Fit is always essential, yet it’s even more vital for open-air earbuds that lack ear tips.
Wireless earbuds are available in numerous shapes and styles, but they can be generally categorized into two main form factors — those with ear tips and those without. From a functional perspective, earbuds with ear tips provide a more stable fit, enhanced active noise-canceling effectiveness, and better passive sound isolation. They’re frequently promoted as the superior choice, while some midrange and budget earbuds favor a unibody plastic construction instead.
This distinction holds true for Samsung’s latest Galaxy Buds 4 series. The entry-level Galaxy Buds 4, priced at $180, do not come with ear tips. Upgrading to the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at $250 grants you silicone ear tips and a more thoughtful design that promises improved fit. However, there is slightly more to this narrative — some individuals appreciate the lightweight, unobtrusive, and liberating sensation of earbuds without replaceable tips. Yet, based on my experience with the Galaxy Buds 4, I find myself questioning why anyone would opt for a pair of earbuds lacking silicone or foam ear tips.
To be fair, this could be a concern regarding the form factor itself rather than specifically with the Galaxy Buds 4. The previous Galaxy Buds 3 and the current AirPods 4 feature the same design style, and I would have the same reservations about either variant. Regardless of the cause, the impact seems apparent. This type of earbud probably won’t fit or sound as well, so why choose it?
The Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro are certainly not equivalent
Samsung revamped both the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro this year, yet there’s still a significant factor distinguishing the two models. Beyond audiophile features like driver dimensions or ANC performance, only one model fits entirely in your ear. That’s the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, which come with silicone ear tips that create a physical seal in your ear canal. Conversely, the standard Galaxy Buds 4 rest just outside your canal.
This parallels the Apple earbuds range, where the AirPods Pro 3 have hybrid silicone/foam ear tips, while the AirPods 4 lack tips altogether. Nevertheless, not every brand organizes its offerings this way. Both of Google’s earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a, incorporate silicone ear tips. Every set of Beats earbuds also features the in-ear design, complete with silicone ear tips. When exploring Google or Beats offerings, you can select products across various price ranges while ensuring a consistent experience throughout.
This, however, does not apply to the Galaxy Buds 4 lineup. Here, you’ll need to assess whether you require buds with ear tips that fully seal off your ear canal. It’s arguably a greater concern, even surpassing price and general feature set.
Galaxy Buds 4 introduce a new design, yet an old issue persists
Let’s delve into the specifics of the Galaxy Buds 4 design, starting with the positives. I appreciated the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, so I was indeed doubtful about Samsung discarding that design for something entirely fresh here. As it turns out, Samsung made a smart decision. The flat case design and altered earbud aesthetics look fantastic. The square Galaxy Buds 4 wireless charging case feels more portable and compact, making it easy to place the earbuds in when they require charging.
The square Galaxy Buds 4 charging case measures 51x51x28.3mm and weighs just over 45 grams, ensuring it is easily pocketable. While I will miss the blade lights from the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the design is now more uniform across the Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. In other words, the visual redesign scores high in my opinion.
Unfortunately, the redesign does not significantly enhance the functionality of the Galaxy Buds, and that’s disappointing. I consider the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro to be among the most comfortable earbuds available, yet the Galaxy Buds 3 and Galaxy Buds 4 tell a completely different story. The earbuds’ rounded shells and absence of silicone ear tips do little to ensure a secure fit within your ear. In my experience, the Galaxy Buds 4 never felt securely positioned.