Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
Apple's AirPods Pro 3 and Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 Pro represent the cutting edge of AI-powered earbuds, both priced at $249 with advanced noise cancellation and real-time translation features. The key difference lies in ecosystem integration and battery performance—Apple delivers superior ANC and 2 hours more battery life, while Samsung counters with Hi-Fi audio and better water resistance.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
Specifications compared
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $249.00 | $249.99 |
| DriftScore | 84/100 | 80/100 |
| driver | Custom Apple driver with H3 chip | Woofer + planar tweeter (2-way speaker) |
| anc | 2x ANC (4x vs original AirPods Pro) | Adaptive ANC 2.0 |
| battery | 8 hours (ANC on), 30+ hours with case | 6 hours ANC on, 26 hours with case |
| water_resistance | IP57 | IP57 |
| connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 + Apple U2 chip | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| features | Heart rate tracking, Live Translation, Hearing Aid mode | — |
| audio | — | 24-bit/96KHz Hi-Fi Audio |
Score breakdown
Our verdict
The AirPods Pro 3 take the win with an 87 DriftScore versus Samsung's 82, primarily due to best-in-class noise cancellation and superior 8-hour battery life compared to Galaxy Buds' 6 hours. iPhone users should definitely choose the AirPods Pro 3 for seamless integration and features like FDA-approved hearing aid functionality. Android users face a tougher choice, but the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro's Hi-Fi audio and IP57 rating make them the better pick for Samsung phone owners who prioritize sound quality over battery life.
Frequently asked questions
Which has better noise cancellation AirPods Pro 3 or Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
AirPods Pro 3 offers superior noise cancellation that's 2x more effective than the previous generation. While Galaxy Buds 4 Pro features Adaptive ANC 2.0 that adjusts in real-time, Apple's implementation is considered best-in-class for earbuds.
Do Galaxy Buds 4 Pro work with iPhone
Yes, Galaxy Buds 4 Pro work with iPhone through Bluetooth, but you'll miss out on advanced features like seamless device switching and optimized translation features. The premium experience is designed for Samsung Galaxy phones, similar to how AirPods Pro 3 work best with Apple devices.
Which earbuds have better battery life AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
AirPods Pro 3 significantly outperform with 8 hours of battery life with ANC enabled. Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer only 6 hours, making them 25% shorter than the competition and a notable weakness for the premium price point.