Samsung's New Galaxy Buds On Are Earbuds That Don't Actually Enter Your Ear

While some users are still getting used to everything new with the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 4, Samsung enthusiasts in South Korea are already getting their hands (and ears) on the company's latest audio adventure: the Galaxy Buds On. What makes the Buds On special is that they're the first clip-on wireless earphones in Samsung's Galaxy Buds lineup, and the over-ear buds are designed for comfort and outdoor use. While audiophiles may need convincing to try clip-on earbuds, they can still be useful.

Clip-on earbuds can be advantageous for users who prefer situational awareness over sound, but they also have a few additional perks (and drawbacks). The $225 open-ear Buds are officially on sale in South Korea through the company's online store (per SamMobile), though the company hasn't said when they'll reach additional markets. However, some stores in Europe and Switzerland have begun listing the earbuds for $216 and $241, respectively (per SammyGuru).

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform chipset, the Buds On also feature TwinBoost speakers and Audio Leakage Reduction technology. Naturally, they also support Galaxy AI when paired with a Galaxy Device, giving users access to a variety of hands-free options (and 9.5 hours of battery life on a single charge). As for clip-on earbuds, Samsung also included a flexible shape-memory alloy that conforms to a user's ear. Samsung isn't the only player in the clip-on earphone space, but potential customers should understand what makes clip-on earbuds unique in the first place.

Clip-on earbuds certainly have their advantages. Users may prefer clip-on earbuds over traditional options simply because they don't require inserting anything into the ear canal. Typically, clip-on earbuds sit outside the ear and direct sound toward the user, keeping the ear canal open. This style offers more awareness of your environment, but it comes at the cost of isolation. They're great for folks who don't want anything in their ears, but they're also useful for those who switch environments often or use earbuds while moving.

However, because clip-on earbuds don't create a seal in the ear canal, users may miss out on deeper bass than in-ear counterparts. Clip-on earbuds also leak sound, so others may be able to hear what you're listening to. They're good for cleanliness, since you're not constantly sticking something in your ear, but people in noisy environments or those who prefer deep bass may want to consider in-ear options.

Samsung developing its own clip-ons is novel, but other manufacturers have offered clip-on options for a while. Companies like Anker, RayCon, and even Sony make their own variants, though we can share our ideas on the best clip-on earbuds you can buy. Curious parties outside South Korea will have to wait to see whether Samsung's offerings make it overseas, but those who can't stand waiting have options if they want to see what all the fuss is about.