Samsung has officially entered the clip-on wireless earbud market with the launch of the Galaxy Buds On, its first open-ear earbuds designed to sit around the outer ear rather than inside the ear canal. Announced on October 27, 2026, the new model is now available in South Korea, offering up to 9.5 hours of music playback on a single charge.
The Galaxy Buds On is priced at 299,000 Korean won and initially comes in a single black color option. Samsung has not yet confirmed the release date or pricing for other markets, although the company says the earbuds will reach additional regions.
Unlike traditional in-ear models in the Galaxy Buds lineup, the Galaxy Buds On introduces a new clip-on design, moving away from the familiar approach used in previous models such as the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
Samsung Galaxy Buds On Features an Open-Ear Clip-On Design
Unlike traditional in-ear models in the Galaxy Buds lineup, the Galaxy Buds On uses a flexible ear clip that wraps around the outer ear. This design leaves the ear canal unobstructed, allowing users to remain more aware of nearby sounds while listening to music or taking calls.
The open-ear design could make the earbuds a practical option for daily commutes, outdoor activities, and workouts, particularly for people who prefer not to wear conventional in-ear headphones.
Samsung has equipped the earbuds with flexible, shape-memory alloy ear clips designed to adapt to different ear shapes. The company has also adjusted the positioning of the speakers and batteries to improve stability and comfort during extended listening sessions.
Another useful feature is automatic left-right audio detection. Unlike conventional earbuds that are assigned to specific ears, either Galaxy Buds On earpiece can be worn on either side. The earbuds detect their position and automatically adjust the audio channels accordingly.
TwinBoost Speakers Aim to Deliver Stronger Bass
For audio performance, the Galaxy Buds On features Samsung’s TwinBoost dual-speaker system, which is designed to improve low-frequency output and provide a fuller listening experience.
The earbuds also support automatic volume adjustment based on the surrounding environment. This feature is intended to help users maintain a suitable listening level as background noise changes throughout the day.
Since the open-ear design does not seal off the ear canal, sound leakage can be a concern in quiet environments. Samsung has addressed this with audio leakage reduction technology designed to limit how much sound reaches people nearby. This could be particularly useful in shared spaces such as offices, public transportation, and other busy environments.
Under the hood, the Galaxy Buds On runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 audio platform, providing the underlying hardware for its audio processing features.
Samsung is also developing its wireless audio lineup in other directions, as shown by the reported design changes discussed in this article about the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 headphones.
Galaxy Buds On Offers Up to 9.5 Hours of Playback
Battery life is another important part of Samsung’s latest earbud offering. According to the company, the Galaxy Buds On can deliver up to 9.5 hours of continuous music playback on a full charge.
Actual battery performance may vary depending on listening volume, connection conditions, and which features are enabled. Samsung has not specified additional battery figures in the launch information provided.
The combination of an open-ear design and extended playback time makes the Galaxy Buds On an option worth considering for users who want to listen throughout their commute or daily activities without frequently recharging their earbuds.
Three Microphones and AI Processing Improve Call Clarity
Samsung has also focused on voice quality. The Galaxy Buds On combines a three-microphone system with a bone-conduction voice pickup sensor and machine-learning processing.
This setup is designed to distinguish the wearer’s voice from surrounding sounds and reduce unwanted noise, including wind interference. The goal is to make conversations clearer when users take calls outdoors or in other noisy environments.
For people who regularly make calls while walking, commuting, or working outside, these voice-processing features could be a significant advantage.
Galaxy AI Compatibility Brings Hands-Free Controls
Smart interaction is another major selling point of the Galaxy Buds On. When connected to a compatible Galaxy smartphone or tablet that supports Galaxy AI, users can access additional voice-based features.
Samsung says users can activate Google’s AI assistant by saying, “Hey Google, let’s talk Live.” Voice commands can also be used to control music playback and adjust the volume, reducing the need to reach for a connected device.
The earbuds include several gesture-based functions as well. Users can press and hold the touch-sensitive area to record voice memos, while nodding or shaking their heads can be used to accept or reject calls. These head gestures can also help users dismiss alarms and manage notifications.
Together, the voice commands and hands-free gestures are designed to make the Galaxy Buds On more convenient to use during everyday activities.
Feature availability may depend on the connected device, software version, and regional support.
Samsung Galaxy Buds On Price and Availability
Samsung has launched the Galaxy Buds On in South Korea at a retail price of 299,000 won. The earbuds are currently available in black, with no additional color options announced at launch.
The company has confirmed plans to expand availability to other markets, but specific international launch dates and regional prices have not yet been revealed.
With its clip-on design, automatic left-right detection, TwinBoost speakers, AI-assisted call processing, and 9.5-hour battery life, the Galaxy Buds On represents a new direction for Samsung’s wireless audio lineup.
Its appeal will ultimately depend on how well the open-ear fit balances comfort, sound quality, and audio leakage control in everyday use. For users who want to hear their surroundings while listening to music, Samsung’s first clip-on earbuds offer an alternative to conventional in-ear designs.