The world of truly wireless earbuds is constantly evolving, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of sound quality, noise cancellation, and comfort. Samsung’s latest offering, the Galaxy Buds4, takes a bold step away from the traditional in-ear design, opting for an open-fit approach. This departure raises a key question for potential buyers: can effective Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) truly be achieved without physically sealing the ear canal? The Galaxy Buds4 aim to deliver a comfortable listening experience alongside robust noise reduction, appealing to users who find traditional earbuds uncomfortable. This review delves into the performance of the Galaxy Buds4, examining its ANC capabilities, audio quality, and overall user experience.
For many, the discomfort associated with in-ear earbuds is a significant drawback. The feeling of pressure, occlusion, and potential for ear fatigue can make extended listening sessions unpleasant. Samsung’s decision to embrace an open-fit design directly addresses these concerns. However, the trade-off is often perceived as a compromise in noise isolation and ANC effectiveness. The Galaxy Buds4 attempt to bridge this gap through a combination of innovative design and advanced algorithms. The core promise is a comfortable fit without sacrificing the immersive experience offered by noise cancellation. This is a particularly interesting development in the premium true wireless earbud market, currently dominated by designs prioritizing a tight seal for optimal ANC performance.
Initial impressions of the Galaxy Buds4 are overwhelmingly positive in terms of comfort. Unlike traditional earbuds that insert deeply into the ear canal, these rest gently against the ear, utilizing a “blade” design intended to distribute weight evenly. This results in a remarkably stable fit, even during movement. The absence of pressure is immediately noticeable, making them suitable for prolonged use. This focus on long-term comfort is a crucial factor, as the best features in the world are useless if the earbuds are simply too uncomfortable to wear. According to Samsung, the new design is 15% smaller than the previous generation, further enhancing comfort. The Verge notes that the Buds4 still rely heavily on the Galaxy ecosystem for full functionality.
Testing the Active Noise Cancellation
To assess the ANC performance, the Galaxy Buds4 were tested in a variety of real-world scenarios. A particularly challenging environment was a ride on the TransJakarta bus, specifically near the engine, known for its consistent and loud droning noise. The results were surprisingly effective. Whereas the engine noise wasn’t completely eliminated – as would be expected with in-ear designs – it was significantly attenuated, becoming far less intrusive. The Buds4 didn’t simply block the sound; they seemed to process it, creating a more pleasant auditory experience. This suggests a sophisticated ANC algorithm at work, rather than a brute-force noise cancellation approach.
The performance in indoor environments, such as offices and homes, proved even more impressive. Constant, low-frequency sounds like air conditioning hums and fan noise were almost entirely eliminated, creating a noticeably quieter and more focused atmosphere. This is where the open-fit design truly shines, offering a comfortable level of noise reduction without the feeling of isolation often associated with in-ear earbuds. The ability to maintain situational awareness while still benefiting from ANC is a significant advantage for many users. Android Central reports that the Galaxy Buds4 are “hard to beat, especially if you own a Samsung phone.”
Outdoor testing in the bustling streets of Jakarta presented a more complex challenge, with a combination of vehicle noise, wind, and general urban sounds. The Galaxy Buds4 maintained a consistent level of performance, reducing the intensity of traffic noise and mitigating wind interference more effectively than many other open-fit earbuds. While it didn’t achieve the complete isolation of premium in-ear models, the overall experience remained solid and suitable for everyday use in an urban setting. The adaptive ANC feature, powered by AI, played a crucial role in this performance, dynamically adjusting the noise cancellation level based on the surrounding environment.
Adaptive ANC and Audio Quality
The Adaptive ANC feature is a standout element of the Galaxy Buds4. This intelligent system analyzes the ambient sound in real-time and adjusts the noise cancellation intensity accordingly. During quiet periods, the ANC subtly reduces to maintain a natural listening experience. When exposed to louder environments, the system automatically increases the noise reduction. This seamless adaptation eliminates the need for manual adjustments, providing a consistently optimized experience. The AI-driven approach ensures that the ANC is always working to provide the best possible noise cancellation without compromising audio quality or comfort.
Beyond noise cancellation, the Galaxy Buds4 deliver impressive audio quality. Equipped with 11mm dynamic drivers, the earbuds produce a balanced and natural sound signature. Bass frequencies are punchy without being overpowering, while vocals are clear and well-defined. The soundstage feels wider than many in-ear models, creating a more immersive listening experience. The Adaptive EQ feature further enhances audio quality by automatically adjusting the frequency response to maintain optimal balance, even with ANC enabled. This ensures that the sound remains consistent and detailed across a variety of genres and listening volumes.
Microphone quality is another area where the Galaxy Buds4 excel. During calls in noisy outdoor environments, the user’s voice remained clear and focused for the recipient. The earbuds effectively suppressed background noise, thanks to a deep learning-based technology that isolates the primary sound source. This makes the Galaxy Buds4 a reliable choice for both listening and communication, even in challenging acoustic conditions.
Battery Life and Practical Considerations
The Galaxy Buds4 offer a respectable battery life of up to six hours of playback on a single charge, with the charging case providing an additional 24 hours of listening time, for a total of 30 hours. This is competitive with other premium true wireless earbuds on the market. The earbuds also boast an IP54 rating, providing protection against splashes of water and dust, making them suitable for use during workouts or in light rain. Samsung’s commitment to durability adds to the overall value proposition of the Galaxy Buds4.
the Galaxy Buds4 successfully demonstrate that effective ANC doesn’t necessarily require an in-ear design. The combination of AI-powered technology, meticulous tuning, and a comfort-focused design delivers a balanced experience between noise reduction and user comfort. For users who find traditional eartips uncomfortable but still desire the benefits of ANC, the Galaxy Buds4 represent a compelling and rational solution in the premium true wireless earbud segment. The open-fit design, coupled with the adaptive ANC, creates a listening experience that is both immersive and comfortable, making these earbuds a strong contender in a crowded market.
Key Takeaways
- Comfortable Open-Fit Design: The Galaxy Buds4 prioritize comfort with their open-fit design, avoiding the pressure and occlusion often associated with in-ear earbuds.
- Effective Adaptive ANC: AI-powered Adaptive ANC dynamically adjusts noise cancellation levels based on the surrounding environment, providing optimal performance in various situations.
- Balanced Audio Quality: 11mm dynamic drivers deliver a natural and balanced sound signature with punchy bass and clear vocals.
- Reliable Microphone Performance: Deep learning-based noise suppression ensures clear voice transmission during calls, even in noisy environments.
- Solid Battery Life & Durability: Up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge, with a total of 30 hours with the charging case, and an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance.
Samsung continues to refine its earbud technology, and the Galaxy Buds4 represent a significant step forward in balancing comfort and performance. As of March 18, 2026, Samsung has not announced any successors to the Buds4, but continues to provide software updates to improve performance and compatibility. For those considering a new pair of premium true wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds4 are well worth a look. What are your thoughts on open-fit earbuds? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!