Samsung Buds 4: Sound Wins, ANC Wobbles

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 nail the audio, but their ANC still stumbles.

Engadget’s review blitz around Samsung’s latest earbuds centers on a straightforward truth: the Buds 4 lineup sounds noticeably better than before, while the active noise cancellation hasn’t kept pace. In hands-on tests, testers found the Buds 4 deliver sharper highs, tighter bass, and a more balanced overall sound profile, a win for listeners who crave clarity across genres. The catch? the ANC performance isn’t on par with rivals at the premium end of the spectrum, leaving some low-frequency rumble unchallenged in noisier environments.

Hardware changes focus mainly on form and control tweaks. The familiar “blade” design that defined Samsung’s earlier buds is gone for the Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro. In its place sits a refined silhouette with a flat touch panel and a thinner metal accent, paired with an updated charging case. The Buds 4 Pro retains the silicone tip approach, while both models ditch the flashy blade lights that adorned the previous Pro. The on-bud controls have moved to an indented touch area that’s easier to locate by feel, a welcome usability improvement in otherwise similar shells. Engadget notes the design refresh is “polished” and practical, even as the silhouette remains instantly recognizable to longtime Samsung fans.

The sound story is the headline, though. The Buds 4 family are praised for their improved audio performance—more confident treble, richer mids, and better stage presence—without a price premium. Price points aren’t listed in Engadget’s recap, but the outlet stresses that the Buds 4 lineup keeps its pricing stable compared with prior models. Importantly, there are no ongoing subscription costs tied to using them; these are one-time purchases, the review makes clear, with no hidden services demanded to unlock core features.

Where the Buds 4 lines up against rivals matters for decision-making. The obvious benchmark in the space remains Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, which recently expanded health-oriented features like heart-rate tracking. Engadget’s own notes point out that Samsung trails in that arena; Apple’s ecosystem continues to push hearing-health and fitness-oriented features that Samsung currently lacks. In other words, Buds 4 offer excellent sound for Android/Samsung users but aren’t the complete package if you’re chasing advanced health-tracking or deeper cross-platform features.

Two practitioner-level takeaways matter for shoppers:

Verdict: Buy now if audio quality within Samsung’s ecosystem is your priority and you don’t mind subpar ANC. Wait if you want the best possible noise cancellation or health-tracking features, and you’re weighing Apple alternatives. Skip only if you’re locked on Apple’s health features and ecosystem, in which case the Pro family remains the more feature-complete option.