Seoul: Samsung has launched the Galaxy Buds On, its first pair of clip-on open earbuds, introducing a new form factor aimed at users who want a more comfortable fit while remaining aware of their surroundings. The wireless earphones have debuted in Samsung’s home market, South Korea, and are expected to reach global markets at a later date.

The Galaxy Buds On are priced at 299,000 won in South Korea, which is roughly equivalent to Rs 21,000. Samsung has not yet announced the Indian price or a specific launch date for other international markets.

The new earphones enter an increasingly competitive clip-style audio segment, where manufacturers are experimenting with open-ear designs that sit around the ear rather than sealing the ear canal.

Galaxy Buds On bring a clip-on open-ear design

The biggest change with the Galaxy Buds On is their design. Unlike Samsung’s traditional Galaxy Buds models, the new earphones use a clip-on construction with an open-ear fit.

The design consists of an earpiece positioned near the ear canal and a second section that sits behind the ear. The two sections are connected by a flexible strip, allowing the earphones to remain in position without requiring the user to insert a conventional earbud into the ear canal.

Open-ear earphones are designed to provide a balance between audio playback and environmental awareness. Since the ear is not completely sealed, users can continue to hear sounds around them while listening to music or taking calls.

This design can also be useful during activities such as walking, commuting or exercising, where users may prefer to remain aware of traffic, conversations and other sounds around them.

Samsung said it studied different ear shapes and used the resulting data to optimise the positioning of the speakers and batteries in the Galaxy Buds On. The company has also placed touch controls on the rear section of the earphones.

Samsung uses TwinBoost speaker technology

The Galaxy Buds On feature Samsung’s TwinBoost speaker system, along with Audio Leakage Reduction technology. The combination is designed to deliver audio through the open-ear form factor while reducing the amount of sound that escapes towards people nearby.

Samsung is positioning the earphones as a device for longer listening sessions, with the open design intended to reduce some of the discomfort associated with traditional in-ear earbuds.

The earphones are powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 Sound Platform. Samsung has also equipped them with a high-efficiency Class-D amplifier as part of the audio system.

The company claims that the Galaxy Buds On can deliver up to 9.5 hours of music playback on a single charge.

Battery performance can vary depending on factors such as volume level, connectivity and other features being used, but the claimed 9.5-hour figure places the new earbuds firmly in the category of devices designed for extended listening.

Three microphones support calls

Samsung has also focused on voice calling with the Galaxy Buds On. The earphones use three microphones along with a Voice Pickup Unit sensor to improve voice capture during calls.

The company has included its Intelligent Clear Call technology, which is designed to help users communicate clearly in different environments.

The open-ear design means the Galaxy Buds On are not limited to music playback. Samsung is also promoting them as a hands-free device for calls, notifications and AI-assisted interactions.

The earphones support Galaxy AI features, including Gemini Live. This allows users to interact with Google’s Gemini assistant through supported Galaxy devices and compatible features.

Head gestures add hands-free controls

Another notable feature of the Galaxy Buds On is support for head gestures.

Samsung says users can perform certain actions with head movements, reducing the need to physically touch the earphones or connected smartphone.

Supported actions include answering or ending calls, turning off alarms and reading message notifications.

The feature could be particularly useful when users are exercising or when their hands are occupied. It also builds on Samsung’s wider push towards hands-free interactions across its Galaxy ecosystem.

The rear section of the earphones additionally features touch controls for common functions such as controlling music playback and calls.

Galaxy Buds On enter a growing clip-on market

Samsung’s move into clip-on audio comes as more established audio companies explore open-ear and ear-clip designs.

Sony, for instance, already has the LinkBuds Clip in this category. The Sony LinkBuds Clip are available in India at Rs 24,990, putting them in a similar premium price segment to Samsung’s new offering based on the Korean launch price.

The appeal of clip-style earphones lies largely in their fit. Traditional in-ear earbuds rely on ear tips to remain securely positioned, while clip-on models use the shape of the outer ear to hold the device in place.

This can make them attractive to users who find conventional in-ear headphones uncomfortable, particularly during long listening sessions.

The open-ear approach also means users do not have to completely block outside sounds. That can be useful in situations where awareness of the surrounding environment is important.

Samsung Galaxy Buds On price and availability

The Galaxy Buds On are priced at 299,000 won in South Korea, equivalent to approximately Rs 21,000 based on the conversion provided at launch.

Samsung will begin selling the new earphones in South Korea from October 27. The company has confirmed that the Galaxy Buds On will be introduced in global markets, although specific launch dates and regional pricing have not yet been announced.

For Indian consumers, this means the Korean price cannot yet be treated as the final India price. Samsung is expected to provide local pricing and availability details closer to the global rollout.

The Galaxy Buds On mark Samsung’s first entry into the clip-on open-ear earphone category, combining an unconventional design with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon S7 Gen 1 platform, a claimed 9.5-hour battery life, multiple microphones, AI features and gesture-based controls.

As Samsung expands the product to markets outside South Korea, the pricing and availability in India will determine how the new earphones compare with competing clip-on models already available in the country.