Samsung has been applying the “Fan Edition” recipe to its smartphones for several years, and the formula also extends to its headphones. The Galaxy Buds3 FE, launched at 150 euros, are placed at the entry level, below the Buds3 (180 euros) and the excellent Buds3 Pro (250 euros). Objective: to offer a complete experience, with active noise reduction, good comfort and integration into the Galaxy ecosystem, without sacrificing the essentials. On paper, the promise is attractive. But in reality, do these Buds3 FE really manage to compete with the best mid-range models? We tested them for several days to form our own avis.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE at the best price Base price: €149
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Design and finish: sobriety and lightness
Table of Contents
The Buds3 FE take the main lines of the design of the Pro version, with their angular stems and their slender silhouette. Samsung has opted for a matte coating (black or gray) and removed the colored keys and indicator lights from more expensive models. Result: a more sober, less flashy, but completely neat look. The assembly is clean, without play and the impression of quality is there despite the massive use of plastic.
With 5 g per earphone, these Buds3 FE are light and well balanced. Their semi-in-ear format ensures excellent support, even during a brisk walk or a moderate sports session. They don’t go too deep into the ear canal and remain comfortable for several hours at a time. We feel them a little more present than AirPods Pro 2, but the discomfort remains limited.
The charging case remains compact, with a transparent cover and a finish to match the earbuds. It opens with one hand and can stand upright, a practical everyday detail. On the other hand, wireless charging disappears, just like the IP57 certification of the Pro model: we have to make do with IP54 protection against splashes and dust. Small logical concessions, but worth knowing before purchasing.
Ergonomics and controls: simple, intuitive, efficient
This is undoubtedly one of the strong points of this FE version. Samsung retains the pinch control system on the stem, inherited from the Buds3 Pro. A short press pauses or restarts the music, a long press changes modes (ANC or transparency), and a swipe adjusts the volume. These gestures are perfectly detected, even in motion, and the well-calibrated touch surface avoids false manipulations.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE at the best price Base price: €149
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All essential functions are available directly from a single earphone, apart from access to the voice assistant, which can however be activated in the Galaxy Wearable application. We appreciate the overall coherence: it’s fluid, natural and responsive. Small downside: the wearing sensors no longer automatically resume reading when you put the headphones back on after removing them. A regrettable behavior, which makes this functionality lose relevance.
Application and connectivity: full on Galaxy, limited elsewhere
Buds3 FE uses Bluetooth 5.4, compatible with SBC and AAC codecs, but without aptX or LDAC. On a Samsung smartphone, they benefit from SSC (Samsung Seamless Codec) and all the features of the ecosystem: Auto Switch, quick pairing, spatial audio, real-time translation or Bixby assistant. Suffice to say that the experience is optimized for Galaxy users.
On other Android devices, the experience remains good: the connection is stable and the main functions (ANC, equalizer, ambient mode) remain accessible. But on iPhone, the limitations are felt: the Galaxy Wearable application does not exist on iOS, and we lose all the advanced settings.
The Android application, on the other hand, remains a reference: clear interface, 9-band equalizer, precise adjustment of noise reduction and transparency mode, customization of controls… Everything is intuitive and fast. We simply regret the disappearance of certain options present on the Buds3 Pro: no more adaptive reduction, no more adjustment depending on the ear, nor automatic activation of ambient mode when speaking. In short, a complete, but lighter experience.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE at the best price Base price: €149
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Noise reduction and transparency mode: a good overall level
Samsung promised “premium” noise reduction; in practice, it is good, without reaching the level of the best on the market. Serious and regular noises (engines, purring) are well attenuated, and the soundstage is significantly clearer. On the other hand, human voices and high-pitched sounds still pass through slightly: the Buds3 FE filter less effectively than the Buds3 Pro.
On the other hand, their transparency mode is excellent. It reproduces surrounding sounds naturally, without excess amplification, and allows you to converse without removing the headphones. Only slight background noise remains in quiet environments.
On the call side, the six integrated microphones and the sound processing algorithm ensure a clear and intelligible voice in the majority of situations. In full wind or in a very noisy street, the recording remains audible but less natural, with some sound artifacts. Overall, the hands-free kit is more than satisfactory for everyday conversations.
Audio quality: balanced, precise and pleasant
This is undoubtedly the greatest success of these Buds3 FE. Despite their unique transducer, they deliver surprisingly balanced sound reproduction, close to that of the Buds3 Pro even though they have a two-way architecture.
The bass is well controlled: deep without excess, it provides body to electro or pop songs without drowning out the rest of the spectrum. The mids are particularly well-kept: the vocals sound natural and well detached, while the instruments retain their texture. The highs lack a hint of precision; we perceive a slight shine, especially on cymbals or sibilant consonants, but nothing annoying.
Everything gives a successful overall balance, with a good sense of rhythm and an honest, if a little narrow, soundstage. The Buds3 FE do not seek to artificially flatter the timbres, but to restore a neutral and coherent image. A relevant choice, especially at this price level. Compared to their rivals, the Buds3 FE are at the top of the heap.
Autonomy: a pleasant surprise
Samsung announces 6 hours with ANC and 8.5 hours without ANC, but in fact, we measured a little more than 7 hours of listening time with noise reduction activated, and a little more than 10 hours without ANC. Performance superior to the manufacturer’s promises, which places the Buds3 FE among the good students in the category.
The case adds approximately 24 hours ofautonomy additional. Fully charging the earbuds takes about an hour and it takes a little over two hours for the case via USB-C. No fast charging announced, nor wireless charging – but for a 150 euro model, the actual listening time remains impressive.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE at the best price Base price: €149
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