Is the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 worth the upgrade from the Sony WF-1000XM5?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 actually scores 16.0 points below the Sony WF-1000XM5, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on noise cancelling (9.0 to 7.0) and sound (9.0 to 7.5). On paper: battery incl. case 24 h to 29 h, full charge time 90 min to 60 min and driver size 8.4 mm to 11 mm. Worth checking: battery life goes 12 h to 7.5 h and bluetooth goes 5.3 to 5.2. It is at least $99 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound9.07.5
- Noise cancelling9.07.0
- Battery8.07.0
- Calls8.07.5
- Value7.07.0
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | WF-1000XM5 | Galaxy Buds2 | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 12 h | 7.5 h | |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable Codec | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 | |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No | |
| Water resistance | IPX4 | IPX2 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 5 h | |
| Battery incl. case | 24 h | 29 h | |
| Full charge time | 90 min | 60 min | |
| Driver size | 8.4 mm | 11 mm | |
| Microphones | 6 | 3 | |
| Driver | dynamic | two-way dynamic speakers | |
| Frequency response | 20 Hz - 40 kHz | 20 Hz - 20 kHz |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "WF-1000XM5 to Galaxy Buds2". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.