Beats Flex vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
The Verdict
Beats Flex offers exceptional value at $69, delivering solid wireless connectivity through Apple's W1 chip and impressive 12-hour battery life in a lightweight neckband design. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro command a $229 premium with genuine active noise cancellation featuring three adjustable levels, superior 5.3 Bluetooth connectivity, IPX7 water resistance, and advanced features like 360 Audio with head tracking and intelligent voice detection. Sound quality differs substantially: Buds2 Pro's dual-driver coaxial system (10mm woofer plus 5.3mm tweeter) outperforms Flex's single 12mm driver noticeably. Battery longevity favors Flex at 12 continuous hours versus Buds2 Pro's 5 hours with ANC enabled, though the latter charges faster via Qi wireless. For Apple ecosystem users seeking affordability without compromises, Beats Flex remains compelling. Conversely, Galaxy Buds2 Pro justifies the investment for Samsung device owners wanting premium active noise cancellation and water-resistant durability. Choose Flex for budget-conscious users; select Buds2 Pro for feature-rich performance.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Beats Flex if…
- →Outstanding value at $69 with Apple W1 chip
- →Magnetic earbuds auto-pause music when joined together
- →12-hour battery life is generous for the price
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro if…
- →24-bit Samsung Seamless codec for Hi-Fi audio quality on Galaxy devices
- →360 Audio with head tracking creates an immersive surround experience
- →Compact and lightweight at 5.5 g per earbud for comfortable fit
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Beats Flex
Pros
- Outstanding value at $69 with Apple W1 chip
- Magnetic earbuds auto-pause music when joined together
- 12-hour battery life is generous for the price
- USB-C charging — no Lightning cable needed
- Works well with both iOS and Android devices
Cons
- No active noise cancellation
- Neckband design isn't for everyone — less discreet than true wireless
- No water resistance rating
- Sound quality is adequate but not detailed
- Bluetooth 4.2 is dated
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Pros
- 24-bit Samsung Seamless codec for Hi-Fi audio quality on Galaxy devices
- 360 Audio with head tracking creates an immersive surround experience
- Compact and lightweight at 5.5 g per earbud for comfortable fit
- IPX7 water resistance handles sweat and rain confidently
- Voice Detect automatically pauses and enables transparency mode
Cons
- Samsung Seamless codec only works with Samsung Galaxy devices
- 5-hour ANC battery life is short — case extends to 18 hours
- No multipoint Bluetooth for dual-device connectivity
- Touch controls can be finicky and hard to activate consistently
- ANC is not as strong as Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro 2
Full Specifications
| Spec | Beats Flex | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 18.6 g | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 12 hrs | 5 hrs (earbuds with ANC), 18 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, 10 min = 1.5 hrs (Fast Fuel) | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback |
| Drivers | 12mm dual-chamber driver | Custom coaxial 2-way driver (10mm woofer + 5.3mm tweeter) |
| Features | Apple W1 chip, Magnetic earbuds auto-pause when connected, USB-C charging, Neckband design with Flex-Form cable, Shared audio with other Beats or AirPods | Intelligent ANC with 3 adjustable levels, 360 Audio with head tracking, SmartThings Find for locating lost earbuds, Auto Switch between Samsung devices, Voice Detect for automatic transparency mode |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | Samsung Seamless (24-bit), AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 (Apple W1 chip) | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | IPX7 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
Explore more in headphones, see all Beats products or all Samsung products. View full details for the Beats Flex or the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro.