We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-04 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
If you want premium active noise cancellation, studio-quality sound and a secure, comfortable in-ear fit for long listening sessions — including use for sleeping — choose Samsung Galaxy Buds2; if you need a touchscreen charging case, huge total battery life, IPX7 waterproofing and a transparency mode you can control without your phone, choose ZYHKON Earbuds. Both are in-ear models, both use Bluetooth, and both tackle ambient sound in different ways. One leans on intelligent noise cancellation; the other leans on a smart case and a big battery. Here's how I'd split them.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 — biggest strength: Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation plus Hi-Fi sound and Enhanced 360-degree audio, in a comfortable, secure in-ear design (Graphite, aluminum enclosure, Bluetooth 5.3).
• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 — biggest trade-off: Around 6 hours of battery life per charge, a 90-day limited warranty, and it's a renewed unit, so you're buying pre-owned rather than new.
• ZYHKON Earbuds — biggest strength: A touchscreen charging case that controls volume, tracks, calls, ANC and Transparency Mode without your phone, backed by up to 48 hours total battery and IPX7 waterproofing.
• ZYHKON Earbuds — biggest trade-off: Its noise control is listed as Environmental Noise Cancellation rather than the intelligent adaptive cancellation Samsung advertises, and it's a less established brand.
• Who Samsung Galaxy Buds2 is for: listeners who prioritize sound quality, active noise cancellation and a stable fit for all-day wear.
• Who ZYHKON Earbuds is for: buyers who want maximum battery life, phone-free control and water resistance for workouts and commutes.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro is built around two ideas: quiet the world, then make what's left sound great. Samsung's Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation is designed to reduce even loud outside noise, and the Hi-Fi sound quality and Enhanced 360-degree audio aim to give you a personalized, surround-style listening experience from every angle. For ambient sound specifically, the pitch is straightforward — tune out distractions and tune in to what matters.
Who should buy it? If you care most about noise cancellation, sound quality and a secure in-ear fit, this is the pick. Who should skip it? If you need marathon battery life, a waterproof rating for sweaty workouts, or you'd rather not buy a renewed product, look elsewhere. Battery life here is around 6 hours, and the warranty is a 90-day limited one.
ZYHKON Earbuds: Who It's For
The ZYHKON Earbuds are the "everything in one case" option. The headline feature is the smart touchscreen charging case: you can adjust volume, switch tracks, answer calls, activate ANC or Transparency Mode, set alarms and even locate your earbuds with a tap — no phone required. That's genuinely useful when your phone is in a bag or across the room.
Battery is the other big draw. ZYHKON lists 6–8 hours per charge and up to 48 hours total with the case, and the touchscreen shows real-time battery levels for both the buds and the case, so you're not guessing. The 14.2mm dynamic drivers and 5 EQ modes (Standard, Rock, Jazz, Pop, Classic) let you shift the sound profile right from the case. Noise handling is Hybrid ANC rated to reduce up to 38dB of ambient noise, plus ENC that filters background voices on calls.
Comfort and durability are clearly aimed at active use: three sizes of silicone tips (S/M/L), a lightweight build, and IPX7 waterproofing so sweat, rain and splashes aren't a problem. Bluetooth 5.4 covers faster pairing and broad iOS/Android compatibility. Who should skip it? If you specifically want intelligent adaptive noise cancellation or a premium aluminum build, Samsung is the stronger match.
Side-by-Side: Which Should You Choose?
• Best for sound quality and 360-degree audio → Samsung Galaxy Buds2. Hi-Fi sound and Enhanced 360-degree audio are core selling points.
• Best for ambient sound control without your phone → ZYHKON Earbuds. The touchscreen case toggles ANC and Transparency Mode directly.
• Best for sleeping and side-sleeping → Samsung Galaxy Buds2. A secure, comfortable in-ear fit in a low-profile bud is the safer bet for pillow use.
• Best for workouts and rain → ZYHKON Earbuds. IPX7 waterproofing is a real advantage over an unrated bud.
• Best for adaptive noise cancellation → Samsung Galaxy Buds2. Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation is the more advanced noise feature here.
• Best for call clarity in noisy places → ZYHKON Earbuds. ENC is designed to filter background voices during calls.
• Best for peace of mind on warranty → ZYHKON Earbuds. A 24-month warranty versus Samsung's 90-day limited coverage.
If I were buying for myself, I'd pick the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 — the combination of Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation, Hi-Fi sound and a comfortable, secure in-ear fit is exactly what I want, and it's the one I'd trust for sleeping. The ZYHKON Earbuds win on battery, waterproofing and phone-free control, and they're the better buy if those matter more to you. Bottom line: sound and fit, go Samsung; battery and durability, go ZYHKON. Either way, check the current price on Amazon before you commit.
what is ambient mode on earbuds
Ambient mode — often called transparency mode — lets outside sound pass through the earbuds' microphones so you can hear your surroundings without removing them. On the ZYHKON Earbuds it's toggled from the touchscreen case; on the Samsung Galaxy Buds2, noise control is handled through Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation.
what is ambient sound mode in earbuds
Ambient sound mode is the same idea: instead of blocking noise, the earbuds pipe in outside audio so you stay aware of traffic, announcements or a conversation. It's the opposite of active noise cancellation, which reduces unwanted sound rather than letting it in.
what is ambient mode in earbuds
In short, ambient mode is a listening setting that mixes the world around you into what you're hearing. Both of these earbuds address ambient sound — Samsung through Active Noise Cancellation and ZYHKON through its Transparency Mode and Hybrid ANC pairing.
Neither is an open-ear design — both are in-ear models, so they sit inside the ear canal. For sleep, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2's secure, comfortable fit makes it the more suitable of the two, but if you specifically want a clip-on or open-ear style, neither of these matches that form factor.
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