Samsung Galaxy Buds FE Review: A Balance of Features and Affordability

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, priced at $99.99, have become the company's entry-level earbuds, focusing on a balance between features and affordability. Unlike recent rounded designs, these earbuds resemble the Galaxy Buds Plus, featuring silicone "wings" for a secure fit and a flattened touchpad area for easier control. Despite the lower cost, essential features like active noise cancellation and a transparency mode are retained, though wireless charging is omitted.

While lacking Samsung's advanced audio features like spatial audio and some gesture controls, the Galaxy Buds FE deliver satisfactory sound quality. The earbuds follow Samsung's standard tuning curve, providing an enjoyable listening experience. The lack of head-tracking spatial audio, a feature reserved for pricier earbuds, might not be a significant drawback for users.

The setup process, facilitated through the Galaxy Wearable app, has a multi-step approach that involves downloading an add-on specifically for the Galaxy Buds FE. The case design is similar to other Samsung earbuds, and the glossy white case is compatible with accessories designed for other models.

The earbuds offer good battery life, with up to six hours of listening time with ANC on and 8.5 hours with it off. The case extends these totals to 21 hours and 30 hours, respectively. Real-world usage showed slightly shorter durations but still met expectations.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE present a compelling option for users seeking reliable performance, good noise cancellation, and a flat touchpad design at an affordable price point. The earbuds strike a balance between essential features and cost, making them a practical choice for those looking for reliable wireless earbuds.