Is the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 series worth the upgrade?

The noise of our daily commutes is often muted by the earbuds we use. But every once in a while, we're in need of an upgrade.

Thankfully, Samsung has us covered with the launch of their latest Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro – and it's one I'm excited for!

They've got a new case design, upgrades to the speakers, gesture controls on the Pro model and a few more tricks.

Here's everything you need to know.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

Samsung Buds4 series at a glance...

• Official release date: Pre-orders start February 26, with an official launch on March 11, 2026.
• Galaxy Buds4 Pro price: $399, featuring a metal finish and an online-exclusivePinky Gold colour.
• Galaxy Buds4 Price: $299, offering an open-fit design for a comfortable user experience.
• Headline feature: Head gesture controls on the Pro model, so you can nod to accept a call or shake to decline.
• Durability: The Buds4 Pro offers IP57 water resistance, whilst the Buds4 offers an IP54 rating.

Pre-order here!

First impressions: a welcome new design

Samsung has focused on aesthetics and comfort this year with the buds. You'll notice the new transparent case design that looks remarkably similar to the Nothing earbuds. Hands-on, I like this! It still offers wireless charging and an easy way to flip open your earbuds and put them on.

The earbuds themselves have changed with an alternative new blade design. Based on what Samsung claims as "hundreds of millions of global ear data points and over 10,000 simulations", they've created a more ergonomic, comfortable fit for anyone. And yes, I was surprised how nice the Buds4 Pro did feel.

Each pair of earbuds comes in white and black with a matte finish. The Buds4 use an open-fit design for a cheaper, more user-friendly experience, and the Buds4 Pro offer a canal-fit design with an online-exclusive rose gold colour.

Audio upgrades: better quality and noise cancellation

When you think of a new generation of earbuds or headphones, usually the first thing that comes to mind is these welcome hardware upgrades.

The Buds4 Pro now introduce a wider woofer that maximises the vibration area – essentially giving an upgraded effective speaker area by almost 20 per cent and supporting Hi-Fi audio.

The Galaxy Buds4 series also offers a more enhanced ANC experience and adaptive ANC/EQ by analysing your wearing conditions and unique ear shape to minimise incoming sound.

So, whether you are commuting on that noisy train or flying internationally, you'll be able to focus more entirely on your own media. Or if you're on the phone with someone, you'll be able to get incredible call quality thanks to the super clear call technology.

Head gestures, easy setup and more AI

Of course, it wouldn't be a Galaxy Unpacked without more AI integration into their ecosystem.

But before we delve into that, the bigger headline feature of the Buds4 Pro is the introduction of head gestures to control – for example, nodding to accept a call and shaking your head to decline.

Aside from nodding in agreement with your buds, you can now also initiate AI agents, including Gemini, Bixby and Perplexity, using hands-free voice controls.

And for those Galaxy users bundling these buds with the new Galaxy S26 series, setup has never been easier than before, as simply opening the case prompts you to connect the buds to your phone or tablet.

Are the Galaxy Buds4 and Buds4 Pro worth the upgrade?

If you've been waiting for a reason to upgrade your audio, and are in the Samsung ecosystem, I'd say the Buds4 series is looking like a generally good upgrade.

From the upgraded sound in the Pro, the enhanced ANC across the series and the comfort of the new design, it's definitely a reasonable purchase. But if you aren't in the Samsung ecosystem, I would say it's not for you.

Pre-orders are open already, so if you're someone who prioritises crystal-clear call quality and hands-free control, the jump to the Buds4 Pro will be a great choice for you.

Pre-order here!

READ MORE: Samsung Galaxy S26 series: everything you need to know