Samsung has announced the Galaxy Buds 3 FE, a more affordable entry in its wireless earbuds lineup that borrows design and feature cues from its higher-end models. The new earbuds replace the rounded “bean” look of earlier Fan Edition releases with a stemmed design, closer to the Galaxy Buds 3 launched last year and reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods.
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE are positioned as budget-friendly but still carry some of the features usually reserved for premium models. That includes active noise cancellation (ANC), which can be toggled for up to six hours of playback per charge. With ANC off, battery life extends to 8.5 hours. Factoring in the charging case, total listening time reaches 24 hours with ANC on and up to 30 hours without. Talk time sits at four hours on a single charge, with the case extending that to 18 hours.
Samsung has also added durability to the mix, with an IP54 rating for protection against dust and splashes. The earbuds support an ambient sound transparency mode for hearing outside noise when needed, as well as voice isolation technology aimed at improving call clarity in noisy environments.
Tight integration with Samsung’s software ecosystem remains a key draw. The Galaxy Buds 3 FE can switch automatically between Galaxy devices, while voice commands and long-press gestures tap into Galaxy AI features. That includes conversation mode with Gemini and live translation via the Galaxy AI Interpreter app—functions that build on Samsung’s push to make its AI tools more central across its product range.
Other convenience features include “Find My Earbuds” tracking, customizable touch controls, and support for hands-free “Hey Google” commands.
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE will launch in the U.S. on September 4th in black and gray color options, priced at $149.99. That makes them more expensive than the original Galaxy Buds FE, which debuted at $99 two years ago, but still a step below Samsung’s flagship earbuds. Positioned between price and performance, the Buds 3 FE appear aimed at users who want reliable ANC, solid integration with Galaxy devices, and AI features without moving into the premium tier.
