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TL;DR
- Samsung’s first clip-on earbuds, the Galaxy Buds On, go on sale in South Korea on October 27 for around $226.
- The earbuds feature an open-ear design, TwinBoost speakers, and Galaxy AI features, including head gestures and voice memos.
- European retail listings hint at an upcoming global launch, with prices ranging from $216 to $241 in Switzerland.
Samsung has made wireless earbuds for years, but its latest pair is unlike anything we’ve seen from the company. Earlier this month, Samsung quietly introduced the Galaxy Buds On, its first clip-on earbuds that let you listen to music without blocking your ears. They go on sale tomorrow, October 27, in South Korea. And there’s some good news for those waiting to get their hands on them outside Samsung’s home market.
If you missed our earlier coverage, the Galaxy Buds On feature an open-ear design that lets you enjoy music without losing touch with your surroundings. So, whether you’re listening to your favorite podcast on a morning walk while keeping an ear out for traffic, or enjoying music at work without missing someone calling your name, there’s plenty to appreciate about this approach.
The earbuds clip around your ears using a flexible material designed to keep them comfortable and secure. Samsung has also included TwinBoost speakers for better bass, technology to reduce sound leakage, and a few handy Galaxy AI features. With a compatible Galaxy device, you can even answer calls with a nod or quickly record a voice memo without pulling out your phone.
The Galaxy Buds On will be available in black for 299,000 won (~ $226) through Samsung’s website and retail stores in South Korea. Buyers who purchase them by November 30 will also receive two 30% discount coupons for Galaxy Buds accessories, redeemable until December 20.
Samsung hasn’t confirmed when the Galaxy Buds On will launch internationally, but the wait might not be too long. As SammyGuru spotted, the earbuds have already appeared on European retail websites, with Swiss listings showing prices between CHF 179 (around $216) and CHF 199 (around $241).
Of course, retailer listings aren’t official confirmation, and launch dates can change. Still, it’s an encouraging sign for anyone outside South Korea who’s been eyeing Samsung’s first open-ear earbuds.
Personally, I think it’s nice to see Samsung experimenting with something different. Not everyone wants earbuds that completely shut out the outside world, especially when exercising or commuting. If Samsung gets the comfort and sound quality right, the Galaxy Buds On could be a compelling alternative to traditional wireless earbuds. Now, we just need Samsung to tell us when the rest of us can buy them.
