As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Best overall: Beats Studio Buds (Black)
- Best budget: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 (Graphite)
- Best premium: Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro (Silver)
- Best for Apple users: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
- Beats Studio Buds and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 both offer active noise cancelling, transparency modes and compact charging cases.
- Beats Studio Buds last up to 5 hours with ANC and 15 hours total with the case when ANC is on.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds2 last up to 5 hours with ANC and 20 hours total with the case when ANC is on.
- Beats Studio Buds +, Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and Sony WF-C710N are useful alternatives for different battery and fit priorities.
- Check phone compatibility and water-resistance ratings before choosing earbuds for commuting, workouts or daily listening.
Beats Studio Buds and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 are compact noise-cancelling earbuds with up to 5 hours of playback per charge with ANC enabled. For Black Friday 2026, the clearest choice comes down to phone ecosystem, fit and the features you value most.
We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven wireless earbuds. The short version: Beats Studio Buds suit listeners who want straightforward compatibility across Apple and Android devices, while Samsung Galaxy Buds2 fit naturally into a Galaxy setup. The alternatives below add longer battery life, wing tips, stronger water resistance or Apple-specific features.
How We Picked
- Compared published battery figures for earbuds and charging cases, noting whether each figure applies with ANC on or off.
- Reviewed noise-cancelling, transparency and microphone features for commuting, calls and everyday listening.
- Checked water-resistance ratings and fit features, including wing tips and available ear-tip sizes.
- Considered phone compatibility, companion-app features and which functions depend on a specific device ecosystem.
- Used owner feedback to identify recurring strengths and limitations, without treating individual experiences as universal.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Playback with ANC | Total playback with ANC | Water resistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beats Studio Buds (Black) | Cross-platform listening | 5 hours | 15 hours | IPX4 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds2 (Graphite) | Galaxy phone owners | 5 hours | 20 hours | IPX2 |
| Beats Studio Buds + (Transparent) | Longer case battery, ANC off | 6 hours | 24 hours | IPX4 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds FE (Graphite) | Secure fit with wing tips | 6 hours | 21 hours | IPX2 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro (Silver) | Premium Galaxy listening | 6 hours | 26 hours | IP57 |
| Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) | Apple device integration | 6 hours | 30 hours | IP54 |
| Sony WF-C710N Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds (Black) | Commuting and sound adjustment | 6.5 hours | Not specified with ANC on | IPX4 |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
Beats Studio Buds (Black)
The Beats Studio Buds (Black) is the best balanced pick for Apple and Android listeners who want ANC and up to 5 hours of playback with ANC enabled.
Best for: Cross-platform listening and commuting
- Playback with ANC
- Up to 5 hours
- Total playback with ANC
- Up to 15 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Listening modes
- ANC and Transparency
- Works with Apple and Android devices
- Compact design with ANC and Transparency modes
- IPX4 rating for sweat and splashes
- No wireless charging for the case
- ANC battery life is shorter than several alternatives
Is the Beats Studio Buds (Black) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Beats Studio Buds (Black) are a solid choice for listeners who want ANC, a Transparency mode and simple Apple or Android pairing. Their 5-hour ANC playback is suitable for a commute, while the case extends total ANC listening to 15 hours.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 (Graphite)
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 (Graphite) is the best pick for Galaxy phone owners who want lightweight ANC earbuds with up to 5 hours of playback per charge.
Best for: Samsung Galaxy phone owners
- Playback with ANC
- Up to 5 hours
- Total playback with ANC
- Up to 20 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX2
- Microphones
- 3 per earbud
- Compact, lightweight earbuds
- ANC and Ambient Sound modes
- Useful Galaxy-device integration
- IPX2 protection is limited for workouts and heavy rain
- Some Galaxy features are not available on every phone
Are Samsung Galaxy Buds2 (Graphite) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 (Graphite) suit listeners who want compact earbuds and ANC, especially when paired with a Galaxy phone. The earbuds provide up to 5 hours of ANC playback and up to 20 hours total with the charging case under ANC use.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Beats Studio Buds + (Transparent)
The Beats Studio Buds + (Transparent) is the best upgrade for cross-platform listeners who want up to 6 hours of ANC playback and a longer-lasting case.
Best for: Longer listening between charges
- Playback with ANC
- Up to 6 hours
- Total playback, ANC off
- Up to 36 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Listening modes
- ANC and Transparency
- Longer ANC playback than Beats Studio Buds
- Works with Apple and Android devices
- Transparency option and IPX4 rating
- Full case battery figure requires ANC to be off
- Some Apple-specific features need Apple devices
Are Beats Studio Buds + (Transparent) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Beats Studio Buds + (Transparent) offer a strong mix of cross-platform support and battery life. The earbuds play for up to 6 hours with ANC enabled, and the charging case supports up to 36 hours total with ANC off.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE (Graphite)
The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE (Graphite) is the best fit-focused pick for Galaxy listeners who want ANC and up to 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled.
Best for: A secure fit for daily wear
- Playback with ANC
- Up to 6 hours
- Total playback with ANC
- Up to 21 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX2
- Fit feature
- Wing tips
- Wing tips help keep the earbuds in place
- ANC and Ambient Sound modes
- Galaxy-friendly controls and app features
- IPX2 rating is modest for exercise
- Some features work best with Samsung devices
Are Samsung Galaxy Buds FE (Graphite) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE (Graphite) are worth considering when secure fit matters more than premium materials. Wing tips help stabilize each earbud, while ANC playback reaches up to 6 hours and total ANC listening reaches up to 21 hours with the case.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro (Silver)
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro (Silver) is the best premium Samsung pick for Galaxy owners who want IP57 protection and up to 6 hours of ANC playback.
Best for: Premium Samsung features and stronger water resistance
- Playback with ANC
- Up to 6 hours
- Total playback with ANC
- Up to 26 hours
- Water and dust resistance
- IP57
- Bluetooth
- Version 5.4
- Higher water and dust protection than IPX2 models
- Premium sound and ANC features
- Galaxy ecosystem integration
- Several advanced features are Galaxy-device dependent
- Stem design will not suit every listener
Are Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro (Silver) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro (Silver) are a capable premium option for Galaxy owners seeking ANC, detailed sound features and IP57 protection. Battery life reaches up to 6 hours with ANC, with up to 26 hours total ANC playback using the case.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C)
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) is the best Apple-focused pick for iPhone owners who want up to 6 hours of ANC playback.
Best for: iPhone owners and Apple-device switching
- Playback with ANC
- Up to 6 hours
- Total playback with ANC
- Up to 30 hours
- Dust and water resistance
- IP54
- Charging case
- USB-C and MagSafe
- Convenient pairing and switching across Apple devices
- ANC, Transparency and Adaptive Audio features
- IP54 rating for earbuds and case
- Several features are designed for Apple devices
- Android users lose some ecosystem conveniences
Are Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) are a strong choice for iPhone owners who value seamless Apple integration. ANC playback reaches up to 6 hours per charge, and the case supports up to 30 hours total.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Sony WF-C710N Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds (Black)
The Sony WF-C710N Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds (Black) is the best battery-focused alternative for commuters who want up to 6.5 hours of ANC playback.
Best for: Commuting and adjustable sound
- Playback with ANC
- Up to 6.5 hours
- Total playback, ANC off
- Up to 30 hours
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- Listening modes
- ANC and Ambient Sound
- Strong per-charge ANC battery figure
- Sound adjustments through Sony’s app
- IPX4 protection for sweat and splashes
- Case total drops with ANC enabled
- The shape and controls suit some ears better than others
Are Sony WF-C710N Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds (Black) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. Sony WF-C710N Truly Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds (Black) are a good alternative when per-charge battery life and sound customization matter. Sony rates ANC playback at up to 6.5 hours, and the earbuds include an Ambient Sound mode and IPX4 protection.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which earbuds win: Beats Studio Buds or Samsung Galaxy Buds2?
Both offer ANC, a mode that lets outside sound through, and up to 5 hours of playback with ANC on. Phone compatibility and water resistance help distinguish them.
Beats Studio Buds work with Apple and Android devices and carry an IPX4 rating. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 integrate more closely with Galaxy phones and carry an IPX2 rating. Neither pair is waterproof.
Choose Beats Studio Buds for cross-platform use or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 for Galaxy features.
Are Beats Studio Buds better for iPhone or Android?
Beats Studio Buds work with iPhone and Android, with Apple Find My and one-touch pairing on Apple devices, plus the Beats app on Android. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 use the Galaxy Wearable app, and some features require a compatible Galaxy device.
Choose Beats Studio Buds for a mixed-device household or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 for Galaxy integration.
How much battery life do the two earbuds provide?
With ANC on, both provide up to 5 hours per charge. Case totals are up to 15 hours for Beats Studio Buds and 20 hours for Samsung Galaxy Buds2.
With ANC off, Beats Studio Buds provide up to 8 hours per charge and 24 hours total. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 provide up to 7.5 hours per charge and 29 hours total. Volume, calls and settings affect actual playback.
Which earbuds are more suitable for workouts and rain?
Beats Studio Buds have an IPX4 rating for water splashes; Samsung Galaxy Buds2 have an IPX2 rating for dripping water when tilted. Neither is designed for swimming.
Fit matters for exercise, too. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE have stabilizing wing tips, while Beats Studio Buds offer stronger splash protection. Dry earbuds and charging contacts before storing them.
Which alternatives should shoppers compare in 2026?
Beats Studio Buds + offer up to 6 hours of ANC playback and up to 36 hours total with ANC off. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE add wing tips, while Sony WF-C710N offer up to 6.5 hours of ANC playback and app-based sound controls.
For premium features, compare Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, with IP57 protection, or Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) for Apple integration.
Buying Guide
Match earbuds to your phone
Choose Beats Studio Buds for Apple and Android flexibility. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 suit Galaxy owners seeking Samsung app controls. Check feature compatibility; Bluetooth audio works across more devices than every companion feature.
Compare battery with ANC enabled
With ANC on, Beats Studio Buds offer up to 5 hours per charge and 15 hours total; Samsung Galaxy Buds2 offer up to 5 and 20 hours. Calls, volume and settings affect results.
Choose fit before extra features
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE include wing tips; Beats Studio Buds have a compact in-ear design. A comfortable, secure fit varies by listener, so check ear-tip options and return policies.
Read water-resistance ratings carefully
Beats Studio Buds are rated IPX4 and Samsung Galaxy Buds2 IPX2. Neither rating means waterproof. Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro carry an IP57 rating.
Prioritize the features you will use
Compare ANC, Transparency or Ambient Sound modes, microphone performance, charging and app controls against your routine. Black Friday 2026 is a useful time to compare features, not just discount headlines.
FAQ
What is the main difference between Beats Studio Buds and Samsung Galaxy Buds2?
Beats Studio Buds work across Apple and Android devices and carry an IPX4 rating. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 are especially convenient with Galaxy phones and provide up to 20 hours of total ANC playback, compared with 15 hours for Beats Studio Buds. Both reach up to 5 hours per charge with ANC.
Do Beats Studio Buds work with Samsung phones?
Yes. Beats Studio Buds pair with Samsung phones over Bluetooth and support the Beats app on Android for controls and settings. Apple-specific functions are not part of the Samsung experience, but standard listening and ANC features remain available when paired with a compatible Android phone.
Do Samsung Galaxy Buds2 work with an iPhone?
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 can connect to an iPhone through Bluetooth for basic audio playback. Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app and some customization features are designed for Android devices, so iPhone owners do not get the same setup and controls available with compatible Samsung phones.
Which earbuds have better water resistance, Beats Studio Buds or Samsung Galaxy Buds2?
Beats Studio Buds have the higher rating, IPX4, compared with IPX2 for Samsung Galaxy Buds2. IPX4 provides splash protection under specified conditions, while IPX2 covers limited dripping-water exposure. Neither rating makes the earbuds suitable for swimming or submersion.
Are Beats Studio Buds + a better buy than Beats Studio Buds?
Beats Studio Buds + are a better fit for listeners who want up to 6 hours of ANC playback, compared with 5 hours for Beats Studio Buds. The original Beats Studio Buds remain a practical option when core ANC, cross-platform support and a compact design matter most.
Which earbuds are best for Samsung Galaxy phones?
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are the premium Samsung choice, with ANC, Galaxy-focused features and an IP57 rating. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 suit shoppers prioritizing compact basics, while Samsung Galaxy Buds FE add wing tips for a more secure fit. Check phone compatibility for advanced features.