Apple AirPods Pro (1st Gen) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
The Verdict
Both flagship earbuds deliver premium audio experiences at comparable price points, but excel in different areas. Apple AirPods Pro feature industry-leading ANC and spatial audio integration with seamless iOS ecosystem pairing, though they lag in raw battery life at 4.5 hours per charge versus Samsung's 5 hours. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro counter with superior durability (IPX7 vs IPX4), faster charging via USB-C (5 minutes yields 1 hour playback), and an intelligent three-level ANC system with 360 Audio and head tracking. Samsung's dual-driver configuration (10mm woofer plus 5.3mm tweeter) offers richer audio separation than Apple's single custom driver. For Apple ecosystem users prioritizing transparency mode smoothness and spatial audio, AirPods Pro remain exceptional. Android users, especially Galaxy owners, gain better value from Buds2 Pro's cross-device switching, superior water resistance, and longer session battery life. Both lack multipoint connectivity, a notable omission at this price tier. Consider your ecosystem first, then prioritize either ANC refinement or battery longevity.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods Pro (1st Gen) if…
- →Excellent ANC for the compact size — blocks most ambient noise
- →Transparency mode sounds remarkably natural
- →Three ear tip sizes ensure a secure, comfortable fit
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 Pro (1st Gen)
Pros
- Excellent ANC for the compact size — blocks most ambient noise
- Transparency mode sounds remarkably natural
- Three ear tip sizes ensure a secure, comfortable fit
- Spatial Audio support added via firmware update
- Seamless integration across Apple devices
Cons
- 4.5-hour ANC battery life is short compared to newer models
- Lightning charging port — no USB-C
- Ear tips are prone to degradation and cracking over time
- Force sensor on stems can be tricky to press without dislodging
- Superseded by AirPods Pro 2 with significantly better specs
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 Pro (1st Gen) | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 5.4 g (each) | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4.5 hrs ANC on (24 hrs total with case) | 5 hrs (earbuds with ANC), 18 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Lightning or Qi wireless charging | 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 | Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio (added via software update), Three sizes of silicone ear tips, Ear tip fit test | 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 |
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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