In today’s fast-paced digital world, wireless earbuds have become vital gear for music enthusiasts, commuters, students, and professionals alike. Two of the most popular alternatives in 2025 remain the Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds. Both companies promise great sound quality, innovative features, and stylish designs—but which one is genuinely better?
Design and Comfort: Sleek vs Secure
AirPods Pro (2nd Gen 2025)
Apple’s AirPods Pro continue their basic white design with a short stem and silicone ear tips that ensure a secure fit. The design is lightweight and barely perceptible during long use. The force sensor on the stem enables for easy control of music and calls.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (2025)
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have grown in form, now mimicking a more angular stem-like style for enhanced call quality. They come in numerous colors and offer multiple ear tip sizes. The rounded design fits firmly, making them perfect for workouts or commuting.
Winner: Tie
Both earbuds offer exceptional comfort and elegant looks. AirPods Pro feel significantly more sophisticated, while Galaxy Buds give a more stable fit for busy consumers.
Sound Quality: Crisp vs Balanced
AirPods Pro
With Adaptive Audio and Spatial Audio in 2025, the AirPods Pro deliver immersive, surround-sound-like performance. Apple’s H2 processor powers dynamic range and active EQ to automatically alter sound levels based on your surroundings.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Samsung’s Buds 3 Pro shine with deep bass, precise vocals, and Hi-Fi 24-bit audio driven by the new Galaxy AI Sound engine. They also support Dolby Atmos and 360 Audio for spatial sound.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
While both deliver superb sound, Galaxy Buds 3 Pro feature a more adjustable sound profile and punchier bass—great for music fans and audiophiles.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
AirPods Pro
Apple’s ANC is industry-leading. It intelligently reacts to environmental noise in real-time, blocking everything from traffic to chatter. The transparency mode feels natural, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly when needed.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Samsung has enhanced ANC greatly, and its intelligent ambient mode is remarkable. However, its ANC is still significantly behind Apple’s in terms of real-time adaptability and nuanced noise suppression.
Winner: AirPods Pro
If you want the best noise cancellation and most realistic ambient mode, AirPods Pro lead the way.
Features and Smart Integration
AirPods Pro
Apple’s earphones interact flawlessly with iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. Features like automatic switching, “Find My” tracking, audio sharing, and hands-free Siri make the experience easy.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Galaxy Buds are best used with Samsung phones or Galaxy ecosystem devices. With Galaxy AI integration, they offer speech detection, intelligent call enhancement, and multi-device connectivity for Samsung smartphones.
Winner: Depends on Ecosystem
AirPods Pro are perfect for Apple users. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are ideal for Samsung and Android users. Both offer smart ecosystem features, but they work best within their own brand.
Battery Life and Charging
AirPods Pro
Offers up to 6 hours of listening time with ANC on and 30 hours with the charging case. Supports wireless charging and rapid charging via USB-C or MagSafe.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Delivers roughly 7 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 32 hours with the case. Also supports wireless charging and USB-C fast charging.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Slightly longer battery life gives Galaxy Buds the edge here, especially for lengthy journeys or everyday use.
Call Quality and Microphones
AirPods Pro
The latest AirPods Pro feature beamforming microphones and voice isolation technology for clear calls, even in busy surroundings. They help reduce wind noise during outside use.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Improved mic location and AI voice enhancement offer superb call clarity. Samsung’s AI noise reduction is extremely effective in hectic areas.
Winner: Tie
Both earbuds offer top-tier call quality appropriate for business or personal use.
Price and Value for Money
AirPods Pro
Priced around \$249, AirPods Pro are a premium investment. While pricey, they give exceptional value for Apple users due to tight ecosystem integration.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Priced around \$199, Galaxy Buds offer competitive features at a slightly more affordable price. They commonly come paired with Samsung phones during promotions.
Winner: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Better value for Android users and somewhat lower cost make them a good option if you’re outside the Apple ecosystem.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
- If you use an iPhone or are heavily invested in Apple’s ecosystem, go for AirPods Pro. They deliver unrivaled integration, top-tier ANC, and attractive design.
- If you’re an Android user, especially with a Samsung phone, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer superior sound, longer battery, and smart AI features at a better pricing. Ultimately, both are fantastic alternatives in 2025, and your decision should come down to which ecosystem you utilize most and what features matter to you—whether it’s sound quality, call clarity, or noise cancellation.
