Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro vs Sony ULT Wear
The Verdict
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro excel as premium true wireless earbuds with intelligent ANC featuring three adjustable levels, custom coaxial dual drivers delivering balanced sound, and seamless integration across Samsung devices via Auto Switch. Sony ULT Wear positions itself as an over-ear alternative with exceptional battery longevity (30 hours with ANC enabled), LDAC hi-res audio support, and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity for switching between devices. Sound signature differs significantly: Samsung prioritizes balanced clarity with 360 Audio head tracking, while Sony emphasizes bass response through its ULT button with two boost levels. Battery capacity heavily favors Sony at 30 versus 5 hours, though Samsung's rapid 5-minute charging mitigates this advantage. Form factor determines suitability—earbuds provide portability and gym compatibility with IPX7 water resistance, while over-ears offer superior comfort for extended listening sessions. At nearly identical price points, Samsung better serves mobile users valuing compact design and ecosystem integration, whereas Sony appeals to commuters and desk workers prioritizing extended playtime and hi-res audio capabilities. Choose Samsung for versatility and Samsung ecosystem users; select Sony for marathon listening sessions and hi-res audio enthusiasts.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Sony ULT Wear if…
- →ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- →50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- →LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Sony ULT Wear
Pros
- ULT bass button adds two levels of genuinely impactful bass boost
- 50-hour battery without ANC is industry-leading endurance
- LDAC hi-res audio and multipoint at just $199 is outstanding value
- Effective ANC that rivals headphones at twice the price
- Sony's proven comfort and lightweight design
Cons
- ULT bass mode can overwhelm mids and treble at max setting
- No IP rating — not suitable for gym or outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.2 instead of newer 5.3
- Plastic build feels less premium than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro | Sony ULT Wear |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 5.5 g (each) | 255 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 5 hrs (earbuds with ANC), 18 hrs total with case | 30 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless, 5 min = 1 hr playback | USB-C, 10-min quick charge for 5 hrs |
| Drivers | Custom coaxial 2-way driver (10mm woofer + 5.3mm tweeter) | 40 mm |
| Features | 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 | ULT button for extra bass — two bass boost levels, Adaptive Sound Control, LDAC hi-res audio, Multipoint Bluetooth pairing, Speak-to-Chat auto-pause, 360 Reality Audio |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | Samsung Seamless (24-bit), AAC, SBC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX7 | None |
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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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