Samsung is expanding its wireless audio lineup with the Galaxy Buds On, its first clip-on earbuds carrying the Galaxy Buds name. Unlike Samsung’s familiar in-ear models, the new earbuds sit around the ear while keeping the ear canal open.

The Samsung launch in the US is composed of the impressive debut of SmartTag 3 and the Galaxy Tab S12 series, but the launch received less attention than some of Samsung’s other hardware announcements. Still, the earbuds introduce a notable change to the company’s approach to wireless audio.

The open-ear design is intended to let users remain aware of their surroundings while listening to music, taking calls, or interacting with a connected device. Samsung has also incorporated several Galaxy AI features, improved voice pickup technology, and controls designed for hands-free use.

What Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds On?

The Galaxy Buds On are clip-on wireless earbuds designed to rest around the ear rather than inside the ear canal. This makes them different from traditional Galaxy Buds models that use ear tips inserted into the ear.

The design has two practical goals. It allows outside sounds to remain audible while audio is playing. It is also intended to reduce the pressure associated with prolonged in-ear listening.

Samsung says it studied different ear shapes and used simulations to determine suitable positions for the speakers and batteries. The resulting design has a larger contact area that spreads pressure more evenly across the ear.

The band also uses an adjustable level of elasticity to help keep the earbuds in place during movement.

How the Galaxy Buds On Clip-On Design Works

According to Android Authority, the Galaxy Buds On’s open-ear design places the speaker near the ear without blocking the ear canal. This means users can continue hearing sounds from their surroundings while listening to audio.

The approach can be useful in situations where environmental awareness is important. Conversations, nearby sounds, and other ambient noises remain easier to hear compared with conventional earbuds that seal the ear canal.

Samsung has also added a touch control area on the back of the earbuds. A light tap can be used to control functions such as music playback and phone calls.

The combination of the clip-on structure and touch controls gives the Galaxy Buds On a different interaction model from traditional wireless earbuds.

Galaxy Buds On Audio Features

Samsung has equipped the earbuds with its TwinBoost speakers, which are designed to improve low-frequency performance. The earbuds also include automatic volume control that adjusts audio based on the surrounding environment.

Another feature is Audio Leakage Reduction, which is intended to reduce the amount of sound escaping from the earbuds. This is particularly relevant to open-ear products because their design naturally leaves the ear canal exposed.

The earbuds are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform and use a high-efficiency Class-D amplifier.

Samsung claims the Galaxy Buds On can provide up to 9.5 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge.

Galaxy Buds On Call Quality and Voice Pickup

Samsung has also focused on voice quality for calls. The Galaxy Buds On use three microphones along with a bone-conduction-based Voice Pickup Unit sensor.

The system works with machine learning to distinguish the wearer’s voice from surrounding noise. According to Samsung, this combination is designed to maintain clearer calls in noisy environments.

The approach is different from simply relying on microphones placed around the earbuds. The Voice Pickup Unit can detect vibrations associated with the user’s voice, providing another source of information for separating speech from background sounds.

For users who regularly make calls outdoors or in busy environments, this is one of the more important features of the new earbuds.

Galaxy Buds On and Galaxy AI Features

The Galaxy Buds On are also designed to work with compatible Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets that support Galaxy AI.

One feature allows users to activate Gemini Live through a voice command. Samsung says users can say, “Hey Google, let’s talk live” while wearing the earbuds to begin a hands-free conversation with Google’s AI assistant.

The earbuds also introduce Quick Voice Memo. By long-pressing the touch area, users can immediately begin recording a voice memo without taking out their smartphone.

Those recordings can later be searched through Bixby. However, Samsung notes that the feature requires a compatible Galaxy AI-supported device, Samsung’s Voice Recorder, and the Bixby app. The long-press function also needs to be configured through Settings.

Head Gestures Add Hands-Free Controls

Another unusual Galaxy Buds On feature is Head Gestures.

The feature allows certain actions to be performed through head movements. Depending on the supported function, users can nod or shake their head to answer or end calls, dismiss alarms, or interact with message notifications.

This gives the earbuds another way to control connected devices without touching a phone or the earbuds themselves.

Head gestures could be particularly useful when the user’s hands are occupied. However, the availability and functionality of these controls depend on compatible devices and supported features.

Galaxy Buds On Battery Life and Hardware

The Galaxy Buds On are built around Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform and a Class-D amplifier. Samsung lists up to 9.5 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge.

Their combination of open-ear construction, dedicated speakers, multiple microphones, and AI-enabled features makes them more than a simple alternative to conventional earbuds.

The design also reflects Samsung’s effort to make wireless audio more adaptable to different listening situations. Instead of blocking outside sound, the earbuds are designed around keeping users connected to their surroundings.

Galaxy Buds On Price and Availability

Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy Buds On in South Korea on October 27. The earbuds will initially be available in black.

The listed price is 299,000 South Korean won, which is approximately $220 based on the pricing information provided by Samsung.

Samsung has said that the Galaxy Buds On will eventually reach other international markets. However, regional launch dates and pricing have not been announced in the provided information.

That means buyers outside South Korea will need to wait for Samsung to provide local availability details.

Frequently Asked Questions About Galaxy Buds On

Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds On open-ear earbuds?

Yes. The Galaxy Buds On use a clip-on design that rests around the ear instead of sitting inside the ear canal. This allows users to remain more aware of surrounding sounds while listening.

How long do the Galaxy Buds On last?

Samsung claims up to 9.5 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge.

How much do the Galaxy Buds On cost?

The Galaxy Buds On are priced at 299,000 won in South Korea, which is approximately $220 based on the provided launch information.

Do Galaxy Buds On support Galaxy AI?

Yes. Compatible Galaxy devices can use features such as Gemini Live, Quick Voice Memo, Bixby-powered voice memo searches, and Head Gestures.

When will Galaxy Buds On launch?

Samsung plans to launch the Galaxy Buds On in South Korea on October 27, with additional global markets expected later. Regional pricing and release dates were not specified in the provided information.