For years, Linux has struggled with the full integration of popular audio accessories like AirPods or Galaxy Buds. Only recently has a tool appeared that changes the game – budslink. Is this the solution we've been waiting for? Let's check how it works, how to install it, and whether it's truly worth using.
Linux has never been a strong suit for Apple and Samsung ecosystems. Users of these brands who wanted to use their AirPods or Galaxy Buds on Ubuntu-based computers had to settle for limitations. Basic tools like bluetoothctl or Blueman offered only minimal functionality – device pairing and basic volume control. Something more was missing: battery detection, firmware updates, or seamless switching between devices.
Everything changed in 2026 with the release of budslink – an open-source tool designed specifically for Linux users. Its goal is the full integration of AirPods and Galaxy Buds with the system, without the need to resort to workarounds. But does it work in practice? We tested it on the latest Ubuntu 24.04 LTS and checked if it's worth reaching for.
What is budslink and why did it land on our computers?
budslink is open-source software whose primary task is managing Apple and Samsung Bluetooth headphones on Linux systems. Its biggest advantage over other solutions is specialization – instead of being another universal tool, it focuses exclusively on two ecosystems: AirPods and Galaxy Buds.
Main features of budslink
Here is what sets this tool apart from the competition:
- Automatic connection to the last device – no manual pairing required every time you turn them on.
- Battery status display – for both AirPods and Galaxy Buds (including models with wear sensors).
- Firmware updates (Galaxy Buds) – while not all models are supported, it is a huge advantage for Galaxy Buds 2 Pro owners.
- Audio profile configuration – ability to select a codec (e.g., AAC for AirPods) or spatial audio mode.
- Wear detection – for Galaxy Buds, which automatically pause playback when you take them off.
- Integration with pulseaudio and pipewire – seamless cooperation with the system sound manager.
For comparison, standard tools available on Linux (bluetoothctl, Blueman) offer only basic functions. budslink goes a step further, providing solutions that were previously the domain of Windows and macOS only.
System requirements – what do you need for budslink to work?
Before you reach for budslink, make sure your system meets the following requirements. Some of them may be crucial for stability.
Operating system and drivers
budslink was designed with Ubuntu 22.04 LTS or newer in mind. However, it works best on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, which was released with a newer kernel (6.8+) and better support for Bluetooth 5.2+.
Why does the kernel matter? Newer kernel versions (from 6.5+) introduce fixes related to LE Audio – the technology responsible for more stable connections and better sound quality for wireless headphones.
Dependencies – what must be installed?
For budslink to work correctly, it is necessary to install several packages. The following list includes both basic and optional dependencies:
bluez(≥ 5.64) – the driver responsible for Bluetooth support. Nothing will work without it.pulseaudioorpipewire(≥ 1.0) – sound manager. pipewire is recommended for better audio quality.ffmpeg– optional, but useful for decoding audio streams.libfdk-aac– necessary for AirPods, which use the AAC codec.python3-pip– if installing from source code.
If you are using Galaxy Buds, make sure your Bluetooth adapter supports Bluetooth 5.2 or newer. Older cards (e.g., Bluetooth 4.0) may not work with some features, such as firmware updates.
Hardware – what to check before installation?
Not every Bluetooth card will handle budslink. You will achieve the best results if your computer meets the following criteria:
- Bluetooth 5.2+ – recommended for full functionality, especially with Galaxy Buds Pro 2.
- Adapter with LE Audio support – improves connection stability and sound quality.
- At least 4GB RAM – although not an absolute requirement, more memory improves performance smoothness.
If you are not sure which Bluetooth version your card has, you can check it with the command:
hciconfig -a | grep "BD Address"The result will show you the adapter model. Then, search for it online to find out which Bluetooth version it supports.
Installing budslink – step by step
Installing budslink can be done in two ways: via a .deb package (the simplest method) or from source code. We describe both variants below.
Method 1: Installation from a .deb package (recommended)
If you are using Ubuntu, the easiest way to install budslink is using the .deb package. Here is how to do it:
Download the latest version from the official repository (e.g., from github budslink):
wget https://github.com/budslink/budslink/releases/download/v1.0.0/budslink_1.0.0_amd64.debInstall the package:
sudo dpkg -i budslink_1.0.0_amd64.debIf dependency issues occur, run:
sudo apt --fix-broken installStart the budslink service:
sudo systemctl enable --now budslinkCheck if it works:
systemctl status budslink
Method 2: Installation from source code
If you prefer to compile the program yourself or there is no .deb package for your distribution, you can install it from source code. This requires basic terminal knowledge.
Install dependencies:
sudo apt update sudo apt install git python3-pip bluez pulseaudio ffmpeg libfdk-aac-devDownload the source code:
git clone https://github.com/budslink/budslink.git cd budslinkInstall the required Python packages:
pip3 install -r requirements.txtCompile and install:
python3 setup.py installStart the service:
sudo systemctl enable --now budslink
After installation, configuration will be necessary. budslink uses the config.yml file, which you will find in /etc/budslink/. An example configuration looks like this:
device:
auto_connect: true
battery_notification: true
audio:
priority: "aac" # dla AirPods
volume_steps: 5After editing the file, restart the service:
sudo systemctl restart budslinkConfiguration and first steps with budslink
After installing budslink, it's time to configure it. Although the tool works immediately after installation, it is worth adjusting it to your needs.
Connecting headphones – how to do it correctly?
budslink automatically detects most AirPods and Galaxy Buds models, but sometimes manual pairing is necessary. Follow these steps:
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on:
rfkill list bluetoothRun budslink in interactive mode:
budslink-cli --discoverSelect your headphones from the list and confirm pairing.
If your device does not appear on the list, try:
- Turning Bluetooth off and on.
- Restarting the budslink service:
sudo systemctl restart budslink. - Checking if the Bluetooth card is working correctly:
sudo systemctl status bluetooth.
How to use budslink in practice?
budslink offers both a Command Line Interface (CLI) and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) (if provided in your version). Below are the most important commands and features.
Basic CLI commands
budslink-cli --list– displays connected devices.budslink-cli --battery– shows battery status for all connected headphones.budslink-cli --connect <nazwa_urządzenia>– manual connection to selected headphones.budslink-cli --volume <poziom>– volume control (0-100).budslink-cli --update– checks for firmware update availability (available only for some Galaxy Buds models).
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Some versions of budslink (e.g., those available in .deb packages) include a simple graphical interface. It looks similar to the following:
- List of connected devices with battery status icon.
- Buttons for volume control and switching between devices.
- Option to enable/disable automatic connection.
If the GUI is not available, you can install Blueman as a supplement – although it doesn't offer the same functionality as budslink, it will help with basic pairing.
What problems may arise and how to solve them?
Although budslink is stable, it is not free of issues. Below are the most common errors and their solutions.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Headphones not detected | Damaged Bluetooth driver or outdated kernel | Update bluez and the kernel to the latest version. |
| Low volume level | Incorrect audio codec | Change the priority: "aac" setting to sbc in the configuration file. |
| Firmware update issues (Galaxy Buds) | No support for the given model | Check if your model is listed in the documentation. |
| Automatic connection not working | Conflict with other Bluetooth services | Disable bluetoothd in server mode: sudo systemctl stop bluetooth. |
If you still have problems, it is worth checking the github Issues, where the community shares workarounds.
budslink vs. competition – why is it worth choosing?
There are several tools available on the market for managing Bluetooth headphones on Linux. How does budslink compare to them? Let's look at the most popular alternatives.
Comparison with other tools
The following table presents the pros and cons of budslink compared to bluetoothctl, Blueman, and pipewire.
| Feature | budslink | bluetoothctl |
Blueman | pipewire + wireplumber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery detection | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Partially | ❌ No |
| Firmware updates (Galaxy Buds) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Stereo mode (AirPods) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ Yes (with plugins) |
| PAVU integration | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Sensor support (wear, touch) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Audio profile configuration | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Yes | ✅ Yes |
When to consider alternatives?
Even though budslink is the best solution for AirPods and Galaxy Buds, there are situations where other tools may prove more suitable:
- If you only need basic pairing –
bluetoothctlor Blueman will suffice. - If you use other Bluetooth headphones (e.g., Sony WH-1000XM5) – budslink will not work.
- If you prefer stable but limited solutions – e.g., Samsung Galaxy Wearable via Wine (though this solution is unstable and requires extra effort).
However, it is worth remembering that none of these tools offer the same functionality as budslink – especially in terms of firmware updates and integration with manufacturer ecosystems.
Does budslink work stably on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS?
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS is the latest stable version of the system, released with kernel 6.8. According to OMG! Ubuntu, budslink runs stably on it, though not without issues.
Tested models and their compatibility
The following table shows the results of tests conducted on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS with the latest updates.
| Headphone model | Connection | Battery detection | Firmware updates | Stability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods 3 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Stable |
| AirPods Pro 2 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ⚠️ Sometimes switching issues |
| Galaxy Buds 2 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Stable |
| Galaxy Buds Pro 2 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Requires Bluetooth 5.2+ |
| Galaxy Buds FE | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Stable |
Known issues and workarounds
During testing, we encountered a few issues worth keeping in mind:
- AirPods Pro 2 – sometimes there are issues with automatic switching between devices (e.g., when you have a browser and Discord open). The solution is to manually select the device via
budslink-cli --connect <nazwa>. - Galaxy Buds FE – no support for firmware updates (Samsung limits them to mobile devices).
- Bluetooth 4.2 – some features, such as spatial audio, may not work correctly.
- Conflict with other Bluetooth services – if you use
bluetoothdin server mode, there may be an issue with automatic connection. The solution is to stop it:sudo systemctl stop bluetooth.
Most of these problems can be solved by updating drivers or the system kernel. If you still have trouble, it is worth checking the github Issues, where the community shares their experiences.
Support and documentation – will the creators help?
budslink is a relatively new tool, so its documentation and support are still being developed. We checked which channels are available to users.
Official support channels
- github Issues – https://github.com/budslink/budslink/issues. Here you can report a bug or ask for help.
- Discord – if it exists, it should be listed in the documentation. Unfortunately, as of the writing of this article, we could not find an official server.
- Documentation – if available, it should contain installation guides, feature descriptions, and configuration examples.
According to information from OMG! Ubuntu, budslink creators respond to reports within 24–48 hours. This is very good news for users who encounter problems.
Alternative sources of help
If official channels don't help, it's worth checking the Linux community:
- Reddit – r/linuxaudio, r/Ubuntu, r/ubuntupl.
- Stack Overflow – tag
#budslink(if it exists). - Distribution forums – e.g., Ubuntu.pl forum or Arch Wiki.
It is worth remembering that budslink is an open-source project, so community support can be just as valuable as official channels.
Alternatives to budslink – are they worth using?
Although budslink is the best solution for AirPods and Galaxy Buds, there are situations where other tools may prove more suitable. We checked the best alternatives and when to reach for them.
1. Blueman – simplicity over functionality
Blueman is a popular graphical tool for managing Bluetooth devices on Linux. Although it doesn't offer the same functionality as budslink, it is simple to use and stable.
- ✅ Works well with most Bluetooth headphones.
- ✅ Graphical interface – easy to use for beginners.
- ❌ No support for battery detection, firmware updates, or manufacturer ecosystem integration.
- ❌ Frequent connection issues with older models.
When to use Blueman? If you only need basic pairing and don't care about advanced features.
2. bluetoothctl – for advanced users
bluetoothctl is a command-line tool available in most Linux distributions. Although it is not as convenient as budslink, it offers greater control over the connection.
- ✅ Available in every Linux distribution.
- ✅ Ability to manually configure connections.
- ❌ No integration with the system sound manager (e.g., pulseaudio).
- ❌ Requires terminal command knowledge.
When to use bluetoothctl? If you are an advanced user and need full control over the Bluetooth connection.
3. Samsung Galaxy Wearable via Wine – currently the only option for firmware updates
If you own Galaxy Buds and want to update their firmware, the only way on Linux is to use Samsung Galaxy Wearable via Wine. Unfortunately, this solution is unstable and requires additional configuration.
- ✅ Ability to update firmware (for some models).
- ❌ Requires Wine and manual configuration.
- ❌ Frequent operation issues (e.g., connection loss, crashes).
When to use Wine? Only when you absolutely must update the firmware and cannot do it on a mobile device.
4. pipewire + wireplumber – better sound quality, but lacks budslink functionality
pipewire is a modern sound manager that significantly improves audio quality on Linux. Although it works with most Bluetooth headphones, it does not offer the same functionality as budslink.
- ✅ Better sound quality compared to pulseaudio.
- ✅ Better support for multiple audio devices.
- ❌ No integration with manufacturer ecosystems.
- ❌ Requires manual configuration for advanced features.
When to use pipewire? If you care about better sound quality and don't need advanced headphone management features.
In summary, budslink is the best solution for AirPods and Galaxy Buds. Other tools may be useful in specific situations, but they do not offer the same functionality as it does.
Summary – is budslink worth considering?
After testing budslink on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, we can confidently say that it is a breakthrough tool for Linux users who own AirPods or Galaxy Buds. Although it is not free of issues, it significantly improves the experience of using headphones on this system.
Main advantages of budslink:
- ✅ Full integration with AirPods and Galaxy Buds – from battery detection to firmware updates.
- ✅ Simple installation and configuration – even for beginners.
- ✅ Stability on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS – after resolving dependency issues, it works flawlessly.
- ✅ Open-source and actively developed – creators respond to bug reports.
Main disadvantages of budslink:
- ❌ No support for all Galaxy Buds models (e.g., Galaxy Buds FE does not support firmware updates).
- ❌ Sometimes issues with automatic device switching (e.g., in the case of AirPods Pro 2).
- ❌ Requires newer kernel and Bluetooth drivers (Bluetooth 5.2+).
Who is budslink for?
- For Linux users who own AirPods or Galaxy Buds and want full integration.
- For people who value open-source solutions and want to influence the tool's development.
- For those who want to avoid Windows or macOS when using their headphones.
Who is budslink NOT suitable for?
- For users of other Bluetooth headphones (e.g., Sony, Bose).
- For people who do not want to invest time in system configuration.
- For those whose Bluetooth adapter does not support Bluetooth 5.2+.
If you belong to the first group, budslink is the tool you need. If, however, you use other headphones or don't want to spend time on configuration, it's worth considering alternatives – although, unfortunately, none of them offer the same functionality as budslink.
Finally, it is worth remembering that budslink is an open-source project. If you want to support its development, you can report bugs, submit patches, or simply share your experiences with other users. Only in this way can we make Linux a friendlier system for owners of popular audio accessories.
Sources
- https://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2026/06/budslink-airpods-galaxy-buds-linux
- https://www.bluez.org/
- https://github.com/budslink/budslink/releases/download/v1.0.0/budslink_1.0.0_amd64.deb
- https://github.com/budslink/budslink
- https://github.com/budslink/budslink/issues
- https://stackoverflow.com/questions/tagged/budslink
- https://www.bluetooth.com/specifications/specs/
- https://wiki.archlinux.org/title/Bluetooth
- https://askubuntu.com/questions/tagged/bluetooth
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