Let's dive into the world of high-end wireless earbuds, comparing two of the most popular options: the $189.99 Apple AirPods Pro 2 and $129.99 Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro. Both released in 2022, these earbuds represent the cutting edge of what's possible in tiny wireless audio devices.
Modern wireless earbuds have evolved far beyond simple Bluetooth headphones. They're now sophisticated mini-computers that pack impressive audio technology, noise cancellation, and smart features into something smaller than a chocolate chip cookie. The best ones act almost like hearing augmentation devices, helping you control exactly what you hear from the world around you.
Premium earbuds differentiate themselves through advanced features like:
The biggest factor in choosing between the AirPods Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds2 Pro isn't actually sound quality - it's which phones and devices you use. Both companies have created compelling ecosystems that work best with their own products.
If you're an iPhone user, the AirPods Pro 2 offer an almost magical experience. They instantly pair with all your Apple devices, switching automatically between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac as needed. The Find My network makes losing them nearly impossible, as millions of Apple devices can help locate them.
Similarly, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro shine brightest with Samsung devices, offering instant pairing and their own version of spatial audio. However, they're more flexible overall, working well with any Android phone and reasonably well with iPhones (though with reduced features).
Both earbuds sound excellent, but they take different approaches to audio reproduction.
The AirPods Pro 2 aim for accuracy and clarity. They have a relatively neutral sound profile that works well across all types of music. What's impressive is how they adapt to your ear shape using internal microphones to tune the sound specifically for you.
In my testing, they excel with acoustic music and podcasts, where voice clarity is crucial. The spatial audio feature, which creates a virtual surround sound experience, is particularly impressive when watching movies.
Samsung's buds take a more dynamic approach, with stronger bass response and a dual-driver design (meaning separate speakers for high and low frequencies). They support 24-bit high-resolution audio when used with compatible Samsung phones, which can provide more detail in the music - though honestly, most people won't notice the difference.
Having used both sets extensively, here's how they perform in everyday situations:
Both offer excellent noise cancellation, but they handle it differently:
The AirPods Pro 2 are the clear winner for phone calls. Their stem design places microphones closer to your mouth, and Apple's voice isolation technology is industry-leading. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro are good, but not quite at the same level.
This is highly personal, but the Galaxy Buds2 Pro's smaller size and lighter weight make them more comfortable for many people. However, the AirPods Pro 2's stem design makes them easier to insert and remove.
Both earbuds can enhance your home theater experience, but in different ways:
When paired with an Apple TV or other Apple device, the spatial audio feature creates a convincing virtual surround sound experience. It's not quite as good as dedicated home theater speakers, but it's impressive for late-night movie watching.
Samsung's 360 Audio feature offers similar functionality, but it's limited to Samsung devices. The stronger bass response makes action movies more impactful, though the spatial audio effect isn't quite as refined as Apple's version.
Both sets of earbuds offer similar battery life:
Both support wireless charging and quick charging features, providing about an hour of listening time from a 5-minute charge.
Since their 2022 release, both products have received several software updates:
Here's a straightforward way to choose between these excellent earbuds:
At their current prices (AirPods Pro 2 at $189.99 and Galaxy Buds2 Pro at $129.99), both represent good value for their features. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer more bang for your buck if you're not invested in the Apple ecosystem, while the AirPods Pro 2's premium is justified by their seamless integration with Apple devices and superior call quality.
Both the AirPods Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds2 Pro are excellent choices that demonstrate how far wireless earbud technology has come. Your ecosystem preference should be the primary factor in your decision, followed by your specific needs for water resistance, call quality, and sound signature preferences.
Remember, the best earbuds are the ones that fit your specific needs and usage patterns. Consider how you'll primarily use them - for music, calls, exercise, or movies - and choose accordingly.
| Apple AirPods Pro 2 ($189.99) | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($129.99) |
|---|---|
| Ecosystem Integration - Critical for features and convenience | |
| Optimized for Apple devices, instant pairing, seamless switching | Best with Samsung/Android, limited iOS features |
| Battery Life (ANC On) - Important for daily use without charging | |
| 6 hours (30+ with case) | 5 hours (18+ with case) |
| Water Resistance - Critical for exercise or rain exposure | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IPX7 (submersible up to 1m) |
| Audio Technology - Impacts overall sound quality | |
| Single dynamic driver, H2 chip, balanced sound | Dual driver (woofer + tweeter), stronger bass |
| Noise Cancellation - Essential for commuting or office use | |
| Superior for high frequencies and wind noise | Better for low frequencies and constant noise |
| Special Features - Can be deciding factors for specific uses | |
| Find My network, Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ | 360 Audio, 24-bit audio, Auto Switch (Samsung) |
| Call Quality - Important for frequent callers | |
| Industry-leading voice clarity, stem design helps | Good but not as clear, no stem design |
| Size/Weight - Affects comfort during long sessions | |
| 5.3g per bud, stem design | 5.5g per bud, more compact design |
| Case Charging - Convenience factor | |
| MagSafe, Qi, USB-C, Apple Watch charger compatible | Qi wireless, USB-C |
| Price-to-Feature Ratio - Value consideration | |
| Higher price, but better Apple ecosystem value | Better overall value, especially for Android users |
The $189.99 AirPods Pro 2 offer superior spatial audio for movies, especially when paired with Apple TV. While the $129.99 Galaxy Buds2 Pro have excellent bass response, Apple's implementation of virtual surround sound creates a more immersive home theater experience.
While the AirPods Pro 2 work with Android phones via basic Bluetooth, you lose many key features. For Android users, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer better integration and more features.
Yes, but like AirPods on Android, you'll lose special features. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro work as basic Bluetooth earbuds on iPhone, but features like 360 Audio and automatic device switching only work with Samsung devices.
Both excel in different areas. The AirPods Pro 2 handle high frequencies and wind noise better, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro are superior with low-frequency sounds like airplane engines and air conditioners.
The AirPods Pro 2 offer 6 hours with ANC on (30+ with case), while Galaxy Buds2 Pro provide 5 hours (18+ with case). For all-day listening, AirPods Pro 2 have the advantage.
Yes, both work well for late-night viewing. The AirPods Pro 2 are particularly good when paired with Apple TV, offering virtually no audio lag. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro work best with Samsung TVs but are compatible with any TV supporting Bluetooth audio.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro are slightly more comfortable for extended viewing due to their smaller size and lighter weight. However, the AirPods Pro 2 are also comfortable and some prefer their stem design for easier adjustment.
Yes, both the AirPods Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds2 Pro support wireless charging. AirPods Pro 2 have more charging options, including MagSafe and Apple Watch charger compatibility.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offer more dynamic sound with stronger bass, while the AirPods Pro 2 provide a more balanced, neutral sound profile. Both are excellent, but Samsung's dual-driver design gives more punch to bass-heavy content.
Both have gaming modes to reduce latency. The AirPods Pro 2 work best with Apple Arcade games, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro are optimized for Android gaming. Neither matches the low latency of wired gaming headphones.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro have superior water resistance (IPX7 vs IPX4) making them better for intense workouts. The AirPods Pro 2 are still sweat-resistant but offer less protection against water exposure.
At $189.99, the AirPods Pro 2 are more expensive than the $129.99 Galaxy Buds2 Pro. The price difference is justified for Apple users due to ecosystem integration, but Android users will get better value from the Galaxy Buds2 Pro.
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 - apple.com - cnet.com - hearingreview.com - target.com - support.apple.com - costco.com - cnet.com - quill.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - brandsmartusa.com - shopsavvy.com - microcenter.com - androidauthority.com
