficult for earbuds to manage. Although the ANC isn’t at flagship levels, it’s certainly better than many more expensive earbuds.
Connectivity and App Features
When it comes to connectivity, the Galaxy Buds FE are compatible with any Bluetooth-enabled device, including iPhones, and work best when paired with a Samsung Galaxy device. Samsung has also integrated a Fit Check feature within their app, allowing you to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for the earbuds. Additionally, users can customize various touch controls on the earbuds, such as the tap-and-hold function for both earbuds. The app also allows you to adjust the equalizer settings, read notifications aloud, and access other features like Bixby voice wakeup and ambient sound during calls.
The earbuds also come with gaming mode in Samsung Labs, which reduces latency for those who like to play games or watch videos on their devices. Another feature worth mentioning is in-ear detection, which automatically pauses the music when you remove the earbuds from your ears—something that not all budget-friendly earbuds offer.
One downside to the connectivity is that the Galaxy Buds FE lack true multi-point connectivity, meaning they don’t seamlessly switch between devices that aren’t from the Samsung ecosystem. If you’re using a non-Samsung laptop and a Samsung phone, for example, you won’t get the automatic switching that Samsung devices enjoy. This is a frustrating limitation, and it feels somewhat artificial. Samsung could easily remove this constraint and make the earbuds more versatile, but it seems they have chosen to keep it in place to protect sales of their more premium models.
The Price Factor: Is it Worth It?
The MSRP for the Galaxy Buds FE is $99, but given that these are Samsung products, they are often available at a discounted price. Currently, you Discount by trading in old wired or wireless earbuds, bringing the price down to around $59. For that price, the Galaxy Buds FE are an incredible value, offering solid sound quality, impressive ANC, and a secure fit with the return of the wing tip design.
Pros and Cons
Final Thoughts: A Solid Choice, but Not Legendary
In conclusion, the Galaxy Buds FE are a solid pair of earbuds, offering great value for the price. While they might not reach the legendary status that could have been achieved with just a few minor improvements, they are certainly a great option for those on a budget. If you’re looking for an affordable pair of earbuds with a secure fit, solid sound quality, and decent ANC performance, the Galaxy Buds FE are highly recommended. Just keep in mind that the lack of wireless charging and multi-point connectivity might be deal-breakers for some users.
