When it comes to premium wireless earbuds in 2024, two standout options are the Apple AirPods 3rd Generation ($179) and the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($229). Let's break down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your needs.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's models pack impressive technology into tiny packages, offering features that seemed impossible just a few years ago. The key innovations we're seeing focus on sound quality, noise management, and smart features that integrate with our daily lives.
What makes current generation earbuds special is their ability to do multiple jobs well - from handling work calls to delivering immersive music experiences. Both the AirPods 3 (released October 2021) and Galaxy Buds2 Pro (released August 2022) represent their manufacturers' latest thinking about what premium earbuds should offer.
The biggest factor in choosing between these earbuds might not be the earbuds themselves, but rather what other devices you use. Here's why:
The AirPods 3 offer what Apple calls "magical" integration with iOS devices, and it's not just marketing speak. Features include:
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro excel with Android devices, especially Samsung phones, offering:
Both earbuds deliver excellent audio, but they take different approaches:
For home theater use, both support spatial audio, but they implement it differently. The AirPods 3 excel with Apple TV content, creating a convincing surround sound effect that stays anchored as you move your head. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer similar functionality with Samsung TVs and devices, though the ecosystem is more limited.
This is perhaps the most subjective area, but there are clear differences in approach:
The AirPods 3 use an open design that sits in your ear rather than sealing it. This means:
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro use traditional in-ear tips:
Real-world battery life depends heavily on how you use these earbuds:
AirPods 3:
Galaxy Buds2 Pro:
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro have a clear advantage here with IPX7 rating (can be submerged in water), while the AirPods 3 offer IPX4 (splash resistant). For most users, both are perfectly fine for workouts and rain, but if you're planning on heavy water exposure, the Buds2 Pro are more robust.
At $179, the AirPods 3 represent a solid value for Apple users who don't need ANC. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro at $229 offer more features but at a higher price point. Both frequently go on sale, so watching for deals can save you $30-50.
Consider these scenarios:
After extensive testing of both models, I've found that the AirPods 3 excel at convenience and calls, while the Buds2 Pro win for pure audio quality and isolation. For home theater use, I prefer the AirPods 3 with Apple TV content due to the more seamless integration, though both perform well in this role.
Both these models represent the current state of the art in their respective ecosystems. While we expect new models eventually, both remain excellent choices that should serve well for several years. The key technologies - spatial audio, adaptive EQ, and smart device switching - continue to receive software updates that improve performance over time.
The choice between these earbuds largely comes down to your ecosystem preference and whether you need active noise cancellation. Both are excellent products that demonstrate how far wireless audio has come. The AirPods 3 offer exceptional integration with Apple devices and great all-around performance, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro deliver superior sound quality and noise cancellation at a premium price point.
Remember, the best earbuds are the ones that fit your specific needs and usage patterns. Consider how you'll primarily use them, what devices you'll connect them to, and what features matter most to you before making your decision.
| Apple AirPods 3rd Generation ($179) | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($229) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - Critical for commuting or office use | |
| No ANC | Yes, with intelligent switching |
| Water Resistance - Important for workouts and durability | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX7 (can be submerged) |
| Battery Life - Key for all-day use without charging | |
| 6 hours (buds), 30 hours (with case) | 5 hours (with ANC), 20 hours (with case) |
| Fit Style - Affects comfort and sound isolation | |
| Open design (no tips) | In-ear sealed (multiple tip sizes) |
| Sound Quality - Impacts overall listening experience | |
| Single driver, good clarity | Dual drivers, superior bass and detail |
| Ecosystem Integration - Crucial for seamless daily use | |
| Optimal with Apple devices, limited Android support | Best with Samsung/Android, basic iOS support |
| Special Audio Features - Enhances movies and music | |
| Spatial Audio with head tracking | 360 Audio, 24-bit audio (Samsung phones only) |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| MagSafe, Qi wireless, Lightning | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Voice Call Quality - Important for work use | |
| Superior wind noise handling, clearer voice | Good clarity, more ambient noise |
| Find My Device Support - Helpful for lost earbuds | |
| Apple Find My network (extensive coverage) | SmartThings Find (limited to Samsung ecosystem) |
For movie watching, both offer spatial audio, but the AirPods 3 provide better integration with Apple TV and iOS devices. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer superior sound quality and noise cancellation, which can enhance the movie experience in noisy environments. For pure home theater use, AirPods 3 are better with Apple TV, while Buds2 Pro excel with Samsung TVs.
The AirPods 3 use an open design that many find more comfortable for extended use, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer a sealed fit that some users may find fatiguing after several hours. Personal preference plays a big role here.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro deliver superior sound quality with dual drivers and ANC, while the AirPods 3 offer good but less detailed audio. For critical listening, the Buds2 Pro are the clear winner.
At $179, the AirPods 3 are more affordable than the $229 Galaxy Buds2 Pro. The price difference reflects the Buds2 Pro's additional features like ANC and better water resistance.
Both offer low latency with their respective ecosystems. The AirPods 3 work best with Apple devices, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer gaming mode with Samsung devices. Neither has significant advantage for cross-platform gaming.
The AirPods 3 seamlessly switch between Apple devices, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro work best within the Samsung ecosystem. Both can connect to other Bluetooth devices with limited functionality.
The AirPods 3 offer 6 hours per charge with 30 hours total with case. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro provide 5 hours with ANC (8 without) and 20 hours total with case.
Yes, both support spatial audio for movies and music. The AirPods 3 use Apple's implementation, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro use Samsung's 360 Audio. Both track head movement for an immersive experience.
For Apple TV users, the AirPods 3 offer better integration and seamless switching. Samsung TV owners will prefer the Galaxy Buds2 Pro. Both provide good audio quality for TV content.
Both excel at calls, but the AirPods 3 generally offer better voice clarity and wind noise reduction. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro provide the advantage of noise cancellation during calls.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer superior water resistance (IPX7) compared to the AirPods 3 (IPX4). Both are fine for workouts, but the Buds2 Pro provide better protection against water damage.
The AirPods 3 offer instant pairing and seamless integration with Apple devices. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro provide similar convenience for Samsung users. Both require additional steps for use outside their native ecosystems.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: recordingnow.com - apple.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - support.apple.com - apple.com - portableone.com - apple.com - bhphotovideo.com - apple.com - apple.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - brandsmartusa.com - shopsavvy.com - microcenter.com - androidauthority.com
