Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
The Verdict
Both deliver solid active noise cancellation in the under-$250 range, but with different strengths. Apple AirPods 4 excel in ecosystem integration and call quality, featuring the H2 chip, Voice Isolation, and seamless multidevice connectivity for iPhone users. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer superior audio hardware with dual-driver coaxial design, better total battery life (18 vs 30 hours total, but 5-hour single-charge parity), and intelligent ANC with three adjustable levels. Galaxy Buds2 provide IPX7 water resistance versus IP54, and faster charging (5 minutes yields 1 hour playback). Sound quality favors Samsung's more sophisticated driver setup, while Apple prioritizes ecosystem convenience and call performance. Apple users will appreciate tighter integration and Spatial Audio personalization. Samsung users gain better durability, superior audio hardware, and cross-device flexibility. For audio-first listeners seeking versatility, Galaxy Buds2 Pro justify their $50 premium. For Apple ecosystem devotees prioritizing calls and Siri integration, AirPods 4 deliver excellent value.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) if…
- →First open-fit AirPods with active noise cancellation
- →Much more comfortable than Pro for users who dislike silicone tips
- →Smaller, lighter case with USB-C and wireless charging
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 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation)
Pros
- First open-fit AirPods with active noise cancellation
- Much more comfortable than Pro for users who dislike silicone tips
- Smaller, lighter case with USB-C and wireless charging
- Adaptive Audio, Spatial Audio, and Conversation Awareness
- Cheaper than AirPods Pro 2
Cons
- ANC is weaker than tip-sealed earbuds like AirPods Pro 2
- No swappable ear tips means fit may not suit everyone
- AAC only — no hi-res or lossless codecs
- No Precision Finding (no U1 chip in case)
- No wireless charging on the cheaper non-ANC variant (this model has it)
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 4 (with Active Noise Cancellation) | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 4.3 g (per bud) | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs buds (ANC on), up to 30 hrs total with case | 5 hrs (earbuds with ANC), 18 hrs total with case |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless, Apple Watch charger | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback |
| Drivers | Custom Apple low-distortion driver with high-dynamic-range amplifier | Custom coaxial 2-way driver (10mm woofer + 5.3mm tweeter) |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation in an open-fit (non-tip) design, Adaptive Audio and Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking, H2 chip, Find My (case speaker, no Precision Finding U1), Voice Isolation for calls | 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 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IP54 (buds and case) | IPX7 |
Related Comparisons
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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