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What we think
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Updated January 10, 2024·
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers superior overall sound quality and noise isolation compared to the Apple AirPods (3rd generation), which is beneficial if you're often in noisy environments or want a more immersive listening experience. Additionally, the Galaxy Buds support Samsung's Scalable Codec, which can enhance sound quality for Samsung device users. However, the AirPods have generally better microphone quality, which could be important for calls, and they are optimized for Apple devices, ensuring seamless integration if you use an iPhone or iPad. Exercise enthusiasts might prefer the AirPods due to the slightly better score in the exercise use case. In terms of price, if the Galaxy Buds' additional features such as higher noise isolation are a priority for you, they might justify the higher cost. 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 (3rd generation)
- The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has no clear advantages over the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
Advantages of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
- Very good for music
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
8.0
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very good for music, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
Gaming
5.4
8.3
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
7.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are both good for phone calls, though the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is somewhat better.
TV and Video
5.5
7.7
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
9.1
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is excellent for noise reduction, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Battery
6.0 Hours
4.8 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has 4.8 hours of battery life.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
8.4
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
Cost
$179
$188
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro costs $188.
Build Quality
9.0
9.0
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro both have excellent build quality.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $188 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | Samsung | |
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | August 1, 2022 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.4/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 7.7/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 4.8 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | Yes | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.1 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5.2 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 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 | Yes | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 6.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 5.5 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
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Dig into reviews and images
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."
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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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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.
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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.
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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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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