Apple AirPods 3rd Gen vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
The Verdict
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen excel in seamless ecosystem integration and battery longevity, delivering 6 hours of earbud playback versus Galaxy Buds2 Pro's 5 hours with ANC enabled. Samsung counters with active noise cancellation, superior dual-driver audio architecture featuring a 10mm woofer and 5.3mm tweeter, and IPX7 water resistance compared to IPX4. Galaxy Buds2 Pro support higher-quality Samsung Seamless codec at 24-bit and offer Intelligent ANC with three adjustable levels, though lacking multipoint connectivity on both models. AirPods 3 lean on Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking and wireless charging convenience, while Samsung prioritizes audio fidelity and active noise control. For Apple ecosystem users prioritizing all-day battery and effortless connectivity, AirPods 3 deliver compelling value. However, Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro suit Android users wanting premium ANC and audio performance despite shorter battery endurance. At $60 more, Galaxy Buds2 Pro justify the premium for active noise cancellation and superior drivers.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 3rd Gen if…
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- →MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- →IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro if…
- →24-bit Samsung Seamless codec for Hi-Fi audio quality on Galaxy devices
- →360 Audio with head tracking creates an immersive surround experience
- →Compact and lightweight at 5.5 g per earbud for comfortable fit
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods 3rd Gen
Pros
- Spatial Audio with head tracking creates an immersive listening experience
- MagSafe charging case is convenient for iPhone and Apple Watch charger users
- IPX4 sweat and water resistance for workouts
- Comfortable open-ear design with shorter stems than AirPods 2
- Excellent microphone quality for calls
Cons
- No active noise cancellation at $169 price point
- Open design leaks sound and doesn't isolate ambient noise
- No ear tips — may not fit all ear shapes securely
- AAC-only codec limits audio quality on Android devices
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Pros
- 24-bit Samsung Seamless codec for Hi-Fi audio quality on Galaxy devices
- 360 Audio with head tracking creates an immersive surround experience
- Compact and lightweight at 5.5 g per earbud for comfortable fit
- IPX7 water resistance handles sweat and rain confidently
- Voice Detect automatically pauses and enables transparency mode
Cons
- Samsung Seamless codec only works with Samsung Galaxy devices
- 5-hour ANC battery life is short — case extends to 18 hours
- No multipoint Bluetooth for dual-device connectivity
- Touch controls can be finicky and hard to activate consistently
- ANC is not as strong as Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro 2
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods 3rd Gen | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.28 g (each) | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 6 hrs (earbuds), 30 hrs total with case | 5 hrs (earbuds with ANC), 18 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Lightning or MagSafe wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver with custom amplifier | Custom coaxial 2-way driver (10mm woofer + 5.3mm tweeter) |
| Features | Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Adaptive EQ, MagSafe and wireless charging case, Force sensor controls, Automatic device switching | Intelligent ANC with 3 adjustable levels, 360 Audio with head tracking, SmartThings Find for locating lost earbuds, Auto Switch between Samsung devices, Voice Detect for automatic transparency mode |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | Samsung Seamless (24-bit), AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX7 |
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This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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