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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 88. 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 5 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE
HearWiki score
88
84
Sound
8.6
8.2
Noise cancelling
9.3
8.6
Battery
7.3
6.3
Calls
7.4
8.1
Value
8.3
8.1
Price (USD)
$180
$120

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

Both shipped in 2025. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.3. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing, Wireless charging and Water resistance IP57 against IP54.

  • AirPods Pro 32025
  • Galaxy Buds3 FE2025
What differsAirPods Pro 3Galaxy Buds3 FE

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.4

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wireless charging
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP57
IP54

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Galaxy Buds3 FE
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$120
HearWiki score
88
84
Released
2025
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
11 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.4
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Battery life
8 h
8.5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
6 h
Battery incl. case
-
24 h
Wireless charging
Yes
No
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
Google Assistant
Weight
5.5 g
5.3 g
Case weight
44 g
41.8 g
Water resistance
IP57
IP54
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 deliver top-tier active noise cancellation, clear call quality, and a well-balanced sound profile. They offer a robust feature set including adaptive ANC, wireless charging, and IP57 water resistance, though their higher price and somewhat finicky fit may give some buyers pause. Overall, they stand out as a polished, high-performance option for iOS users willing to invest in a premium experience.

  • Pro:Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Pro:Clear call quality in noisy environments
  • Pro:Strong battery life with the charging case
  • Con:Fit can be finicky and may lose seal easily
  • Con:Premium price point
  • Con:Only supports AAC codec

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE are true wireless earbuds that prioritize a pleasant sound signature but fall short in other key areas. They lack multipoint connectivity, have average noise cancellation, and their call quality is disappointing. While the audio performance is a highlight, the overall package feels overpriced compared to similarly priced rivals, making them a tough recommendation for most buyers.

  • Pro:Good sound quality
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
  • Pro:IP54 water resistance
  • Con:No multipoint connectivity
  • Con:Mediocre active noise cancellation
  • Con:Poor call clarity

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 Buds3 FE