Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 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.

True Wireless

Apple AirPods Pro 3

86Outstanding

$180

Full review data

True Wireless

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 Buds2 Pro

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

7.8

Noise cancelling

9.3

8.2

Battery

7.3

5.5

Calls

7.4

6.0

Value

8.3

Price (USD)

$180

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?

Same generation

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is 2 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. The platform is level; the newer hardware shows up in convenience features instead - the Apple AirPods Pro 3 adds Multipoint pairing and Water resistance IP57 against IPX7.

AirPods Pro 320252 yr newer
Galaxy Buds2 Pro2023

What differsAirPods Pro 3Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Multipoint pairing: Yes; No
Water resistance: IP57; IPX7

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Galaxy Buds2 Pro

Type: True Wireless; True Wireless
Price (USD): $180; $180
HearWiki score: 86; 75
Released: 2025; 2023
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 10.7 mm dynamic; 2-driver hybrid
Driver type: dynamic; hybrid
Driver size: 10.7 mm; 10.5 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 2
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance: -; 16 Ω
Sensitivity: 110 dB/mW; 92 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.3; 5.3
Codecs: SBC, AAC; SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable
Multipoint pairing: Yes; No
Wireless range: -; 10 m
Battery life: 8 h; 8 h
Battery life (ANC on): 8 h; 5 h
Battery incl. case: -; 29 h
Full charge time: -; 60 min
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; Yes
Weight: 5.5 g; 5.5 g
Case weight: 44 g; 43.4 g
Water resistance: IP57; IPX7
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Model code: -; SM-R510NZAAXAC
Microphones: 3; 6
Microphone type: beamforming; -

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Spec	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Type	True Wireless	True Wireless
Price (USD)	$180	$180
HearWiki score	86 / 100 Outstanding	75 / 100 Great
Released	2025	2023
Audio
Driver	10.7 mm dynamic	2-driver hybrid
Driver type	dynamic	hybrid
Driver size	10.7 mm	10.5 mm
Drivers per side	1	2
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance	-	16 Ω
Sensitivity	110 dB/mW	92 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.3	5.3
Codecs	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable
Multipoint pairing	Yes	No
Wireless range	-	10 m
Battery
Battery life	8 h	8 h
Battery life (ANC on)	8 h	5 h
Battery incl. case	-	29 h
Full charge time	-	60 min
Quick charge	-	5 min → 1 h
Wireless charging	Yes	Yes
Features
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
Design
Weight	5.5 g	5.5 g
Case weight	44 g	43.4 g
Water resistance	IP57	IPX7
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Model code	-	SM-R510NZAAXAC
Calls
Microphones	3	6
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 Buds2 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are high-end true wireless earbuds that deliver adaptive noise cancellation and a rich, detailed sound from a dual-driver hybrid setup. With a light, ergonomic design and IPX7 protection, they're built for active use, while the 8-hour battery and wireless charging case keep them going through long days. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable connection, and the touch controls plus custom EQ give you solid personalization options.

Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
Pro:Comfortable and secure fit for all-day wear
Pro:Strong water resistance (IPX7) for workouts and rain

Con:No multipoint connection for seamless device switching
Con:Battery life is modest, especially with ANC on
Con:Samsung Scalable codec limits high-quality audio to Samsung devices

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

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