Short answer: for a Galaxy S26, S26+ or S26 Ultra, the best earbuds are Samsung’s own Galaxy Buds 4 Pro ($249.99): strong noise cancelling, IP57, and 24-bit/96kHz audio over the Samsung Seamless Codec, which only Galaxy phones support. For less money, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE ($149.99, often discounted) cancel noise just as well. If you want the best sound and use more than one brand of device, get the Sony WF-1000XM6, which use LDAC on Galaxy phones. On a budget, the EarFun Air Pro 4 and Soundcore P30i are the picks.
Every pick works with any recent Galaxy phone, including the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8 and older S-series models. The Samsung-only extras need a Galaxy phone or tablet; we point them out in each pick.
How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ official specifications plus published reviews and measurements from independent outlets (linked in each pick). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.
Best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy compared
| Earbuds | Best for | Hi-res on Galaxy | Battery (per charge) | Water resistance | List price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro | Best overall | SSC UHQ, 24-bit/96kHz | Up to 6 hr with ANC (7 off) | IP57 | $249.99 | Check Price |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE | Best value Samsung | Samsung Seamless Codec | Up to 6 hr with ANC (8.5 off) | IP54 | $149.99 | Check Price |
| Sony WF-1000XM6 | Best sound | LDAC, up to 24-bit/96kHz | Up to 8 hr | IPX4 | $329.99 | Check Price |
| Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) | Best for multipoint and comfort | No | Up to 6 hr (4 with Immersive Audio) | IPX4 | $299 | Check Price |
| EarFun Air Pro 4 | Most features for the money | LDAC | Up to 7.5 hr with ANC (11 off) | IPX5 | $89.99 | Check Price |
| Soundcore P30i | Cheapest noise cancelling | No | Up to 6 hr with ANC (10 off) | IP54 | $27–$50 | Check Price |
Battery and water-resistance figures are the makers’ ratings. Battery life drops with noise cancelling, 360 Audio or hi-res codecs switched on.
The best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy phones in 2026
1. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: best overall
Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro alongside the Galaxy S26 in February 2026, and they’re the earbuds that get the most out of it. On a Galaxy phone they stream at up to 24-bit/96kHz over Samsung’s Seamless Codec (SSC UHQ), and you get 360 Audio with head tracking, head gestures for answering calls, Auracast and Gemini or Bixby by voice. They have silicone ear tips, are rated IP57, and the case charges over USB-C or Qi wireless chargers (SamMobile).
SoundGuys rates them 8/10, measured strong noise cancelling (about 84 percent average attenuation), and got just over 6 hours per charge with ANC on. Good to know: battery life is shorter than Sony’s or Apple’s flagships, there’s no true multipoint (they auto-switch between Galaxy devices instead), and most of the extras disappear on a non-Samsung phone.
Check the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon →
2. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: best value Samsung earbuds
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE (September 2025) borrow the stem design of Samsung’s Pro earbuds and, unlike the regular Buds 4, they seal with silicone ear tips. That pays off: SoundGuys measured about 86 percent noise reduction, slightly better than Samsung’s pricier Pro model of the same generation, and concludes that “Samsung’s best earbuds aren’t necessarily the most expensive ones.” They support the Samsung Seamless Codec and Galaxy AI features, and they’re rated IP54.
Good to know: there’s no multipoint and no wireless charging, and SoundGuys measured under 4.5 hours per charge with ANC on, below Samsung’s 6-hour rating. List price is $149.99, but they’re often discounted.
Check the Galaxy Buds 3 FE on Amazon →
3. Sony WF-1000XM6: best sound
Galaxy phones support Sony’s LDAC codec (Android Central), so the WF-1000XM6 (February 2026) can stream hi-res audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz from a Galaxy S26, just as they would from a Sony phone. SoundGuys calls them Sony’s best earbuds so far, with great sound, excellent noise cancelling and much-improved microphones for calls. They also support true multipoint, are rated IPX4, and last up to 8 hours per charge (24 with the case).
Good to know: at $329.99 they’re the most expensive pick, LDAC at its highest quality uses more battery, and you manage them in Sony’s app rather than in the Galaxy Wearable app. If you also use a Windows laptop or a non-Samsung tablet, they’re the better choice over the Buds 4 Pro.
Check the WF-1000XM6 on Amazon →
4. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen): best for multipoint and comfort
The Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are for people who want top-tier noise cancelling and switch between a phone and a laptop all day. What Hi-Fi? praises their outstanding noise cancelling, design and punchy, entertaining sound. Bose rates them at up to 6 hours per charge (4 with Immersive Audio), with three more charges in a wireless-charging case, plus multipoint and IPX4 (Bose).
Good to know: there’s no hi-res codec advantage on a Galaxy phone, battery life is on the short side, and the $299 list price is high, though they’re often on sale for less.
Check the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds on Amazon →
5. EarFun Air Pro 4: most features for the money
The EarFun Air Pro 4 pack features you usually pay much more for: adaptive hybrid noise cancelling, LDAC (which Galaxy phones support) and aptX Lossless, multipoint, a low-latency game mode and six microphones for calls. Battery life is up to 11 hours per charge (7.5 with ANC) and 52 hours with the case, and they’re rated IPX5. SoundGuys liked the sound, noise cancelling, comfort and feature-packed app at $89.99.
Good to know: on a Galaxy phone you’d use LDAC rather than aptX Lossless, and SoundGuys notes that turning noise cancelling on changes the sound. EarFun has since released the Air Pro 4+ ($99.99), so the Air Pro 4 is often discounted.
Check the EarFun Air Pro 4 on Amazon →
6. Soundcore P30i: cheapest noise cancelling
If you want noise cancelling for as little as possible, the Soundcore P30i usually sell for well under $50. They last up to 10 hours per charge (6 with noise cancelling) and up to 45 hours with the case, support Bluetooth 5.4 multipoint, are rated IP54, and the case doubles as a phone stand. The Soundcore app adds a custom EQ.
Good to know: the noise cancelling is well behind the Samsung, Sony and Bose picks, there’s no wireless charging, and there’s no hi-res codec. For more cheap options, see our best earbuds under $50 for Android.
Check the Soundcore P30i on Amazon →
What matters when you buy earbuds for a Galaxy phone
- Samsung’s codec only works with Samsung earbuds. The Samsung Seamless Codec, including the 24-bit/96kHz UHQ mode on the Buds 4 Pro, needs Galaxy Buds and a Galaxy phone. Other earbuds connect over AAC, SBC or, if they support it, LDAC.
- LDAC is the hi-res option for other brands. Galaxy phones support LDAC, so Sony and EarFun earbuds can stream hi-res audio too. Check a pair’s codec list before paying extra for other hi-res codecs.
- Galaxy Buds extras need a Galaxy device. 360 Audio with head tracking, head gestures, Auto Switch between your Galaxy phone, tablet and watch, and Galaxy AI voice features work best, or only, on Samsung phones.
- Multipoint isn’t the same as Auto Switch. Galaxy Buds hand off between Samsung devices signed in to the same account. If you need to stay connected to a Galaxy phone and a Windows laptop or MacBook at once, pick earbuds with true multipoint, like the Sony, Bose, EarFun or Soundcore.
- Fit decides noise cancelling. Earbuds with silicone tips (Buds 4 Pro, Buds 3 FE, Sony, Bose) block much more noise than open-fit earbuds like the regular Galaxy Buds 4.
Using a Pixel or another Android phone too? See our best earbuds for Google Pixel and our guide to wireless earbuds for Android. Have an iPhone in the house? We cover that in best earbuds for iPhone.
Also worth a look
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 ($179.99): the open-fit version, with no silicone tips. SoundGuys found that the fit doesn’t stay put for many people and noise cancelling can only do so much without a seal. Only consider them if you know you prefer AirPods-style earbuds.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: the older, cheaper FE model with noise cancelling and wing tips for a secure fit. Worth it only at a clear discount below the Buds 3 FE.
- For workouts: the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 (ear hooks, IPX4, a Beats app for Android) or, for much less, the JLab Go Sport+.
Our verdict
On a Galaxy S26, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are the best all-round earbuds: strong noise cancelling, IP57, and 24-bit hi-res audio and features that only Samsung earbuds get. The Galaxy Buds 3 FE give you most of that, with noise cancelling that’s just as good, for much less. If you care most about sound or use non-Samsung devices too, get the Sony WF-1000XM6; for multipoint and comfort, the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds. On a budget, the EarFun Air Pro 4 bring LDAC and 52 hours of battery for under $100, and the Soundcore P30i is the cheapest way to get noise cancelling.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best earbuds for the Galaxy S26 Ultra?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. They launched with the Galaxy S26 series and are the only earbuds that get Samsung’s 24-bit/96kHz Seamless Codec, 360 Audio and head gestures on an S26 Ultra. They have strong noise cancelling, IP57 water resistance and cost $249.99.
Are Galaxy Buds better than AirPods on a Samsung phone?
Yes. AirPods work on Android only as basic Bluetooth earbuds, without most of their smart features. Galaxy Buds get one-tap pairing, Auto Switch, Samsung’s hi-res codec and Galaxy AI features on a Samsung phone.
Do Sony earbuds work with Samsung phones?
Yes. Galaxy phones support Sony’s LDAC codec, so earbuds like the WF-1000XM6 can stream hi-res audio from a Galaxy S26. You manage them in the Sony app instead of the Galaxy Wearable app.
Should I get the Galaxy Buds 4 or Buds 4 Pro?
For most people, the Buds 4 Pro. They seal with silicone ear tips, so the noise cancelling works far better. The regular Buds 4 have an open fit with no tips, which some people find more comfortable but which blocks much less noise and doesn’t stay in every ear.
What are the best cheap earbuds for a Samsung phone?
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE if you want Samsung’s features and strong noise cancelling at a lower price, the EarFun Air Pro 4 ($89.99) for LDAC, multipoint and long battery life, or the Soundcore P30i (usually under $50) for the cheapest noise cancelling.
