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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro: 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 Pro
HearWiki score
86
69
Sound
8.6
7.7
Noise cancelling
9.3
6.3
Battery
7.3
4.6
Calls
7.4
6.5
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$180
$160

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 Pro (2021). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0. It also adds Multipoint pairing and Water resistance IP57 against IPX7.

  • AirPods Pro 320254 yr newer
  • Galaxy Buds Pro2021
What differsAirPods Pro 3Galaxy Buds Pro

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.0

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IPX7

Level on: Top codec, ANC type, Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Galaxy Buds Pro
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$160
HearWiki score
86
69
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
2-driver hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver size
10.7 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
101 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
8 h
8 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
5 h
Battery incl. case
-
28 h
Quick charge
-
5 min → 1 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
adaptive
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Siri
Bixby
Weight
5.5 g
6.3 g
Case weight
44 g
44.9 g
Water resistance
IP57
IPX7
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 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are premium wireless earbuds that combine adaptive noise cancellation with a dual-driver setup for a lively, bass-forward sound. They offer a robust feature set including IPX7 water resistance, wireless charging, and a comfortable fit, making them a versatile choice for Galaxy users and beyond. With up to 8 hours of playback per charge and a compact case, they deliver solid all-day performance.

  • Pro:Effective adaptive noise cancellation
  • Pro:Strong IPX7 water resistance
  • Pro:Rich, punchy sound with dual drivers
  • Con:No multipoint Bluetooth connection
  • Con:Battery life drops significantly with ANC on
  • Con:Sound signature may be too bass-heavy for purists

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

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