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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple AirPods (2nd generation) offer a lower cost alternative with a strong performance in everyday tasks and are especially optimized for Apple devices. They're very portable, with a compact carrying case, and they provide a decent sound quality for music and calls. The battery life is excellent and they support wireless charging. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, while slightly more expensive, offer superior sound quality, particularly for immersive experiences like gaming and watching TV, with high quality noise isolation and an optimal fit. They also include an equalizer and app control customization, have better build quality, and feature active noise cancelling, making them ideal for noisy environments and air travel. They too support wireless charging, but with a shorter battery life compared to the AirPods. The decision largely depends on your priorities. If cost and integration with Apple products are more important, go with the AirPods. However, if you value sound quality, extra features like active noise cancellation and customization, and often use earbuds in noisy environments, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro might be the better choice. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
- The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
- Very good for music
- Good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
5.8
8.0
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Gaming
4.8
8.3
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
TV and Video
5.4
7.7
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is poor.
Battery
4.0 Hours
4.8 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has 4.8 hours of battery life.
Cost
$89
$188
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro costs $188.
Build Quality
7.6
9.0
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has excellent build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
6.9
7.0
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro to be good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1
8.4
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (2nd generation) | Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$89 | $188 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Samsung | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2019 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 5.9/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 4.9/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.5/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 5.8/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 4 Hours | 4.8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 0.5 Hours | 1.1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 12 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 9.1/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 6.5/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4 Grams | 5.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
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Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
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Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | April 2023
"Consider the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro as your next pair of buds for its excellent active noise canceling (ANC) of low frequencies and comfortable fit. For Samsung users, the integration with your devices is handy and good for productivity."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Samsung
Samsung is a multinational conglomerate with over 85 years of history. They are mostly known to consumers for their high-end smartphones and TVs, however they are invested in many other markets like semiconductors and automotive. Samsung owns Harman International which itself owns other audio specialized companies like Harman Kardon, JBL and AKG who help engineer most, if not all, of Samsung audio products of their Galaxy line.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones evaluated
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
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Recommendations made
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Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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