Samsung Wireless Headphones For the Galaxy S20

Samsung is a big brand that makes stylish, versatile audio products. Their wireless earbuds are no exception. They look good, sound well-balanced, and have excellent battery performance. However, they tend to feel less sturdily built than similar models from other brands, and their companion app could offer more customization options.

The latest Galaxy S20 phones ditch the headphone jack, so you’ll need to use Bluetooth headphones or USB-C earbuds with them. That shouldn’t come as a surprise, since most manufacturers have been dropping the port for several years now. The Galaxy S20’s are no exception, as even their non-flagship siblings like the S20+ and S20e don’t have a headphone jack.

That means you’ll need to get a pair of wireless headphones or USB-C earbuds if you want to listen to music on your Galaxy S20, even if it’s just for a short time while commuting. The earbuds you choose will have a significant impact on the overall quality of your experience, so it’s important to make sure you pick a pair that suits your needs.

There are several good options for wired earbuds that work with the Galaxy S20. The best are the Samsung AKG Type-C, which offer a good balance of sound quality and functionality. They have a long cable that is braided to reduce tangling and have a USB-C connector at the end, so they are compatible with most current Android devices. They also have a control knob that lets you adjust the volume and play/pause button without having to reach for your phone.

The AKGs have a neutral and balanced sound profile, so they’ll suit most musical genres. They’re also quite comfortable and have a good fit in the ears. They also have a solid noise isolation capability, which will help block out ambient sound when you need to focus on work or study.

They have fair in-line controls, with buttons for playing and pausing your music, answering and ending calls, and activating the voice assistant. The controls have decent tactile feedback, and the touch sensors are responsive. However, the earbuds don’t provide audio feedback when you input a command or activate the voice assistant, so it can be easy to mistakenly press the wrong button.

If you want a pair of noise canceling headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is an excellent choice. It costs $278 at Amazon, and it offers a 7-hour battery life with active noise cancellation enabled. Its sound is excellent, with plenty of dynamics and a sense of power, even when streaming Tidal hi-res audio or playing lossless files over Bluetooth. The buds are also compatible with all platforms, as they support the LDAC codec on Android and AAC on iPhones.

The only major downside to the WH-1000XM4 is that they’re not compatible with the Galaxy S20’s 3.5mm audio port. You can use them with a separate adapter that includes a 3.5mm port, but that will add to the total cost of ownership.