Today we're looking at two top contenders in the wireless earbud space: the $199 Beats Fit Pro and the $230 Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro. Both promise premium audio experiences, but they take different approaches that might make one a better choice for you.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the first AirPods launched in 2016. Today's premium models pack impressive technology into tiny packages - things like active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out external sounds), spatial audio (creating a virtual surround sound experience), and advanced bluetooth connectivity that lets you seamlessly switch between devices.
The key things most people care about haven't changed though: sound quality, comfort, battery life, and how well they work with your phone. Let's see how our two contenders stack up.
The Beats Fit Pro, released in late 2021, represents Apple's vision for premium sport earbuds. They feature secure-fit wing tips and Apple's H1 chip for seamless iOS integration. While they're not the newest model, they've received several firmware updates improving their performance.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro, released in early 2024, showcase Samsung's latest audio technology. They bring improvements like better water resistance, longer battery life, and more advanced noise cancellation compared to previous Galaxy Buds.
The Beats signature sound has evolved from its bass-heavy early days. While the Fit Pro still delivers punchy low end that makes hip-hop and electronic music shine, it's more balanced than older Beats products. The sound profile works especially well for workout playlists where you want that extra energy.
Their spatial audio feature, which creates a virtual surround sound effect, works impressively well for movies and games. When watching content on an iPhone or iPad, the sound stays anchored to the device even as you turn your head.
Samsung took a more audiophile-friendly approach with the Buds3 Pro. They offer a more neutral sound signature out of the box, with crisp highs and controlled bass. The companion app provides extensive EQ controls to tune the sound to your preferences.
The 360 Audio feature (Samsung's version of spatial audio) works similarly to the Beats, but currently has fewer compatible apps and services.
The Beats Fit Pro excel at staying put during workouts thanks to their wing tip design. While some users find the wing tips take getting used to, they provide unmatched security once you find your fit. The earbuds come with three sizes of ear tips to help you get a good seal.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro take a different approach with a more traditional design focused on all-day comfort. They're notably lighter than the Beats and sit more flush in your ears. This makes them more comfortable for long listening sessions, though they might not feel as secure during intense exercise.
If you use an iPhone, the Beats Fit Pro offers several exclusive features:
While they work with Android phones through the Beats app, you lose some of these conveniences.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro similarly work best with Samsung devices, offering:
The Beats Fit Pro delivers about 6 hours of listening with noise cancellation enabled, while the charging case adds another 18 hours. A quick 5-minute charge gives you an hour of playback in a pinch.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro edges ahead with 8 hours of listening time and 20 more from the case. They also support wireless charging, which the Beats case lacks.
Here's where we see a clear advantage for the newer Galaxy Buds3 Pro. Their IP57 rating means they're protected against dust and can survive being submerged in shallow water. The Beats Fit Pro's IPX4 rating only guarantees protection from sweat and light splashes.
After extensive testing of both models, here's what stands out:
The Beats Fit Pro excels at:
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro wins for:
Your choice should primarily depend on:
Both products represent excellent choices in the premium wireless earbud category. The Beats Fit Pro remains a compelling option, especially for iPhone users and fitness enthusiasts, despite being an older model. The newer Galaxy Buds3 Pro brings more advanced features and better overall versatility, particularly for Samsung users.
For most users, the ecosystem compatibility should be the deciding factor - the integration benefits are significant enough to outweigh minor feature differences. However, if you prioritize specific features like workout security (Beats) or sound customization (Galaxy), those might tip the scales regardless of your phone choice.
| $199 Beats Fit Pro | $230 Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro |
|---|---|
| Ecosystem Integration - Determines which extra features you'll get access to | |
| Apple H1 chip, optimal for iPhone users | Samsung Seamless codec, best for Galaxy devices |
| Battery Life with ANC - Critical for all-day listening | |
| 6 hours (24 total with case) | 8 hours (28 total with case) |
| Water Resistance - Important for workouts and rain | |
| IPX4 (splash resistant) | IP57 (fully waterproof) |
| Fit Style - Affects comfort and security during activity | |
| Wing tip design, extremely secure for workouts | Traditional fit, more comfortable for long sessions |
| Sound Profile - Determines music enjoyment | |
| Bass-forward, energetic sound (less customizable) | Balanced, detailed audio with customizable EQ |
| Charging Case - Convenience feature | |
| USB-C only | USB-C and wireless charging |
| Noise Cancellation - Important for commuting/office | |
| Good ANC, basic transparency mode | Advanced ANC with multiple modes and voice detection |
| Special Features - Extra value considerations | |
| Spatial Audio with head tracking, "Hey Siri" | 360 Audio, real-time translation, multipoint connection |
| Value Add - What makes each unique | |
| Best workout earbuds for iPhone users | Most feature-rich option for Samsung users |
The $230 Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer slightly better sound quality for movies, but the $199 Beats Fit Pro have more consistent spatial audio support across streaming apps. Both work well for home theater use, though the Beats integrate better with Apple TV devices.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro last longer at 8 hours with ANC on, compared to 6 hours for the Beats Fit Pro. Both provide enough battery for most movies.
Yes, both work with any Bluetooth-enabled TV. The Beats Fit Pro have lower latency with Apple TV boxes, while the Galaxy Buds3 Pro work best with Samsung TVs.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer more advanced noise cancellation with multiple modes, while the Beats Fit Pro provide solid but simpler noise cancellation.
Both support low-latency gaming modes, but the Beats Fit Pro have better compatibility with iOS games. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro work better with Android gaming.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro are generally more comfortable for extended viewing sessions, while the Beats Fit Pro have a more secure but potentially less comfortable fit.
Only the Galaxy Buds3 Pro support wireless charging. The Beats Fit Pro charging case requires USB-C connection.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer more balanced sound with better customization options. The Beats Fit Pro have stronger bass response but less adjustability.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro support true multipoint connection. The Beats Fit Pro can switch between Apple devices automatically but don't support general multipoint.
The Beats Fit Pro stick out more from your ears, making them less comfortable for side-lying. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro have a lower profile better suited for bed viewing.
The Beats Fit Pro support "Hey Siri" on Apple devices. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro work with Bixby on Samsung devices, and both support Google Assistant and Alexa.
If you primarily watch movies and TV, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer better value with their superior battery life and comfort. However, the Beats Fit Pro are a better choice if you use Apple devices and want seamless integration.
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: sixminutemile.com - apple.com - youtube.com - bestbuy.com - pcrichard.com - expercom.com - target.com - beatsbydre.com - soundguys.com - businesswire.com - staples.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
