If you're in the market for high-end wireless earbuds in 2024, you've probably noticed there are more excellent choices than ever. Today, we'll compare two standout options: the new Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($249) and the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 ($399). While both deliver fantastic audio, they take different approaches to earning their spot in your ears.
Wireless earbuds have come a long way since the early days of sketchy connections and mediocre sound. Modern premium earbuds now offer features that seemed impossible just a few years ago: sophisticated noise cancellation, spatial audio processing, and sound quality that can rival wired headphones. The latest models also include AI-powered features and advanced connectivity options that make them more versatile than ever.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 takes a purist approach to sound, using custom 12mm carbon cone drivers (basically tiny speakers made with ultra-lightweight, stiff material for more accurate sound). These drivers are actually derived from B&W's high-end Px8 headphones, and it shows in the audio quality. The sound is detailed, spacious, and incredibly accurate – exactly what you'd expect from a company that makes studio monitors for Abbey Road Studios.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro takes a different but equally valid approach. They use a dual-driver system (meaning separate speakers for high and low frequencies) with a standard dynamic driver for bass and a planar magnetic driver for treble. This setup delivers excellent sound that's especially well-tuned for popular music, podcasts, and videos. While not quite matching the Pi8's pure audio performance, they offer a more feature-rich experience.
Here's where the Galaxy Buds3 Pro really shines. If you use Samsung devices, these earbuds offer seamless integration that's similar to what Apple users get with AirPods. They include:
The Pi8 focuses more on audio-specific features:
Both earbuds offer active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses microphones to detect external noise and create inverse sound waves to cancel it out. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro includes adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts automatically based on your environment and activity. It also has a clever "Siren Detect" feature that lets important emergency sounds through.
The Pi8's noise cancellation is more traditional but very effective, especially with constant sounds like airplane engines or air conditioners. It doesn't try to be too clever – it just works consistently well.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers about 5 hours of playback with ANC on, while the charging case provides an additional 15 hours. They support wireless charging and fast charging through USB-C.
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 manages about 6.5 hours with ANC on, with the case adding another 13.5 hours. They also support wireless charging and quick charging via USB-C.
Both sets of earbuds are well-built, but they prioritize different aspects. The Pi8 uses premium materials and has a more understated, professional look. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro has a more modern, tech-forward design with features like IPX7 water resistance for workout use.
Comfort is subjective, but both include multiple ear tip sizes for a good fit. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro is slightly lighter and might be more comfortable for longer wearing sessions.
For home theater use, the Pi8's retransmission case is a unique advantage. You can connect it directly to your TV or receiver via USB or optical cable, and it will transmit high-quality audio to the earbuds. This is great for late-night movie watching without disturbing others.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro works well with Samsung TVs through their ecosystem integration, but doesn't offer the same universal connectivity options as the Pi8.
At $249, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers excellent value if you're in the Samsung ecosystem. The integration features, solid sound quality, and comprehensive feature set make them a compelling choice for most users.
The Pi8, at $399, is a significant investment. However, if pure sound quality is your priority, or you need the retransmission feature for travel or home theater use, they justify their premium price.
Consider these key factors when making your choice:
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 represent two different philosophies in premium wireless earbuds. Samsung focuses on smart features and ecosystem integration, while B&W prioritizes pure audio performance and specialized use cases.
For most users, especially those with Samsung devices, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers the best balance of features and value. However, if you're an audio enthusiast or need the specialized features of the Pi8, its premium price is justified by its superior sound quality and unique capabilities.
Remember, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both are excellent products that represent the current state of the art in wireless earbuds, just with different priorities and target users.
| Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro ($249) | Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 ($399) |
|---|---|
| Driver Configuration - Determines sound quality and clarity | |
| Dual driver system: Dynamic + planar magnetic | 12mm Carbon Cone driver (higher-end technology) |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) - Essential for noisy environments | |
| Adaptive ANC with AI adjustment and Siren Detect | Standard ANC with consistent performance |
| Battery Life - Critical for all-day use | |
| 5 hours (buds), 20 hours total with case | 6.5 hours (buds), 20 hours total with case |
| Special Features - Can justify price difference | |
| Voice detect, real-time translation, Samsung ecosystem integration | Wireless retransmission case, audiophile-grade sound |
| Water Resistance - Important for exercise use | |
| IP57 (fully protected against dust, water resistant) | IP54 (dust protected, splash resistant) |
| Codec Support - Affects maximum audio quality | |
| Samsung Seamless (24-bit on Samsung devices), AAC, SBC | aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC |
| Extra Device Features - Consider ecosystem value | |
| 360 Audio, multi-device switching (Samsung), Find My Earbuds | Multi-point connection, audio retransmission for travel |
| Call Quality - Important for work use | |
| Superior with Super-Wideband Call feature | Good but not class-leading |
| Value Proposition - Consider your needs | |
| Better value for Samsung users and feature-focused buyers | Premium price justified for audiophiles and travelers |
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 offers superior sound quality with its 12mm carbon drivers, making it the better choice for audiophiles. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro still delivers excellent audio, but focuses more on features than pure sound quality.
The B&W Pi8 has a clear advantage for home theater use thanks to its wireless retransmission case that can connect directly to TVs and audio systems. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro works well with Samsung TVs but lacks universal connectivity options.
Both are excellent for movies, but the B&W Pi8's retransmission case makes it ideal for late-night viewing without disturbing others. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers 360 Audio for spatial sound effects when watching on Samsung devices.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers more advanced adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts automatically to your environment. The B&W Pi8 has effective but more traditional noise cancellation that's especially good with constant sounds.
The B&W Pi8 lasts 6.5 hours with ANC on, while the Galaxy Buds3 Pro runs for about 5 hours. Both charging cases provide additional power for a total of about 20 hours of use.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro excels at call quality with its Super-Wideband Call feature and multiple microphones. The B&W Pi8 performs adequately but isn't specifically optimized for calls.
Yes, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro has IP57 rating (suitable for workouts and rain), while the Pi8 has IP54 rating (splash resistant but not for heavy exercise).
Both support multipoint connectivity, but the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers seamless switching between Samsung devices, while the Pi8 works equally well with any brand.
At $249, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers better value for most users, especially Samsung device owners. The B&W Pi8 at $399 is justified if you prioritize sound quality and special features like the retransmission case.
Both can connect to gaming systems via Bluetooth, but the B&W Pi8's retransmission case offers lower latency connection options for better gaming performance.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers more extensive app features including custom EQ, find my earbuds, and translation services. The B&W Pi8 app focuses on audio quality settings and basic controls.
The B&W Pi8 is better suited for TV watching due to its retransmission case that can connect directly to your TV. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro works well but requires your TV to have Bluetooth capability.
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: 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 - techradar.com - thetechnovore.com - youtube.com - youtube.com - audioadvice.com - audioholics.com - avnirvana.com - bowerswilkins.com - audioholics.com - digitaltrends.com
