Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Black SM-R177NZKAXAC Earbud Headphone/Headset Review

Elite noise cancellation trapped in a mediocre package. The battery life is a deal-breaker for most people at this price.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 are a classic case of a one-trick pony, but it's a really, really good trick. If you're looking for supremely comfortable earbuds with excellent noise cancellation for under $250, these are a top contender. Just don't expect them to be an all-rounder, because the battery life is frankly disappointing for the price.

Looking at our database, the performance story is a tale of two extremes. The ANC and comfort scores are in the 96th percentile, which is genuinely impressive and matches what you'd expect from a premium pair. But then you see the battery life sitting in the 12th percentile, and the sound quality only in the 41st. They're great at making the world go quiet and staying in your ears, but they're not going to wow you with audio fidelity or last through a long workday.

At $224, the value proposition is shaky. You're paying for elite ANC and comfort, but you're accepting major compromises in battery and sound. If those two features are your absolute top priorities, maybe. Otherwise, there are better overall packages for the money.

This is where it gets interesting. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the direct competitor, and for a similar price, it offers better sound, similar ANC, and significantly better battery life. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are another benchmark; they're often more expensive, but their ANC is legendary and their fit is more secure for active use. If you're on a tighter budget, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC or Nothing Ear (a) offer 80% of the ANC performance for half the price, making the Buds2 a harder sell.

If you need earbuds that last all day or have rich, dynamic sound, skip these. Go get the Sony WF-1000XM5 instead. If you're on a budget but still want great ANC, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is a much smarter buy.

We can only recommend the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 with a big caveat. If you are deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem and your main use is commuting or working in noisy offices where comfort and ANC are king, they're a fine choice. For everyone else, the combination of short battery life and mediocre sound for the price makes it easy to point you toward a Sony, Bose, or even a budget Anker model that gives you more for your money.