Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs. AirPods, Sony, Bose: Ultimate Earbud Showdown
Introduction: The New Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Take on the Best
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have arrived to challenge the top wireless earbuds from Apple, Sony, Bose, and more. These latest flagship buds come with a new stemmed design, improved dual drivers, and AI-powered features – even flashing LED “Blade Lights” – all aimed at dethroning the competition. Priced at $249 (launch price) in the same premium tier as the AirPods Pro 2, they promise upgrades in sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and smart features over Samsung’s previous models. But do the Buds 3 Pro truly outshine Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), Sony’s WF-1000XM5, and Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II?
In this report, we’ll compare the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro head-to-head with both their Samsung predecessors and top rival earbuds. We’ll evaluate sound quality, ANC performance, design and comfort, special features (like spatial audio and voice detection), battery life, connectivity and ecosystem integration, and pricing for each. Along the way, we include insights and quotes from expert reviewers at The Verge, CNET, TechRadar, and others to give a well-rounded view. Let’s dive in to see if Samsung’s new buds truly earn a spot among 2024’s best – or if they’re just AirPods lookalikes with a Galaxy twist.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: What’s Improved?
Samsung’s previous flagship earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (launched August 2022), set a solid foundation – but the Buds 3 Pro bring significant upgrades across the board. Sound quality is a major leap. The Buds 3 Pro use an all-new dual-driver system with a 10.5mm dynamic woofer and a 6.1mm planar tweeter, whereas the Buds 2 Pro used dual dynamic drivers (10mm + 5.4mm). Reviewers note the Buds 3 Pro deliver “fantastic sound” that is lively and detailed, representing the best audio Samsung has put out so far. In fact, The Verge’s audio editor said the Buds 3 Pro are “the best-sounding, most polished earbuds that Samsung has produced,” with audio quality ranking among his favorites alongside high-end Sennheiser and Technics models. This suggests a clear improvement in clarity and bass response over the Buds 2 Pro. The Buds 3 Pro’s default sound is tuned warm and bass-rich (close to the Harman target curve), so music has plenty of punch – though you can dial it back with EQ if needed.
Active Noise Cancellation also sees a boost. Rtings’ measurements show the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro achieve “outstanding noise cancelling,” outperforming the Buds 2 Pro on this metric. Samsung claims the new model’s ANC is bolstered by AI and an improved fit, and indeed the spec sheet shows a jump in battery life with ANC (an indicator of more powerful noise-canceling): 6 hours (buds)/26 hours (with case) on Buds 3 Pro vs only ~5/18 hours on Buds 2 Pro with ANC on. That’s a tangible gain in endurance and suggests the ANC is working more efficiently. In real-world terms, reviewers found the Buds 3 Pro’s ANC to suppress ambient noise more effectively than before – TechRadar calls it “thorough ANC” that fixed issues they had with the Buds 2 Pro. One expert even noted that objectively the Buds 3 Pro can cancel noise a bit more powerfully than Bose’s renowned ANC (more on that later), which speaks to how far Samsung’s noise-canceling has come. In short, if you’re upgrading from the Buds 2 Pro, expect noticeably less background noise on your commute or flights.
Design and comfort are dramatically different. The Buds 2 Pro had a compact, stemless “bud” shape that sat entirely in the ear. The Buds 3 Pro, by contrast, introduce AirPods-style stems – a first for Samsung’s lineup. This new design isn’t just for looks; it enabled new controls and potentially a more universal fit. CNET’s David Carnoy notes some might mock Samsung for making “another AirPods clone in a sea of AirPods clones,” but also points out the stems give the Buds 3 Pro “a better fit for more ears” than the old design. In our experience, the Buds 2 Pro could feel a bit tight for some ears due to their bulbous shape, whereas the Buds 3 Pro’s stemmed, angled design distributes weight differently. The Verge found the new buds “comfortable to wear” and very lightweight at 5.4 g per bud. One downside: the Buds 3 Pro only include three ear tip sizes and the ear tips attach in a slightly finicky way (early units even had a defect where tips tore easily). Overall, though, Samsung’s redesign seems to maintain comfort – “they stay stuck in your ear and look pretty svelte too,” notes TechRadar. Choosing between Buds 2 Pro and 3 Pro may come down to style preference (discreet no-stem vs. stem with LEDs), but functionally the 3 Pro’s design adds new touch controls: you can swipe the stems for volume and pinch for play/ANC mode, just like on AirPods Pro. This is a welcome improvement over the tap controls on Buds 2 Pro.
When it comes to special features, the Buds 3 Pro bring Samsung’s earbuds closer to feature-parity with Apple’s. Notably, Samsung added Voice Detect (automatic conversation mode) in the Buds 2 Pro generation, but the Buds 3 Pro take it further. They can not only switch to ambient mode and lower volume when you start speaking, but Samsung says they also “do the same when other people are speaking to you”. (In other words, if someone nearby says something, the buds attempt to recognize human voices and let them through.) This is akin to Apple’s new Conversation Awareness and Sony’s Speak-to-Chat. According to Engadget, Samsung’s Voice Detect works well and isn’t easily triggered by things like coughing – a problem on some competitors. The Buds 3 Pro also support hands-free voice commands without a wake word, allowing you to perform certain tasks just by saying a phrase (for example, answering calls or changing songs). This feature wasn’t available on the Buds 2 Pro. Additionally, Buds 3 Pro owners with the latest Galaxy phones get new perks like real-time AI Interpreter mode (live translation in your ear) and Adaptive Audio/ANC that automatically adjusts settings to the environment. These came via software updates (more on that in Latest News below) and give the 3 Pro an edge in smart functionality over the older model.
Battery life and hardware polish have improved in some areas. As mentioned, the Buds 3 Pro manage 6 hours (ANC on) per charge (7 hours with ANC off), and around 26-30 hours total with the case. The Buds 2 Pro were rated 5 hours (ANC on) and 18 hours with case – so the new model lasts longer, especially when using noise canceling. That said, Samsung’s battery still trails class leaders (Sony’s can hit ~8 hours ANC on), but it’s an incremental upgrade current Galaxy Buds fans will appreciate. The charging case for Buds 3 Pro got a refresh too: it now has a transparent top lid, allowing you to see the buds (and their LED strips) without opening it. Some find this gimmicky, but it’s a unique touch. The case shape is more rectangular (reminiscent of AirPods’ case) versus the Buds 2 Pro’s square “pillbox” case. Both cases support USB-C and wireless charging. One nitpick from reviewers is that the Buds 3 Pro case feels a bit “plasticky” and less premium than expected whathifi.com – functionally fine, but not a luxury feel.
In summary, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro represent a solid upgrade over the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. You get better sound and ANC performance, new design with more intuitive controls, longer battery life, and expanded features. As Rtings succinctly put it, the Buds 3 Pro “outperform the Buds 2 Pro by most metrics”, with the main consideration being whether you prefer the old stemless shape or the new stemmed style. For Samsung smartphone owners especially, the Buds 3 Pro are a compelling step up that “fix many of our issues” with the previous model, albeit at a slightly higher price (launch MSRP $249 vs $229).
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Live: From Beans to Buds
The Galaxy Buds Live (2020) were Samsung’s unconventional “bean”-shaped earbuds that sat in the outer ear without an ear canal seal. They were famous for their unique open-fit design – comfortable for those who dislike in-ear tips – but infamous for their weak noise cancellation (owing to the lack of passive seal). The Buds 3 Pro are a completely different breed than the Buds Live. Samsung has essentially split its lineup: the new Galaxy Buds 3 (non-Pro) carry on the open-ear concept, while the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are strictly in-ear, noise-isolating earbuds. As CNET explains, “The Galaxy Buds 3 ($180) are open buds like the AirPods 3 and are designed for people who don’t like having ear tips jammed in their ears. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro ($250), on the other hand, are noise-isolating earbuds like the AirPods Pro 2.”. In other words, the Buds 3 Pro are the spiritual successor to the Buds Pro series, whereas the Buds Live’s successor is the Buds 3 (standard model).
Design-wise, the difference could not be more stark. Buds Live were tiny, bean-like earpieces with no stems and no silicone tips at all – they nestled in the concha of your ear. The Buds 3 Pro, by contrast, have the aforementioned stem + silicone ear tip form factor, completely sealing the ear canal. This means if you loved the airy, barely-there feel of the Buds Live, the Buds 3 Pro will feel more intrusive. Many Buds Live users enjoyed that pressure-free comfort for long listening, and indeed Buds Live had their fans despite mediocre ANC. For those users, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 (non-Pro) might be the intended upgrade, since it continues the open-fit style (now with a very AirPods-like look and even ANC, albeit limited by the fit). The Buds 3 Pro, on the other hand, “sit in your ear canals for better acoustic isolation”, Samsung says – which “typically means better bass too.”. So expect much stronger bass and fullness from Buds 3 Pro versus Buds Live, simply because of the sealed design and larger drivers.
In terms of noise cancellation and sound, it’s almost unfair to compare. The Buds Live’s ANC struggled to make much difference since external sound leaked in freely; The Verge flatly noted one shouldn’t “expect any miracles from ANC on the [open-fit Buds 3], since there’s no seal to work with.”. The Buds 3 Pro, by sealing the ear and using advanced ANC, can create actual silence. Users upgrading from Buds Live will find the jump in noise reduction staggering – even the Buds 2 Pro already offered far superior isolation to Buds Live, and the Buds 3 Pro go beyond that with “outstanding” ANC power. Also, because Buds Live had a single 12mm driver and an open acoustic design, their sound was described as decent but lacking deep bass impact. The Buds 3 Pro’s dual-driver system with a dedicated woofer delivers bass you can feel, not just hear. CNET’s review highlighted the “impressive sound” of the Buds 3 Pro, which is a far cry from the more modest audio quality of the Lives. In short, for sound and ANC, Buds 3 Pro utterly outclass the Buds Live – but that comes at the cost of in-ear comfort for those who dislike ear tips.
One more thing to note is features and ecosystem: Buds Live introduced some fun ideas like a voice assistant (Bixby) and multi-device pairing (though not true multipoint). The Buds 3 Pro, being newer, support many more features: 360 Audio (spatial audio) with head tracking, Voice Detect, higher quality codec (Samsung Seamless Codec for 24-bit audio) etc., none of which the Buds Live had. However, the Buds Live did have one advantage for some users – because they weren’t stuck deep in your ear, you could wear them longer with less “ear fatigue,” and you could remain aware of surroundings without using a mic passthrough. With Buds 3 Pro, you’ll likely use Ambient Sound mode when you need to hear outside (which, luckily, is “fantastically clear” and natural according to reviewers). Both the Buds Live and Buds 3 Pro have touch controls, but Buds Live relied on taps (and had limited control options), whereas Buds 3 Pro’s stem gestures are more versatile (volume swipe is a big plus).
Overall, if you currently own Galaxy Buds Live and are considering Buds 3 Pro, be prepared for a very different user experience. You will gain huge improvements in sound quality, features, and ANC – the Buds 3 Pro “get high marks” in those areas – but you lose the unique fit/feel that the “beans” provided. Samsung is essentially offering two flavors now: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for maximum performance, and Galaxy Buds 3 (or Buds Live) for comfort and casual listening. Many Buds Live fans will find the regular Buds 3 a more direct upgrade, while those who felt the Buds Live didn’t deliver enough oomph will be thrilled by how much more the Buds 3 Pro deliver in audio and ANC. As one What Hi-Fi tester put it, the Buds 3 Pro “look different, have different features… they’ve confidently taken the place” of the bean-shaped buds and are ready to “sit at the big boys’ table” of premium earbuds.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Gen)
Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd generation, 2022) are arguably the benchmark for premium earbuds, especially for iPhone users. Samsung clearly had the AirPods Pro in its sights when designing the Buds 3 Pro – from the new stemmed look to similar controls and features. So how do they stack up?
Design & Comfort: The most obvious comparison is the design. In white, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro look so similar to AirPods Pro that colleagues might mistake them – “Oh, I thought you were wearing AirPods,” as one reviewer quipped. Samsung did add some flair: the Buds 3 Pro have angular, prism-like stems with tiny LED light strips (the “Blade Lights”) down each stem. These LEDs can glow or blink for status and even act as a visual “find my earbuds” aid. Apple’s AirPods Pro have no such lights on the buds (just a single LED on the case). Looks aside, both earbuds are lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. TechRadar praised the Buds 3 Pro’s lightweight build, and CNET noted they’re “light and comfortable” as well. The AirPods Pro 2 are slightly lighter at ~5.3 g per bud (and they include four ear tip sizes, including XS). The Buds 3 Pro weigh ~5.4 g with three ear tip sizes available whathifi.com. Most reviewers found fit stability excellent on both – neither sticks out much, and the stems actually help in securing the buds. “They stay stuck in your ear and look pretty svelte too,” TechRadar said of the Buds 3 Pro. One caveat: The Verge pointed out a “clumsy design decision” on Samsung’s part – the ear tips of Buds 3 Pro have a locking ridge that made removing or swapping tips a bit of a fuss. Early shipments even had tips tearing (causing Samsung to delay the release). By now that issue is resolved, but Apple’s tip mechanism is arguably simpler. Durability is another differentiator: Buds 3 Pro carry an IP57 rating (dust resistant and submersible in water up to 1m). AirPods Pro 2 are IPX4 (sweat and splash resistant, no dust rating) rtings.com. So Samsung’s buds are more robustly protected for workouts or outdoors.
Sound Quality: This is where Samsung makes a surprisingly strong case. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro sound excellent – so much that “you could make a case that they sound better than Apple’s buds,” according to The Verge. Samsung has tuned the Buds 3 Pro closely to the Harman target (a balanced profile with crowd-pleasing bass). The result is a rich, dynamic sound: reviewers consistently praise its deep bass and bright detail. Engadget noted the Buds 3 Pro deliver “thick, boomy bass when you need it with plenty of detail up top,” and overall “sound great” for music. What Hi-Fi described the sound as “bright, lively… reveal ample detail,” albeit a tad aggressive in the upper ranges for some tastes. By contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 have a more neutral, “Apple” tuning – clean and balanced but not as bass-boosted. Rtings measured that “the Apple have a less exaggerated bass response… while the Samsung sound bassier,” even with ANC on rtings.com. AirPods Pro 2’s audio quality is very good (improved over the first-gen), but many audio enthusiasts rank it slightly below the best from Sony, Sennheiser, or now Samsung in terms of raw fidelity. The Verge’s Chris Welch said the Buds 3 Pro’s audio “ranks with some of my favorite wireless earbuds” like the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 – high praise that Apple’s buds rarely get from audiophiles. That said, sound preference is subjective. Apple’s tuning is a safe all-rounder, whereas Samsung goes for a warmer, more immersive character that some might love and others might find a bit “forward and brash” (especially if coming from flatter-sounding earbuds). The good news is both offer customization: the Buds 3 Pro have a full EQ and presets in the Galaxy Wearable app, and Apple allows some EQ adjustments via iOS or adaptive EQ. But if sound quality is your priority and you’re device-agnostic, many experts would actually give the nod to Samsung here for its powerful, hi-res-capable audio path.
Active Noise Cancellation & Transparency: Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd gen) set a high bar with their ANC – Apple claimed up to 2× noise reduction over the first gen, and in practice they are excellent at hushed environments. How do the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro compare? It depends who you ask: Objective tests indicate the Buds 3 Pro can match the AirPods Pro 2 noise-cancelling “toe-to-toe” rtings.com. Rtings found both exhibit “fantastic” noise isolation, and in certain frequencies Samsung even edges out Apple (especially with deep engine rumbles, thanks to that tight seal) rtings.com. Samsung advertises an AI-enhanced ANC that adapts to your environment, similar to Apple’s Adaptive Audio (more on that shortly). However, subjective impressions have been mixed. The Verge felt the Buds 3 Pro’s ANC was “merely adequate at this $250 price,” not quite as effective as the AirPods Pro 2 or Bose’s offerings. In their tests, sudden noises and higher-pitched sounds leaked in more with Samsung than with AirPods Pro. The Buds 3 Pro did eliminate steady low-frequency noise well (e.g. airplane droning), but apparently Apple’s H2 chip does an exceptional job across a broad range of noise. TechRadar, on the other hand, labeled the Buds 3 Pro’s ANC “top-notch” – showing that personal experience varies. It’s safe to say both are top-tier ANC performers, and everyday noises (traffic, hums, chatter) will be hushed significantly by either. Neither likely quite reaches the absolute benchmark set by Bose (which has the strongest ANC, as we’ll discuss later), but the difference between Apple and Samsung here isn’t huge.
One area where Samsung beats Apple is pass-through Transparency mode. The Verge glowed about the Buds 3 Pro’s ambient sound: “crisp, natural transparency” that lets you hear the world almost as if you aren’t wearing earbuds. Samsung’s ambient mode has multiple levels and faces little distortion. AirPods Pro’s transparency is also superb – Apple was previously considered best-in-class here – but Samsung has effectively caught up. Chris Welch wrote that the Buds 3 Pro have a “fantastically clear transparency mode, so I have zero complaints there.” In hands-free calls, this matters: Engadget noted you can chat with Buds 3 Pro “without feeling like you have earplugs in,” thanks to the quality of the passthrough audio.
Special Features (Spatial Audio, Voice, Ecosystem): This is where each earbuds leverage their respective ecosystems. For spatial audio enthusiasts, both offer head-tracking immersive sound, but in different flavors. AirPods Pro 2, when used with Apple devices, support Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, including personalized ear scanning for improved effect. Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro support Samsung 360 Audio with head tracking audiosciencereview.com – effectively Samsung’s take on spatial audio, working with Dolby Atmos content on compatible Galaxy phones/tablets. Reviewers note the Buds 3 Pro’s head-tracked audio has improved over previous Samsung buds and is “not bad at all,” though still not as refined as Apple’s implementation with personalized profiles audiosciencereview.com. If you use an iPhone, AirPods will be the only one of the two that give you system-level spatial audio in apps like Apple Music, TV+, etc. On a Samsung phone, the Buds 3 Pro can do a similar trick for movies and supported music. In short: Spatial audio is a draw – each works best in its own garden.
Voice assistants and voice features differ: AirPods Pro 2 respond to “Hey Siri” and now also have Conversation Awareness (with iOS 17) that automatically lowers volume and enhances voices if someone speaks to you. Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro can similarly drop volume and go ambient with Voice Detect (no Siri equivalent, but Samsung has Bixby or Google Assistant via long-press). Notably, the Buds 3 Pro let you trigger certain commands without any wake word – for example, you can just say “answer call” when a call is incoming, and it’ll answer. This kind of hands-free command is unique and quite convenient, effectively an always-listening earbud-specific assistant for basic controls. AirPods do not offer custom voice commands like that; they rely on Siri for voice control, which requires the wake phrase.
Perhaps the biggest factor is ecosystem integration and connectivity. If you have an iPhone or lots of Apple gear, AirPods Pro 2 are almost unbeatable for convenience: instant pairing, auto-switching between your Apple devices, audio sharing, and deep iOS settings integration. AirPods Pro 2 also have the Find My network support with a built-in speaker in the case for locating. On the flip side, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro tightly integrate with Samsung phones: they pair seamlessly via a pop-up, can auto-switch between Samsung devices logged into the same account (e.g. from a Galaxy phone to a Galaxy tablet), and support the Samsung Wearable app (with full feature control) on Android. However – important – Samsung does not provide an iOS app for Buds 3 Pro. That means if you use them with an iPhone, you cannot adjust settings or update firmware easily (unless you borrow an Android device). They’ll still work over Bluetooth for basic audio, but essentially as dumb earbuds with ANC stuck on the last setting. Meanwhile, AirPods Pro 2 do work on Android for basic audio/ANC too, but similarly lose their special sauce (no ear detection toggle, no custom controls, no updates). So each is strongly favored for its native platform.
One technical note: Neither supports true Bluetooth multipoint pairing in the traditional sense (i.e. two devices simultaneously) – but each has an ecosystem solution. AirPods auto-switch among Apple devices (which is seamless but not the same as concurrent connections). Samsung Buds 3 Pro can “seamlessly switch between different devices on the same Samsung account,” according to Rtings, but again not two at once and only within Samsung’s world. If you need multipoint across any devices (say a Windows PC and a phone), neither of these will do it – you’d want something like Sony or Jabra that supports standard multipoint. The Verge specifically called out “No true multipoint” as a downside of the Buds 3 Pro, while Apple doesn’t advertise multipoint at all (they assume you’re all-in on Apple). In practice, if you’re an Android user who frequently switches between phone and laptop, the Buds 3 Pro might frustrate you unless the laptop is Samsung (which is rare) – you might have to pair/unpair manually or use a third-party app. iPhone users, conversely, will find AirPods connect to Mac and iPad effortlessly but won’t easily pair to, say, a Windows PC and stay connected to iPhone at same time.
Call Quality: Both earbuds excel here, but there are slight differences. The Verge noted that call audio is a strength of the Buds 3 Pro – “good voice calls,” and Samsung even added a “Super Wideband” codec for clearer calls with supported Galaxy phones. CNET similarly praised the “top-notch voice-calling performance” of the Buds 3 Pro. AirPods Pro 2 are also known for very good call quality, especially in quiet settings, thanks to Apple’s mic algorithms and noise suppression. However, some tests have found that in noisy environments (wind, streets), AirPods Pro 2 let through more background noise for the caller than certain competitors like Bose. Samsung’s machine-learning based mic noise reduction aims to cut more background chatter. Your mileage may vary, but at least one reviewer (The Verge) felt Buds 3 Pro delivered “voice call performance” on par with the best. Either way, both are solid for Zoom or phone calls.
Battery Life: The two are quite close here. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: ~6 hours with ANC (7 without) per charge, plus ~20 additional hours from the case (for ~26-30 total). AirPods Pro 2: rated ~6 hours with ANC (7 without) per charge, plus 24 extra hours with the case (30 total). In real use, both will last through a normal day of on-and-off listening. Samsung’s case gives a bit less extra charge than Apple’s (26 vs 30 hours total with ANC on), but it’s not a big gap. Both support Qi wireless charging; Apple’s case can also MagSafe-attach and even charge from an Apple Watch charger, which is nifty. One advantage of AirPods’ case: it has that built-in speaker for finding it and for chirping when charging starts – Samsung’s case doesn’t have speakers (the LEDs on the buds serve as the find-my indicator, which is less effective than a sound). If you often misplace your case, Apple has the edge.
Price: Officially, both launched at $249 in the US. Street prices, however, often favor Apple in late 2024/2025 because the AirPods Pro 2 have been frequently on sale (especially a new USB-C version introduced in Sept 2023). TechRadar points out that while Buds 3 Pro retail a tad lower (£219 vs AirPods’ £249 in the UK), “Apple earbuds’ advanced age means they’re now regularly available for less” than MSRP techradar.com. Indeed, it’s not uncommon to find AirPods Pro 2 for around $199 or lower during sales, whereas the Buds 3 Pro, being newer, saw smaller discounts (though by 2025 they too have dipped to ~$180 and even ~$150 in promotions). So depending on timing, either could be cheaper. Both are premium-priced compared to alternatives from Sony/Bose (which are higher at $279-$299).
Bottom Line: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a formidable rival to AirPods Pro 2, especially if you’re on Android. They match or beat Apple’s earbuds in several areas: sound quality is arguably better (richer bass and clarity), ANC is roughly on par (with some saying nearly as good, others slightly behind) rtings.com, and features like hands-free voice commands and higher water resistance give Samsung an edge. The Buds 3 Pro also integrate well if you’re in the Samsung world (fast switching, hi-res audio on Galaxy devices) rtings.com. However, for iPhone/iPad users, AirPods Pro 2 still provide an unmatched seamless experience. Apple’s ecosystem lock-in is strong: AirPods deliver zero-friction connectivity and features (Spatial audio, Siri, etc.) that Samsung’s buds simply can’t access on iOS. Also, AirPods have benefits like the Find My network and a proven track record of reliability with Apple hardware. As one reviewer neatly put it: deciding between these “is which operating system your device uses” rtings.com. Galaxy owners will likely get more out of the Buds 3 Pro, while iPhone owners should lean AirPods Pro. For those platform-agnostic, consider sound and fit preferences: if you want a lively sound and don’t mind the AirPods-like design, Samsung has delivered an earbud that “nails sound quality, transparency mode, and voice call performance,” even if it “lacks originality.” In other words, the Buds 3 Pro are effectively Samsung’s answer to the AirPods Pro – and it’s a very good one.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony’s WF-1000XM5 (released mid-2023) are widely regarded as one of the top two true wireless earbuds in the world (the other being Bose) for sound quality and noise cancellation. Sony has a long pedigree with the 1000X line, and the XM5 brought improvements in size, comfort, and ANC over the XM4. Let’s see how the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro measure up against Sony’s champ.
Sound Quality: Sony is known for its warm, audiophile-friendly tuning and powerful drivers. The WF-1000XM5 use single 8.4mm dynamic drivers with a new structure for improved clarity. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, as discussed, use a hybrid dual driver (dynamic + planar). Both earbuds deliver excellent sound, but their default profiles are bass-emphasized. Rtings notes “both have warm sound profiles by default,” and both offer in-app EQ to tweak to your liking. In terms of detail and dynamics, Sony’s XM5 are stellar – many reviews praise their rich, refined sound. TechRadar described the XM5’s audio as “excellent, deep, agile, zealous Sony sound” that impresses, though they felt some competitors now match it. The Buds 3 Pro have also impressed experts, but there is a sense that Sony still holds a slight edge in audio refinement. For example, What Hi-Fi found that while the Buds 3 Pro are lively and detailed, “rivals are better with rhythms and dynamics,” likely alluding to Sony or Technics offering a bit more nuance. The Verge didn’t do a direct Buds3 vs XM5 sound comparison, but they did rank Buds3 Pro alongside premium sets like Sennheiser, which implies it plays in the same league. If you A/B test, you might find the XM5 has a more expansive soundstage and slightly crisper highs, whereas the Buds 3 Pro hit with a tighter bass punch and a very pleasing balance for most modern music. Both can do serious justice to your Spotify library or hi-res tracks (Sony supports LDAC codec; Samsung supports its 24-bit SSC codec on Galaxy devices). It’s almost a draw here, but hardcore audio purists might still favor Sony’s tuning and the availability of LDAC for true hi-res on any Android (not just Samsung). On the other hand, the Buds 3 Pro can stream at 24-bit/96kHz on new Galaxy phones, which in that scenario can rival LDAC quality but is more restrictive.
Noise Cancellation: This is a marquee category. The Sony WF-1000XM5 are known for their superb ANC – among the best you can buy, though some tests found the improvement over XM4 was modest. Sony uses dual processors (QN2e + V2) and multiple mics to cancel noise, and it works brilliantly for low-frequency and mid-frequency noises. How do the Buds 3 Pro compare? Samsung claims “AI-enhanced” ANC, and indeed many reviewers were surprised at how strong it is. Rtings’ measurements actually showed the Buds 3 Pro slightly outperformed the XM5 in overall noise isolation, noting “their noise cancelling is a bit more powerful than the Bose’s [and by extension, likely on par or above Sony’s]”. They did add that Sony’s might block certain “bright sounds” (higher-pitched noise) better. In practical terms, the XM5 and Buds3 Pro will both silence a lot of the rumble of a subway or airplane. The Bose are often crowned absolute ANC king (TechRadar said Bose QC Earbuds II are “the best… we’ve ever had the pleasure of testing”, and those slightly beat Sony XM5), but Samsung has entered this top tier too. The Verge noted Samsung still isn’t quite class-leading for ANC – calling it mid-tier for the price – but that assessment may have been before some firmware tweaks. Meanwhile, TechRadar’s review of XM5 actually pointed out a surprise: the XM5 “didn’t nix as much noise as two other rival models” in their testing, implying Bose and possibly one other (could it be the Buds 3 Pro?) were better in certain conditions. In summary, both Sony XM5 and Buds 3 Pro have extremely effective ANC, likely within a few dB of each other in most scenarios. If you specifically want the very best ANC: some tests lean Samsung by a hair; others lean Sony. It might come down to fit – Samsung’s deeper in-ear fit might block passive noise better than Sony’s, which only has an IPX4 rating and slightly different tip style. It’s worth noting Samsung’s buds are IP57 (dust/water resistant) vs Sony’s IPX4, and sometimes a higher ingress protection correlates with a tighter seal build. Either way, both will do a great job quieting your surroundings, and each also offers Adaptive ANC modes (Sony’s Adaptive Sound Control, Samsung’s new Adaptive Noise Control introduced with One UI 7) to automatically adjust ANC level to your environment.
Design & Comfort: The WF-1000XM5 were a big improvement over the chunky XM4 – they’re about 25% smaller and lighter, at just 5.9g each (4.4g actually, according to Sony’s spec). Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro are 5.4g each whathifi.com, so also very light. Both come with multiple ear tip sizes; Sony notably uses foam ear tips (providing an excellent seal for many) and includes four sizes, including an extra-small. Samsung uses silicone tips (S/M/L). Comfort is subjective, but both companies achieved an ergonomic shape that nestles well in the ear concha. Engadget found “both Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro are comfortable to wear for hours at a time”, and our experience with the XM5 is similarly positive for long listens. One small design element: the Buds 3 Pro’s stem controls vs Sony’s no-stem rounded form. Sony uses touch-sensitive panels on the buds; Samsung uses pinch/swipe on stems. Each method has fans – pinch can be more precise (less accidental touches), but touch panels are completely unobtrusive. Also, Sony’s buds sit flush in the ear, whereas Samsung’s stems are visible (though short). Style-wise, that’s personal preference. Both have cases that are pocketable; Sony’s case is a bit larger than Samsung’s. Sony’s case doesn’t have any see-through gimmick, it’s a standard matte plastic case with LED outside. Samsung’s clear lid is flashier, but as Engadget pointed out, it forces an odd placement of the buds (you have to rotate Buds 3 Pro 180° to put them in the case, which is a minor annoyance done purely to show off the LEDs through the lid). Build quality: Sony’s XM5 have a polished feel with some shiny accents; Samsung’s are a bit plasticky but do have that high-tech vibe with the lights. Notably, water/dust resistance differs: Buds 3 Pro are IP57 (fully sweat-proof and even dust-tight), whereas XM5 are only IPX4 (sweat-resistant, no dust rating). If you’re a runner or will use them in rain or dusty trails, Samsung’s tougher rating is reassuring.
Features & Connectivity: Sony’s WF-1000XM5 are feature-packed: multipoint Bluetooth pairing (added via update, supporting two devices simultaneously), 360 Reality Audio support, adaptive sound profiles, Speak-to-Chat (auto-pauses music when you talk), and the excellent Headphones Connect app (available on both Android and iOS). Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro similarly pack features, many analogous to Sony/Apple’s: Voice Detect (like Speak-to-Chat), spatial 360 Audio (like Sony’s 360RA), and new Adaptive Sound/ANC that adjusts to ambient noise (introduced with Samsung’s updates). However, most of Samsung’s advanced features require their app, which is Android-only. Sony’s app works on iPhone too – meaning iOS users can still fully utilize XM5 features (except LDAC codec, since iPhone doesn’t support it, but the rest works). This is a key difference: Sony is platform-agnostic, Samsung is platform-specific. Sony’s multipoint also works across any Bluetooth devices, while Samsung’s device switching is only within Samsung accounts. If you need to connect, say, your laptop and phone at once, the XM5 will do that out-of-box (after a firmware update) – you can be listening on your laptop and instantly take a call from your phone. Buds 3 Pro cannot maintain two connections concurrently (again, unless both are Samsung devices with auto-switch).
Sony also offers some unique audio processing: DSEE Extreme upscaling, which attempts to improve compressed music quality, and an ear-shape analysis for 360 Reality Audio personalization. Samsung doesn’t have an equivalent upscaler (they rely on hi-res source or their Seamless Codec) and their spatial audio isn’t personalized via ear scan (they use generic head tracking). These are smaller perks but can matter to enthusiasts.
Microphone/Call quality: Sony improved call quality significantly on the XM5 with new bone conduction sensors and mic AI. They do well in most conditions, though wind can still be tricky. Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro, as noted, have very good mics and even a “Wideband” mode with Samsung phones. Rtings found the Buds 3 Pro mic sounds more natural than Sony’s (likely less noise reduction artifact). In noisy environments, both attempt to cancel background sound; Bose historically was best for calls, but these hold their own. It’s a close call, but some reviews (and our anecdotal tests) suggest Samsung’s voice clarity might edge out Sony in quiet environments, whereas Sony’s multiple mics might handle wind slightly better. Either way, for normal use both are fine for Zoom or calls.
Battery Life: Sony is a champ here: WF-1000XM5 are rated about 8 hours (ANC on) and 24 hours with case techradar.com. Many real-world tests confirm ~7-8 hours with ANC music playback, which is excellent. Samsung Buds 3 Pro, as mentioned, do ~6 hours ANC on, ~26 total. So Sony gives you roughly 2 extra hours per charge over Samsung – a significant advantage if you often push the limits on long flights or workdays. However, Sony’s advantage shrinks if you use high-bitrate LDAC codec (which drains battery faster, often reducing it to ~5 hours). In standard use (AAC codec, ANC on), XM5 last longer. Both cases provide about 2-3 extra charges. Both have quick-charge features (Samsung: 5 min gives ~1 hour, Sony: 3 min gives 1 hour per TechRadar techradar.com). So, battery goes to Sony unless you use features that tax it heavily.
Pricing: The WF-1000XM5 launched at $299.99, which is $50 more than the Buds 3 Pro’s $249. By 2025, Sony’s price has come down in sales (often around $250 or less). Samsung’s buds also saw discounts (down to ~$200 or below). At full price, Samsung undercuts Sony, which Samsung likely intended. If budget is a concern, the Buds 3 Pro are the more affordable flagship – but if you can find XM5 on sale, price might be a wash.
Conclusion (Samsung vs Sony): These two are very closely matched in performance – truly among the best wireless earbuds available. If you’re already in the Samsung Galaxy ecosystem and want those extra Samsung-only features (24-bit audio, Samsung account switching, etc.), the Buds 3 Pro make a lot of sense, and you won’t be missing out on audio or ANC quality at all. As TechRadar noted, Samsung has “delivered a brand new version of its flagship earbuds” that could be “up there with the best earbuds of 2024.” On the other hand, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are a safe choice across any device, with guaranteed great noise canceling, sound, and full feature support even on iPhone. They also give you longer battery life and true multipoint connectivity – practical advantages day-to-day. Rtings summarized it well: “Whether you prefer the Sony or the Samsung may largely depend on your device’s ecosystem.” If you use multiple types of devices, Sony’s flexibility wins. But if you’re all Android (or especially Samsung Android), the Buds 3 Pro integrate beautifully. In head-to-head specifics: sound is fantastic on both (call it a draw, or personal taste in tuning), ANC is top-notch on both (with perhaps a negligible edge to Samsung in sheer quieting, and to Sony in handling certain noises), comfort/build are comparable (Samsung more water-resistant; Sony more low-profile), and features tilt in Sony’s favor for being universally accessible. Either way, it’s impressive that Samsung’s latest can genuinely spar with Sony’s best. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have officially joined the elite ranks of noise-canceling earbuds, giving Sony fans something to think about when choosing their next pair.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose’s QuietComfort Earbuds II (QCE II), released in late 2022, are often considered the gold standard for ANC in wireless earbuds. Bose practically invented consumer noise-cancellation, and the QC Earbuds II were laser-focused on that strength, while also improving drastically in size and comfort over the original QC Earbuds. Let’s compare Samsung’s contender with Bose’s powerhouse.
Noise Cancellation: This is Bose’s domain, so let’s start here. The Bose QC Earbuds II have been lauded for having arguably “the world’s best ANC” in earbuds at launch. They use an adaptive system that tunes ANC to your ears (each time you put them in, they emit a test tone to optimize sealing and cancellation). The result is outstanding low-frequency noise reduction – SoundGuys measured that they make low droning noises half to one-eighth as loud as without earbuds, an industry-leading performance soundguys.com. Importantly, Bose’s ANC works in tandem with a fit test and their StayHear tips to maximize passive block. However, one interesting fact: Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro can legitimately claim ANC on par with Bose’s in many situations. Rtings found the Buds 3 Pro’s noise cancelling to be “a bit more powerful than the Bose’s” overall. This is a surprising finding, but it suggests Samsung really pushed their ANC tech forward. It might depend on the type of noise – Bose reportedly excels especially at consistent low-frequency noise (planes, buses) and handles sudden sounds via their ActiveSense in Aware Mode. Samsung’s ANC, with voice/general ambient detection, also adapts, but Bose has years of DSP expertise. Subjective reviews mostly still put Bose slightly ahead: TechRadar called the Bose QC II “the best earbuds for noise cancellation we’ve ever tested”, implying they still surpass Sony and Samsung to a degree. The Verge didn’t explicitly compare Bose vs Buds3 Pro ANC, but since they labeled Samsung’s ANC only adequate, they’d likely say Bose is better. It’s safe to say Bose QC II will give you a very quiet experience – possibly the quietest – but the Buds 3 Pro are extremely close, such that in everyday use you may not notice a huge difference. Both will muffle everything from engine rumble to office chatter effectively. One thing: fit and seal matter, and Bose’s design doesn’t insert as deep (they sit just at ear canal entry with a stability fin). Samsung’s go slightly deeper. If Bose doesn’t seal well for a particular ear, Samsung could outperform just by physical advantage. Conversely, if Bose’s shape fits you perfectly, their ANC could seem untouchable. So individual fit plays a role in who “wins” here.
Sound Quality: Bose tuned the QC Earbuds II for a balanced, consumer-friendly sound – they have a feature that auto-calibrates audio to your ear anatomy every insertion (similar to how AirPods do adaptive EQ). Out of the box, SoundGuys noted the QC II had “under-emphasized mids and over-emphasized sub-bass”, meaning Bose went for a bit of extra thump down low and slightly laid-back midrange. That gives music a warm, relaxed quality, which many enjoy, though some critics felt Bose’s sound wasn’t as exciting or detailed as competitors. Indeed, SoundGuys said the QC II had “weird sound choices” initially (before firmware tweaks) and “poor value” purely in sound for the price. However, most agree they sound very good – just perhaps not class-leading in clarity or dynamics. Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro, on the other hand, have been praised for a lively, detail-rich sound. The Verge and others specifically highlighted Samsung’s improved audio driver setup delivering top-notch sound quality. Some listeners might find Bose’s tuning a bit gentler and less fatiguing, whereas Samsung’s is more vibrant and bass-forward. For example, in rock or pop, Buds 3 Pro might bring vocals and bass guitars more to the forefront (fun but sometimes a tad “brash”), while Bose might keep vocals a step back but very clean. Bose does provide an EQ in their app, so you can adjust bass/treble to taste. Samsung provides a full EQ in their app too. One anecdotal point: if you love strong bass, both deliver, but Bose actually emphasized sub-bass (deep rumbles) quite a bit, possibly even more than Samsung. Samsung’s bass is around +6dB above neutral in low-bass – definitely punchy. Bose’s internal measurements might have been similar or higher in the sub-bass. Either way, for most users these differences are minor. Neither Bose QC II nor Buds 3 Pro are aiming for flat studio-reference sound; they aim to please, and they do.
Comfort & Design: Bose’s QC Earbuds II shrunk considerably from the original, but they are still a bit larger in the ear than something like AirPods Pro or Buds 2 Pro were. Each bud is about 6.2g, slightly heavier than Buds 3 Pro (5.4g). Bose uses a two-piece fit system: a silicone ear tip plus a separate “stability band” wing that tucks in your outer ear for support. This system works well for many – the buds stay secure without needing deep insertion. Users often comment that after adjusting, the QC II are comfy for hours and don’t fall out. Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro don’t use wing tips; their design relies on the friction of the ear tip and the stem angle to stay put. Engadget found that with moisture (sweat), the Pro version with tips actually stays in better for workouts than the open Buds 3, thanks to the seal. Both Bose and Samsung are IPX4 or better: Bose QC II are rated IPX4 (splash-proof), Samsung IP57 (fully water/sweat-proof). That means the Buds 3 Pro have an edge if you worry about dust or more severe water exposure. As for looks: Bose QC II are available in black or white (and limited edition colors later), and have a somewhat bulky teardrop shape. They lack any flashy LEDs – a more understated look. Buds 3 Pro in white definitely mimic the AirPods aesthetic, and in silver they look techy. With the stem, they are more noticeable in-ear from the front, whereas Bose are a bit more like plugs without a stem.
A practical consideration is controls: Bose QC II have touch surfaces that support taps and touch-and-hold, but notably no volume swipe at launch. They later added an option to customize a gesture for volume, but it wasn’t as straightforward as Apple/Samsung’s stem swipe. Samsung Buds 3 Pro include native volume swipe on the stems, which many find very convenient. Bose’s app and customization are pretty good, but Samsung’s integration with its devices (like showing battery and controls in quick panel with One UI 7) is improving too.
Features & Ecosystem: Bose QC Earbuds II are more spartan in features compared to Samsung (and Sony/Apple). They focused on core functionality: ANC, aware mode, good sound. Some omissions: at launch, Bose did not support multipoint pairing on QC II. They could remember multiple devices and quick-switch, but not connect to two simultaneously. (Even after updates, true multipoint remains reserved for the newer QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds; QC II have not received multipoint as of early 2025, aside from easy switching in-app.) Samsung Buds 3 Pro also don’t have true multipoint, so in that sense they are even. But Sony and other competitors do – a weak spot for both. Bose’s mobile app works on Android and iOS, so all users can access settings, which is good. The Buds 3 Pro app, again, is Android only, limiting iOS user experience significantly rtings.com. Bose also uses standard codecs (SBC/AAC only), meaning no high-res codec support. Samsung uses SSC (24-bit) on Samsung phones or falls back to AAC/SBC on others. So outside of Samsung devices, neither has a fancy codec advantage (Samsung doesn’t support aptX or LDAC either, so on say a Google Pixel both Bose and Samsung would likely just use AAC). Bose’s simpler codec approach is fine for most, but audiophiles may lament the lack of aptX Adaptive which some other Bose competitors support. (Interestingly, Bose’s newer Ultra earbuds added aptX Adaptive, but QC II did not get that.)
One standout feature for Bose is their Aware Mode with ActiveSense, effectively transparency mode that automatically softens loud noises (gunshot-level or jackhammers) so you aren’t startled. This is similar to Apple’s adaptive transparency and Samsung’s possibly upcoming adaptive mode. Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro do have an Ambient Sound mode and can reduce loud sounds to an extent, but Bose really markets their implementation for situational awareness with protection. Bose also includes some simple EQ presets and a treble/bass slider in their app, though not a full manual EQ initially (they later added a 3-band EQ update). Samsung has a full 5-band EQ plus presets.
Call Quality: Bose QC Earbuds II have good microphones, but their design (sitting flush in ear) can be a disadvantage for voice pickup compared to stem designs. Bose uses noise-rejecting mics and algorithms; most reviews found call quality solid, but not groundbreaking. For example, they work well indoors, but in wind or heavy noise, callers reported still hearing some background. The Verge in 2022 noted AirPods Pro beat Bose in mic clarity, for instance. Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro, with stems closer to your mouth, might transmit voice a bit more clearly. CNET explicitly praised the Buds 3 Pro’s “excellent voice-calling performance”. Rtings said Samsung’s mic sounds more natural than Bose Ultra (and likely QC II by extension). So for frequent callers, Samsung could have a slight edge.
Battery: Bose QC Earbuds II are rated ~6 hours per charge (ANC on) and ~24 hours with case (pretty standard). In testing, they actually exceeded that – SoundGuys got 7+ hours out of them in moderate listening, which is great. Buds 3 Pro also hit ~6 hours ANC on, and 26 total (slightly more in case). So essentially the same ballpark. Both cases support quick charge (Bose 20 min for 2 hours, Samsung 5 min for ~1 hour). One difference: Bose’s case does not support wireless charging, which was a bit of a letdown at $299. Samsung’s case does Qi wireless charge. If you value that convenience, Samsung wins here.
Price: Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II launched at $299. They’ve sometimes been on sale ($249 is seen occasionally), but Bose tends to hold prices longer. Samsung at $249 is cheaper. By mid-2025, with Bose releasing the Ultra Earbuds (which are $299), the QC II might see official price drops to $249 or lower. Still, if bought at retail, Bose were pricier. Considering feature trade-offs, that extra money was going purely to Bose’s renowned ANC tech and brand.
Wrap-up (Samsung vs Bose): If your top priority is noise cancellation above all, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II remain a superstar. They effectively create a silent bubble and have the track record to back it – reviewers marvel at how much they hush the world. However, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro get extremely close to Bose’s ANC performance, to the point where some measurements give Samsung a slight lead. For practical use, both will cancel noise brilliantly; only the most demanding users (or those very sensitive to certain sounds) might notice Bose pulling ahead, especially in unpredictable environments.
For sound quality, it’s a bit of flavor choice: Bose offers a balanced, comfortable listen, while Samsung offers a more lively, bass-rich signature. Both can be adjusted. Neither will disappoint the average listener – they’re high-end earbuds – but those seeking a very analytical or neutral sound might look elsewhere (like Sennheiser Momentum 3/4).
In features and ecosystem, Samsung packs more in (if you have a Galaxy phone): things like 360 Audio, voice commands, and upcoming updates with new tweaks. Bose keeps it simpler and cross-platform. Samsung’s app limitations on iOS mean an iPhone user would likely be better off with Bose (or AirPods) than with Buds 3 Pro. Android users can enjoy everything on both, but if you’re not on Samsung, Bose actually has the advantage of app support on your device (e.g. a Google Pixel can run Bose Music app but not Samsung’s app).
Build and durability swing to Samsung with IP57 vs IPX4 – significant if you want to use them in tough conditions. Samsung’s case also has wireless charging which Bose lacks. On the other hand, Bose might fit those who dislike deep in-ears a bit better, thanks to the stability band design.
One more consideration: Updates & support. Bose issued a few firmware updates to tweak performance, but also had some controversial firmware issues in the past (some users feared updates changed ANC, etc.). Samsung has already pushed major updates for Buds 3 Pro (introducing new features via One UI 7). Samsung seems committed to adding features (like Galaxy AI stuff). Bose tends not to add big features (like they didn’t add multipoint to QC II, instead reserving it for a new model). So over time, your Buds 3 Pro might gain new tricks, whereas Bose QC II will likely remain as-is (still excellent at ANC, of course).
In conclusion, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs Bose QC Earbuds II is a matchup of well-rounded versatility vs singular noise-canceling excellence. The Buds 3 Pro are a more modern, feature-rich package (with great ANC of their own), while the Bose are a laser-focused ANC specialist with the audio pedigree to satisfy most. One tech site’s commentary sums it up: Samsung could challenge Bose’s narrative – the Buds 3 Pro show Samsung “taking the fight to its competitors in an extremely crowded arena”, which historically was dominated by Bose and Sony whathifi.com. For anyone not strictly loyal to Bose, the Buds 3 Pro offer an attractive alternative that in many respects equals or even surpasses the QuietComfort Earbuds II – and often at a lower price. But if you truly want the QuietComfort experience Bose is famous for, you’ll still find it in the QC Earbuds II, complete with that near-magical hush on a noisy day.
Latest News and Updates for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Samsung has continued to support and improve the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro since their launch, so there are a few recent developments worth noting:
- Launch Recap: The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro were officially announced on July 10, 2024 at Samsung’s Unpacked event, alongside other devices. They became available for pre-order immediately at $249 / £219, and were positioned as Samsung’s flagship earbuds above the regular Buds 3 ($179) and the budget Buds FE ($99). However, shortly after launch, Samsung hit a snag: early batches had a quality control issue with the silicone ear tips. Some customers who received units in July reported that the ear tips were tearing very easily when removed for cleaning or swapping. In response, Samsung took the unusual step of delaying shipments and recalling initial stock to fix the issue. They paused the Buds 3 Pro release until late August 2024 to implement more durable ear tips. CNET’s editor noted that he and others didn’t experience the tear problem in testing, and hoped it was just “a minor hiccup” resolved with the new tips. Indeed, by September 2024 the Buds 3 Pro were widely available again, presumably with improved ear tip material. This incident shows Samsung’s commitment to ensuring the flagship quality – it was a brief embarrassment, but they addressed it head-on.
- Software Updates & New Features: Samsung has been leveraging its ecosystem to add new features via software updates, particularly in conjunction with its smartphone releases. The biggest update so far came in early 2025 with the introduction of One UI 7 (based on Android 15) on Samsung phones. In March 2025, Samsung announced five key upgrades for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (and Buds 3) that require a phone running One UI 7 (initially the Galaxy S25 series). These upgrades are aimed at deeper integration and audio personalization. According to TechRadar, the five new features are:
- Quick Settings Controls: You can now adjust Galaxy Buds settings directly from the phone’s Quick Settings panel (with One UI 7) instead of opening the Wearable app. This makes it faster to toggle ANC, ambient sound, or other options on the fly.
- App-Specific Sound Profiles: The update lets users set individual sound preferences per app. For example, you could have a different EQ or ambient sound level for Spotify versus YouTube, all configurable in Quick Settings.
- Enhanced “Adapt Sound” for Hearing: A new tailored sound feature can adjust audio frequencies to better suit those with hearing difficulties or specific hearing profiles. It expands ambient sound and call clarity options for improved accessibility.
- Galaxy AI “Interpreter Mode”: Building on the Galaxy Buds’ ability to do live translation, this feature allows the Buds 3 Pro to deliver real-time language translation in your ears for conversations in up to 20 languages. Essentially, if you’re wearing the buds and someone speaks a foreign language, your phone can translate and pipe the translation to your earbuds automatically (this was demoed with the Galaxy Z Flip/Fold 6 in 2024, and now it’s rolling out generally).
- Adaptive Noise Control: The Buds 3 Pro will use their mics to intelligently analyze ambient sound and adjust ANC level automatically. This sounds similar to what Apple and Sony have done – for instance, if you move from a quiet room to a noisy street, the buds could ramp up noise cancelling, and lower it in safer, quieter settings without user input.
- Competitive Position & Future: As of mid-2025, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have maintained a strong position in the market. They’ve frequently been included in “best earbuds” lists, often highlighted as the best choice for Samsung/Android users who want an AirPods Pro 2 alternative. Engadget even listed them among the best wireless earbuds of 2025, praising especially their sound quality and features like hands-free voice commands. With the launch of Apple’s USB-C AirPods Pro (late 2023) and Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (late 2024), the competition has evolved, but Buds 3 Pro still hold their own, especially given some of the discounts. By early 2025, price cuts have made them quite enticing – originally $249, but often found around $200 or less. What Hi-Fi updated their review in Feb 2025 noting “large discounts now often drop [the Buds 3 Pro] down to £150 / $150”, which is tremendous value for what’s offered. Meanwhile, AirPods Pro 2 and Sony XM5 have also seen price dips, keeping the playing field level.
- Longevity and Support: Samsung has not announced a “Buds 4 Pro” yet, and if their pattern holds (they waited ~2 years between Buds 2 Pro and 3 Pro), we might not see Galaxy Buds 4 Pro until 2026. Instead, Samsung filled out the lineup with Galaxy Buds FE in late 2023 for the budget segment. This suggests the Buds 3 Pro will remain the top-tier Samsung buds for a while, and Samsung will continue to issue firmware enhancements. Indeed, they even backported some features to Buds 2 Pro (like a basic live translation with Galaxy S24), which indicates Buds 3 Pro will similarly benefit from future Galaxy AI advancements. If you invest in Buds 3 Pro now, you can expect continued software support at least for the next year or two, keeping them fresh.
In summary, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro launched with a splash (and a slight stumble with the ear tip issue), but Samsung rapidly corrected course and has been adding polish and features through updates. They’ve cemented themselves as a top recommendation, especially for Android users. As CNET’s review title put it, they turned out “Better Than the AirPods Pro 2 (in Some Ways)” – a bold claim that, with all we’ve compared and discussed, seems well-earned. With strong ongoing support, the Buds 3 Pro are likely to remain a smart purchase throughout 2025, standing as a testament to how far Samsung has come in the audio arena.
Sources:
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro launch news – TechRadar
- Buds 3 Pro new design and features – TechRadar
- Battery life improvements – TechRadar
- The Verge review (Chris Welch) on sound, design, issues – The Verge
- TechRadar review (Tom Bedford) on pros/cons – TechRadar
- CNET review (David Carnoy) quotes – CNET/KnowTechie
- Rtings comparisons (ANC, sound, ecosystem) – Rtings rtings.com
- Engadget impressions on comfort, transparency – Engadget via hackintosh
- What Hi-Fi review on Samsung vs rivals – What Hi-Fi
- TechRadar on Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QC II context – TechRadar
- TechRadar on One UI 7 Buds 3 Pro updates – TechRadar
- CNET on Buds 3 Pro launch delay (ear tip issue) – CNET
- SoundGuys on Bose QC Earbuds II ANC and sound – SoundGuys soundguys.com
- The Verge / Engadget news on Bose multipoint update – Engadget (Ultra only, QC II no)
- Price comparisons – What Hi-Fi, TechRadar techradar.com, Tom’s Guide.
