When it comes to premium wireless earbuds in 2024, both Apple's AirPods 4 ($179.99) and Samsung's Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($229.99) are compelling options. 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. Modern earbuds pack impressive technology into tiny packages - think noise cancellation that rivals over-ear headphones, spatial audio that creates virtual surround sound, and smart features that seamlessly integrate with our phones and tablets.
The key features that matter most to users today are:
The AirPods 4 represent Apple's latest innovation in their standard AirPods line, adding active noise cancellation for the first time in this design. Released in early 2024, they bring several improvements over previous generations:
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro, while released in late 2022, remain Samsung's flagship earbuds with features that still compete well in 2024:
If you're using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, the AirPods 4 offer an almost magical connection experience. They:
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro shine brightest in Samsung's ecosystem but work well with all Android devices. They offer:
The AirPods 4 deliver balanced, natural sound that works well for most music genres. Their new driver design provides clearer mids and improved bass compared to previous generations. The spatial audio feature creates an impressive surround sound effect for movies and supported music.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro take a different approach with their dual-driver system - one speaker handles bass while another manages higher frequencies. This results in more detailed sound with powerful bass, making them particularly good for bass-heavy music and action movies.
Both earbuds handle noise cancellation differently:
AirPods 4 use Adaptive Audio, which:
Galaxy Buds2 Pro feature:
Both earbuds work well for home theater, but with different strengths:
AirPods 4 excel when:
Galaxy Buds2 Pro are better for:
Consider these key factors when deciding between AirPods 4 and Galaxy Buds2 Pro:
The best choice ultimately depends on your personal needs and preferences. Both products excel in their intended ecosystems and use cases, so focus on matching their strengths to your specific requirements.
Remember: The AirPods 4 are your best bet if you're an Apple user who values seamless integration and clear calls, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro are ideal for Android users who prioritize sound quality and durability.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($179.99) | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($229.99) |
|---|---|
| Ecosystem Integration - Determines how seamlessly they work with your devices | |
| Apple-optimized, instant pairing, automatic switching | Samsung/Android-optimized, standard Android compatibility |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Critical for blocking unwanted environmental sounds | |
| Adaptive ANC with conversation awareness | Strong consistent ANC with intelligent switching |
| Water Resistance - Important for durability and workout use | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant only) | IPX7 (can be submerged up to 1m for 30 min) |
| Battery Life with ANC - Determines how often you need to charge | |
| 4 hours per charge, 20 hours total with case | 5 hours per charge, 20 hours total with case |
| Audio Architecture - Affects overall sound quality and performance | |
| Single driver with H2 chip processing | Dual driver (10mm woofer + 5.3mm tweeter) |
| Special Features - Extra capabilities that might matter for specific uses | |
| Spatial Audio, Find My support, Voice Isolation | 360 Audio, Gaming Mode, Live Translate |
| Fit Style - Affects comfort and passive noise isolation | |
| Semi-open design with shorter stem | In-ear sealed design with wing tips |
| Voice Call Quality - Important for frequent callers | |
| Superior with advanced beam-forming mics | Good but not class-leading |
For movie watching, both offer excellent features. The AirPods 4 excel with spatial audio support when using Apple TV, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro have superior bass response. For home theater use, AirPods 4 are better with Apple TV, while Galaxy Buds2 Pro work better with Samsung TVs.
The AirPods 4 at $179.99 offer better value for Apple users, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro at $229.99 justify their higher price with better sound hardware and water resistance. Your ecosystem choice should guide this decision.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro provide stronger consistent noise cancellation, while the AirPods 4 offer adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts automatically. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro's sealed design provides better passive noise isolation.
Yes, the AirPods 4 work with Android phones via standard Bluetooth, but you'll lose special features like instant pairing and spatial audio. For Android users, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer a more feature-complete experience.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro last slightly longer at 5 hours with ANC on, compared to 4 hours for the AirPods 4. Both cases provide about 20 hours of total use with charging.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro include a dedicated gaming mode for reduced latency, making them better for gaming. The AirPods 4 work well for casual gaming but don't have a specific gaming mode.
Both work well, but the AirPods 4 offer easier device switching and better integration with Apple TV. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro provide stronger noise isolation and bass response for action movies.
The AirPods 4 support audio sharing with another pair of AirPods when using Apple devices. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro don't have an equivalent feature.
The AirPods 4 offer superior call quality with better voice isolation and beam-forming microphones. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro provide good call quality but aren't quite as clear.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro have IPX7 water resistance and can handle rain or sweat better than the AirPods 4, which only have IPX4 splash resistance.
The AirPods 4 automatically switch between Apple devices seamlessly. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro work well across Android devices but excel within the Samsung ecosystem.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer superior sound quality with dual drivers and better bass response. The AirPods 4 provide balanced sound that works well for most music but lack the same level of detail and bass impact.
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: tomsguide.com - apple.com - youtube.com - apple.com - staples.com - support.apple.com - connection.com - support.apple.com - pcrichard.com - adorama.com - zones.com - cdw.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - brandsmartusa.com - shopsavvy.com - microcenter.com - androidauthority.com
