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Galaxy Buds Pro FULL review: Worth the upgrade?

Samsung’s new $200 noise-canceling earbuds feature excellent sound and call quality, but their fit could affect their noise-canceling performance. CNET’s David Carnoy discusses whether they’re right for you. Plus, how they stack up against the Galaxy Buds Plus and competing noise-canceling true-wireless earbuds.

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Samsung’s new $200 noise-canceling earbuds feature excellent sound and call quality, but their fit could affect their noise-canceling performance. CNET’s David Carnoy discusses whether they’re right for you. Plus, how they stack up against the Galaxy Buds Plus and competing noise-canceling true-wireless earbuds.

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132 Comments

132 Comments

  1. Carolina Silvestre

    January 15, 2021 at 7:26 pm

    So which should I buy?? 😂

  2. J p

    January 15, 2021 at 7:40 pm

    Good i need more bass bra

  3. ehud thegreat

    January 15, 2021 at 7:58 pm

    do you guys think samsung should partner with sony

    • Daniel Nurse

      January 15, 2021 at 9:02 pm

      There wouldn’t really much of a difference. They already have a partnership with AKG which is a top class audio company in their own right.

    • ehud thegreat

      January 15, 2021 at 11:16 pm

      @Daniel Nurse true but I was thinking the same way there is xbox game pass for Samsung users there should also be a partnership with PlayStation but I don’t think thats gonna happen lol

  4. Judd Taiba

    January 15, 2021 at 8:07 pm

    They aren’t fully waterproof, if it was it wouldn’t need a IPX rating

    • Alex Jeon

      January 15, 2021 at 8:40 pm

      Ye but no technology is actually “fully waterproof”. It can br submerged in water, which technically means fully waterproof. I don’t think you can ever get a fully waterproof device if you want to actually use it. Maybe in the future

  5. Kevin Wild

    January 15, 2021 at 8:09 pm

    I have the original galaxy buds, debating if I want to move up to these

    • Sem De Vries

      January 15, 2021 at 9:19 pm

      You want to tho

    • Kevin Wild

      January 15, 2021 at 9:44 pm

      @Sem De Vries yes, I want to, debating if I want to spend $200 to upgrade from the first version of the galaxy buds to this. Samsung is giving money for other headsets as a trade-in, but only like $30 for the original buds

  6. Mobile Tech Point

    January 15, 2021 at 8:18 pm

    Samsung joins hands with apple to save environment. If you know what I mean 😂😂

  7. Gems

    January 15, 2021 at 8:25 pm

    Well my airpods pro dnt fit me always poppin out so maybe ths r better will try em

  8. Alex Nguyen

    January 15, 2021 at 8:28 pm

    This guy ALWAYS has issues with all of his earbud testing. His ears are too big, and he always has to find bigger ear tips. Doesn’t matter what company it is.

    Informative reviews, but there’s always a minute of all his vids where he talks about the tips not fitting his ear.

    • Ki Ky

      January 16, 2021 at 12:31 am

      Not a bad thing, goes to show that the earbud manufacturers need to work harder to map & fit all sizes. Including extra large eartips may cost them a penny or a fraction of it but those that get it right will reap the rewards of more loyal customers over time.

  9. Ike Ofili

    January 15, 2021 at 8:36 pm

    *How slow can a human talk? *
    CNET: Yes!!

  10. Ben Gaba

    January 15, 2021 at 8:51 pm

    I love my Buds Live, but I have a problem with volume levels. The sound is inconsistent across different audio sources I have order a new pair as I am hoping I had a defective pair🤞🏾. These new Bud Pros don’t have enough for me to want to purchase them.

  11. murcielago Batman

    January 15, 2021 at 8:51 pm

    Are ipod max worth it?
    Cnet : YES!!!!

  12. Ricardo Arellano

    January 15, 2021 at 9:09 pm

    I wasnt too into them but decided to go for them when they came for free with my s21

  13. UTA Amtrak

    January 15, 2021 at 9:10 pm

    I think i’m going to upgrade from the original Galaxy Buds.

    • Sem De Vries

      January 15, 2021 at 9:20 pm

      Me too, this review is a little negative, maybe watch another one. If the original already fits, big chance that this one will fit too

  14. Sam

    January 15, 2021 at 9:29 pm

    My buds plus fall off whenever I box or sometimes go on a run, but apparently the pro has worse fit?

    • tnductai

      January 16, 2021 at 1:06 am

      change the tip and the fin provided in the box

  15. Tommy Franke

    January 15, 2021 at 9:29 pm

    wtf. the 360 audio is available with every one UI 3 Samsung Phone not just the S21

  16. Scott 0str

    January 15, 2021 at 9:40 pm

    Does the high ambient mode allow you to use them as hearing aids?

    • Eric Brett

      January 15, 2021 at 10:34 pm

      Just use a conch shell. Let me explain: Shelly sold sea shells by the sea shore. Them shells talk or allow this mode.

  17. PioneerBlue

    January 15, 2021 at 9:47 pm

    At 1:32 I knew I was getting an honest review

  18. Timothy Brown

    January 15, 2021 at 10:24 pm

    Welp, time to return my recently bought Buds+.

  19. BluePlayz

    January 15, 2021 at 10:41 pm

    keeping my buds plus

  20. MusicalMarc

    January 15, 2021 at 11:56 pm

    If only they brought back the storage capabilities present with the Gear Icon X’s 😩

  21. Nick Vetter

    January 16, 2021 at 12:05 am

    No fins on the buds pro? Hopefully they fit me well because I ordered them already

  22. scandal fan

    January 16, 2021 at 12:06 am

    Does anyone know the name of the clear phone case that’s on one of the phones in the video?

  23. Ki Ky

    January 16, 2021 at 12:24 am

    8:41 The Buds Pro just came out, literally a day ago so no regular consumers would have them or used them much as of now.

    Otherwise nice review.

    Wonder what innovation will be crammed next into such a small form factor device.

  24. wellthi

    January 16, 2021 at 12:51 am

    lol even cnet fall for samsung marketing white lies “blocking 99%” (of real low decibel noise)

  25. Ame

    January 16, 2021 at 1:04 am

    Does the buds pro clogg your ears? Thinking about getting the live if they do.

  26. Ernest Lee Dunbar

    January 16, 2021 at 3:52 am

    Should I keep my buds live

  27. Krisna Yudha Anugrah

    January 16, 2021 at 4:06 am

    Cant wait to compare buds pro vs airpods pro

  28. Jason Hastings

    January 16, 2021 at 4:55 am

    I hope they add the Tap Earbud Edge to change volume feature in Labs. I use that consistently with my buds+

  29. bobby junk

    January 16, 2021 at 5:29 am

    The list of “can’t do’s” after spending 200$ is pretty long…. A Bad update!

  30. Jeremy link

    January 16, 2021 at 5:44 am

    I was abit confused in this vid when you got to the end part doing the sound checks and all ..which tips were you using..the standard or the yellow iphone

    • TeaNCoffee

      January 16, 2021 at 7:52 am

      …Did you watch the video or just skip around? He never used any earbuds from an iphone earbud set. He used the earbuds from beats earbuds. Does apple even have yellow headphones for their known line of earbuds?

  31. #85filmz #85filmz

    January 16, 2021 at 6:26 am

    I just can’t let go of the beans there just unique,…its just untouchable

  32. Daniel Ahuja

    January 16, 2021 at 6:37 am

    I got my bud plus in June 2020, is it worth upgrading to buds pro ?

    • Jonathan Botello

      January 16, 2021 at 2:42 pm

      I would say no, but they are good

  33. Mr2pint

    January 16, 2021 at 7:14 am

    So no where good as Apple airpods Pro – back to the drawing board Samsung 😂

  34. M A

    January 16, 2021 at 8:15 am

    Samsung seems to be going backwards in design. The buds/buds plus design was effective compact and were were universal with galaxy devices. Bad enough features are brand specific now they’re device/model specific. Brand Ecosystems are getting out of control.

  35. A&D-GAMING

    January 16, 2021 at 10:38 am

    You can actually experiment more with the tips. I since transition to memory foam tips now. More comfortable and no hassle in the fit bc of course its a foam.

  36. Fiesta ST

    January 16, 2021 at 10:48 am

    Find buds???

    • David Carnoy

      January 17, 2021 at 12:40 am

      Yes, that feature is available.

  37. Omar Elhousseiny

    January 16, 2021 at 1:13 pm

    Master Yoda…

  38. Matt Nigrelli

    January 16, 2021 at 2:25 pm

    I just got airpods pro like a few weeks ago. I’m an Android user so now I wish I waited 🙁

    • Naveen K

      January 17, 2021 at 1:26 am

      If you’re using airpods pro with Android, could you tell me how the experience is? Cause I’m a bit confided between airpods pro and buds Pro since I read that airpods pro with Android aren’t as good of an experience. Your suggestions would be helpful thanks!

  39. nismovspecgtr

    January 16, 2021 at 2:50 pm

    CNET-it does work with the Apple IOS Galaxy Buds app. I talked with Samsung about this, please update your reviews.

    • David Carnoy

      January 17, 2021 at 12:39 am

      Well, I’m using the iPhone Galaxy Buds app and the Buds Pro are not showing up — only my Buds Plus and Buds Live are. I was told by Samsung the app is currently not supported with the Buds Pro. That could change. But that’s what I was told. I’m using the Buds Pro with the iPhone 12 Pro and it streams audio just fine.Just no extra features right now.

  40. Daniel Gostenhofer

    January 16, 2021 at 4:23 pm

    Hey thanks a lot for the awesome review! I would have probably pulled the trigger on those but without the fins I don’t think I’ll do that.. I got weird ears too 🙂

  41. 인생의정점

    January 16, 2021 at 4:41 pm

    wow i am surprised how different the overall review from flossy carter

  42. Lebby De Kitteleare

    January 16, 2021 at 5:18 pm

    You’re very cute. I’d really go out to dinner with you. And then some cuddling in the couch. ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

  43. kevin campos

    January 16, 2021 at 7:10 pm

    did you try the fins from the buds +? maybe they fit?

    • Millsy

      January 16, 2021 at 11:51 pm

      they likely wont because buds+ have a locking mechanism at the bottom so they’ll just slide off easily

  44. Jayden

    January 16, 2021 at 8:11 pm

    I just got Buds Live like 10 months ago

    • Sonya Stinson

      January 17, 2021 at 4:11 am

      I just got them like 2 weeks ago to go with my Note 20 Ultra. Think I will just keep what I have.

  45. SteveD

    January 16, 2021 at 8:12 pm

    Big ear canals there bud

  46. Singh Raju

    January 16, 2021 at 8:58 pm

    Although iOS support through the Galaxy Buds app is unavailable, you can set up all the features on andriod, After that, you can CONTINUE to use almost all of them on an iOS device. It’s something to note.

  47. Chris Bowers

    January 16, 2021 at 9:06 pm

    Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2? Is this a joke? Sennheiser makes some great headphones but their momentum wireless line is not very good. People are easily swayed by brand. No lower bass, really uneven and veiled treble. They are pretty bad.

  48. iZZY!

    January 16, 2021 at 9:53 pm

    Do they slowly slide out of your ear just like the AirPods Pro????

  49. Nac M

    January 16, 2021 at 10:38 pm

    Listening now on my Galaxy Buds Live.

    • pickle

      January 17, 2021 at 10:10 am

      Ok man. Ok

  50. Hector Reyes

    January 17, 2021 at 1:22 am

    I changed my tips from another brand, too… lol 😆 Skullcandy… and Sol Republic tips .. I have Buds Original.. still work wonderful and I got them for a lower msrp price

  51. Paul T Sjordal

    January 17, 2021 at 1:32 am

    I have the Buds+, and I won’t be upgrading. No way will I give up this stellar battery life.

    • KeepitMelo 41

      January 17, 2021 at 2:09 pm

      11hrs on the buds isnt true they dont last 22 hes including the case

  52. Aka Hakusho

    January 17, 2021 at 2:20 am

    @1:32 DAMN cnet goin off

  53. Zach Leuty

    January 17, 2021 at 4:50 am

    No Samsung, a SMALLER case. Pretty please

  54. Tien Tran

    January 17, 2021 at 5:27 am

    Well if you pre order s21 ultra and got this its fine but with 200$ i think i will find another earbuds

  55. jack baby

    January 17, 2021 at 5:30 am

    Dude just said they are water proof @@

    • David Carnoy

      January 18, 2021 at 3:00 pm

      Can be fully submerged in shallow water (1m) for 30 minutes.

  56. Matty Osborne

    January 17, 2021 at 7:50 am

    God I hope they stay in my ear as good as my original buds do. The originals and buds plus were so good for running

  57. Kevin B

    January 17, 2021 at 2:04 pm

    That was a great review. I was always interested in the Samsung buds. This review has giving me something to think about.

    • David Carnoy

      January 18, 2021 at 3:00 pm

      Thanks for watching!

  58. KeepitMelo 41

    January 17, 2021 at 2:07 pm

    buds plus design was way better than live and pro. the downside is the battery 22hrs isnt true

  59. Steven M

    January 17, 2021 at 3:54 pm

    I’m confused…do all the features of the airpods pro work with Android phones and if not do reviewers make sure to emphasize it only works with iPhones or is it just wrong for Samsung not to make all it’s features available to every phone?

    • Omar Al-Azzawi

      January 18, 2021 at 7:35 am

      No Airpods suck on android but this is CNET they give Apple priority in every review

  60. braveen .pahirathan

    January 17, 2021 at 4:55 pm

    I got the buds live and regret buying it. Probably gonna get the buds plus instead of this one

    • MR Hukaka

      January 17, 2021 at 5:02 pm

      Why base on some review,the live has more punch bass and comfortable to wear it cause no tip.

    • braveen .pahirathan

      January 17, 2021 at 5:05 pm

      @MR Hukaka for me personally they don’t fit properly and I’ve tried all the fittings. So there’s quite a bit of sound leakage

  61. dnl043

    January 17, 2021 at 5:22 pm

    Good review!

  62. Anggu Singsit

    January 17, 2021 at 6:13 pm

    Could you please tell me if there’s an app for the ear buds? Can’t find it on playstore

    • David Carnoy

      January 18, 2021 at 2:59 pm

      Galaxy Wear

  63. Harley Pan

    January 17, 2021 at 6:26 pm

    Are there air pressure vents on the Buds Pro?

    • Thanh Tran

      January 19, 2021 at 7:39 pm

      Yes

  64. JUR O

    January 17, 2021 at 6:39 pm

    You didnt talk about the texture of the plastic how do they feel? Do you like sliding youre hand over it?do they feel soft or smooth? I still know when i bought thr lg watch r it had plastic with rough texture on it ….i didnt like the texture of the bottom of the watch witch felt like sand, and i dont like sand it coares, it’s rough, irritates and gets everywere

  65. Gina Z.

    January 17, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    I’m currently using the Buds + and that wing tip is what gives me a great fit. I swapped it out to the smaller wing and fit is fantastic. I think they’re a great value for the everyday user. Not likely to purchase the Buds Pro. Thabks for the in depth review!

  66. Furious Tacos

    January 17, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    Is your wedding band from Blue Nile? Mine looks identical.

  67. Abdul Sunny

    January 17, 2021 at 7:29 pm

    I have the original Galaxy buds anyone know if these are worth upgrading to from the original?

  68. andy b

    January 17, 2021 at 8:28 pm

    Hi CNET . You get paid extra to wear that dyper ? You look a right ….

  69. Howard Lee

    January 18, 2021 at 8:33 am

    Great honest review. I almost went for one after seeing keynote. Now I’ll wait til I can actually try one myself.

  70. Ahmad Aburahma

    January 18, 2021 at 9:30 am

    Honestly the buds plus were the best product to compete with apple, and they look better.
    Every other buds are worse especially their cases.

  71. Alex McCaffrey

    January 18, 2021 at 1:06 pm

    Jeesh they’re releasing new Earbuds every few months. To quick!

  72. F.H.S Clark

    January 18, 2021 at 2:24 pm

    Wonderful nice

  73. Amir Sagy

    January 18, 2021 at 4:08 pm

    Did I see Shabbat candles on the shelf behind you? Amir, Israel

    • David Carnoy

      January 19, 2021 at 9:22 pm

      Yes.

    • Amir Sagy

      January 19, 2021 at 9:24 pm

      @David Carnoy Cool! Thanks for answering me.

  74. Tapiasanchez FILMS

    January 18, 2021 at 9:17 pm

    The only reason I preferred the galaxy buds was because of the fins. Its kind of disappointing that they took them off

  75. Eduardo Chávez

    January 18, 2021 at 10:35 pm

    Thank God my Buds Live are awesome ’cause I’m going to keep them. That bass is strong and they’re very comfortable!

  76. T. L

    January 19, 2021 at 12:39 am

    they need to have hold and truen off when not in use buds + drain fast when not in use i can but cheap ver cheaper buds on ebay and they have power off and last long time per charge

  77. T. L

    January 19, 2021 at 12:40 am

    turn on off. i meant cheaper buds on ebay

  78. Gary Pranzo

    January 19, 2021 at 2:39 am

    Just bought the live’s last week so of course these just dropped but I got the live’s for $89 so I do not feel so bad.

  79. Progressive Libertarian Viewer

    January 19, 2021 at 10:31 am

    ATTN: Samsung
    Right bud double tap- Skip
    Left bud double tap- Reverse
    Would be perfect across all Buds. Hate triple tapping.

    • Mimix

      January 22, 2021 at 4:20 am

      I like the way we have it right now with double tap and triple tap because, if you only have one bud in you have full functionality. But if they add that as an option that’s not bad either

  80. MrSodapopJ

    January 19, 2021 at 9:05 pm

    Hmmm does he uses iPhone? 🧐 That will explain a lot of things!

    • David Carnoy

      January 19, 2021 at 9:21 pm

      Note 10. Tab S6.(And I also tried them with an iPhone 12 Pro).

  81. Jester

    January 20, 2021 at 12:24 am

    still waiting for a real multipoint…Thanks 🙂

  82. codeblood2000

    January 20, 2021 at 12:44 am

    It has to be a very difficult if not impossible thing to achieve to find a perfect fitting earbuds considering everybody’s ear canals are different.

  83. KenSo Fuego

    January 20, 2021 at 2:22 am

    Very disappointed with the battery life on the buds pro.

    • J p

      January 20, 2021 at 8:44 am

      Im disappointed with the volume and bass…. sound the same as the first buds…

  84. Weekend Warrior

    January 20, 2021 at 5:46 am

    I got mine yesterday, and I was having the same problem. It wasn’t fitting in my left ear snuggly. My original buds fit a lot better, and i think they block outside notice better because of that fit… But time will tell.

    • minniespad

      January 20, 2021 at 2:48 pm

      I bought the galaxy buds pro. Had them a couple of days. I’m having the same problem. I even changed out the rubber tips. But I don’t think it helped.

  85. Neil Gilroy

    January 20, 2021 at 7:14 am

    Great review!

  86. Guido Haverkort

    January 20, 2021 at 10:34 am

    Damn they look pretty sick with those yellow tips haha

  87. Jordan Williams

    January 20, 2021 at 1:13 pm

    I read nothing but horror stories about the buds live and bought them anyway. I love them.

    Still might get these too though.🥲

  88. Simplified Tech Tips & Suggestions

    January 20, 2021 at 3:27 pm

    For me the “dealbreaker” is that the buds pro support ONLY Bixby and NOT Google Assistant. I’m getting these buds pro with my 21ultra in a few days, but from what I gather, they do NOT support Google Assistant, only the stupid and annoyingly persistently ever present Bixby… so here is my rant which I’ve shared on Samsung’s FB page.

    WHY BIXBY ONLY????????????

    Seriously Samsung, WHO uses Bixby? (Clue: Nobody!) Please can you stop barking up that stupid tree and support Google Assistant which is FAR FAR FAR better in every way.

    Are you going to support Google Assistant with an update? If not, I will sell my brand new Buds Pro and get Pixel Buds 2.

  89. Jakub Urban

    January 20, 2021 at 9:23 pm

    Watching your video with Buds Live in my ears 🙂

    • Timothy Kadatsky

      January 22, 2021 at 3:28 pm

      Same

  90. Mark Korenhof

    January 21, 2021 at 12:34 am

    Got mine free when preordered Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

  91. Ray Delvalle

    January 21, 2021 at 12:53 am

    Anybody having this wear static noise with the nose canceling features turned on? or is it just me? Just got mine today?

  92. wire apps

    January 21, 2021 at 9:09 am

    buds pro have so many problems…
    very small and thin eartips,
    don’t block wind noise,
    white noise.. and more..

  93. T HOFF

    January 21, 2021 at 11:52 am

    Great review, thanks. Can you make calls on IOS with these?

    • David Carnoy

      January 21, 2021 at 1:19 pm

      Yes. And ambient mode works.

    • T HOFF

      January 21, 2021 at 1:29 pm

      @David Carnoy great, thank you for the response. Loved seeing the scenery of NYC ! kind regards

  94. Tyler Kane

    January 21, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    If it’s for anc and only as good as the airoods pros I’m sorry but idc for it. I have the Galaxy buds, airpods gen 2, the Galaxy buds+, the galaxy buds live, and the AirPods pro. I can tell u all from my experience the passive noise cancelation is quite better than the anc on the airoods pro on the galaxy buds and buds+.
    Also as for ambient sound the galaxy buds+ r far better than any other when it comes to transparency. The Airpods pro is natural but nowhere near as clear, max mode on the buds+ I can hear ppl talking across the school it’s so advanced.

  95. Cameron H

    January 21, 2021 at 3:13 pm

    Im keeping my buds plus

  96. ZGzoids

    January 21, 2021 at 10:39 pm

    buds plus are perfect fit for me so if the buds pro is bigger then it’ll be a big fit

  97. TheAngriestB1rd

    January 22, 2021 at 3:35 am

    Since Samsung has a trade in deal and 100 dollars towards accessories, what would you all decide on? The + or Pro? Seems like it’s such a minuscule trade off but for the extra 50, is it truly worth the upgrade? Since I would be getting the S21 as well? Help appreciated in advance 👍

  98. Saleem Halawani

    January 22, 2021 at 8:53 pm

    100th disliker

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