Galaxy Buds Live Vs Galaxy Buds 2 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Earbuds

Galaxy Buds Live & Galaxy Buds 2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as sound quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Galaxy Buds 2 rather than the Galaxy Buds Live. 

Why Do I Recommend The Galaxy Buds 2

  • The Galaxy Buds 2 has improved ANC, advanced algorithms & better hardware to block out more ambient noise, providing a high-quality listening experience, but the Galaxy Buds Live offers basic ANC with limited adjustability. 
  • Galaxy Buds 2 supports high-resolution audio & features a more refined sound profile with enhanced bass response and clearer highs, while the Galaxy Buds Live does not match the fidelity and depth.
  • It features 3-mic system with windshield, which enhance call quality by a better-isolating voice from background noise, while the Galaxy Buds Live has Dual-mic system.
  • The Galaxy Buds 2 has a higher IPX7 rating; it can withstand submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, but the Galaxy Buds Live has an IPX42 rating.
  • Upgraded Bluetooth 5.2 in the Galaxy Buds 2 ensures a more stable connection, improved range, and potentially lower latency than Bluetooth 5.0 in the Galaxy Buds Live.
  • Galaxy Buds 2 features in-ear design, which offers better noise isolation and a secure fit. In contrast, The Galaxy Buds Live features bean-shaped open design.

Maybe the Galaxy Buds Live price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Galaxy Buds 2. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature Galaxy Buds 2 Galaxy Buds Live
Fit Snug, secure Looser, casual
Active Noise Cancellation Effective with in-ear seal Limited due to open design
Audio Drivers Two-way dynamic drivers 12mm dynamic drivers
Sound Profile Balanced with better mids and highs Bass-heavy
Microphone Setup Triple-mic with enhanced noise isolation Dual-mic for calls
Battery Life (Earbuds) 5 hours (ANC on), 7.5 hours (ANC off) 6 hours (ANC off), 5.5 hours (ANC on)
Battery Life (with Case) 20 hours total 18 hours total
Charging USB-C and wireless USB-C and wireless
Weight (Earbuds) 5g per earbud 5.6g per earbud
Water Resistance IPX7 IPX2
Bluetooth Version 5.2 5.0
Compatibility Universal with better multi-device support Optimized for Samsung devices
Colors Graphite, Lavender, Olive, White Mystic Bronze, Mystic White, Mystic Black
Case Design Compact, rounded Larger, squarer
Release Date August 2021 August 2020
Design In-ear with silicone tips Open-fit, bean-shaped
Price Check Buds 2 Price Check Buds Live Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Brand and Ecosystem: Both earbuds are from Samsung and are designed to integrate seamlessly within the Galaxy ecosystem, offering easy pairing and extended functionality with Samsung smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches.
  • Wireless Connectivity: Both models use Bluetooth for connectivity and support the Samsung Scalable Codec, which enhances sound quality and reduces latency when paired with Samsung devices.
  • Charging Features: Both earbuds support USB-C charging and wireless charging using Qi-compatible chargers, ensuring flexible recharging options.
  • Touch Controls: Both models feature customizable touch controls that can be adjusted using the Galaxy Wearable app, allowing users to manage playback, ANC, and other settings conveniently.
  • Audio Customization: Users can personalize the audio experience with equalizer presets available in the app, ensuring tailored sound quality for different listening preferences.
  • Smart Assistant Support: Both earbuds are compatible with popular assistants such as Bixby, Google Assistant, and Siri, allowing hands-free control of tasks and features.
  • Battery Charging Time: The earbuds in both models take approximately 2 hours for a full charge, offering similar recharge speeds.
  • Ambient Sound Mode: Both models offer an ambient sound mode that lets users hear their surroundings while wearing the earbuds, enhancing situational awareness.
  • Latency and Gaming Mode: Both models include a gaming mode that reduces latency during gameplay, providing a synchronized audio-visual experience.
  • Voice Detection: Both earbuds can detect when you’re speaking, which helps with features like pausing music or enhancing call quality.

Common Features

Feature Galaxy Buds 2 Galaxy Buds Live
Brand Samsung Samsung
Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth-enabled Bluetooth-enabled
Charging Port USB-C USB-C
Wireless Charging Yes, Qi-compatible Yes, Qi-compatible
Smart Assistant Support Bixby, Google Assistant, and Siri Bixby, Google Assistant, and Siri
Ambient Sound Mode Yes Yes
Customizable Controls Yes (via Galaxy Wearable app) Yes (via Galaxy Wearable app)
Software Integration Seamless with Samsung devices, Galaxy Ecosystem Seamless with Samsung devices, Galaxy Ecosystem
Codec Support SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec
Touch Controls Yes Yes
Auto Ear Detection Yes Yes
Battery Charging Time Approx. 2 hours for full charge Approx. 2 hours for full charge
Case Battery Indicator Yes (LED light) Yes (LED light)
Audio Customization Equalizer presets via app Equalizer presets via app
Voice Detection Yes Yes
Dual Device Pairing No No
Latency Mode Gaming mode available Gaming mode available
Price Check Buds 2 Price Check Buds Live Price

FAQ

Q: Are both Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds 2 compatible with non-Samsung devices?
A: Yes, both earbuds are compatible with non-Samsung devices. They support standard Bluetooth connections and codecs like SBC and AAC, making them functional with most smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

Q: Do both Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds 2 have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?
A: Yes, both earbuds have ANC. However, the effectiveness differs. Galaxy Buds 2 provide more efficient ANC due to their in-ear design, while the open-fit design of the Galaxy Buds Live limits ANC performance.

Q: Can I use touch controls on both Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds 2?
A: Yes, both earbuds have touch controls that allow users to manage playback, calls, and other functions. The controls can also be customized using the Galaxy Wearable app.

Q: Do both models support wireless charging?
A: Yes, both Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds 2 support Qi-compatible wireless charging, allowing for cable-free charging options.

Q: Is there a difference in water resistance between the two models?
A: Yes, there is a difference. Galaxy Buds Live have an IPX2 rating, offering limited splash resistance, whereas Galaxy Buds 2 feature an IPX7 rating, providing better water resistance suitable for workouts and rain.

Q: Which model has better sound quality?
A: Galaxy Buds 2 generally offer better sound quality with a balanced profile and enhanced mids and highs, whereas Galaxy Buds Live focus on bass-heavy tuning.

Q: Are both earbuds comfortable for long-term use?
A: Comfort depends on personal preference. Galaxy Buds Live have an open-fit design that many find comfortable for extended wear, while Galaxy Buds 2 have a snug in-ear fit, which some users may find more secure but potentially less comfortable for long durations.

Q: Do both models support gaming mode?
A: Yes, both earbuds support a gaming mode, which reduces latency for a more synchronized audio-visual experience during gameplay.

Q: Can I use voice assistants like Google Assistant or Siri with both models?
A: Yes, both Galaxy Buds Live and Galaxy Buds 2 are compatible with voice assistants such as Bixby, Google Assistant, and Siri, enabling hands-free control of various tasks.

Q: Which model is better for workouts?
A: Galaxy Buds 2 are better suited for workouts due to their IPX7 water resistance rating and secure in-ear fit, compared to the Galaxy Buds Live’s IPX2 rating and looser fit.

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