Samsung launched two pairs of wireless earbuds alongside its Galaxy S26 smartphone line up today, and the firm is so convinced you’ll like them that it’s offering you a full refund if you don’t, no questions asked.

The Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro are seem set to squarely compete with Apple’s AirPods, when you consider Samsung’s design and price choices. The Buds 4 have a moulded plastic ‘open’ design and cost £159, the same as the AirPods 4 with ANC, while the Buds 4 Pro have full ANC and are in-ear for £219, the same as the AirPods Pro 3.

Both Buds 4 models support 24-bit 96kHz Hi-Res audio playback and wireless charging, while the Pro model has a dedicated woofer and tweeter in each bud for enhanced audio capabilities.

The Buds 4 and 4 Pro only allow quick pairing, notification panel access to ANC levels and different audio controls, and head gestures to accept or dismiss calls if paired to a Samsung Galaxy phone. Other Android phone brands, and iPhones, miss out on these features.

AirPods have features exclusive to iPhones and other Apple devices, such as automatic device switching and personalised spatial audio, as well as live translation tools.

Notably, Samsung thinks you’ll love the Buds 4 or Buds 4 Pro if you buy them, so much so that the firm is literally putting its money where its mouth is. If you buy either new pair of Galaxy Buds and don’t get on with them, you can return them directly to Samsung for a full refund within 100 days of purchase.

All you need is proof of purchase and, better still, Samsung told me that Samsung will accept returns and process refunds even if you bought the Buds 4 or Buds 4 Pro from another UK retailer. So if you pick up some Buds 4 from Amazon, Argos, Currys or anywhere else, as long as you have receipts, you can get a full refund if you don’t like them.

I like the design of the Buds 4 range more than the Buds 3. Samsung has left it 18 months between upgrade cycles this time since launching the Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 in July 2024, and though the Buds 4 look for a moment’s glance like AirPods, that’s not a bad thing. Apple got there first on a sensible design, with in ear nodules and a stem for the battery and controls.

Both Buds 4 have a ‘blade’ design, as Samsung calls it, with a metal finish on the stem. A recessed section lets you easier find where to push when wearing them to control play/pause and ANC, and there are also swipe controls for volume, something AirPods lack.

I’ve been testing the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for a few days now, and while it’s too early to give my full verdict, I am impressed so far. This is a confident and better design than the Buds 3 Pro, and best of all, the 4 Pro fit in my ears well. I struggle with earbud fit, but the smallest eartip size in the box along with the flat sided – not circular – shape of said tips ensures a great seal.

I’m still getting to grips with battery life, sound quality and smart features, but these are clearly premium headphones, as you would expect for the £219 asking price. It’s great to see Samsung giving you a full fallback of a refund in case you aren’t happy with them. Earbuds are impossible to try on or return usually due to hygiene reasons, so it’s well worth considering the purchase here, especially if you have a Samsung phone.