I compared AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Here’s which premium earbuds you should buy

Buying premium earbuds has become surprisingly difficult. Every new launch promises smarter AI, stronger noise cancellation, and “studio-quality” sound. However, after carefully considering the features of the latest Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, I realized that the best earbuds aren’t necessarily the ones with the longest feature list.

If you’re deciding between these two earbuds, this guide will help you find an answer. I’ll compare AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds 4 Pro based on sound quality, ANC, comfort, battery life, call performance, AI features, ecosystem advantages, and long-term value. So, you can choose the right pair.

AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Quick spec comparison

Feature	AirPods Pro 3	Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
Price	$249	$249
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.3	Bluetooth 6.1
Audio Codecs	AAC, SBC	SSC UHQ, AAC, SBC, LC3
Active Noise Cancellation	Yes	Yes (Adaptive ANC)
Transparency Mode	Transparency Mode	Ambient Sound
Spatial Audio	Personalized Spatial Audio	360 Audio
Battery Life (Earbuds)	Up to 8 hours	Up to 6 hours (ANC On)
Water & Dust Resistance	IP57 (Earbuds and case)	IP57 (Earbuds only)
Wireless Charging	Yes (MagSafe & Qi)	Yes (Qi)
Best For	iPhone & Apple ecosystem	Samsung Galaxy & Android

AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: What differences I felt

Sound quality: Samsung sounds more exciting

If sound quality is your top priority, this is the closest battle between the two. Both earbuds deliver flagship-level audio, but they have very different personalities.

AirPods Pro 3 focus on balance and accuracy. Apple has upgraded to a new multiport acoustic architecture that improves airflow for deeper bass, a wider soundstage, and clearer vocals. A custom high-excursion driver and high dynamic range amplifier, powered by the H2 chip, produce detailed sound with exceptionally low distortion.

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The best part is features like Adaptive EQ automatically tune audio based on how the earbuds fit your ears, while Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates a more immersive listening experience. I really enjoy its lossless audio on my iPhone 17. Also, the upcoming custom EQ features on iOS 27 will be a game changer.

Samsung, however, packs considerably more hardware into the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Each earbud features an 11mm Super Wide Woofer for powerful low frequencies and a 5.5mm Planar Tweeter for crisp, detailed highs. Moreover, the independent dual amplifiers help reduce distortion while keeping bass, mids, and treble clean and well-defined.

I also felt the Buds 4 Pro extract more audio detail thanks to 24-bit/96kHz Hi-Res Audio and Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC UHQ). The music sounds deeper, with punchier bass and finer treble. The separation between bass, mids, and highs is particularly impressive.

Additionally, Samsung includes Adapt Sound, 360 Audio with Head Tracking, and a customizable 9-band EQ, giving users much more control over their listening experience. The Bluetooth LE audio and Auracast give stability.

For daily usage, the choice becomes a matter of personal preferences. The AirPods Pro 3 serve me perfectly in all cases, from podcasts, music and movies to calls. Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, on the other hand, is my buddy for listening to pop, EDM, hip-hop, and action movies. It sounds more lively with stronger bass and brighter treble.

Winner: Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

Also read: I replaced my AirPods Pro 3 with Sony WF-1000XM6: The difference shocked me

Noise Cancellation: Apple still sets the benchmark

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is one of the biggest reasons people spend over $200 on premium earbuds, and both Apple and Samsung have made significant improvements.

AirPods Pro 3 use Apple’s H2 chip to power Active Noise Cancellation, which intelligently reduces unwanted sounds before they reach your ears. Apple says the earbuds continuously process environmental noise in real time to adapt the level of noise cancellation. Also, I feel the fitted eartip seal contributes to passive noise isolation.

Samsung counters with Adaptive Noise Control on the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Using multiple microphones and Galaxy AI, the earbuds continuously analyze your environment and adjust the level of noise cancellation automatically.

I tested both when commuting, working in a busy café, and flying, and they did an excellent job of reducing low-frequency noises like airplane engines, train rumbles, air conditioners, and office chatter. But whenever I am outside or in a noisy place, my first choice is always AirPods.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3

Transparency Mode: Apple is still in a league of its own

Transparency mode has evolved from a nice-to-have feature into something you’ll likely use every day. Whether you’re ordering coffee, chatting with a coworker, or listening for train announcements, a great transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings without taking your earbuds out.

AirPods Pro 3 continue to set the standard. Apple uses the H2 chip and computational audio to make outside sounds feel remarkably natural. Instead of simply amplifying ambient noise, the earbuds process it in real time, so voices sound clear and environmental sounds remain balanced.

I also really like Adaptive Audio, which intelligently blends Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode based on your surroundings, while Conversation Awareness automatically lowers your media volume and enhances nearby voices when you begin speaking.

Samsung has made major improvements with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Its Adaptive Ambient Sound uses AI to analyze your environment and lets important sounds pass through naturally. Also, Voice Detect successfully recognized when I’m speaking and lowered the media volume. Thus, conversations feel more natural without manually switching modes.

Both earbuds allow you to be fully aware of the surrounding sounds easily, but Apple does it in a more sophisticated way. Voices sound more lifelike, background noise is processed more naturally, and the automatic transitions between listening and talking happen so smoothly that you rarely think about the technology working in the background.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3

Comfort and fit: Both are comfortable, but they feel very different

Comfort is one of the most personal aspects of any pair of earbuds. Even the best sound quality won’t matter if your earbuds become uncomfortable after an hour. Fortunately, both the AirPods Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are designed for extended listening sessions, but they take different approaches to fit.

AirPods Pro 3 retain Apple’s lightweight, stem-style design with four sizes of silicone ear tips to help users find a secure seal. The earbuds are compact, distribute their weight evenly, and sit comfortably in the ear. I recommend taking the Ear Tip Fit Test on your iPhone to check if you’re using the right ear tips for the best comfort, sound quality, and Active Noise Cancellation.

Samsung redesigned the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro with a more ergonomic shape and softer ear tips for a relaxed fit. Like Apple’s earbuds, Samsung includes multiple silicone ear tip sizes to help users achieve a proper seal. The lightweight design and improved weight distribution make the Buds 4 Pro comfortable enough for long listening sessions.

Winner: Tie

Call quality: Clear voices on both, but Apple is more consistent

Premium earbuds are no longer just for listening to music—they’re also expected to handle video meetings, phone calls, and voice chats with ease. Thankfully, both the AirPods Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro deliver excellent call quality.

AirPods Pro 3 use beamforming microphones, an inward-facing microphone, and Apple’s H2 chip to isolate your voice while reducing background noise like traffic, wind, and office chatter. I always enable Voice Isolation to keep calls and meetings clear even in noisy environments.

Samsung takes a similarly advanced approach. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro feature a 6-microphone system paired with a Voice Pickup Unit and Galaxy AI to separate your voice from surrounding noise. I liked its AI-powered Super Clear Call for better speech clarity, especially in outdoor environments with wind and background sounds.

Winner: AirPods Pro 3

Battery life: Samsung lasts longer

Battery life is another area where both earbuds perform well.

AirPods Pro 3 offer up to 8 hours of ANC-enabled and 10 hours with ANC listening time on a single charge, with the USB-C charging case extending total playback to around 24 hours. Apple also supports MagSafe, Qi wireless charging, and fast charging, giving you roughly two hours of listening from just a 20-minute charge in the case.

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro provided up to 6 hours of playback with ANC enabled and up to 26 hours with the charging case. Turn ANC off, and the total battery life stretches even further. You can use USB-C and Qi wireless charging to get 85 minutes of listening time in 10 minutes. I even used the Galaxy Wearable app to check the detailed battery health and manage power-saving features.

Although the AirPods Pro 3 have a greater battery life, Samsung’s charging case delivers more total listening time, giving frequent travelers and heavy users a bit more flexibility.

Winner: Tie

AI features: Samsung packs more AI, Apple focuses on everyday utility

Artificial intelligence has quickly become one of the biggest differentiators between premium earbuds. While both the AirPods Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro leverage AI to enhance the user experience, they have very different priorities.

AirPods Pro 3 work closely with Apple Intelligence and offer additional features besides just playing music. For example, I depend on its Live Translation, which helps translate conversations in real time when paired with a compatible iPhone.

Apple also added FDA-cleared Hearing Aid support, allowing AirPods Pro 3 to function as an over-the-counter hearing aid for users with mild to moderate hearing loss. Combined with Conversation Awareness, Adaptive Audio, and Siri integration, the earbuds intelligently adjust audio based on your surroundings while making daily interactions feel effortless.

Samsung takes a more feature-rich approach with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. Powered by Galaxy AI, the earbuds support Interpreter, enabling real-time, face-to-face language translation directly through compatible Galaxy devices. I have set up Google Gemini as my assistant for AI-powered hands-free actions.

On top of that, features like Voice Detect, Adaptive Noise Control, and Adaptive EQ continuously optimize the listening experience without requiring manual adjustments.

Winner: Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

Apple vs Samsung ecosystem: Your smartphone decides the winner

On paper, the AirPods Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro look evenly matched. In reality, the experience you get depends almost entirely on the phone in your pocket.

If you own an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 feel like a natural extension of your Apple devices. Pairing takes just a tap, and the earbuds automatically switch between your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch without any manual setup. Features like Find My, Personalized Spatial Audio, Siri, etc., all work together to create an experience that’s effortless and consistent.

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer a similar level of integration, but only within Samsung’s ecosystem. Pair them with a compatible Galaxy smartphone, and you unlock Galaxy AI, Hi-Res Audio, Auto Switch between Galaxy devices, Interpreter, 360 Audio, and SmartThings Find, and more. Moreover, the Galaxy Wearable app offers more customization like EQ controls and sound preferences.

Winner: Depends on your ecosystem

Which earbuds are better for different users?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s a quick recommendation based on how you plan to use your earbuds.

Buy AirPods Pro 3 if you:

• Use an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch
• Want the best Transparency Mode on the market
• Prefer a balanced, natural sound signature
• Make frequent FaceTime or voice calls
• Want advanced health features like clinical-grade Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, built-in in-ear heart rate sensors, and active hearing protection
• Want the smoothest overall user experience

Buy Galaxy Buds 4 Pro if you:

• Own the latest Samsung Galaxy phone
• Prefer deeper bass and a more energetic sound
• Want 24-bit Hi-Res Audio and more audio customization
• Need longer battery life with the charging case
• Like AI-powered features such as Interpreter and Voice Detect
• Want premium features at a competitive price

My Recommendation: If you’re buying premium earbuds, don’t chase the one with the longer feature list. Buy the one built for your ecosystem. An iPhone user will almost always have a better experience with AirPods Pro 3, while Galaxy users will get far more value from the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

Final verdict: Which premium earbuds should you buy?

After comparing the AirPods Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro across different parameters, one thing becomes obvious: both are among the best wireless earbuds you can buy, but they’re designed for different users.

The AirPods Pro 3 excel in the areas Apple has always prioritized: industry-leading Transparency Mode, excellent noise cancellation, outstanding call quality, and seamless integration across the Apple ecosystem. They deliver a polished, hassle-free experience that simply works.

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, meanwhile, impress with their 11mm Super Wide Woofer, 5.5mm Planar Tweeter, 24-bit Hi-Res Audio, stronger bass, longer overall battery life, and a growing suite of Galaxy AI features. They also offer more sound customization, making them the better choice for listeners who enjoy tweaking their audio.

Which earbuds caught your eye? Let me know in the comments below!