Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs. Apple AirPods Pro 2: A Comprehensive Comparison

How Do the New Galaxy Buds Compare to AirPods?

During the Galaxy Unpacked event in Paris this past week, Samsung unveiled the latest Galaxy Buds 3 as well as a Pro version that are top contenders for audio devices against for the classic AirPods.

Looking for a breakdown of everything that happened in Paris? Read here. 

Ditching their old design, the new Galaxy Buds feature a stem for better support. On the surface the design is eerily similar to AirPods, but when it comes to choosing between Samsung's newly released Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Apple's AirPods Pro 2, it's essential to understand the key differences and similarities to make an informed decision. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide which one suits you best.

Design and Build

Both the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and AirPods Pro 2 have adopted a similar in-ear design with silicone tips, ensuring a snug fit for most users. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are available in white and gray, featuring a unique transparent upper section on the charging case, giving them a modern and distinctive look. In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 are only available in an all-around white design, which people find sleek and understated. 

While the AirPods Pro 2 are known for their comfortable fit and ease of use, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have taken inspiration from this design and added a few unique touches, such as a built-in LED light for aesthetics and additional volume controls on the stem.

Duo Hang Case

If you purchase the Galaxy Buds 3/3 Pro with the clear top, be sure to purchase elago's duo case as well that has an opaque bottom with a clear top to show off the unique design. 

Audio Quality and Features

Both earbuds excel in audio performance, with Active Noise Cancellation and Ambient Mode. The AirPods Pro 2 are particularly praised for their spatial audio capabilities, which provide an immersive listening experience by tracking head movements. They also feature adaptive equalization, which automatically tunes the music to the shape of your ear for optimal sound quality.

The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro also deliver high-quality sound and include an equalizer for personalized audio settings, a feature the AirPods Pro 2 lack. Additionally, the Buds 3 Pro have introduced a low-latency mode, which is beneficial for gaming and video watching. The addition of Galaxy AI also creates a smoother call experience.

Following the blueprint Apple laid out with arguable the biggest physical upgrade to the AirPods Pro 2, you can also adjust the volume via swipes and pinches on the stems of the earbuds on the Galaxy Buds 3 as well. 

AW5 Case With Strap for AirPods Pro 2

Revisit your retro gamer nostalgia with this case designed to resemble your favorite console.

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, both earbuds offer competitive performance. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro provide up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on, extending to 26 hours with the charging case. The AirPods Pro 2 offer a similar 6 hours of playback time but can extend up to 30 hours with the charging case, giving them a slight edge in overall battery life.

Charging Pad

Wirelessly charge your AirPods with MagSafe utilizing this charging pad.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The AirPods Pro 2 utilize Apple's H2 and U1 chips, which enhance their performance within the Apple ecosystem, offering features like seamless device switching and spatial audio. They are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3.

The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, on the other hand, use Bluetooth 5.4 and include various sensors, such as a Voice Recognition Unit and Hall Sensor, which provide excellent performance and compatibility, especially with Samsung devices. They also offer an interpreter mode for real-time language translation when paired with recent Galaxy phones, though the accuracy of this feature can vary.

Water and Sweat Resistance

For those concerned about durability, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro come with an IP57 rating, making them more resistant to dust and water compared to the AirPods Pro 2's IPX4 rating. This makes the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro a better choice for more active users or those who frequently use their earbuds in challenging environments. However, the AirPods are still a popular choice for active athletes who have used them for marathons, gym sessions, and everything in between without any wear and tear.

Ear Hooks

Worried about your AirPods slipping on a long run? Use these hooks to secure them in place with comfort.  

Price

Simply put, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are priced at around $226, while the AirPods Pro 2 are priced at $299. 

Conclusion

Choosing between the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and AirPods Pro 2 largely depends on your ecosystem preference and specific feature needs. If you're deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and value features like spatial audio and seamless connectivity, the AirPods Pro 2 are a compelling choice. However, if you prioritize a slightly more affordable option with customizable audio and better water resistance, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro might be the better fit. Both are excellent choices, offering top-tier audio experiences and a range of features to enhance your listening pleasure.