Yes. Samsung Galaxy Buds can connect directly to an Apple Watch as Bluetooth headphones. Put the earbuds in pairing mode, then on the watch open Settings > Bluetooth and tap the buds when they appear. Bluetooth pairing provides basic audio use; it does not install Samsung’s companion app or enable every model-specific feature.
Pair Galaxy Buds with Apple Watch
- Charge the earbuds and place them near the watch.
- Put the Galaxy Buds in pairing mode. For supported models, Samsung says to place the earbuds in their case, close it, wait 5–6 seconds, and open it to trigger Bluetooth pairing mode. If the buds have already been paired with another device, use the model-specific steps below instead.
- Open Bluetooth settings on the watch. On Apple Watch, go to Settings > Bluetooth. Apple advises putting headphones in discovery mode first, then selecting them from the devices shown.
- Tap the Galaxy Buds when they appear in the Bluetooth list. Follow any on-screen prompt to complete pairing.
Samsung’s pairing guidance covers its supported Galaxy Buds models and explains the pairing-mode variations at Samsung Support: How to connect your Samsung Galaxy earbuds. Apple’s watch instructions are in Apple Watch User Guide: Use AirPods and other Bluetooth accessories.
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Enter pairing mode if the earbuds were paired before
When the case-opening method does not make previously paired buds discoverable, Samsung gives different manual steps depending on the model family:
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- Galaxy Buds, Buds+, Buds Live, and Buds Pro: Put the earbuds in your ears and hold both touchpads for a few seconds.
- Galaxy Buds2 and Buds2 Pro: Put both earbuds in the case and hold both touchpads until the case lights flash.
If the buds still do not appear, check that they are charged, near the watch, and actually in pairing mode before trying the watch’s Bluetooth list again.
#1 Best Overall
- EXCEPTIONAL AUDIO: Catch details like never before. Designed with a High-Res Audio¹ 24-bit hi-fi codec, the latest Galaxy earbuds maintain the integrity of your favorite audio over Bluetooth.
- TWO-WAY SPEAKER: Enjoy every audio experience to the fullest with two speakers in both Buds, including a tweeter for rich highs and a woofer for deep, full lows.
- HD VOICE: Enjoy clear phone calls with Galaxy Buds4 Pro and Galaxy S26 Series² —they work together to deliver crisp and clear conversations.
- ANC 2.0: Wherever you go, Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation 2.0³ intelligently adapts in real time to provide stronger, smoother noise cancellation wherever you go.
- OPTIMIZED COMFORT: Enjoy that just-right fit, with an improved, ear-hugging design and changeable ear tips.
Listen without carrying your iPhone
Apple says Bluetooth headphones can play audio from Apple Watch even when the iPhone is not nearby. After pairing, you can change the audio destination from the audio-output control in a supported playback screen or in Control Center, as described in Apple’s Bluetooth accessories guide.
Not every sound is routed to the headphones: Apple’s cited guide says Siri, phone calls, voicemail, and voice memos play through the Apple Watch speaker.
Rank #2
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Features Bluetooth 5.4 technology for stable, high-quality wireless audio streaming and seamless device pairing
- NOISE CANCELLATION: Active Noise Cancellation technology helps block out unwanted ambient sounds for immersive listening
- BATTERY LIFE: Extended playback time of up to 35 hours of continuous music playback for all-day entertainment
- MODEL DETAILS: Latest 2025 Galaxy Buds Core model (SM-R410) featuring modern design and intuitive touch controls
What Bluetooth pairing does—and does not—enable
Pairing treats Galaxy Buds as Bluetooth headphones. Samsung says Buds, Buds Pro, Buds2, Buds2 Pro, Buds3, and Buds3 Pro do not have iOS app support, though Bluetooth pairing can provide music, calls, and touchpad controls. Samsung’s App Store listing identifies app support for Galaxy Buds+ and Galaxy Buds Live, with app features available when those models connect to an iPhone. That is separate from pairing earbuds with an Apple Watch; Bluetooth connection does not add the Samsung app to watchOS.
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For model-specific app availability, consult Samsung’s Galaxy Buds App Store listing. App support and Bluetooth audio compatibility are different questions: a model can pair as headphones without having the iOS companion app.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 3-FE (2025) True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Powerful Sound, Clear Calls, Long Lasting Battery, Hands Free AI, Latin American Stock
- OUTSIDE NOISE? NOT YOUR PROBLEM: Hear what you want and not what you don’t with improved Active Noise Cancellation¹,². And, when you wish to enjoy your audio while staying aware of your surroundings, switch to the Ambient mode and you’re set.
- YOUR EVERYDAY SOUND, NOW MORE POWERFUL: Galaxy Buds3 FE pack a bigger¹ 11mm dynamic speaker with deep bass and powerful sound that make everything from daily commutes to weekend playlists sound amazing.
- EVERY CALL, LOUD AND CLEAR: Confidently hear and be heard on phone calls with family and friends, thanks to the added microphone and enhanced background noise reduction¹ on Galaxy Buds3 FE.
- UNINTERRUPTED AUDIO WITH A LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Go long between charges with a long-lasting battery³. And, when it’s time to recharge, do it quickly and get right back on track.
Rank #4
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY: Features Bluetooth 5.4 technology for stable, high-quality wireless audio streaming and seamless device pairing
- NOISE CANCELLATION: Active Noise Cancellation technology helps block out unwanted ambient sounds for immersive listening
- BATTERY LIFE: Extended playback time of up to 35 hours of continuous music playback for all-day entertainment
- MODEL DETAILS: Latest 2025 Galaxy Buds Core model (SM-R410) featuring modern design and intuitive touch controls
- Part #: SM-R410NZWALTA
Rank #3
- OUTSIDE NOISE? NOT YOUR PROBLEM: Hear what you want and not what you don’t with improved Active Noise Cancellation¹,². And, when you wish to enjoy your audio while staying aware of your surroundings, switch to the Ambient mode and you’re set.
- YOUR EVERYDAY SOUND, NOW MORE POWERFUL: Galaxy Buds3 FE pack a bigger¹ 11mm dynamic speaker with deep bass and powerful sound that make everything from daily commutes to weekend playlists sound amazing.
- EVERY CALL, LOUD AND CLEAR: Confidently hear and be heard on phone calls with family and friends, thanks to the added microphone and enhanced background noise reduction¹ on Galaxy Buds3 FE.
- UNINTERRUPTED AUDIO WITH A LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Go long between charges with a long-lasting battery³. And, when it’s time to recharge, do it quickly and get right back on track.
- TALK TO GEMINI, HANDS-FREE: With hands-free access to Gemini⁴, smart assistance is always within earshot. No need to reach for your phone anymore as Galaxy Buds3 FE let you get help on the go, just by using your voice.⁵
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