Looking for high-end wireless earbuds? The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($279) and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189) are both compelling options, but they take different approaches to personal audio. 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 premium models offer impressive features like active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out background noise), spatial audio (creating a virtual surround sound experience), and smart features that automatically adjust settings based on your environment.
Both of our contenders launched in early 2024, representing the latest in wireless earbud technology. The big improvements we're seeing in this generation focus on better sound quality through advanced audio codecs (the software that compresses and transmits digital audio), more effective noise cancellation, and smarter features that make the earbuds more convenient to use.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 takes a bold approach to sound, with what audio enthusiasts call a "V-shaped" sound signature. This means the bass and treble frequencies are boosted, creating an exciting sound that makes music feel more energetic. In my testing, this works great for pop, rock, and electronic music, but can sometimes make classical or jazz recordings sound a bit artificial.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers a more balanced sound signature out of the box. What's particularly interesting is their use of Samsung's proprietary "Seamless Codec" when paired with recent Samsung devices. Think of a codec like a language that your phone and earbuds use to talk to each other - the better the codec, the more detailed the audio can be. Samsung's codec can transmit higher quality audio (24-bit/96kHz) than standard Bluetooth codecs, though you'll only get this benefit with recent Samsung devices.
For home theater use, both models support low-latency modes to keep audio in sync with video, but Samsung's implementation works better within their ecosystem. I've used both for watching movies, and while both work well, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro has a slight edge in terms of audio-video synchronization when paired with a Samsung TV.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have feature for premium earbuds. Both models offer good noise cancellation, but they implement it differently.
The Jabra offers two levels of noise cancellation and includes what they call "HearThrough" technology - their term for letting outside sound in when you need to be aware of your surroundings. In my experience, the ANC is effective for constant background noise like airplane engines or air conditioners, but struggles a bit with irregular sounds like office chatter.
Samsung's implementation is more sophisticated, with adaptive noise cancellation that automatically adjusts based on your environment. It also includes clever features like automatically switching to ambient mode (letting outside sound in) when it detects you're speaking. This works surprisingly well in practice, though it occasionally triggers when you cough or clear your throat.
Here's where we see some meaningful differences:
While these numbers might seem close, in real-world use, the Jabra's longer battery life makes a noticeable difference during long flights or workdays.
This is where your choice becomes more personal. The Jabra takes a platform-agnostic approach, working equally well with any device and offering a fully-featured app for both Android and iOS. They support multipoint connection, meaning you can stay connected to two devices simultaneously - very handy if you want to switch between your phone and laptop.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro, meanwhile, really shine when used with Samsung devices. They offer exclusive features like enhanced audio quality through their proprietary codec, automatic device switching across Samsung products, and integration with Samsung's ecosystem of apps and services. They still work fine with other devices, but you lose some of the more advanced features.
Both models are well-built, but they take different approaches to fit and comfort. The Jabra uses a more traditional in-ear design with silicon tips in multiple sizes, while the Samsung opts for a slightly more AirPods-like design that some find more comfortable for long-term wear.
The Jabra offers better water resistance (IP57 rating, meaning they can survive being submerged in shallow water), while the Samsung provides adequate splash protection for workouts but isn't quite as rugged.
The choice really comes down to your priorities and what devices you use:
Choose the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 if:
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro if:
Both models represent significant improvements over their predecessors, with better sound quality, more effective noise cancellation, and smarter features. The Jabra offers more universal appeal and better battery life, while the Samsung provides better value and more features for those in their ecosystem.
For home theater use, both work well, but Samsung users will get a more integrated experience with their TV ecosystem. The lower latency and automatic device switching make the Galaxy Buds3 Pro particularly appealing for this use case.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Consider your primary use cases, what devices you'll be connecting to, and whether you value ecosystem integration over platform independence.
| Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($279) | Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189) |
|---|---|
| Ecosystem Support - Determines available features and ease of use | |
| Platform agnostic, full features on all devices | Best features limited to Samsung devices |
| Battery Life (ANC On) - Critical for all-day use without recharging | |
| 6 hours buds, 27 hours with case | 5.2 hours buds, 20 hours with case |
| Sound Quality Codec - Higher quality codecs mean better audio potential | |
| Standard SBC/AAC only | Samsung Seamless Codec (24-bit/96kHz) on Samsung devices |
| Water Resistance - Important for workout or outdoor use | |
| IP57 (fully waterproof) | IPX4 (splash resistant only) |
| Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting or office use | |
| Up to 90% reduction, manual modes | Adaptive ANC, auto-adjusting based on environment |
| Controls - Affects daily usability and reliability | |
| Physical buttons, more reliable | Touch controls, more features but can be finicky |
| Multi-Device Support - Important for switching between phone/laptop | |
| True multipoint, any two devices | Limited to Samsung device switching |
| Charging Options - Affects convenience | |
| Wireless + USB-C, 5min = 1hr playback | Wireless + USB-C, 10min = 2hr playback |
| Special Features - Value-add capabilities | |
| Dolby Atmos, better spatial audio | Real-time translation, voice detect, better Samsung integration |
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($189) offers better audio-video synchronization and more immersive sound when watching content, especially when paired with Samsung TVs. The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 ($279) provides good movie audio but may have slight latency issues.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers better value at $189, while the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 is priced higher at $279. The price difference is significant, but Jabra offers more platform-agnostic features.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro integrates seamlessly with Samsung TVs and offers lower latency. The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 works with any TV supporting Bluetooth but may have slight audio delay.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers true multipoint connection with any two devices. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro only offers seamless switching between Samsung devices.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers superior battery life with 6 hours (ANC on) and 27 hours with the case. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro provides 5.2 hours (ANC on) and 20 hours with the case.
Both offer good noise cancellation, but implement it differently. Samsung provides adaptive ANC that adjusts automatically, while Jabra offers manual modes with up to 90% noise reduction.
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 has superior water resistance (IP57), making it fully waterproof. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro is only splash-resistant (IPX4).
The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 uses more reliable physical buttons, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro uses touch controls that offer more features but can be less reliable.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro provides better virtual surround sound, especially with Samsung TVs. The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 offers Dolby Atmos support but may not integrate as seamlessly with home theater systems.
Both are comfortable, but the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro has a slightly more comfortable AirPods-like design for extended wear. The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 uses traditional ear tips that provide better isolation.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers lower latency, especially with Samsung devices, making it better for gaming. The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 has higher latency that might be noticeable in fast-paced games.
If you have Samsung devices, choose the Galaxy Buds3 Pro for better integration and lower latency. For universal compatibility and better durability, choose the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2.
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 - soundguys.com - rtings.com - rtings.com - loudnwireless.com - soundguys.com - jabra.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - jabra.com - jabra.com - seriousinsights.net - 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
