One side of the tech world has long measured progress by how well headphones can block out the outside world. Active noise-canceling technology has guided music lovers into unique auditory realms by severing sounds from reality. In fact, while noise cancellation is efficient for pure musical immersion, it creates everyday inconveniences. Ambient sounds serve as vital information, and cutting them off presents blind spots in safety and social communication. The surge of running culture has played a major role in bringing this discomfort to light.
Manufacturer choices have become relatively straightforward: when to launch an open-ear product, and how to minimize the discomfort of wearing devices on the ears. Samsung Electronics has also adopted a clip-on design for its wireless earbud brand, ‘Galaxy Buds,’ jumping into the open-ear wireless earphone market to expand consumer choices.
On October 27, Samsung Electronics released the Galaxy Buds On, the Galaxy Buds series’ first-ever clip-on wireless earphones, in the domestic market. Available in a single black colorway, the retail price is set at 299,000 KRW.
The market appeal of the Galaxy Buds On boils down to three key pillars: comfortable fit, rich sound, and crystal-clear call quality.
A comfortable fit is the ultimate destiny that clip-on designs must conquer, while rich sound and clear call quality are the virtues wireless earphones have continuously pursued. The challenge lies in the fact that these earbuds do not block the ear canal. Achieving rich sound and sharp call quality now faces a fresh obstacle in piercing through open air gaps.
Samsung found the answer to a comfortable fit in ergonomic design.
Utilizing 4D computing-based AI optimization technology, the company ran various simulations. Because ear shapes vary individually, achieving a design that fits everyone perfectly is unrealistic, yet engineers sought a layout that offers an optimal proposal for the vast majority.
Nam Hyun-jung, a pro in Samsung Electronics’ MX Business Unit Wearable Product Planning Group who participated in the development of the Galaxy Buds On, stated in a recent media briefing, “Clip-on earphones must not cause ear fatigue even during extended wear, and they must stay securely anchored to the ears during high-movement activities for seamless music enjoyment.” She added that the Galaxy Buds On provides the answer to this challenge.
Based on this ergonomic design, internal components were rearranged from scratch. Batteries, speakers, and wires found new homes driven by this layout because prioritizing an even distribution of contact area and pressure against the ear was paramount.
Remaining structural details were refined using shape-memory alloy bands. These bands move flexibly to match individual ear shapes, delivering a uniform, personalized fit.
The next challenge was acoustics capable of cutting through open air.
Because clip-on earphones sit further away from the eardrum compared to in-ear canal models, low-frequency expression tends to weaken. Samsung addressed this weak point through a technology called the TwinBoost Speaker.
While the previously released Buds4 Pro focused on reproducing near-original high-fi sound by arranging one planar tweeter for highs and one woofer speaker for lows, the Buds On utilizes a TwinBoost Speaker featuring dual woofer speakers dedicated to reinforcing low-frequency ranges.
An automatic volume control function has also been added, adjusting volume levels according to the external environment. By monitoring ambient noise levels in real-time, the earbuds automatically raise the volume if noise increases and return it to the previous level when noise subsides, ensuring stable listening without manual operation.
Furthermore, to reduce the sound leakage commonly found in clip-on designs, Samsung introduced its first-ever Audio Leakage Reduction technology in the Galaxy Buds series. This allows users to comfortably enjoy audio in public spaces like crowded subways or cafes without disturbing others.
For call quality, the company deployed Intelligent Clear Call technology. This system combines three microphones, a bone-conduction-based Voice Pickup Unit sensor that detects vibrations during speech, and machine learning-based solutions to precisely separate the user’s voice from background noise. This technology delivers crisp vocal transmission to the other party even in noisy environments.
These are the engineering innovations Samsung invested in to secure comfortable wear and superior acoustic performance.
Samsung Electronics went a step further by integrating trendy AI capabilities.
While typical wireless earphones require users to distinguish between left and right sides, the Galaxy Buds On features a built-in accelerometer that detects gravity direction to automatically assign left and right channels regardless of which ear the device is placed in.
Additionally, when linked with Galaxy AI-supported smartphones or tablets, the earbuds enable users to effortlessly utilize various hands-free functions directly from the earphones when using both hands is difficult, keeping essential features accessible during work or transit.
Voice-activated AI functions begin with a simple phrase: “Hey Google, let’s talk live.” Saying this command instantly launches Gemini Live, allowing users to converse naturally with the AI agent without repeatedly uttering a wake word for every question.
Head Gestures, which recognize head movements, liberate the user’s hands. An incoming phone call can be answered by nodding, and alarms can be dismissed or message notifications checked by shaking the head.
A Quick Voice Memo feature is also supported, allowing users to record instantly by pressing and holding the touch area on the back of the earbud while speaking. Recorded notes can be searched using Samsung’s voice recognition platform, Bixby, without pulling out a smartphone. During workouts, users can track exercises via Galaxy Watch and control the Galaxy Buds On using voice commands like “next song,” “volume up,” or “answer call,” eliminating the need to reach for a phone.
Jeong Ho-jin, Executive Vice President of Samsung Electronics Korea, remarked, “‘Galaxy Buds On’ will serve as a new option for consumers who want to hear ambient sounds while enjoying music. We hope you will directly experience the comfortable fit and rich sound at offline stores nationwide, including Samsung Stores.”}@@__@
