Samsung’s been hard at work growing its wireless earbuds range, and two of its newest offerings — the Galaxy Buds3 FE and Galaxy Buds Core — are getting a lot of attention.
At first glance, both seem to give good bang for your buck, up-to-date features, and great performance for those who use Galaxy devices.
But which one should you spend your hard-earned cash on?
Let’s dive in and figure it out.
Also see: Samsung Galaxy Buds Core vs Galaxy Buds FE
Price and Availability
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE is priced at $149.99 and available directly from Samsung and major retailers.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds Core is much more affordable, costing $59, making it one of Samsung’s most affordable wireless earbuds yet.
The price gap is clear — the Buds3 FE sit closer to the premium range, while the Buds Core focus on delivering solid basics at a budget-friendly price.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Galaxy Buds3 FE and Galaxy Buds Core come in compact charging cases with a USB-C port and an LED indicator for battery status.
The build feels premium on both models, but the Buds3 FE stands out with its slightly higher-grade material and overall refinement.
The earbuds themselves are lightweight and well-crafted. Samsung uses a smooth matte finish that feels comfortable even during long listening sessions.
Both models support touch controls, but the Buds3 FE takes things a step further — you can adjust the volume by swiping up or down directly on the earbuds. That’s a feature usually found on more expensive earphones.
Another small but valuable addition on the Buds3 FE is the in-ear detection sensor. Music automatically pauses when you remove an earbud — a handy touch that the Buds Core lacks.
When it comes to comfort, both models perform well. They sit securely in the ears and feel light even after extended use. But Galaxy Buds3 FE has a slight edge thanks to its ergonomic contour and better ear tip design.
Connectivity
Both pairs are equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, providing stable connections, low latency, and easy pairing. Unsurprisingly, they work best with Samsung smartphones.
Once connected via the Galaxy Wearable app, you can manage all the essentials — from sound profiles and touch settings to firmware updates and “Find My Earbuds” features.
Pairing is super quick on Samsung devices, and performance remains consistent even when switching between apps or calls.
App Features
Both models fully support the Galaxy Wearable app, which remains one of the best companion apps in the wireless earbud space.
Here, you can fine-tune noise control, enable Ambient Sound, and switch between multiple EQ presets. The Buds3 FE also supports 360 Audio, adding a more immersive listening experience for movies and spatial music tracks.
You can tweak touch gestures, enable voice notifications, or even have the earbuds read alerts aloud — perfect if you’re on the go. Both models also support Find My Earbuds, ensuring you can track them down if misplaced.
Call Quality
In microphone testing, both earbuds handled voice calls well, with minimal distortion or background interference.
However, the Buds3 FE produced cleaner, fuller vocal tones, especially in noisy environments. If you frequently take calls outdoors or in public spaces, the FE will give you more reliable clarity.
Sound Quality
Here’s where the differences become clearer.
The Galaxy Buds3 FE delivers a richer, more refined sound — balanced mids, punchy bass, and crisp highs that don’t distort even at higher volumes. Its tuning feels more natural, with better soundstage depth and detail separation. The addition of 360 Audio makes the experience even more immersive.
The Galaxy Buds Core, meanwhile, offers a warmer, bass-forward sound. It’s enjoyable and easy on the ears, but lacks the dynamic range and precision of the Buds3 FE. For casual listeners, it’s perfectly fine — but audiophiles will prefer the FE’s cleaner and more spacious presentation.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid on both, though the Galaxy Buds Core has a small advantage.
- Galaxy Buds3 FE: Up to 8.5 hours of playback (ANC off), and about 30 hours total with the case.
- Galaxy Buds Core: Similar earbud runtime, but up to 35 hours total with the case.
In real-world use, both will get you through a full workday without issue. The Buds Core just squeezes out a bit more endurance — handy if you’re often away from a charger.
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE vs Galaxy Buds Core: Specs Comparison
| Specification | Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE | Samsung Galaxy Buds Core |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $149.99 | ≈ $59 |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Battery (earbuds / total w. case) | Up to ~8.5 hrs (ANC off) — ~30 hrs total with case | Combined up to ~35 hrs (ANC off); ~20–21 hrs with ANC on |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Water / Dust Resistance | IP54 | IP54 |
| Controls & Sensors | Touch controls (swipe volume), in-ear detection, multiple mics | Touch controls, hall/proximity sensors, multiple mics |
| Notable features | 360 Audio, Galaxy AI / Translator support, Gemini integration | Galaxy AI Interpreter / Live Translate support |
Who is the Winner?
Both the Galaxy Buds3 FE and Galaxy Buds Core deliver on Samsung’s promise of solid audio, sleek design, and ecosystem integration. But if we had to pick one, the Galaxy Buds3 FE wins by a clear margin.
It offers better sound, stronger ANC, smarter features, and a more premium feel — all while staying relatively compact and user-friendly. The Buds Core remains a solid pick for everyday listeners who just want reliable performance without spending more.
If sound quality and comfort matter most, go for the Galaxy Buds3 FE. If you simply want dependable Samsung earbuds on a tighter budget, the Galaxy Buds Core won’t disappoint.
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
