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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds with the app: 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 with the app
HearWiki score
86
56
Sound
8.6
7.0
Noise cancelling
9.3
-
Battery
7.3
5.7
Calls
7.4
4.7
Value
8.3
-
Price (USD)
$180
$94

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 with the app (2019). 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).

  • AirPods Pro 320256 yr newer
  • Galaxy Buds with the app2019
What differsAirPods Pro 3Galaxy Buds with the app

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.0

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
Not rated

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Galaxy Buds with the app
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$94
HearWiki score
86
56
Released
2025
2019
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
2-driver hybrid
Driver type
dynamic
hybrid
Driver size
10.7 mm
5.8 mm
Drivers per side
1
2
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Sound signature
-
warm
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
-
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
8 h
6 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
-
Battery incl. case
-
13 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
Yes
Weight
5.5 g
6 g
Case weight
44 g
40 g
Water resistance
IP57
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
6
Microphone type
beamforming
-
Call noise reduction
-
Yes

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 with the app

The Samsung Galaxy Buds are a versatile pair of true wireless earbuds that perform well even without the companion app, offering solid battery life and comfortable wear. When paired with the app, they unlock a dynamic sound preset, touch volume controls, and ambient listening mode, making them a flexible choice for everyday listeners.

  • Pro:Good battery life of 6 hours with 13 more from the case
  • Pro:Comfortable fit with lightweight 6g earbuds
  • Pro:App adds a lively Dynamic sound preset and custom EQ
  • Con:No active noise cancellation despite specs listing it
  • Con:No multipoint connection for switching between devices
  • Con:No water resistance rating for workouts or rain

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 with the app