Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs AirPods Pro 2
If you’re shopping for a pair in the premium wireless earbuds class, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the AirPods Pro 2 are likely both on your shortlist. The data points to two closely matched options rather than a clear favorite.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging AirPods Pro 2 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price AirPods Pro 2 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging3.6
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging4.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The AirPods Pro 2 has 4 h more total battery with the case
On battery (with case), the AirPods Pro 2 edges out the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, 30 h to 26 h. The AirPods Pro 2’s case holds more extra charge, which is handy on trips.
-
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro has a tougher IP57 rating
Don’t expect a night-and-day difference here. IP57 against IP54 is a small but genuine lead for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. A higher water resistance rating gives more protection against sweat and rain during workouts.
-
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro has
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro nudges ahead with 1.64 oz, while the AirPods Pro 2 lists 1.79 oz. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro’s case is lighter, one less thing weighing down your pocket.
Design & Size
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the AirPods Pro 2 are within a few percent of each other on weight.
Fit & Build
| Spec | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with blade stem | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IP57 (winner) | IP54 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.19 oz | 0.19 oz |
| Case weight | 1.64 oz (winner) | 1.79 oz |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On sound & noise cancelling, both deliver about the same. Either pair will serve you equally well on sound & noise cancelling.
Battery & Charging
AirPods Pro 2 leads
On battery & charging, the difference is modest, and it favors the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods Pro 2 takes this one with 4 h more total battery with the case. Total battery with the case tells you how long you can go before plugging anything in. For anyone who cares most about battery & charging, the AirPods Pro 2 is the safer choice.
Battery (with case)
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: 26 h AirPods Pro 2: 30 h A bigger total means fewer case charges per week, a small but real convenience.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
The features & connectivity section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. Bottom line for features & connectivity: it’s a wash.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | 0.41 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | 360 Audio (head tracking) | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking |
| Bluetooth codecs | SSC (incl. UHQ 24-bit/96 kHz), AAC, SBC, LC3 | N/A (not specified) |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 6 h | 6 h |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 26 h | 30 h (winner) |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C (Lightning on the original 2022 version) |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 (Apple H2 chip) |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Hearing health features | N/A (not specified) | Hearing Test, Hearing Aid, Hearing Protection |
| Controls | Pinch and swipe on stem | Force sensor, swipe for volume |
Fit & Build
| Spec | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with blade stem | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IP57 (winner) | IP54 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.19 oz | 0.19 oz |
| Case weight | 1.64 oz (winner) | 1.79 oz |
Price
| Spec | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $250 | $249 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
At launch, the difference was a modest $1, with the AirPods Pro 2 slightly more affordable. Here the lower price and the stronger spec sheet both belong to the AirPods Pro 2, which saves $1.
Launch prices in the US as of July 2024; street prices move, so check before you buy.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro if…
- you want the tougher water resistance rating (IP57 vs IP54)
- you carry the case in a small pocket (1.64 oz vs 1.79 oz)
- you’re comfortable with how Samsung does things
Choose the AirPods Pro 2 if…
- you want more total battery with the case (30 h vs 26 h)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($1 less)
- you’re loyal to Apple and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or the AirPods Pro 2?
We’d point most buyers to the AirPods Pro 2. The main exception is if you’d trade the rest for a tougher IP57 rating.
Which has better battery life, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or the AirPods Pro 2?
It’s effectively a tie. The battery figures for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the AirPods Pro 2 are too close to call.
Is the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2?
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro launched at $1 more than the AirPods Pro 2, based on prices as of July 2024.
Which weighs less, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or the AirPods Pro 2?
The difference between the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the AirPods Pro 2 is too small to notice, so call it a tie.
Executive Summary
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the AirPods Pro 2 come from rival camps, Samsung and Apple, but they’re chasing the same person: you. Honestly, 4 h more total battery with the case on the AirPods Pro 2 does a lot of the persuading for me. Where the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro fights back is a tougher IP57 rating.
A quick self-test: do you care more about durability or battery & charging? The first answer means the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the second means the AirPods Pro 2.
My pick: the AirPods Pro 2 is the sensible default. Only one thing changes that: if you care more about a tougher IP57 rating than anything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.