[IT Big Match] Samsung Galaxy Buds2 vs LG Tone Free... Testing Noise Cancelling Performance

Wireless Earphone Market Occupies 27% by Apple
New Noise Cancelling Products Flood the Market
Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics Also Conduct Research and Development

Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, latecomers in the wireless earphone market, have launched new products with noise-canceling features to challenge the market leader Apple. From the left, the products are Samsung Electronics' 'Galaxy Buds2' and LG Electronics' 'Tone Free (TONE-TFP9)'.

[Asia Economy reporters Minyoung Cha and Eunmo Koo] ‘Stop Apple’s dominance.’ Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, latecomers in the wireless earphone market, have challenged Apple, which holds 27% of the wireless earphone market, with new products featuring noise-canceling functions. Samsung Electronics targeted the mid-to-low price segment with the Galaxy Buds2 priced in the 140,000 KRW range, while LG Electronics aimed for premium demand with the high-end Tone Free priced around 200,000 KRW, which also offers antibacterial effects.

Two-thirds the price of Buds Pro... Samsung Galaxy Buds2

Samsung Electronics unveiled the 'Galaxy Buds2' at the Galaxy Unpacked event in August. It is a kernel-type wireless earphone continuing the lineage of the affordable Buds line. With a reasonable price in the high 140,000 KRW range and equipped with noise-canceling functionality, it received praise as a 'departure from the affordable line.'

The first impression of the kernel-type Buds2 was that it was positioned between the Galaxy Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds Live. Compared to the Buds Pro, the part connecting to the eartip was more streamlined. Personally, the Buds2 felt more comfortable to wear than the Galaxy Buds Pro, which fits snugly in the ear. The graphite color was a translucent, subtle shade blending gray and black.

On the 16th, I tried Samsung Electronics' new wireless earphones, the 'Galaxy Buds 2.' It is a product priced at 149,000 won with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) functionality.

The most anticipated Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) function was also tested. The ANC function effectively blocked surrounding noise, giving a somewhat muffled feeling in the ears. Filling the noise-free ear space with music allowed enjoyment of music even at low volumes. ANC worked even when wearing only one earbud. When ANC is on, the earbud battery lasts about 5 hours.

For a full test, the Buds2 was connected to a Galaxy smartphone via Bluetooth. The noise removal solution (DNN) function, which automatically removes noise samples during calls, showed little difference in normal calls but was effective in noisy earphone or speaker calls. This new feature, not even included in the Buds Pro, is a unique differentiator for the Buds2. However, in terms of sound depth and quality during music playback, the limitations of an affordable model were evident.

On the 16th, I tried Samsung Electronics' new wireless earphones, the 'Galaxy Buds 2.' It is a product priced at 149,000 won with Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) functionality.

The Buds2, while somewhat disappointing in DNN performance, is an overall cost-effective product. The retail price of Buds2 is about 149,000 KRW, approximately 90,000 KRW cheaper than the Buds Pro’s original price of 239,800 KRW. It is not far behind Apple’s and Samsung’s noise-canceling products priced between 200,000 and 300,000 KRW. It is expected to attract the attention of the general public, excluding some enthusiasts.

Comfortable and refreshing... Bacteria-fighting earphones ‘LG Tone Free’

LG Electronics’ wireless earphones ‘Tone Free (TONE-TFP9)’ are comfortable and refreshing. The wearing sensation, which does not strongly assert its presence to the user, provided comfort and freshness, and the sound design focused on spatial realization opened the listening experience pleasantly.

The most surprising aspect of using the Tone Free was the fit. Once inserted into the ear, it gently wrapped and settled comfortably. This product, designed in collaboration with POSTECH’s ergonomics lab, is shaped to bend once and fit snugly inside the concha. The silicone eargels are thin and soft, so even after entering the external auditory canal, they maintain their original elasticity with minimal internal expansion, reducing pressure and fatigue.

The spatial sound tuned in collaboration with the high-end audio brand ‘Meridian’ is also competitive. Rather than a single sound being thickly embedded in the ear, multiple sounds overlapped thinly, flowing as if pouring from various directions and distances. However, in terms of call quality, there was a tendency for the sound to echo overall, leaving some room for improvement.

The recently most sought-after wireless earphone feature, Active Noise Cancelling (ANC), also performed well. It particularly captured the rhythmic low-frequency vibrations on the subway effectively. Wind noise was also well controlled. It blocked indoor air conditioner and fan airflow sounds, as well as wind sounds by the riverside, making it suitable for use while exercising or walking while listening to music.

In a time when personal hygiene interest is higher than ever, the ‘UV Nano’ care function stood out. When the earphones are placed in the cradle for charging, an LED light using ultraviolet rays operates for 5 minutes to sterilize harmful bacteria such as E. coli in the earbud holes. The fact that sterilization occurs automatically just by putting them in and taking them out is impressive.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.