Samsung may be preparing to expand its wireless audio range with a new pair of earbuds built around an ear-hook design. The product has not been officially announced, but leaked illustrations suggest that Samsung is experimenting with a more secure and potentially more comfortable alternative to its conventional Galaxy Buds models.
The development is especially interesting because it appears to be separate from the recently leaked Galaxy Buds On, which are expected to use a clip-on design. If both products eventually reach the market, Samsung could soon offer several very different wearing styles instead of relying mainly on traditional in-ear earbuds.
A More Secure Design for Active Users
According to the leak, the upcoming earbuds feature relatively flat hooks that wrap around the ear, along with ear tips positioned near or inside the ear canal. The exact fit remains unclear, however. They could be fully in-ear earbuds that create a tighter seal, or a semi-in-ear design that sits more loosely.
A proper in-ear seal would generally help improve passive noise isolation, allowing users to hear more detail without increasing the volume excessively. Meanwhile, the ear hooks should help prevent the earbuds from becoming loose during running, exercise or other physical activities.
That makes the design look particularly suitable for people who regularly use earbuds at the gym or outdoors. Many sports-focused earbuds already use hooks or stabilising fins because ordinary earbuds can gradually shift position when the wearer is moving or sweating.
Samsung may therefore be trying to compete more directly in the fitness-oriented audio market rather than releasing another pair of standard Galaxy Buds with only minor internal improvements.
Internally Known as the "Buds Canal 5"
The unannounced product is reportedly being developed under the internal name "Buds Canal 5." That name is unlikely to be the final retail branding, but it may offer some indication that Samsung is testing a design intended to sit more securely around the ear canal.
For now, little else is known. The leaked images do not appear to show a charging case, although a case would almost certainly be included if the earbuds eventually become a commercial product.
It is also reasonable to expect modern features such as active noise cancellation, ambient sound controls, touch gestures and some level of dust and water resistance. However, none of those features have been officially confirmed, so they should still be treated as speculation.
Battery life, driver size, supported Bluetooth codecs and pricing also remain unknown. These details will ultimately determine whether the new design is genuinely competitive or simply another expensive addition to Samsung's accessory range.
My Experience with Samsung's "Kacang Earbuds" Was Disappointing
Personally, I still own the original Galaxy Buds2, which I often refer to as the "kacang earbuds" because their rounded shape resembles a peanut. Unfortunately, I was never particularly happy with them.
The biggest issue for me was comfort. The shape did not sit comfortably in my ears, especially during longer listening sessions. Earbuds can sound excellent on paper, but that matters very little when wearing them becomes irritating after a relatively short period.
I also felt that the overall quality did not match the price. The earbuds were surprisingly expensive considering the experience they delivered, and they did not feel like especially good value. Samsung is a major brand with a strong ecosystem, but the Galaxy name alone should not justify a premium price when the fit and everyday usability are disappointing.
My opinion changed after I bought the Nothing Ear. Compared with the Samsung earbuds, the Nothing Ear was a much better earphone for me. It felt more comfortable, offered a more satisfying overall experience and seemed to provide considerably better value.
That comparison made the weaknesses of the "kacang" Galaxy Buds2 even more noticeable. While individual comfort will always depend on the shape of a person's ears, Samsung should recognise that its rounded designs do not work equally well for everyone.
The Ear Hooks Could Be More Than a Visual Change
The rumoured ear-hook design could address some of those concerns. Ear hooks help distribute support around the outer ear instead of relying entirely on pressure inside the ear canal. This may make the earbuds feel more secure without requiring users to force the tips deeper into their ears.
However, Samsung still needs to get the details right. A poorly shaped hook can create pressure behind the ear, while a thick or rigid design may become uncomfortable when worn with glasses. The earbuds also need to remain lightweight, particularly if Samsung expects people to wear them throughout a workout or during long journeys.
The company should ideally provide several ear-tip sizes and possibly adjustable or flexible hooks. Comfort cannot be treated as a secondary feature, especially in a product that remains physically attached to the user for hours at a time.
Samsung must also avoid making the charging case unnecessarily large. Ear-hook earbuds often require bulkier cases because of their shape, which can make them inconvenient to carry in a pocket. A secure fit is valuable, but it should not come at the cost of everyday portability.
Samsung Needs to Improve Value, Not Just Change the Shape
A new physical design alone will not be enough to make these earbuds successful. Samsung also needs to offer competitive sound quality, effective noise cancellation, reliable microphones and strong battery performance.
Pricing will be equally important. Samsung's premium accessories can sometimes feel expensive because they are designed to complement Galaxy phones rather than compete purely on value. That approach may work for users already deeply invested in the Samsung ecosystem, but it becomes harder to justify when brands such as Nothing, Sony, Anker Soundcore and others offer compelling alternatives.
Based on my experience with the Galaxy Buds2, I would like Samsung to focus less on relying on brand recognition and more on making the product genuinely comfortable and worth its asking price.
The new earbuds should feel like an improvement in practical daily use—not merely a different-looking product launched to expand the catalogue.
Could They Launch Alongside Other Samsung Devices?
There is currently no confirmed launch date for the rumoured earbuds. One possibility is that Samsung could introduce them later in the year alongside the expected Galaxy S26 FE.
The alleged Galaxy Buds On could potentially appear at the same event, giving Samsung a broader selection of audio accessories aimed at different types of users. A clip-on model may appeal to people who dislike having ear tips inside the ear canal, while the ear-hook model could target runners, gym users and anyone who prioritises a secure fit.
Samsung has also confirmed plans to introduce its Galaxy Tab S12 range during the second half of the year. If these products arrive within the same period, the company could have a particularly busy launch schedule covering smartphones, tablets and multiple new audio devices.
Nevertheless, the "Buds Canal 5" remains an unconfirmed product. Leaked illustrations and internal project names do not guarantee that a device will reach the market in its current form—or launch at all.
Final Thoughts
Samsung's rumoured ear-hook earbuds could be a meaningful addition to the Galaxy audio range, particularly for users who struggle with the comfort or stability of conventional earbuds. The design appears better suited to exercise, movement and longer periods of wear, although much will depend on the final weight, materials and fit.
Personally, my experience with the peanut-shaped "kacang" Galaxy Buds2 left me disappointed. They were uncomfortable, felt underwhelming in quality and were priced too highly for the value they offered. Moving to the Nothing Ear gave me a noticeably better experience and showed that Samsung still has room to improve.
I hope this new development represents more than a cosmetic redesign. Samsung has an opportunity to produce earbuds that are genuinely comfortable, competitively priced and enjoyable to use. After my experience with the Galaxy Buds2, those improvements would be far more convincing than another premium price tag attached to the Galaxy brand.
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