When it comes to high-end wireless earbuds, two compelling options are the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($130) and Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 ($249). Let's dive into what makes each special and help you figure out which might be right for you.
True wireless earbuds have come a long way since Apple first shook up the market with AirPods. Today's premium models pack impressive tech into tiny packages - we're talking active noise cancellation (which uses microphones to detect and cancel out background noise), high-resolution audio support, and smart features that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro launched in August 2022, while the Pi6 is brand new to the market, releasing in late 2023. This timing difference is actually pretty important - Samsung has had time to refine their software and fix early bugs, while B&W brings newer Bluetooth technology to the table.
Let's start with what matters most - how these things actually sound. The B&W Pi6s are the clear winner here, but that doesn't tell the whole story.
The Pi6 uses special bio-cellulose drivers (think highly engineered paper-like material) that deliver incredibly detailed sound. Music sounds natural and spacious, with crystal clear separation between instruments. If you're the type who sits down specifically to listen to music, you'll appreciate these.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro takes a more mainstream approach, with a sound profile that works well for everything from podcasts to pop music. They boost the bass and upper-midrange frequencies slightly, which makes music more engaging for casual listening. For most people, they'll sound fantastic.
Here's where things get interesting. While the Pi6s might win on pure sound quality, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro often perform better in real-world situations:
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro has notably better noise cancellation. On my regular train commute, they do a significantly better job blocking out the rumble and chatter. The Pi6s are decent, but they let more of the world in - which might actually be preferable if you want to maintain some awareness of your surroundings.
With an IPX7 rating, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro can survive being submerged in water for 30 minutes. The Pi6s are only IP54 rated, meaning they're splash-resistant but not waterproof. For gym use or running in the rain, Samsung's offering is clearly more durable.
If you take a lot of calls, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro are the clear choice. They have better microphones and more advanced noise reduction for calls. The Pi6s aren't bad, but voices can sound slightly muffled in comparison.
This is where the Pi6 pulls ahead:
Both support wireless charging and quick charging features, but the Pi6's longer runtime between charges is significant if you're a heavy user.
The Pi6s use newer Bluetooth 5.4 (versus 5.3 on the Galaxy Buds2 Pro) and support more high-quality audio codecs, including aptX Adaptive. In simple terms, this means they can transmit better quality audio with compatible devices. However, Samsung's proprietary codec works great with Samsung phones, so this advantage mainly matters if you use other Android devices or computers.
Both can connect to multiple devices, but the Pi6s handle this more elegantly. You can actively switch between two connected devices without going into Bluetooth settings.
Both have touch controls and companion apps, but Samsung's app is more polished and feature-rich. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro also integrate better with Android phones, offering instant pairing and system-level integration.
For watching movies and TV shows, both perform well but in different ways. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers Samsung's 360 Audio feature, which creates a virtual surround sound effect with compatible Samsung devices. It's pretty impressive for making you feel like you're in the middle of the action.
The Pi6 doesn't have spatial audio features, but its superior sound quality makes it excellent for traditional stereo playback. The wider frequency response and better detail retrieval mean you'll hear every nuance in the soundtrack.
At nearly twice the price, the Pi6s need to justify their premium, and for most people, they probably don't. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro at $130 offers tremendous value, delivering 90% of the features most people want at about half the price.
However, if you're an audio enthusiast who primarily cares about sound quality and you're willing to pay for it, the Pi6 makes sense. They're audio jewelry - expensive, but beautiful in their execution.
Here's a simple decision tree:
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro are the better choice for most people. They offer excellent all-around performance, better durability, and strong value for money. They're particularly compelling if you use Samsung devices or prioritize noise cancellation.
The Pi6 are for those who prioritize audio quality above all else and are willing to pay for it. They're also a better choice if you need long battery life or frequently switch between multiple devices.
Remember, both are excellent products - it's just a matter of matching them to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you choose Samsung's jack-of-all-trades or B&W's audio specialist, you're getting a capable set of premium earbuds that will serve you well for years to come.
| Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro ($130) | Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 ($249) |
|---|---|
| Sound Quality - The fundamental reason to invest in premium earbuds | |
| Good balanced sound, slightly boosted bass | Superior audiophile-grade sound with bio-cellulose drivers |
| Active Noise Cancellation - Critical for commuting and office use | |
| Excellent ANC, great for travel | Good but not class-leading, allows more ambient sound |
| Battery Life - Impacts how often you need to charge | |
| 5 hours (ANC on), 18 hours with case | 8 hours (ANC on), 24 hours with case |
| Water Resistance - Important for exercise and outdoor use | |
| IPX7 (fully waterproof) | IP54 (splash resistant only) |
| Call Quality - Essential for work use | |
| Superior call clarity, better noise reduction | Good but voices can sound slightly muffled |
| Bluetooth Version - Affects connection stability and range | |
| 5.3 (solid performance) | 5.4 (slightly better, more future-proof) |
| Codec Support - Important for audio quality with non-Samsung devices | |
| Limited, optimized for Samsung | Better, includes aptX Adaptive |
| Multi-device Support - Convenient for switching between phone/laptop | |
| Basic switching | Superior multi-point connection |
| Price-Performance Ratio - Value for features provided | |
| Excellent value for most users | Premium pricing for audiophile sound |
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers better features for movie watching with its 360 Audio virtual surround sound support on Samsung devices. While the B&W Pi6 has superior audio quality, it lacks spatial audio features for immersive movie experiences.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro at $130 offers better value with comprehensive features. The Pi6 at $249 is significantly more expensive, though it delivers superior sound quality for audiophiles.
The B&W Pi6 offers superior battery life with 8 hours (ANC on) compared to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro's 5 hours. With charging cases, they provide 24 and 18 hours respectively.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro has lower latency with Samsung devices and a dedicated gaming mode. The Pi6 supports aptX Adaptive, which can reduce lag on compatible devices.
For home theater, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro edges ahead with its 360 Audio feature and seamless device switching. The Pi6 offers better pure sound quality but lacks spatial audio features.
Yes, both the Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Pi6 support wireless charging through their cases.
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro offers superior noise cancellation compared to the Pi6, making it better for quiet nighttime viewing without disturbing others.
Both can connect to TVs with Bluetooth capability. The Pi6 has newer Bluetooth 5.4 for slightly better range and stability, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.3.
Both are comfortable, but the Pi6 is slightly larger. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro has a more compact design that many users find more comfortable for extended wear.
Both work excellently with streaming services. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro supports Samsung's enhanced codecs, while the Pi6 offers wider codec support including aptX Adaptive.
The Pi6 offers superior multi-point connectivity for switching between devices. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro works best within the Samsung ecosystem.
Both excel at music and movies. The Pi6 offers superior pure audio quality, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro provides better features like spatial audio and noise cancellation at a lower price.
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: samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - samsung.com - brandsmartusa.com - shopsavvy.com - microcenter.com - androidauthority.com - stuff.tv - bowerswilkins.com - youtube.com - tomsguide.com - bowerswilkins.com - audio46.com - crutchfield.com - baybloorradio.com - skybygramophone.com - nfm.com - ofinet.es - bowerswilkins.com
