How the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE handles phone and video calls:

• Your voice sounds loud and natural

• Indoor sounds like chatter and door slams are reduced well

• Outdoor sounds are reduced well, except higher sounds like birds-chirping

• Wind is sometimes audible and can make your voice darker

• Switch between ANC and Transparency/ Hearthrough during calls

What (the rest of) the Samsung Galaxy Buds is like:

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is Samsungs revisit of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2, and thankfully, the Korean brand invested heavily in improving the call clarity. Whereas the Buds 2 couldn’t handle background noise – let alone wind – the Buds FE is great company for your phone and video calls.

Your voice sounds loud and natural in calls, and the Buds FE does a good job of reducing chatter around you. While other people can be heard in calls for the other end of the line, your voice is always front-and-center. Sudden sounds are reduced quickly as well. Remarkably, in video calls in Google Meet, your voice isn’t always in total synchronization with the picture, but other than that, these are flawless for office use.

For another reason too: by holding down one of the earbuds, you can switch from Active Noise Cancelling to Transparency or otherwise. Need to hear your colleagues too? Just hold the button. Want to rule them out to focus on your call? Hold it again. The Samsung reminds your latest setting.

The Transparency mode is fierce and easily lets you follow conversations while you listen to music or take a call, and the totally wind noise-free Active Noise Cancelling itself is strong – reducing or removing entire frequencies from your surroundings.

The Galaxy Buds FE boasts 5,5 hours battery life per charge with ANC turned on. You won’t find volume controles on the earpieces, sadly, and they’re only IPX4 light rain proof. It strikes back in the sound department, however.

The Galaxy Buds FE sound exceptional. Mid-tones have a natural tonality and strong texture; it’s entirely possible to hear the pressing of piano keys or plucking of guitar strings in higher quality recordings here.

Both female and male vocals are pronounced and full-bodied, and they dip into low tones just as easily as reaching high outbursts. The Buds FE reveals details other earbuds in this price category just can’t grasp, and it achieves it without pushing the treble too much. It’s never too sharp.

Lower mid-tones are weighty and detailed, and thanks to outstanding separation, they don’t interfere with highs or the bass. The bass boasts impactful drums and quick strikes. It’s detailed and deep, and tighter than the OnePlus’ bass as well. Unless you love your sound with a ton of treble, this is the audiophile choice for earbuds under 100 dollars.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE is a great package, combining clear indoor calls with strong Active Noise Cancelling and fantastic sound quality.