Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE debut with ANC, AI and new design

Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Buds 3 FE, a new addition to its wireless earbuds lineup, set to launch in the United States on September 4, 2025, with a retail price of $149.99. The model will be available in black and gray, staying true to the Fan Edition philosophy, which blends premium features with a more accessible price tag.

One of the most notable changes is the redesigned look, now echoing the style of Apple’s AirPods Pro. The control system has also been updated: users can now operate the earbuds through squeezes and swipes, offering a more intuitive experience. Sound quality has been enhanced by a larger driver, delivering deeper bass and clearer highs, while the listening experience is elevated with improved active noise cancellation.

Call performance has taken a leap forward as well. A triple-microphone system works in tandem with Crystal Clear Call technology, which uses machine learning to isolate the user’s voice from surrounding noise. Durability has also improved — the Buds 3 FE now carry an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, compared to the modest IPX2 of the previous generation. On the battery side, users can expect up to 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled (24 hours with the case) or up to 8.5 hours without ANC (30 hours with the case).

Within Samsung’s ecosystem, the Buds 3 FE support Auto Switch, allowing seamless transitions between devices, and integrate with Galaxy AI for convenient voice control. When stacked against rivals, the new earbuds appear highly competitive: they are cheaper than the AirPods Pro with ANC ($179) and provide noise cancellation — a feature missing from the standard AirPods 4 ($129). For Android users, and particularly for Samsung device owners, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE may well become one of the best sub-$150 options in the market.