Galaxy Buds On leave ears open. Samsung added voice memos and head gestures

Samsung introduced Galaxy Buds On, the first clip-on earbuds in the Galaxy Buds series. They do not insert into the ear canal but clip around the ear, leaving it open. Their main appeal is therefore listening while being able to continue perceiving your surroundings — for example, during a walk or an outdoor workout.

Open Ears and Sound Reduction

Samsung aims to ensure comfort with a larger contact surface that distributes pressure on the ear. According to the manufacturer, the flexibility of the connecting band has been adjusted so that the earbuds stay in place even with more significant movement. The placement of speakers and batteries was designed using simulations and data on various ear shapes.

The audio experience is supported by TwinBoost speakers focused on bass. The volume can automatically adapt to the surrounding environment. According to Samsung, Audio Leakage Reduction technology is designed to reduce sound leakage to passersby or people at the next table.

Inside, the Qualcomm Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound platform with a Class D amplifier is at work. Samsung promises up to 9.5 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This figure refers to the earbuds themselves, not the total listening time including recharges from the case.

Dictate an Idea, Answer a Call with a Nod

In addition to touch controls for music and calls on the back of the earbuds, Samsung added head gestures. A nod or shake can be used to answer or end calls, turn off alarms, or have message notifications read aloud.

Intelligent Clear Call is used for calls. Three microphones are supplemented by a Voice Pickup Unit sensor, which captures vibrations when speaking. Samsung states that, together with machine learning, they help separate voice from noise, such as in wind.

When connected to a Galaxy phone or tablet supporting Galaxy AI, Gemini Live can be launched by voice. The Quick Voice Memo feature allows you to hold the touch pad and dictate a note. You can then search through recordings via Bixby without taking out your phone.

Voice memos have specific conditions: you need a device with Galaxy AI, the Samsung Voice Recorder app, and Bixby. Additionally, the long-press action must be set up separately in the settings.

Samsung Planned First Sale in Korea

At the unveiling, Samsung announced the start of sales in South Korea for October 27, 2026. For the local market, it set the price at 299,000 won (about 4,700 CZK without VAT) and a single, black color. Other countries were to follow gradually.

The Czech price and availability date remained open at the time of the announcement.

I would consider Buds On primarily because of their open design. If you dislike in-ear earbuds and want to perceive your surroundings while listening, their concept makes sense here, especially if you have the Galaxy ecosystem. If you’re not tied to it, you can get cheaper solutions from competitors. I would consider voice memos a bonus when choosing, not the main reason to buy.

Would you prefer open-ear headphones or classic in-ear earbuds?

Sources: news.samsung.com, sammobile.com, androidauthority.com