Skip to content
HearWiki

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 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 5 of 7 measures.

  • Apple AirPods Pro 3
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE
HearWiki score
86
82
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
86
82
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 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 Buds3 FE

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE delivers solid sound quality but falls short as an everyday companion, lacking multipoint connectivity and offering only average noise cancellation. With unimpressive call clarity and modest battery/charging performance for its price, its main appeal is audio performance rather than all-around value. It faces tough competition from cheaper alternatives like the Galaxy Buds FE.

  • Pro:Good sound quality
  • Pro:Adaptive noise cancelling
  • Pro:Touch controls with custom EQ
  • Con:No multipoint connectivity
  • Con:Mediocre active noise cancellation
  • Con:Below-par call clarity

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonApple AirPods Pro 3Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE