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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds FE: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Outstanding overall at around $179.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
HearWiki score
86
78
Sound
8.6
7.6
Noise cancelling
9.3
8.2
Battery
7.3
5.8
Calls
7.4
7.2
Value
8.3
7.8
Price (USD)
$180
$100

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Samsung Galaxy Buds FE (2024). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.2. It also adds Wireless charging, Wear detection and Water resistance IP57 against IPX2.

  • AirPods Pro 320251 yr newer
  • Galaxy Buds FE2024
What differsAirPods Pro 3Galaxy Buds FE

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.2

Everyday features

Wireless charging
Yes
No
Wear detection
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IPX2

Level on: Top codec, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Galaxy Buds FE
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$100
HearWiki score
86
78
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
6.5 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
6.5 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Battery life
8 h
8.5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
6 h
Battery incl. case
-
21 h
Full charge time
-
96 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 2.5 h
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
No
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Yes
Weight
5.5 g
5.6 g
Case weight
44 g
40 g
Water resistance
IP57
IPX2
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
3
Microphone type
beamforming
-

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that combine adaptive active noise cancellation with a comfortable, secure fit. They deliver clear calls, robust battery life, and a balanced sound profile, all wrapped in an IP57-rated design that handles water and dust. With Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging, they offer a polished experience for Apple and non-Apple users alike.

  • Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear call quality with beamforming mics
  • Pro:Strong battery life of 8 hours with ANC on
  • Con:Fit may be tricky for some ears
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE

The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE are budget-friendly true wireless earbuds that deliver impressive sound quality for the price, along with effective active noise cancellation and comfortable fit. They support Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint, offer touch controls and an app, and come with a compact case for extended battery life. While they lack wireless charging and have a modest IPX2 rating, they remain a strong value pick for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Excellent sound quality for the price
  • Pro:Effective active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Comfortable and secure fit
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Limited water resistance (IPX2)
  • Con:Battery life may be shorter in real-world use

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparisonApple AirPods Pro 3Samsung Galaxy Buds FE