Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Apple AirPods Pro 2
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro vs Apple AirPods Pro 2: Clash of the Titans in True Wireless Earbuds
In the true wireless earbud market, Samsung and Apple are two brands that constantly battle for supremacy. With the release of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro, they present a strong contender to Apple’s AirPods Pro. In this comparison, we’ll dive into the specs, design, sound quality, and other features to help you decide which is better suited to your needs.
Design: Samsung’s New Look vs. Apple’s Iconic Simplicity
Samsung’s AirBuds (Galaxy Buds3 Pro) take a step forward in design, featuring a more compact and stemmed design, similar to Apple’s AirPods Pro. The weight of each AirBud is 5.4g, making them light and comfortable. The AirPods Pro, on the other hand, weigh around 5.3g, providing a similarly lightweight experience. Both are IPX-rated for water resistance, with Samsung boasting a higher IP57 rating compared to Apple’s IPX4, making the AirBuds better suited for activities in more extreme environments.
In terms of aesthetics, Samsung offers a broader range of color options compared to Apple’s minimalistic white. Samsung also introduces a subtle LED light strip on the stem, adding a futuristic touch.
Sound Quality: Battle of the Bass and Clarity
In terms of sound quality, both models deliver exceptional audio experiences, but there are some differences. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro integrate AKG-tuned drivers for rich bass and crisp highs, and feature 360 Audio with Dolby Head Tracking, which creates an immersive, spatial audio experience for users within Samsung’s ecosystem
On the other hand, Apple AirPods Pro excel in Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, providing immersive surround sound specifically for users of iOS devices. Though both buds lack support for hi-res audio, Apple focuses more on SBC and AAC codecs, ensuring high-quality audio streaming for casual listeners.
Noise Cancellation: Battling the Noise
Both earbuds feature advanced active noise cancellation (ANC), but Samsung gives users more control with adjustable ANC levels. Apple’s AirPods Pro offer three modes—standard ANC, Transparency Mode, and Adaptive Mode. While both brands excel in noise reduction, Samsung’s customizable ANC gives it a slight edge for users who want more granular control over background noise.
Battery Life: Neck and Neck
Battery life is a critical feature for wireless earbuds. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offer up to 5 hours of playback with ANC on (or up to 8 hours with ANC off), and the charging case provides an additional 13 to 20 hours depending on usage
The AirPods Pro provide 6 hours of playback on a single charge (or 5 hours with Spatial Audio enabled) and up to 30 hours total with the charging case
Both earbuds support fast charging 5 minutes of charging can deliver 1 hour of playback on both models. While wireless charging is standard for both, the AirPods Pro case is MagSafe compatible, making it more convenient for iPhone users.
Additional Features: Ecosystem Integration
Both Samsung and Apple have focused heavily on ecosystem integration with their respective products. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro pair seamlessly with Samsung Galaxy smartphones, smartwatches, and other devices. They feature Bixby Voice Wake-up, Game Mode, and multi-device pairing, making them versatile within the Samsung ecosystem
Similarly, Apple AirPods Pro integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, offering features like Siri, Audio Sharing, and Announce Notifications, which further enhance the user experience for Apple users
Additionally, Find My integration helps you locate lost earbuds easily.
Pricing and Value: Which Offers More Bang for Your Buck?
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are priced at $249, while Apple’s AirPods Pro retail for a similar price, often around $249. While they are priced similarly, the slight cost advantage of Samsung’s Buds, combined with their advanced ANC, makes them an appealing option for budget-conscious users
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
While both the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Apple AirPods Pro 2 deliver top tier sound quality and noise canceling capabilities, the AirPods Pro 2 stand out as the better choice. With flawless iOS integration, an improved transparency mode, and immersive Spatial Audio, they offer a premium listening experience that makes them well worth the investment, especially for those already in the Apple ecosystem.