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Battle of the Flagship Earbuds 2025: TOZO Golden X2 Pro vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM5

Battle of the Flagship Earbuds 2025: TOZO Golden X2 Pro vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM5

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Battle of the Flagship Earbuds 2025: TOZO Golden X2 Pro vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM5

The wireless earbud arena in 2025 is hotter than ever, with feature-packed contenders from all corners. In one corner is the TOZO Golden X2 Pro, a surprise challenger from a value-focused brand now stepping into the premium ring with dual drivers and AI smarts. In another is Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the tech giant’s latest Galaxy-branded buds that promise hi-fi sound and seamless Galaxy ecosystem integration. And last but not least, the Sony WF-1000XM5, the reigning noise-cancellation champ and audiophile favorite. How do these three stack up on sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, features, battery life, call performance, and price? Let’s dive in, with insights from expert reviews and the latest updates as of August 2025.

Design, Build Quality & Comfort

Each of these earbuds has a distinct design philosophy:

  • TOZO Golden X2 Pro: TOZO’s flagship adopts a stemless in-ear design (similar in shape to its Golden X1 predecessor) with a premium build. The buds and charging case use aluminum-alloy construction, giving a durable and high-end feel techtimes.com. The charging case is particularly unique – it houses a 1.47-inch color touchscreen for at-a-glance info (battery status, weather) and on-case control of settings soundguys.com. Despite the metal build, the earbuds remain lightweight (around ~5–6 g each) and ship with multiple ear tip sizes for a secure fit. Reviewers of the Golden X1 noted the TOZO buds are comfortable to wear even during runs, provided you find the right tip size zenthegeek.tech. The X2 Pro carries an IPX7 water resistance rating, meaning it can shrug off sweat, rain, and even accidental splashes soundguys.com – you can take them anywhere without worry techtimes.com.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Samsung’s third-gen Pro buds mark a departure from the prior rounded “bean” shape – these have a short prism-shaped stem with silicone ear tips, a style reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods Pro whathifi.com. This stemmed design reduces the bulk sitting in your ear, which many find increases long-term comfort. In fact, one reviewer noted the Buds 3 Pro are more comfortable for longer periods than most stemless earbuds because there’s less mass in your ear canal, though the trade-off is they can be a bit less stable during vigorous movement digitaltrends.com. Samsung includes only three ear tip sizes, which some find limiting for an optimal fit digitaltrends.com. Build quality is solid if not ultra-premium – the buds themselves are lightweight (≈5.4 g each) whathifi.com, and the charging case has a fun transparent lid and can stand upright, though its plastic construction feels a bit cheap according to reviews whathifi.com digitaltrends.com. Notably, Samsung improved durability with an IP57 rating on the Buds 3 Pro, making them fully dust-resistant and submersible in up to 1 meter of water digitaltrends.com. That level of water protection is class-leading (even Apple’s AirPods are only IPX4), giving Samsung an edge for workouts and all-weather use.
  • Sony WF-1000XM5: Sony’s design is all about refinement of its prior model. The WF-1000XM5 are more compact and lighter (5.9 g per bud) than the older XM4 (which were 8.5 g) soundguys.com, making for a less bulky fit. They have a smooth, rounded shape with no stems, and come with improved foam ear tips that mold to your ear canal. These foam tips provide a more secure seal and increased comfort, which in turn boosts passive noise isolation soundguys.com. Many users report the XM5 fit much better and more snugly than the XM4, aiding comfort during workouts and runs (helped by the grippy foam). The earbuds are made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish; while not as flashy as metal, they feel well-built. The Sony case is pocket-friendly and supports both USB-C and wireless charging. One downside: the WF-1000XM5 are only IPX4 water resistant soundguys.com, meaning they can handle sweat or light rain but aren’t as waterproof as the other two models. You’ll want to keep the Sonys (and especially their case) away from heavy splashes or submersion soundguys.com.

Bottom line: All three earbuds offer a comfortable in-ear fit, but their designs differ. Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro and TOZO’s Golden X2 Pro both aim for a mix of style and practicality – Samsung with its AirPods-inspired form (comfortable, if slightly less secure) and TOZO with its solid metal build and innovative touchscreen case. Sony’s XM5 focuses on ergonomic comfort and premium finish, albeit with lower water resistance. If you need the highest water/dust proofing, Samsung takes the lead (IP57), with TOZO close behind (IPX7). For truly lengthy listening comfort, the lighter Samsung and Sony designs (with foam tips in Sony’s case) may have an edge for most ears.

Sound Quality & Audio Performance

Sound quality is often the make-or-break factor for earbuds, and each of these models brings a different approach to audio engineering:

  • TOZO Golden X2 Pro: The Golden X2 Pro is built “for audiophiles” according to TOZO, and it certainly has the specs on paper. These buds use a dual-driver setup per ear: a large 12 mm dynamic driver for bass and mids, paired with a Knowles balanced armature driver for high frequencies soundguys.com. This hybrid design (uncommon in mainstream earbuds) aims to deliver a rich, full-range sound. The X2 Pro is Hi-Res Audio Wireless certified and supports the LDAC codec for high-bitrate streaming soundguys.com, which suggests it can reproduce fine detail given a quality source. Early impressions and TOZO’s CES showcase indicate the Golden X2 Pro produces balanced, dynamic sound with ample bass from the 12 mm drivers yet clear treble from the BA unit soundguys.com. In fact, TOZO’s previous Golden X1 model surprised many audiophiles with its excellent sound for the price – some even commented that the Golden X1 “straight-up embarrasses” higher-end earbuds in pure sound quality reddit.com reddit.com. We can expect the X2 Pro to continue that trend, potentially offering top-notch audio fidelity at a lower price bracket. That said, without extensive independent lab testing yet, it’s wise to temper expectations – but on paper the X2 Pro’s hardware is poised to compete with the big names. The tuning out-of-the-box is likely aimed at a balanced audiophile profile (TOZO’s OrigX Pro acoustic tuning), and the TOZO app provides a robust EQ (16 presets plus custom) to tweak sound to your liking zenthegeek.tech zenthegeek.tech.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Samsung clearly stepped up its audio game in the Buds 3 Pro. These earbuds use an advanced dual-driver system as well, but with a twist: instead of two dynamic drivers, Samsung opted for a dynamic woofer + planar magnetic tweeter in each bud whathifi.com digitaltrends.com. A planar driver in tiny earbuds is almost unheard of – Samsung’s doing here is more typically seen in boutique audiophile models. Each driver even has its own amplifier, for better control across frequencies digitaltrends.com. The result, according to expert reviewers, is a lively and engaging sound. The Buds 3 Pro have a bright, detailed character with plenty of attack, revealing lots of high-end detail whathifi.com, yet they also deliver solid bass punch. In fact, out of the box they skew bass-forward (perhaps to appeal to general listeners), while maintaining excellent clarity in vocals and treble digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. One reviewer described the sound as “spacious, lean and slightly lightweight” in character whathifi.com – meaning you get a nice open soundstage and fast, sparkly treble, though the low-end isn’t as thick or warm as some rivals. When playing complex or aggressive tracks (e.g. hard rock or metal), the Buds 3 Pro can sound a touch less full-bodied than the Sony XM5, which offers more slam and weight whathifi.com. However, if you pair the Buds 3 Pro with a compatible Samsung Galaxy device, you unlock their full potential: Samsung’s proprietary Seamless Codec (SSC) streams audio at up to 24-bit/96 kHz. With this hi-res SSC codec, the Buds 3 Pro truly shine – testers noted a “wider, more detailed soundstage” and significantly smoother highs and tighter bass compared to using the standard AAC codec on non-Samsung devices digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. In other words, Galaxy owners get a real treat: the Buds 3 Pro can deliver nearly audiophile-grade wireless sound, extracting much more detail from high quality music when SSC is in play digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. For non-Galaxy users, the earbuds default to AAC (on iPhone) or SBC/AAC (on other Androids), where they still sound good, just not “far superior” as they do in Samsung’s ecosystem digitaltrends.com. Thankfully, Samsung’s app offers a 9-band EQ with presets so you can adjust the tuning to taste digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. Overall, these are possibly Samsung’s best-sounding earbuds to date, finally capable of taking on Sony and Bose in audio quality whathifi.com whathifi.com – especially if you give them the best source.
  • Sony WF-1000XM5: Sony has a reputation for warm, musical sound, and the WF-1000XM5 continue that, with some refinements. They use a single new 8.4 mm dynamic driver (an upgrade from 6 mm in the XM4) to handle the full range soundguys.com. Sony’s out-of-box tuning leans toward a bass-enhanced profile – there’s a noticeable emphasis in the 30–300 Hz range soundguys.com. This means the XM5 deliver a strong, deep bass response that listeners can feel. In testing, kick drums and synth bass lines hit with authority (great for workouts or bass-heavy genres) soundguys.com soundguys.com. The midrange and treble still come through clearly, however; Sony seems to have struck a balance where vocals and instruments aren’t drowned out by the bass, and there’s plenty of treble detail and “sparkle” in the highs soundguys.com. One reviewer observed the XM5 produce a wider soundstage than the previous gen, with improved instrument separation – you can pick out layers in complex tracks more easily soundguys.com soundguys.com. The overall sound is often described as rich and immersive, albeit warm. If you prefer a completely neutral or bright sound, you may find the default bass a bit much – but Sony’s Headphones Connect app includes a customizable EQ (and a “Clear Bass” slider) that lets you dial back the low frequencies if needed soundguys.com soundguys.com. In fact, SoundGuys noted that reducing the bass slightly via EQ made the sound nearly ideal for balanced listening soundguys.com. Thanks to that customization, the XM5 can be tailored to many tastes. It’s also worth noting that independent tests of the WF-1000XM5’s sound quality gave it extremely high marks – in a multi-metric audio quality evaluation, the XM5 scored among the best, indicating most listeners will love the sound soundguys.com soundguys.com. There is the occasional hint of distortion at high volumes or in very bass-heavy moments (likely due to that extra bass energy) soundguys.com, but it’s minor. On the whole, Sony delivers a powerful, engaging sonic experience that still feels refined – one that many will prefer over even the AirPods Pro’s more neutral sound soundguys.com soundguys.com. And for audiophiles, the XM5 supports the LDAC codec for hi-res playback (on Android), plus it’s one of the first to be Bluetooth LE Audio ready for future higher-quality streaming soundguys.com soundguys.com (it does not support aptX, however).

In summary, all three earbuds sound excellent, but with different flavor profiles:

  • The TOZO Golden X2 Pro aims for audiophile-grade balance and resolution on a budget, thanks to its dual-driver setup and LDAC support – it should please those who want clarity and detail without breaking the bank. soundguys.com reddit.com
  • The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer a spacious, detailed sound with a slightly bright tilt and fast transient response (courtesy of that planar driver), and can deliver truly top-tier quality when used with Samsung’s 24-bit codec digitaltrends.com. They may sound a bit lean in bass and treble-forward compared to the Sony, but they’re highly engaging and reveal lots of nuance whathifi.com whathifi.com.
  • The Sony WF-1000XM5 provide a lush, bass-rich sound that’s highly pleasing for most music, with a great sense of depth and smoothness. They’re arguably the most universally enjoyable out of the box for casual listening, and can be tuned further via app to suit personal preferences soundguys.com. These are the earbuds to beat for those who love a warm, full-bodied sound.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency

All three models include active noise cancellation, but their performance and techniques vary:

  • TOZO Golden X2 Pro: As a newcomer to the flagship ANC field, TOZO packed the X2 Pro with an adaptive hybrid ANC system. It uses six microphones (feedforward + feedback) to monitor external noise and can purportedly achieve up to –50 dB noise reduction soundguys.com – an ambitious claim putting it in the realm of class leaders. The system automatically adjusts to ambient conditions in real time. While independent ANC tests for the X2 Pro aren’t widely available yet, the specs are promising. TOZO also claims the earbuds’ improved fit and seal (IPX7 waterproof design with snug tips) help passively block noise. The previous Golden X1 had decent ANC but wasn’t best-in-class zenthegeek.tech, so TOZO clearly set out to close the gap with this Pro model. Additionally, the X2 Pro features TDK inertial sensors to enable intelligent “adaptive” ANC and even head-gesture controls techtimes.com, though how those contribute to noise cancelling in practice remains to be seen. At the very least, early impressions note the X2 Pro does a solid job quieting constant noises (like AC hum or traffic), likely on par with mid-to-upper tier ANC buds. We’ll have to see if it truly rivals the heavyweights in extreme scenarios. On the other hand, transparency mode (letting ambient sound in) on TOZO is said to be sufficient for conversations, though not yet lauded as exceptional. One limitation noted by users of earlier TOZO ANC models: some TOZO earbuds required both buds to be worn for ANC/transparency to work at all reddit.com. The Golden X2 Pro may have improved this (TOZO’s newer Crystal Pods allow one-ear use) reddit.com, but it’s something to confirm for those who often wear a single bud.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Samsung made ANC a priority in the Buds 3 Pro, aiming to challenge Sony and Bose. These earbuds deliver “solid ANC performance,” effectively dampening the roar of city streets, transit noise, and office chatter according to What Hi-Fi whathifi.com whathifi.com. They might not quite reach the absolute silence of the very best (Samsung’s ANC is still a notch below Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, which remain the kings of noise cancelling) whathifi.com, but the difference is small considering Bose’s higher price. In real-world use, the Buds 3 Pro can hush the whoosh of nearby traffic and soften loud background chatter to a very comfortable level whathifi.com. Notably, Samsung offers both standard ANC and an “Adaptive ANC” mode: with Adaptive mode, the system listens for certain sounds (like voices or announcements) and automatically switches to ambient sound when it detects them whathifi.com. In practice, this is essentially a voice-detect feature – the buds will intelligently turn on transparency when you start speaking (and to some extent when someone next to you speaks) whathifi.com whathifi.com. Reviewers found the voice-detection works well, flipping to ambient within a word or two of you speaking digitaltrends.com. There’s even a setting to specifically listen for sirens and ensure those come through digitaltrends.com. As for transparency mode, Samsung really nailed it – the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro rank among the best for natural ambient sound. In fact, they are nearly on par with the likes of Apple and Bose at making it feel like you’re not wearing earbuds at all when transparency is on digitaltrends.com. Dialogue and surrounding sounds come through very clearly and without the tinny hiss that lesser earbuds produce. One reviewer put Samsung in the top tier, saying the Buds 3 Pro are “amazing at transparency”, joining Apple, Bose, and Sony in that elite category digitaltrends.com. This is a big improvement over Samsung’s earlier earbuds. To sum up, the Buds 3 Pro offer excellent all-around noise management: effectively cancelling noise on par with high-end competitors in most situations, and letting sound in just as naturally when needed.
  • Sony WF-1000XM5: Sony has long been the ANC champ in earbuds, and the WF-1000XM5 continues that legacy. These earbuds feature dual processors and triple microphones per ear to cancel noise across a wide frequency range. The XM5’s ANC is universally praised – SoundGuys calls it “a step up from its predecessor and one of [their] top picks” for noise cancellation soundguys.com. With the improved fit and new foam tips creating an excellent seal, the XM5 block out an impressive amount of noise even passively. Add the active cancelling, and they can hush everything from low rumbles to high-pitched city sounds. Lab measurements showed the XM5 reducing up to 15 dB of noise in bass regions and up to 50 dB at higher frequencies (above 1 kHz) soundguys.com soundguys.com – a performance comparable to wearing good foam earplugs soundguys.com. In everyday terms, that means the dull roar of an airplane or train is dramatically cut (not completely gone, but far in the background), and sounds like keyboard clicks, voices, or sirens are greatly diminished to near-inaudible levels. It’s among the very best ANC you can get in any earbud as of 2025. Sony also has an adaptive sound control feature (via the app) that can adjust ANC levels based on your activity or location, though some find it just as easy to use the manual ANC and ambient modes. Transparency mode on the WF-1000XM5 is also very good – maybe a half-step behind the AirPods Pro’s uncanny transparency, but still natural. You can definitely hold conversations with the XM5 in, and you can customize how much ambient sound to allow. Sony even lets you enable features like Speak-to-Chat: when it detects you talking, it pauses your music and activates ambient sound automatically (similar to Samsung’s approach) soundguys.com. Reviewers note this works reliably on the XM5, and it’s handy for quick interactions. Overall, Sony’s ANC remains top-notch – if you prioritize maximum noise elimination, the WF-1000XM5 will not disappoint. Only Bose’s latest might edge it out slightly in certain low-frequency scenarios, but Sony is extremely close to the pinnacle, with more tuning options to boot.

In summary, all three earbuds provide effective ANC and useful transparency modes, but Sony still holds a slight lead in pure noise-cancelling muscle. Samsung isn’t far behind and offers the most natural ambient sound plus smart adaptive features that many will appreciate. TOZO’s new system appears competitive on paper and likely meets the needs of most users, though it will need to prove itself against the more established players. If you want the quietest commute or flight, the WF-1000XM5 is the safest bet soundguys.com. If you want the smartest and most seamless ambient/ANC switching, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have an advantage with their voice/siren detection and ultra-clear transparency digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. And if you want strong ANC without splurging on the priciest brands, the TOZO Golden X2 Pro is an enticing option that claims to hang with the big names (and likely at least comes close in everyday use).

Special Features, Smart Functions & App Support

Modern wireless earbuds are packed with features beyond just music and calls. Here’s how our three contenders compare in terms of companion apps, smart features, and extras:

  • TOZO Golden X2 Pro: Despite being a smaller brand, TOZO went all-in on smart features for the X2 Pro. First, there’s the TOZO app (TOZO Sound) available on both Android and iOS, which is essential to access many of the buds’ advanced functions. In the app, you’ll find a customizable EQ (16 presets and manual tuning) and an Earprint hearing test that measures your hearing and creates a personalized sound profile zenthegeek.tech zenthegeek.tech – similar to what high-end brands offer. But the X2 Pro’s headliners are its AI-powered features. These earbuds can perform real-time language translation during face-to-face conversations via the app soundguys.com. For example, you could be speaking English and have a French speaker’s words translated directly into your ears in English (and vice versa on your phone) – a potentially game-changing feature for travelers. The X2 Pro can also transcribe speech to text and even generate meeting notes from conversations soundguys.com. Essentially, TOZO is leveraging the phone’s AI/cloud to provide services similar to Google Translate or Microsoft Translator, integrated with the earbuds. While such features aren’t entirely new in the market, it’s impressive to see them on a TOZO product. (One caveat: some users have expressed concern about requiring an internet connection and the app for these to work reddit.com reddit.com, but that’s the nature of live translation – the heavy lifting is done via cloud AI). The Golden X2 Pro also incorporates head-tracking sensors (gyroscopes) which enable spatial audio effects and even head gesture controls techtimes.com. For instance, the X2 Pro supports head-tracked 360º audio for a more immersive listening experience (TOZO hasn’t detailed content support, but presumably it works with any spatial audio source, similar to how Apple and Samsung do). Head-gesture control might let you nod or shake your head to perform certain commands (this was hinted in TOZO’s announcements androidheadlines.com). Additionally, TOZO touts some health-related features: the earbuds can track wearing duration and posture, providing reminders if you’ve been wearing them too long or slouching (through the app) techtimes.com. The touchscreen case adds another layer of functionality – without grabbing your phone, you can use the case’s display to adjust volume, switch ANC modes, check battery levels, or even see basic info like weather soundguys.com. All these features make the Golden X2 Pro remarkably feature-rich. Of course, their polish and reliability depend on TOZO’s software execution. The Golden X1’s app was generally well-received for its clean layout and functionality zenthegeek.tech, and TOZO likely built on that. There is support for Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint connection (dual-device) on the X2 Pro, so you can connect to two devices at once (say, a laptop and phone) and switch seamlessly soundguys.com. This is great to see, as multipoint is something not even all big-name earbuds have. Overall, TOZO is offering flagship-level (even bleeding-edge) features – from live translation to a touch display case – that truly set the Golden X2 Pro apart in the value segment.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: The Buds 3 Pro come alive when used within Samsung’s ecosystem. The companion app is Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable app (only for Android 11+ devices; no iOS support) whathifi.com. If you have a non-Samsung Android, you can still use the app to control ANC modes, adjust EQ, and toggle features. However, certain advanced functions are reserved for Samsung Galaxy phones (running the latest One UI). One of those is the aforementioned 24-bit SSC codec for hi-res audio. Another is Samsung’s take on spatial audio: the Buds 3 Pro support 360 Audio with head tracking, providing an immersive surround sound effect for movies and videos (and some music) whathifi.com. This feature can be toggled in the app and, according to reviews, it works “well enough” to add a sense of space, though it’s not as smooth or convincing as Apple’s spatial audio; small head movements sometimes cause a slight lag in audio repositioning whathifi.com digitaltrends.com. It’s a fun feature, but not a primary selling point unless you’re really into the idea – some testers found the head tracking a bit jerky and not worth keeping on all the time digitaltrends.com. More broadly useful is the Buds’ touch control scheme. Samsung borrowed a page from Apple: the Buds 3 Pro’s stems are pinch-sensitive and even allow swipe gestures digitaltrends.com. A light pinch “click” on the stem can play/pause or toggle ANC (with a satisfying audible click feedback), and swiping up or down on the flat side of the stem adjusts volume digitaltrends.com. This control method is intuitive and works reliably – reviewers were impressed that even with the Buds’ angular stem shape, the pinch and swipe controls functioned very well digitaltrends.com. You can also customize controls in the app, assign voice assistant activation or specific shortcuts (for instance, Samsung lets you launch Spotify Tap or the Samsung Health Mindfulness app by touch and hold gestures) digitaltrends.com. The Buds 3 Pro include wear detection for auto-pausing music when you remove an earbud, which works as expected digitaltrends.com. A unique flashy feature: the “Blade Lights.” Each stem has a slender LED strip that can light up in different patterns – constant glow, blinking, or a “breathing” pulse digitaltrends.com. This is purely aesthetic (or perhaps for visibility if you run at night). You can even make them flash when trying to locate lost buds digitaltrends.com. Some might find it gimmicky, but it’s a differentiator that gives the Buds 3 Pro some futuristic flair. On the software side, Samsung’s ecosystem offers Auto Switch (seamless device switching between Samsung devices logged into your account) and a new standard called Auracast. Notably, the Buds 3 (and Pro) are Auracast-capable, meaning they can receive audio broadcasts from an Auracast transmitter (like a phone or public TV broadcasting via Bluetooth to multiple listeners) digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com. This is part of the Bluetooth LE Audio suite – an exciting future tech – and Samsung is among the first to include it. We should also mention voice controls: with the Buds 3 Pro, you can use hands-free Bixby or basic voice commands (e.g. “volume up” or “next track”) without wake words digitaltrends.com – they recognize certain commands directly. Finally, Samsung has been updating the Buds 3 Pro with new features through software. As of early 2025, a major update tied to One UI 7 brought five new upgrades: easier direct sound setting adjustments (via quick panel on Galaxy phones), the ability to set per-app sound profiles, an improved “Adapt Sound” for personalized hearing enhancement, a Galaxy “AI Interpreter” mode that can translate conversations in up to 20 languages (similar concept to TOZO’s translator, but processed on the phone) with the translations streamed to your earbuds, and an Adaptive Ambient Sound that automatically adjusts how much noise to let in based on environment (using the mics to gauge your surroundings) techradar.com techradar.com. These features were initially exclusive to the Galaxy S25 launch (One UI 7), but should roll out to more Samsung devices over time techradar.com techradar.com. It shows Samsung’s commitment to keeping the Galaxy Buds at the cutting edge with software. One notable omission: the Buds 3 Pro do not support true Bluetooth multipoint pairing for two devices simultaneously digitaltrends.com. Like Apple, Samsung instead uses the seamless switching approach (which works great if all your devices are Samsung, but can be finicky otherwise). Reviewers found that when paired to multiple non-Samsung devices, the Buds would sometimes “bounce” back to the wrong device unless the others were manually disconnected digitaltrends.com. So, if you frequently juggle a work computer and phone (and they’re not both Samsung), the Buds 3 Pro can be a bit less convenient here. In contrast, TOZO and Sony both support standard multipoint connections.
  • Sony WF-1000XM5: Sony’s earbuds have a mature and feature-rich app, Headphones Connect, available on Android and iOS soundguys.com. Unlike Samsung, Sony gives full support to both platforms (iPhone users get nearly all the same features as Android users, except things like Google Fast Pair). The app unlocks a suite of capabilities: custom EQ (with several bands plus bass adjustment) soundguys.com, toggle for 360 Reality Audio setup (Sony’s spatial audio format for supported music apps), and control over features like Speak-to-Chat, Adaptive Sound Control, and more soundguys.com. Speak-to-Chat is Sony’s version of voice-detect: it automatically pauses your audio and enables ambient sound when you start talking, and it works very well for brief conversations without needing to touch the earbuds soundguys.com. Sony also offers Adaptive Sound Control, which can learn your frequently visited locations and activities and adjust ANC/ambient settings and EQ presets accordingly – e.g. “Walking outside” could turn ambient mode on, “Sitting at office” could enable strong ANC, etc. This can be very convenient once set up, making the earbuds feel truly “smart” in responding to your environment. In terms of connectivity, the WF-1000XM5 uses Bluetooth 5.3 and crucially supports Bluetooth multipoint, allowing you to be connected to (for example) your laptop and phone simultaneously soundguys.com. Reviewers confirmed it’s easy to set up and “snappy” in switching audio between two devices, with no significant lag or drops soundguys.com. This is a big plus for Sony, as many competitors (like Bose until recently, and Samsung/Apple still) don’t offer standard multipoint. Sony’s codec support includes SBC, AAC, and LDAC for hi-res audio soundguys.com. Additionally, the WF-1000XM5 is forward-compatible with Bluetooth LE Audio and the LC3 codec soundguys.com soundguys.com, which means as phones and transmitters start to support the new standard, the Sony buds can take advantage of Auracast broadcasts and improved efficiency. (At the time of writing, LE Audio on the XM5 might require a firmware update and a compatible source, but the hardware is ready.) The WF-1000XM5’s touch controls are customizable: by default, a series of taps on the left or right earbud can control playback, volume, or ANC mode, and you can reassign functions as you prefer soundguys.com soundguys.com. While Sony’s touch panels don’t recognize swipe for volume like AirPods/Samsung, you can set a four-tap gesture for volume, or use the auto-volume feature via voice or assistant. Speaking of assistants, the XM5 supports hands-free Alexa or Google Assistant (depending on your device settings), or you can invoke Siri on iOS by touch. Another neat Sony extra: Quick Attention Mode – if you place your finger over an earbud, it will temporarily lower volume and pipe in ambient sound (great for quickly hearing an announcement) soundguys.com. Sony also includes an earbud fit test in the app to ensure you have a proper seal with the right ear tip size. All in all, the WF-1000XM5 offers a deep feature set that caters to power users and audiophiles. It might lack flashy LEDs or gimmicks, but every feature feels purposeful and well-implemented. Tech journalists often laud Sony’s app for being comprehensive and polished, if occasionally a bit complex due to the sheer number of options.

In summary, TOZO, Samsung, and Sony each bring an array of special features:

  • TOZO’s Golden X2 Pro stands out with its AI translator/transcription abilities and that innovative touchscreen case, plus convenience features like multipoint and personalized sound tests soundguys.com soundguys.com. It’s an impressive suite for a brand’s sophomore flagship effort.
  • Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro shine within the Galaxy ecosystem – offering 360 Audio, voice detect, LED stem lights, and new One UI 7 perks like on-the-fly interpretation and adaptive ambient sound techradar.com techradar.com. They lack true multipoint and iOS support, but bring plenty of other tricks (and arguably the best hands-free controls with pinch/swipe gestures).
  • Sony’s WF-1000XM5 come with a trusted app available on all platforms, industry-leading multipoint connectivity, and a host of thoughtful features like speak-to-chat, adaptive profiles, and hi-res audio support soundguys.com soundguys.com. They may not have novelty extras, but they excel at the features that matter for an optimized listening experience.

Ultimately, your choice may hinge on whether you’re tied into a specific ecosystem or value certain features more: Galaxy device owners will get the most from the Buds 3 Pro’s exclusive features, while iPhone users might lean Sony (since Samsung’s app won’t work for them). TOZO is platform-agnostic like Sony, aiming to deliver premium features to anyone at a lower price.

Battery Life & Charging

Long battery life keeps your music going, and all three models offer respectable endurance:

  • TOZO Golden X2 Pro: Official battery specs for the X2 Pro were not widely published at launch, but TOZO’s previous model and marketing give us an idea. The Golden X1 advertised up to 8 hours per charge (likely with ANC off) and around 25–32 hours total with the charging case zenthegeek.tech zenthegeek.tech. In real-world use, at moderate volume with ANC on, the X1 lasted about 5 hours on a charge zenthegeek.tech zenthegeek.tech. We can expect the Golden X2 Pro to be in a similar ballpark: roughly 5–7 hours of listening on the earbuds (depending on ANC use and volume) and roughly 20–30 hours with the case in total. TOZO does tend to include fast-charge capability – for instance, the X1 could gain a couple hours of playtime from a quick 10-minute top-up. The X2 Pro’s case supports Qi wireless charging, and of course USB-C fast charging as well zenthegeek.tech zenthegeek.tech. One thing to consider is the case’s touchscreen: having a display might draw a bit more power from the case battery. TOZO likely sized the battery accordingly to still provide multiple recharges to the buds. Unless pushing the AI features heavily (which might use additional power for the mics and connectivity), the X2 Pro should comfortably get through a workday on a single charge of the earbuds, and multiple days using the case. We’ll look out for official numbers or tests, but battery life should be competitive if not class-leading in this segment.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Samsung made incremental improvements in battery life over the Buds 2 Pro. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are rated for 6 hours of playback per charge with ANC on, and about 26 hours total including the case (with ANC on) whathifi.com. With ANC off, you can stretch to around 7 hours on the buds and 30 hours with the case whathifi.com. These figures are quite solid – they match or exceed Apple’s AirPods Pro, for example. In reviewer tests, the Buds 3 Pro lived up to these claims; one report noted the buds were only halfway depleted after a week of moderate use (likely using a few hours a day) whathifi.com. The case can charge via USB-C or wirelessly, and Samsung continues to support Wireless PowerShare – meaning if you have a Galaxy phone, you can charge the Buds case on the back of your phone. In terms of quick charging, Samsung’s specs indicate that a 5-minute quick charge can give around 1 hour of playtime, which is useful for a quick top-up before heading out. It’s worth mentioning that using the proprietary SSC codec or features like spatial audio might impact battery slightly (hi-res audio can consume more power). Also, the flashy LED “blade lights” on the buds don’t seem to drain much since they’re small LEDs used sparingly. Overall, the Buds 3 Pro’s battery life is above average: not the absolute best in class, but more than sufficient for most use cases (e.g. cross-continental flight with one recharge from the case). For most, you’ll get through the day with room to spare.
  • Sony WF-1000XM5: Sony’s earbuds boast strong battery performance, impressive given their powerful processing. The WF-1000XM5 are rated up to 8 hours on a single charge with ANC on, plus another 16 hours from the case (total 24 hours) forbes.com amazon.com. With ANC off, they can last around 12 hours on the buds (and over 30 hours total). In independent tests, the XM5 even exceeded Sony’s claim – SoundGuys got about 9.5 hours on one charge with the XM5 (likely at moderate volume, ANC on) soundguys.com soundguys.com, which is excellent. In any case, 8–9 hours per charge with noise cancelling puts Sony at the top tier of endurance (for comparison, Bose’s QC Earbuds II do ~6 hours ANC on). The charging case provides two additional full charges reliably. The WF-1000XM5 case also supports Qi wireless charging and features a quick-charge function: just 3 minutes in the case gives about 1 hour of playtime soundguys.com. This “Super Quick Charge” is great if you forget to charge the buds – pop them in while you tie your shoes, and you’ve got enough battery for a decent workout or commute soundguys.com. Charging the case itself takes around 2 hours via USB-C for a full charge (slower via wireless pad). One thing to note: using LDAC codec can reduce battery life (as with any hi-res codec). Sony states ~4–5 hours with LDAC+ANC in worst case loudnwireless.com – so if you’re an audiophile pumping LDAC constantly, expect closer to 5 hours per charge. But in normal mixed use (AAC or adaptive bitrates), most users hit that 8-hour mark fine. In short, the WF-1000XM5 deliver all-day listening on a single charge, and the case brings it to two or three days of on-and-off use. They have the longest single-charge battery life of this trio (under typical ANC use) forbes.com, which is a big selling point if you dislike frequent charging.

Overall, battery life on all three models will satisfy typical daily needs. Sony leads with potentially the longest single-charge playtime (around 8+ hours ANC on) soundguys.com, while Samsung offers a well-rounded 6–7 hours and a higher total with the case whathifi.com. TOZO is likely in the 5–6 hour range with ANC, which is decent and similar to many competitors, though perhaps slightly lower than Sony’s endurance. All three cases support wireless charging and fast-charge features for convenience. Unless you have exceptionally long listening sessions in one go, any of these will get you through commutes, workdays (with some breaks), or flights with a top-up. If we’re nitpicking: the WF-1000XM5’s edge in battery might appeal to long-haul travelers, whereas the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro’s case gives a tad more total juice (30 hours max) for extended use without outlet access. TOZO’s X2 Pro, while not officially stated, should land in a comfortable middle ground where battery is not a worry for day-to-day use.

Call Quality (Microphones)

Using earbuds for phone and video calls (or Zoom meetings) is now routine, and microphone performance matters. Here’s how these three fare:

  • TOZO Golden X2 Pro: TOZO equipped the X2 Pro with a six-microphone array in total (three mics per ear, if following typical hybrid ANC designs) and specifically mentions a separate three-microphone array for voice pickup during calls soundguys.com. In theory, this means the X2 Pro dedicates some mics to focus on your voice while others handle noise suppression. TOZO hasn’t published granular specs like microphone bandwidth, but we do know the earbuds leverage AI noise reduction for calls. Likely, they use algorithms to filter out background noise and enhance voice clarity (similar to how Apple and Samsung do). Given the Golden X1 was serviceable for calls, the X2 Pro should be an improvement. Early user feedback hasn’t been widely reported yet; however, the inclusion of advanced Qualcomm or AI algorithms could mean performance approaching higher-end buds. One thing working in TOZO’s favor is the stemless design positions mics closer to the face (though not as directly as stem designs that point towards the mouth). The X2 Pro’s real-time transcription feature also implies the mics can pick up speech accurately for the AI to work. We can reasonably expect the X2 Pro to handle routine calls indoors very well, keeping your voice clear. In noisy outdoor scenarios (wind, traffic), it likely does a decent job but might not match the finely tuned call mics of Samsung or Sony’s latest. Bottom line: TOZO provides a capable call experience, and casual reports praise the build quality and snug fit (which can reduce wind hitting the mics) reddit.com, but we’ll need more testing to rank it against the others.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Samsung put a lot of emphasis on call quality in the Buds 3 Pro. They advertise an AI-based voice pickup system and an extra-high voice frequency range. In fact, Samsung claims the Buds 3 Pro’s mics transmit voice up to ~15 kHz bandwidth whathifi.com, which is much higher than standard call audio. (For reference, traditional phone calls were limited to 3 kHz, HD voice can go to 7 kHz; 15 kHz is approaching true wideband voice.) In real use, when paired with a modern Samsung phone, callers have remarked that the Buds 3 Pro make voices sound extremely clear and natural, almost as if you’re speaking directly into the phone whathifi.com. What Hi-Fi noted that on a Zoom call the Buds 3 Pro delivered “solid, clear, natural” voice quality with pleasing depth whathifi.com. The three microphones per bud and deep-learning AI help reduce ambient noise on calls. Wind noise, a common earbud issue, is mitigated by a mesh and a vibration sensor that detects voice through bone conduction (present in Buds 2 Pro and likely carried over). Additionally, Samsung’s recent updates allow the Buds to leverage the phone’s microphone in some scenarios to further enhance call clarity (though primarily for their new “Interpreter mode” in Listening Mode) techradar.com techradar.com. In everyday terms, expect the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro to be among the best earbuds for calls, especially if you’re on Samsung devices. They excel at filtering out background chatter and traffic – your voice stays front and center. One review highlighted that even in a noisy office, the person on the other end could hear them clearly without raising voice. The only caution is that, like many earbuds, extremely loud or chaotic environments can still leak through a bit. But overall, Samsung closed the gap with leaders like Jabra in the call department, and some might even prefer Samsung now given the high fidelity of voice it transmits. If you take a lot of important calls on your earbuds, the Buds 3 Pro are a stellar choice.
  • Sony WF-1000XM5: Sony significantly improved call quality from the XM4 to XM5. The WF-1000XM5 uses an array of three mics per earbud, including dual feedback mics and one feedforward, along with bone-conduction sensors that detect voice vibrations. Sony’s algorithms then clean up the voice signal and cancel noise. In practice, the XM5’s call quality is very good, though perhaps not the absolute top of the class. SoundGuys notes that Sony put a lot of engineering into the mics, and in ideal conditions (quiet room) the XM5 sounds crisp and clear. In their controlled microphone tests, a majority of listeners rated the XM5 mic as “good” (4/5) for clarity soundguys.com soundguys.com. The XM5 does especially well with wind noise reduction – Sony’s wind filtering algorithm prevents breezes from overwhelming the call audio (something the XM4 struggled with that the XM5 fixed, as one reviewer observed walking outside in wind gave no distortion) soundguys.com. In noisy backgrounds, the XM5 mics can suppress a lot of the din, but sometimes at the cost of making your voice sound a bit processed or quieter. Over-ear headsets will still outperform any earbud mic, and Sony acknowledges the WF-1000XM5 mic “can’t hold a candle” to their over-ear WH-1000XM5 for calls soundguys.com soundguys.com. That said, for wireless earbuds, the Sony XM5 are more than sufficient for professional calls. Your voice usually comes through warm and full (Sony tends to preserve the lower tones well, giving a natural timbre). Unless you’re frequently in very noisy places, the XM5 will handle calls without issue. One nice perk: if you’re on a Samsung phone, Sony’s buds now support Samsung’s Seamless Codec for calls as well, which might slightly improve the sound of your voice to the other party if the phone call uses HD voice (though the Buds 3 Pro would still have an edge with their 15 kHz claim). Overall, the XM5’s call performance is reliable and clear – maybe a notch below Samsung’s latest in absolute clarity, but not far off.

In summary, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro likely take the crown for call quality in this trio, thanks to their high-bandwidth mics and excellent noise reduction making for crystal-clear calls whathifi.com. Sony’s WF-1000XM5 is a close second, offering very good call audio and strong wind noise handling – more than adequate for work calls and on-the-go chats soundguys.com soundguys.com. TOZO’s Golden X2 Pro is the wild card; it has the specs to do well and early user impressions are positive (no glaring complaints, which is a good sign), but until more tests are in, we can say it should perform respectably but perhaps not quite at the polished level of Samsung/Sony’s latest. If call quality is a top priority, you’d lean Samsung (especially with a Galaxy phone) or Sony. But TOZO’s inclusion of advanced mic features means it shouldn’t be underestimated either – it likely outperforms many other mid-range buds, making it a strong all-rounder given its price point.

Pricing & Value

Finally, let’s talk dollars (or pounds, euros, etc.). These three earbuds span a range of price points in the premium segment:

  • TOZO Golden X2 Pro: TOZO has positioned the Golden X2 Pro as a “premium, yet affordable” flagship. The previous Golden X1 launched at $149.99 USD androidheadlines.com, and TOZO indicated the X2 Pro would be in a similar range androidheadlines.com. Indeed, at CES 2025 it was hinted to compete with the likes of AirPods and Galaxy Buds on features but likely undercut them on price androidheadlines.com. As of August 2025, the Golden X2 Pro’s official price is around $150 (if it has become available for purchase). This is half to two-thirds the price of the Samsung and Sony flagships. For the feature set offered – dual drivers, LDAC, adaptive ANC, a touchscreen case, AI translation – $150 is an aggressive value. TOZO is known for budget-friendly pricing, and they seem to be continuing that tradition even as they step upmarket. From a value perspective, the Golden X2 Pro offers tremendous bang for the buck: you’re essentially getting many features of $250–$300 earbuds at a mid-range price. Of course, questions of long-term support (firmware updates, durability) and fine-tuned performance remain, but TOZO’s track record with the Golden series has been solid so far. It’s also worth noting that TOZO products often see discounts during sales events, so the X2 Pro might dip below the $150 mark at times. For someone who wants flagship features on a budget, the TOZO is an extremely compelling option.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro launched with an MSRP of $249 (USD) / £219 in late 2024 whathifi.com. This places it squarely in the high-end bracket, just slightly below Sony’s and Apple’s pricing. However, Samsung devices often go on sale or have bundle deals. By mid-2025, it’s not uncommon to find the Buds 3 Pro on sale for around $180–$200 (or even as low as ~$150 during big sales) whathifi.com whathifi.com. What Hi-Fi updated in Feb 2025 that major discounts were dropping the Buds 3 Pro to ~£150 / $150 at times whathifi.com whathifi.com. So while the list price is $249, savvy shoppers can often get them for less. At full price, the Buds 3 Pro are still a fair deal given their technology, especially if you own a Galaxy phone to exploit all features. They’re cheaper than Bose’s $299 earbuds and the same price as Apple’s AirPods Pro (which are $249). Considering they match or beat those rivals in several areas (ANC nearly as good, sound arguably better than AirPods, features aplenty), Samsung’s pricing is justified for the flagship category. And with sales, the value proposition becomes strong. If you can snag them around $180, the Buds 3 Pro are a steal for Samsung-phone users. One thing to watch: Samsung also has a habit of releasing “Fan Edition” or mid-tier models – though rumors suggest no Buds 2 FE came in 2025 techradar.com, and instead Samsung might skip straight to next-gen in 2026 phonearena.com. So the Buds 3 Pro should hold their place in the lineup for a while, meaning buyers now won’t feel outdated anytime soon. Value summary: At $200 or below, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer an excellent mix of performance and features, especially for Galaxy ecosystem aficionados. At full $249, they’re premium-priced but still competitive given their sound quality and tech (just know that deals are likely available).
  • Sony WF-1000XM5: Sony launched the WF-1000XM5 in mid-2023 at $299.99 USD / £259 whathifi.com. This was a slight increase over the XM4’s launch price. As the premium ANC earbuds to beat, Sony charged top dollar. However, by 2025 the price has seen reductions. Common street prices for the XM5 now hover around $250 (in the US) and around £219 in the UK whathifi.com. During big sale events like Black Friday 2024, the XM5 even dropped to about $198 in the US (and £149 in the UK) at its lowest whathifi.com whathifi.com. So while $299 was the launch price, few people need to pay that now. Even Sony’s own over-ear WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM6 headphones often get discounts, and the earbuds are no different. At roughly $250, the WF-1000XM5 are still more expensive than Samsung’s and certainly than TOZO’s offering. You’re paying a premium for the Sony pedigree – class-leading ANC, rich sound, and a robust app. Many reviewers consider the XM5 worth the premium if you demand the best in noise cancellation and a very refined sound+feature combo soundguys.com. They’re often cited as “one of the best wireless earbuds you can buy” for overall quality soundguys.com. That said, if budget is a concern, one could argue Samsung (when discounted) or even Bose might offer similar performance for less. It really comes down to how much you value the Sony’s particular strengths and ecosystem. For instance, if you use LDAC or want future LE Audio, Sony is unique. If you love bass-heavy sound out of the box, Sony delivers that better than most. As of August 2025, the WF-1000XM5 is still Sony’s latest, so you’re not buying an outdated model – but we do know a successor is likely on the horizon (more on that below). This means we might see further price drops on the XM5 to clear inventory once the XM6 is announced. Value verdict: The Sony WF-1000XM5 are expensive but high-value for those who prioritize top-tier ANC and sound. If you find them on sale around $250 or less, they are an outstanding buy for a premium listening experience. If your budget is tight, you can get much of the same functionality from cheaper models, but with some sacrifices in ANC or sound refinement. Sony is the choice for those who don’t mind paying a bit extra to get arguably the best overall package in 2025.

To sum up pricing: TOZO’s Golden X2 Pro is the budget champ at roughly $150, offering 80–90% of what the big brands do at half the price. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro sit in the mid-high range – $249 MSRP but often on sale – and provide excellent value particularly for Samsung users (and even for others, when discounted, they pack a lot of tech for ~$180). Sony’s WF-1000XM5 are the priciest of the bunch, normally $279–$299 (with discounts bringing them closer to $250), and are aimed at those wanting the cream of the crop in ANC and audio, and who are willing to invest in it. Depending on your budget and ecosystem, any of these could be the “best value”: if you’re after pure features-per-dollar, TOZO wins; if you want premium quality and are okay paying for it, Sony justifies its cost; and if you’re a Galaxy power user, the Buds 3 Pro might hit the perfect sweet spot of integration and performance for the price.

Future Outlook: Upcoming Models and Successors

The tech world never stands still – new models are always on the horizon. Here’s what we know (or speculate) about successors or upcoming models for each brand as of August 2025:

  • TOZO (Golden X2 Pro Successor): The Golden X2 Pro itself only launched in early 2025 (announced at CES in January 2025) soundguys.com, so it’s still fresh in TOZO’s lineup. TOZO tends to release new models on roughly a yearly to 18-month cycle for their flagship line. There’s no official word yet on a “Golden X3” or similar successor. Given the Golden X1 was released April 2023 and the X2 Pro in early 2025, TOZO might continue this cadence – perhaps a Golden X3 in 2026. Instead of an immediate X3, TOZO expanded sideways in 2025 with other models: they unveiled the TOZO Open Ultra and TOZO Crystal Pods around the same time en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org. The Open Ultra is an “open-ear” design earbud (likely similar to Sony LinkBuds or AirPods, focusing on situational awareness), and the Crystal Pods seem to emphasize style (transparent design) and were also award-winning. These are not successors to the X2 Pro, but rather different series targeting other preferences. The Golden X2 Pro is TOZO’s top-tier offering for now, and it even won awards (CES Innovation Award 2025, MUSE Design Award Gold) en.wikipedia.org, indicating TOZO will likely let it lead their range for the year. We can expect TOZO to continue supporting it with firmware updates if needed, and perhaps we might see new color variants or a slight revision if there are any early issues. Looking ahead, if TOZO follows trends, a future Golden X3 Pro could further refine the formula: possibly adopting Bluetooth 5.4/LE Audio fully, maybe adding even longer battery or additional drivers (who knows, triple-driver TWS?). But that’s speculation. For now, TOZO fans can enjoy the X2 Pro knowing it’s the cutting-edge from TOZO and not likely to be eclipsed by a successor until at least late 2025 or 2026. Keep an eye on TOZO’s official channels in case they surprise us – the company has been aggressive in innovation, so they may already be cooking up the next big thing in their labs.
  • Samsung (Galaxy Buds series): The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro were released in July 2024 techradar.com (alongside a non-Pro Galaxy Buds 3). Typically, Samsung updated their Buds on a roughly 18-month cycle previously. Rumors in 2025 suggest that Samsung might skip a major Buds launch in 2025 and align the next launch with their phone releases in early 2026. In fact, a report indicated the Galaxy Buds 4 (and presumably Buds 4 Pro) could launch with the Galaxy S26 in early 2026, as Samsung might be moving to a 2-year cycle for earbuds phonearena.com sammobile.com. This means the Buds 3 Pro would remain the flagship through 2025. There were also rumblings about a possible “Fan Edition” earbuds in late 2024 or 2025 – the so-called Galaxy Buds 2 FE or something similar – but as of mid-2025, no such model materialized (Samsung launched Fan Edition phones and tablets in 2023/2024, but seemingly not earbuds) techradar.com techradar.com. Instead, what we saw were firmware updates adding features (like the One UI 7 features mentioned above) to the current Buds. Additionally, leaks point to something called Galaxy Buds “Core”, which might be a new budget model replacing the older Buds Live or Buds FE. A leaked FCC filing suggested “Galaxy Buds Core” could be an upcoming affordable set with a large 500 mAh case battery soundguys.com androidcentral.com. If those launch, they’d be a lower tier (below the Buds 3). For the next true successor: whenever the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro arrive, expectations are for further improved ANC (Samsung will try to dethrone Bose/Sony), possibly new biometric sensors (some patents suggest earbuds that can measure heart rate or body temp, which Samsung hasn’t implemented yet but competitors like Huawei have). We might also see a refined design that addresses any Buds 3 Pro feedback – maybe a compromise between stem and no-stem to improve stability, or more ear tip sizes included. Support for Bluetooth 5.4/LE Audio and Auracast is already in Buds 3 Pro, so Samsung will likely double down on those features as the LE Audio ecosystem grows. And of course, the Buds 4 Pro would launch alongside new Galaxy phones, perhaps integrating with Samsung’s emerging AI features (there’s talk of Samsung integrating more on-device AI – maybe future buds could have offline translation or voice assistant improvements). Until then, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro remain top of Samsung’s lineup, and buyers can be confident they won’t be immediately outdated. If you’re eyeing them now, you have at least until early 2026 before a new Pro model hits (and even then, Buds 3 Pro will continue to get updates in Samsung’s ecosystem for some time).
  • Sony (WF-1000XM series): Sony’s release pattern for the WF-1000X series has been every two years. We saw WF-1000XM3 in 2019, WF-1000XM4 in 2021, WF-1000XM5 in mid-2023 whathifi.com. Following that cadence, the WF-1000XM6 is anticipated around summer 2025. Indeed, rumors and leaks have started to surface. In June 2025, an import filing suggested Sony was in final testing of a new model, likely the XM6 whathifi.com. What Hi-Fi mused that based on the pattern, “the next pair… would arrive sometime between now and August 2025.” whathifi.com. As of August 17, 2025, Sony hasn’t officially announced the WF-1000XM6 yet, but it could be imminent (perhaps a late summer or autumn 2025 release). If not by late 2025, then CES or early 2026 at the latest. So what can we expect from the Sony WF-1000XM6? Sony tends to alternate between major redesigns and incremental improvements. The XM5 was a major redesign (smaller, new drivers, new processors). So the XM6 might refine rather than revolutionize. According to some early leaks and wishlists:
    • Improved design: possibly even smaller “frameless” earbuds (one rumor mentioned “frameless earbuds” which could mean no distinct nozzle vs body – a very seamless shape) notebookcheck.net. We might see new color options or materials.
    • Better water resistance: Sony might address the IPX4 limitation and bump it to IPX5 or IPX7, aligning with competitors.
    • Enhanced ANC: Sony will likely tweak the processors or add more mic capabilities to further improve noise canceling. Given Bose and even Apple are pushing the envelope, Sony will want to reclaim absolute ANC crown. Maybe adaptive ANC that better handles sudden noises or even more personalized ANC using ear canal analysis.
    • Microphone upgrades: Expect Sony to work on call quality too. They could incorporate higher bandwidth voice or new AI algorithms (perhaps leveraging that “Sony LLM” if they integrate some on-device intelligence, who knows).
    • Hi-Res and audio features: Perhaps support for LDAC Plus or even MQA decoding, though the latter is less likely. Sony could also fully activate LC3 codec support and perhaps even support LHDC (if they wanted to broaden compatibility in Asian markets). But Sony usually sticks to LDAC.
    • Battery life: Possibly similar or slightly improved efficiency (the jump from XM4 to XM5 added an hour or so; XM6 might try to maintain 8h ANC but with smaller size or more power-hungry features, so hard to predict).
    • Price: There’s speculation Sony could price XM6 a bit higher if they add significantly new tech, but given market pressure, they might stick around $299. If they include something truly novel (like built-in storage or something wild, though unlikely), price could differ. But likely it remains in the same premium bracket.
    Notably, Sony had released the over-ear WH-1000XM6 in May 2025 whathifi.com, which were well-received. Sometimes features trickle from over-ears to in-ears. The WH-1000XM6, for instance, introduced some UI changes (like swipe gestures for sound selection on the earcup) and improved drivers. For WF-1000XM6, we’ll watch if Sony introduces any new audio processing (perhaps leveraging their new partnership with Qobuz for 360 Reality content, etc.) or new sensors. Another angle: competition from Apple’s AirPods Pro (3rd gen likely in late 2025/2026) and others might push Sony to incorporate things like lossless audio over wireless (Apple is rumored to use a new wireless protocol for lossless on next AirPods). Sony already has LDAC which is near-lossless, but maybe they will support the upcoming Bluetooth LE Audio’s LC3plus or future lossless modes. In any case, SoundGuys and others have even advised that since the XM5 has been out for two years, “these are next up for a refresh” and if you’re not in a hurry, you might wait for the WF-1000XM6 soundguys.com. However, they also note the XM5 in 2025 is still an excellent purchase and one of the top performers soundguys.com. So, if you need earbuds now, the XM5 won’t suddenly become obsolete – but it’s nice to know an even better Sony bud is likely around the corner. If you love Sony’s approach, you might keep an eye on tech news this fall for any announcements of the XM6. If they don’t appear by end of 2025, then early 2026 for sure.

In summary, the earbud landscape will see new arrivals in the next year or so: TOZO will likely continue innovating in their niche (perhaps a Golden X3 in 2026 with even more impressive specs), Samsung is expected to refresh the Galaxy Buds line with a 4th gen around early 2026 (so Buds 3 Pro remain current through 2025), and Sony’s WF-1000XM6 are highly anticipated possibly by late 2025 with improvements to keep Sony on the throne of ANC earbuds whathifi.com. For consumers, that means more choices – and possibly great deals on the “old” models. For example, if Sony announces the XM6, the XM5 might drop further in price and become a bargain. Likewise, Samsung Buds 3 Pro will get cheaper as time goes on, before Buds 4 Pro arrive. It’s an exciting time, with technology like LE Audio opening new possibilities (Auracast broadcasts, lower latency, etc.) that all these brands will embrace. But rest assured, the TOZO Golden X2 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and Sony WF-1000XM5 are all cutting-edge earbuds of 2025 – any of them will serve you well now and into the foreseeable future.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between the TOZO Golden X2 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and Sony WF-1000XM5 ultimately comes down to your priorities and ecosystem:

  • Sound & ANC: The Sony WF-1000XM5 still offers the most authoritative noise cancellation and a rich, bass-infused sound that can be tailored to perfection soundguys.com soundguys.com. They are ideal for the frequent traveler or audiophile who wants to drown out the world and sink into warm, immersive audio. You pay a premium, but you get arguably the best overall performance on these fronts.
  • Features & Integration: The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are feature-packed and especially shine for Samsung Galaxy users. They deliver vibrant, detailed audio (especially with a Galaxy phone’s SSC codec) digitaltrends.com, have very capable ANC/transparency, and boast unique perks like spatial audio, smart ambient mode, and translation features. If you’re in the Android world (and particularly if you have a Samsung phone or tablet), the Buds 3 Pro offer a wonderfully integrated experience where everything “just works” – from seamless device switching to special Samsung-only tricks whathifi.com digitaltrends.com. They’re a true AirPods Pro alternative for Android, and even for non-Samsung users they offer nearly everything (minus multipoint) at a slightly more accessible price than Sony.
  • Value & Innovation: The TOZO Golden X2 Pro is the dark horse that punches well above its weight. It brings premium acoustic hardware and groundbreaking features like AI translation into a sub-$200 package soundguys.com androidheadlines.com. It’s an amazing value for tech enthusiasts who want to experience the latest bells and whistles without breaking the bank. While its brand cachet isn’t as high and its support/finish might not be as polished as Samsung or Sony, TOZO has shown it can deliver on core functionality (the Golden X1 proved they can nail sound quality reddit.com reddit.com). The X2 Pro broadens that scope significantly. For a tech-savvy user who loves trying new features (and doesn’t mind using the companion app for things like AI mode), the TOZO can be extremely satisfying and a conversation starter (“your case has a touchscreen!?”).

In 2025, wireless earbud buyers are spoiled for choice. All three of these models are excellent in their own right. Sony offers the refinement and prestige of a category leader – you know what you’re getting, and it’s great. Samsung offers a versatile all-rounder that particularly rewards Galaxy owners – it’s arguably the most feature-balanced choice (no area is weak, and some are outstanding like comfort and call quality whathifi.com). TOZO offers a bold, value-packed option that doesn’t skimp on the future-forward features – it’s for those who want maximum tech for the money, and are willing to step outside the usual brands.

No matter which you choose – golden elegance with AI (TOZO), galaxy-grade smart sound (Samsung), or sony’s gold-standard silence (WF-1000XM5) – you’ll be getting a top-tier listening device that elevates your music and communications. Be sure to consider how each aligns with your devices and usage: e.g., do you live on Zoom calls (maybe favor Samsung’s mic and Sony’s ANC), do you love hi-res music (Sony or Samsung on a Galaxy), do you travel internationally (TOZO’s translator could be a boon), etc.

One thing is clear: the wireless earbud space has matured immensely, and these three models show just how far we’ve come – from incredible sound in tiny form factors to smart features that would’ve seemed like science fiction a few years ago. It’s a great time to be a listener. Happy listening!

Sources:

The BEST Wireless Earbuds of the Year: An AUDIO ENGINEER's Review
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