The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live is a baffling product: the earbuds boast noise cancelling without the crucial ability to seal to the ear. Yet, the noise cancelling actually works to some degree. Listeners who like the idea of being aware of their surroundings, and want something that makes a statement will be drawn to these earphones. They fit better than the AirPods, and include wireless charging to boot.
 
Someone get the can opener, because the beans are in. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live attracts plenty of attention for its kidney bean-shaped earbuds and unsealed fit. These open-fit active noise cancelling (ANC) earbuds stand out from the crowd, but perhaps Samsung bit off more than it could chew with the Galaxy Buds Live. Let’s see how the Galaxy Buds Live holds up years after its release.
 
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live looks luxurious but remains simple to use. Your first interaction with the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live isn’t with the earbuds at all; rather, the experience starts with the squared-off, plastic charging case. Don’t let the material choice turn you off to the buds, though: it has a nice sheen and semi-matte finish that makes it enjoyable to use, especially compared to the glossy veneer of the Galaxy Buds Plus. No buttons exist on the or in the case, just two LEDs to indicate the case and earbuds’ respective battery levels.
Each half of the jewelry box-inspired charging case has a lip that makes it very easy to open the case with one or both hands. Samsung added an extra reflective finish to the Mystic Bronze color variant, but the Mystic Black, Mystic White, and Mystic Red options are treated with the same glossy finish. When I open the case, it feels like I’m unboxing a pair of earrings or a ring box.
 
Magnets keep the earbuds in place, which allows me to be imprecise about dropping the buds into their cutouts. Sometimes, though, I need to push the earbuds up, so the contacts touch the pin connectors for charging.
Now, onto the earbuds. They’re shaped like beans, and don’t look like they will stay in place but they always do. The Galaxy Buds Live stay in my ears during an assortment of exercises like rock climbing and running. No matter how much I jump or shake my head, these buds stay in place.