What budget ANC buyers need to know
Budget noise cancelling earbuds are wireless in-ear headphones that add active noise cancellation, longer battery life, and call-friendly microphones without the high prices of premium audio brands. In this comparison, the spotlight falls on two very different interpretations of affordable noise cancellation. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Core drop to only USD 40 (approx. RM190), turning them into one of the most aggressive ANC earbuds under $100. On the other side, the Soundcore Liberty 5 land at USD 99.99 (approx. RM470) after a 23% discount, putting them in the mid-budget bracket. Both aim at commuters, travelers, and students who want the best cheap ANC earbuds without paying flagship prices. The key question is how much extra performance you gain by spending more, and where diminishing returns begin between ultra-budget and mid-budget ANC tiers.
Design, comfort, and everyday usability
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Core keep things simple: a tried-and-tested design borrowed from earlier Galaxy Buds models, a compact case, and a comfortable fit tuned for long listening sessions. Tap controls handle music playback and calls, and Bluetooth 5.4 keeps the connection modern for a model at this price. The Soundcore Liberty 5 push a more feature-rich approach. They are built as lightweight earbuds aimed at travel, workouts, and daily commuting, with an emphasis on staying secure and comfortable during longer sessions. Both models include charging cases and target people who carry earbuds everywhere, but their focus differs. The Buds Core feel like no-frills budget noise cancelling earbuds that prioritize comfort and essentials, while the Liberty 5 aim to feel like semi-premium ANC earbuds under $100, balancing comfort with extra technology such as Dolby Audio and advanced calling features.
Noise cancellation, sound, and call quality
Noise cancelling is where the price-to-feature gap becomes clear. Samsung promotes the Galaxy Buds Core as offering “great ANC” and rich sound that covers the basics for daily commuting or office use. With three microphones per earbud, call quality should stay clear enough for regular phone calls and video meetings. However, there is no mention of adaptive or customizable ANC profiles. The Soundcore Liberty 5 lean into more advanced tech. They use Adaptive ANC 3.0 that adjusts every 0.3 seconds to keep background noise under control and reportedly reduce human voices twice as effectively as the Liberty 4 NC. Dolby Audio support aims to give music, movies, and podcasts a more immersive feel, and six AI-powered microphones with wind-resistant processing help keep your voice intelligible outdoors. If your priority is stronger and smarter ANC plus richer audio features, the Liberty 5 provide a clear upgrade over ultra-budget options.
Battery life, smart features, and value
Battery life and extras help explain the price difference. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Core promise up to 35 hours of listening time with the charging case, which is strong for affordable noise cancellation at USD 40 (approx. RM190). They also support live translation, a perk often missing from many best cheap ANC earbuds, though you only get a 90-day warranty from the current retailer. The Soundcore Liberty 5 offer up to 12 hours on a single charge and up to 48 hours with the case in normal mode, edging ahead for long trips. According to Cord Cutters News, “The Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds are designed for people who want premium-style features without paying premium-brand prices.” Their mix of Adaptive ANC 3.0, Dolby Audio, and extended call features make more sense if you want ANC earbuds under $100 that feel closer to flagship performance.
Which ANC earbuds are the better deal?
Choosing between these two deals depends on how much you want to spend and how demanding your listening is. The Galaxy Buds Core are the definition of ultra-budget noise cancelling: for USD 40 (approx. RM190), you get functional ANC, a comfortable fit, Bluetooth 5.4, solid battery life, and live translation. They are ideal for casual listeners, students, and anyone wanting the cheapest path into ANC earbuds under $100. The Soundcore Liberty 5, at USD 99.99 (approx. RM470), justify their higher price with Adaptive ANC 3.0, Dolby Audio, longer total battery life, and stronger call performance. They make sense if you travel often, take many calls, or care about better noise reduction. In real-world use, you hit clear diminishing returns beyond the Liberty 5, but compared to the Galaxy Buds Core, you are paying for noticeably smarter and more capable ANC.
