When it comes to premium wireless earbuds in 2024, two standout options are the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation ($179) and the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189.99). Let's dive into 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 premium models offer features that seemed like science fiction just a few years ago - from spatial audio that creates a personal surround sound experience to AI-powered noise cancellation that adapts to your environment in real-time.
The key technologies that matter most are:
The AirPods 4 maintain Apple's signature stem design but with a shorter profile than previous generations. They're designed to sit in your ear without silicone tips, which some users find more comfortable for long sessions. However, this "one-size-fits-most" approach means they might not stay secure during vigorous activity.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro take a different approach with a more compact design that sits entirely in your ear. They're notably lighter at 5.4g per bud (compared to AirPods' 4.3g), and the transparent case adds a modern touch. The IPX7 water resistance rating makes them more suitable for workouts than the AirPods.
Both earbuds deliver excellent audio quality, but there are noticeable differences in their sound signatures:
AirPods 4 provide:
Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer:
The AirPods 4 introduce active noise cancellation to the non-Pro AirPods line for the first time. In testing, they perform surprisingly well at blocking mid and high-frequency noise (like office chatter or train sounds) but struggle somewhat with low frequencies due to the lack of ear tips.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro's noise cancellation is good but not class-leading. However, they make up for this with excellent passive noise isolation thanks to their in-ear design. In practice, this means they might actually block more noise in certain situations, especially if you can get a good seal.
This is where ecosystem integration really matters. The AirPods 4 offer:
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro counter with:
Both sets of earbuds offer similar battery life:
Both support wireless charging and quick charging features, though the Galaxy Buds3 Pro's smaller battery cells charge slightly faster.
For home theater use, both earbuds support spatial audio technologies that can enhance movie watching. The AirPods 4's implementation tends to work better with Apple TV and iOS devices, while the Galaxy Buds3 Pro work best with Samsung TVs and Android devices.
Key considerations for home theater use:
At $179 for the AirPods 4 and $189.99 for the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, these earbuds are similarly priced. The value proposition depends largely on your existing device ecosystem:
Apple users get:
Samsung/Android users get:
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
Both the AirPods 4 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro are excellent wireless earbuds that showcase the latest advances in personal audio technology. Your choice should primarily depend on your device ecosystem and specific needs rather than any substantial quality difference between the two.
For Apple users, the AirPods 4 provide the most seamless experience and best integration with iOS devices. For Samsung and Android users, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer more features and better customization options. Either way, you're getting a capable set of earbuds that will serve you well for years to come.
| Apple AirPods 4 ($179) | Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189.99) |
|---|---|
| Ecosystem Integration - Determines how seamlessly they work with your devices | |
| Optimized for Apple/iOS, instant pairing, automatic switching | Optimized for Samsung/Android, supports Google Fast Pair |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - Affects how well they block outside noise | |
| Better at mid/high frequencies, limited by open design | Moderate performance, depends on ear seal |
| Battery Life with ANC - Important for all-day use | |
| 5 hours buds, 24 hours with case | 5.2 hours buds, 20 hours with case |
| Water Resistance - Critical for workout use or rain | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IP57 (water/dust resistant) |
| Sound Profile - Determines music enjoyment and quality | |
| Balanced, neutral sound, weaker bass | V-shaped sound, stronger bass, customizable EQ |
| Special Features - Added value beyond basic functions | |
| Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Spatial Audio | Real-time translation, Galaxy AI, 360 Audio |
| Charging Options - Convenience factor | |
| USB-C, Qi wireless, MagSafe compatible | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Multi-Device Support - Important for work/home flexibility | |
| Seamless within Apple ecosystem only | Works across devices, best with Samsung |
| Call Quality - Essential for work use | |
| Superior voice clarity, better wind noise handling | Good but slightly muffled, better with Samsung phones |
| Fit Style - Affects comfort and security | |
| Open ear design, one size fits most | In-ear design, multiple tip sizes |
For home theater use, the Apple AirPods 4 ($179) offer better spatial audio implementation with Apple TV and iOS devices, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189.99) work best with Samsung TVs. Both provide good surround sound effects, but ecosystem matching is crucial for optimal performance.
The AirPods 4 perform better at blocking mid and high-frequency noise, which is important for dialog clarity when watching movies. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro provide better passive noise isolation due to their in-ear design, but their active noise cancellation isn't quite as effective.
Both can connect to any TV with Bluetooth audio output. However, advanced features like spatial audio work best when paired within their ecosystems - AirPods 4 with Apple TV, Galaxy Buds3 Pro with Samsung TVs.
The AirPods 4 offer 5 hours with noise cancellation (24 hours with case), while Galaxy Buds3 Pro provide 5.2 hours (20 hours with case). For movie watching, both will last through most films on a single charge.
Both earbuds handle latency well within their respective ecosystems. AirPods 4 have minimal delay with Apple devices, while Galaxy Buds3 Pro perform best with Samsung devices. This is crucial for lip-sync when watching videos.
The AirPods 4 use an open design that some find more comfortable for extended viewing. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer multiple tip sizes for a customized fit, but the in-ear design might cause fatigue for some users.
Neither product supports sharing audio between two pairs of earbuds natively. For shared viewing, you'll need separate pairs or different audio solutions.
Both work well with all streaming apps, but AirPods 4 integrate better with Apple TV+ and iTunes, while Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer optimized performance with Samsung's Smart TV apps.
The AirPods 4 have lower latency with Apple devices, making them better for iOS gaming. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro perform similarly well with Android devices. Both support spatial audio for immersive gaming.
Galaxy Buds3 Pro provide more extensive EQ customization through their app. AirPods 4 offer Adaptive EQ but with limited user adjustability.
Both can connect to multiple devices, but AirPods 4 switch more seamlessly between Apple devices, while Galaxy Buds3 Pro work better across Android devices.
Both the AirPods 4 and Galaxy Buds3 Pro justify their similar price points through different strengths. Your existing device ecosystem should be the primary factor in choosing between them.
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 - head-fi.org - soundguys.com - yankodesign.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - phonearena.com - cdw.com - soundguys.com - youtube.com - samsung.com - cnet.com - samsung.com
