Samsung Galaxy Buds On Are Its First Clip-On Earbuds, Launching in South Korea on October 27

Samsung has announced the Galaxy Buds On, its first clip-on earbuds, with a South Korea release on October 27 at 299,000 won, roughly $220 at conversions given by Android Authority and Gizmodo. Samsung says other countries will follow in phases but has not announced prices or dates for any other market (SamMobile, Android Authority).

A different shape for Galaxy Buds

Unlike the in-ear Galaxy Buds line, the Buds On clip onto the side of the ear and leave the ear canal open. Engadget describes a clip that latches onto the side of the ear, with a wide contact area on the band to spread pressure evenly. Gizmodo describes a C-shaped design with a ball at the end and compares it with rivals such as Shokz's OpenDots 2. Touch controls sit on the back of each bud, and black is the only launch colour.

Sound and battery

Samsung's audio pitch centres on TwinBoost, a speaker system designed to strengthen bass despite the open fit. The buds adjust volume automatically to the environment and include technology to reduce audio leakage, and Gizmodo reports a Class-D amplifier.

Android Authority puts battery life at up to 9.5 hours of continuous playback per charge, which Gizmodo attributes to the absence of active noise cancellation. Total playtime with the case has not been published.

Calls and Galaxy features

Android Authority says the buds use three microphones, a bone-conduction Voice Pickup Unit and machine learning to keep speech clear in noisy places. On compatible Galaxy devices they add Gemini Live voice conversations, a Quick Voice Memo that starts when the touch area is pressed and held, and head gestures: nodding or shaking the head can answer calls or dismiss notifications and alarms. Samsung has not listed which Galaxy models support each feature.

Availability and the catch

The main limit is geography: the buds launch only in South Korea for now, with a phased rollout elsewhere and no regional prices or dates (PhoneArena). PhoneArena notes that a US release is far from guaranteed, and any US price around $200 to $220 is only an estimate. No Indian price or launch has been announced. Android Authority described it as a quiet launch, without a global press release.

What is still unknown

How the buds sound and feel over a long day remains to be tested. Samsung has not given a weight, an ingress protection rating, a Bluetooth version or total battery life with the case (Enter.co), and the coverage does not say whether they support multipoint or work well with non-Galaxy phones. Skipping noise cancellation is the trade open-ear designs make, prioritising awareness over isolation; whether the Buds On deliver convincing bass through an open design is the question reviews will answer.

What to watch next

Watch for hands-on impressions around the October 27 Korean release, a full specification sheet, and Samsung's announcement of global markets and pricing.

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