Is the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro worth the upgrade from the Apple AirPods Pro 3?
Verdict
Downgrade
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro actually scores 24.1 points below the Apple AirPods Pro 3, so on aggregate review consensus this is a step backwards. It loses ground on noise cancelling (9.3 to 6.3) and battery (7.3 to 4.6). On paper: codecs SBC, AAC to SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable and drivers per side 1 to 2. Worth checking: bluetooth goes 5.3 to 5.0 and multipoint pairing goes Yes to No. It is at least $22 cheaper, so the lower score comes with a saving. Only worth it if a specific feature above matters more to you than overall quality does.
What actually changes
Sub-scores both products have, on the same 0-10 scale. Bars extend right for a gain, left for a loss.
- Sound8.67.7
- Noise cancelling9.36.3
- Battery7.34.6
- Calls7.46.5
Spec differences
Only where the two genuinely differ - everything they share is omitted.
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | Galaxy Buds Pro | Direction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, Samsung Scalable | |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.0 | |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No | |
| Water resistance | IP57 | IPX7 | |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 8 h | 5 h | |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 2 | |
| Driver | 10.7 mm dynamic | 2-driver hybrid |
About this verdict
Direction matters here: this page answers "AirPods Pro 3 to Galaxy Buds Pro". The other direction is a separate question with a different answer. Scores blend published review verdicts across true wireless and shift as new reviews land, so a marginal call today may not be one next quarter.