Galaxy Buds Live Active Noise Cancellation: How It Works

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Yes, the Galaxy Buds Live have active noise cancellation (ANC), but it works differently from most other earbuds. Instead of sealing off your ear canal to block sound, they use two outward-facing microphones to cancel low-frequency noises like engine rumble and air conditioner hum, while letting higher-frequency sounds like voices and traffic pass through. This is often called “open-type ANC,” and it trades maximum silence for a more natural, aware listening experience.

What Is Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?

Active noise cancellation is a technology that reduces unwanted ambient sound by generating an “anti-noise” wave. The earbuds’ microphones pick up incoming sound, then a processor creates a sound wave that is exactly out of phase with the noise. When these two waves meet, they cancel each other out, lowering the volume of the background hum you hear.

This is different from passive noise isolation, which physically blocks sound with a tight seal. Most ANC earbuds combine both: they seal the ear canal with silicone tips and then add active cancellation on top. The Galaxy Buds Live do not have silicone tips—they rest in the ear with an open design—so they rely almost entirely on active cancellation for noise reduction. That design choice is the reason their ANC performance is so different from competitors.

How Galaxy Buds Live ANC Works

The Galaxy Buds Live use two microphones on each earbud: one on the outside and one on the inside. The outer mic captures ambient noise, and the inner mic monitors the sound that actually reaches your ear. The ANC system then generates a counter-signal through the speaker, reducing the noise you perceive.

Because the earbuds do not seal the ear canal, the ANC is most effective at low-frequency, constant sounds. In practice, that means:

Good at canceling: airplane engine hum, bus or train rumble, fan noise, air conditioner drone.
Poor at canceling: human voices, sirens, car horns, keyboard clicks—these are mid-to-high frequency and pass through almost unchanged.

Samsung’s official marketing describes the ANC as reducing noise by “up to 97%” in certain low-frequency bands, but real-world tests consistently show it removes far less overall noise than sealed earbuds. The open design also means some sound leaks in and out, which is a trade-off for comfort and awareness.

How to Turn ANC On and Off

You can control ANC on the Galaxy Buds Live in two ways:

Touch and hold either earbud’s touchpad. By default, this toggles between ANC on and off. You can change this in the Galaxy Wearable app (or the Settings app on newer Galaxy phones) to instead switch between ANC, ambient sound, and off.
Use the Galaxy Wearable app (or the Bluetooth settings on a Samsung phone). Go to “Earbuds settings” → “Active noise canceling” and toggle it on or off. You can also enable “Voice detect,” which automatically pauses ANC when you start speaking.

Note that ANC only works when you are wearing both earbuds. If you take one out, the feature disables itself. Also, the touch-and-hold gesture requires the earbuds to be properly seated in your ears; if they are loose, the touch sensor may not register.

ANC Performance Compared to Other Earbuds

To understand how the Galaxy Buds Live ANC compares, you need to look at the two main types of earbuds:

In-ear with silicone tips (e.g., Galaxy Buds2 Pro, AirPods Pro, Sony WF-1000XM4): These create a tight seal, providing strong passive isolation. Their ANC adds on top, reducing noise by 20-30 dB across a wide frequency range. They are far more effective at blocking voices and sudden sounds.
Open-ear (e.g., Galaxy Buds Live, standard AirPods): These do not seal the ear. The Buds Live are unique in having ANC at all; most open earbuds have none. Their ANC reduces low-frequency noise by roughly 5-10 dB, which is noticeable but not dramatic.

In practical terms, the Buds Live ANC is about 50-60% as effective as the best in-ear ANC earbuds. You will notice a reduction in a plane’s roar, but you will still hear conversations and announcements clearly. Some users find this ideal for commuting, because you can keep one ear on the surroundings while reducing fatigue from constant droning noise.

Common Issues and Limitations

Several quirks are commonly reported with the Galaxy Buds Live ANC:

Fit is critical: The ANC microphones need a good seal to work. If the earbuds are not twisted into the ear properly, ANC can actually make noise worse by amplifying wind or creating a “pressure” feeling.
Wind noise: The open design lets wind hit the microphones directly, causing loud whooshing. Samsung added a “Wind shield” feature in a software update that reduces this, but it is still not as good as sealed earbuds.
ANC is not adjustable: Unlike some competitors, you cannot choose different levels of ANC strength. It is either on or off.
Battery drain: ANC uses more power. With ANC on, the battery life drops from about 8 hours (ANC off) to about 5-6 hours. The charging case provides extra charges, but you will notice the difference.
No ear tips: If you want more isolation, you cannot swap in silicone tips. The Buds Live are designed to be open; adding tips would change the sound and fit entirely.

Who Should Buy the Galaxy Buds Live for ANC?

The Galaxy Buds Live are a niche product. They are a good choice if you:

Dislike the plugged-up feeling of in-ear earbuds.
Need to stay aware of your surroundings (e.g., jogging near roads, working in an office).
Want some reduction of constant low-frequency noise without full isolation.
Prefer a secure, non-intrusive fit for long listening sessions.

They are not a good choice if you want to block out noisy coworkers, loud engines, or crying babies. For those situations, a sealed in-ear ANC earbud will perform far better. The Buds Live are best seen as a compromise: they offer a taste of ANC without the isolation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Galaxy Buds Live have active noise cancellation?

Yes, they do. The feature is built in and can be toggled on/off via touch or the Galaxy Wearable app. However, it is weaker than most in-ear ANC earbuds because the open design does not create a seal.

How much noise does the Galaxy Buds Live ANC block?

It reduces low-frequency noise (like engine hum) by roughly 5-10 dB, which is a noticeable but modest decrease. High-frequency sounds like voices and alarms are barely affected. In a quiet room, you may not notice any difference; in a noisy street, you will hear less rumble but still hear traffic clearly.

Can I use ANC with only one earbud?

No. ANC requires both earbuds to be in your ears. If you remove one, the feature turns off automatically. You can still use a single earbud for calls or music, but without ANC.

Does ANC affect the sound quality of music?

Generally, no. The ANC system works independently of the audio playback. However, some users report a slight hiss or pressure when ANC is on in very quiet environments. This is common with all ANC earbuds and is usually masked by music.

How do I clean the ANC microphones?

The microphones are small holes on the outside of each earbud. To keep ANC working properly, gently remove dust or earwax with a dry, soft brush (like a clean toothbrush). Do not use water or insert anything sharp into the holes. Cleaning them every few weeks helps maintain performance.

Are the Galaxy Buds Live still worth buying for ANC in 2024?

If you find them at a discount, yes—they are comfortable and have decent ANC for an open design. But if ANC is your top priority, newer sealed earbuds like the Galaxy Buds2 Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5 offer much stronger noise cancellation for a similar or slightly higher price.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.