Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs AirPods Pro 3
Put the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro next to the AirPods Pro 3 and you have Samsung and Apple going after exactly the same premium wireless earbuds crowd. On balance, the AirPods Pro 3 is the stronger package: it leads in 2 out of 3 areas, most clearly in battery & charging.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging AirPods Pro 3 wins
- Features & Connectivity AirPods Pro 3 wins
- Price AirPods Pro 3 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging3.6
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging4.8
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
-
The AirPods Pro 3 has 2 h more listening per charge
On battery (single charge), the AirPods Pro 3 posts 8 h against 6 h for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, a gap big enough to feel in everyday use. Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary.
-
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro has 2 h more total battery with the case
The difference is minor (26 h against 24 h), but if you’re splitting hairs, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro wins it. A bigger total means fewer case charges per week, a small but real convenience.
-
The AirPods Pro 3 has built-in heart-rate sensing
Missing features are easy to overlook when you buy and hard to live without later. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro skips this one. The AirPods Pro 3 can measure your heart rate during exercise; the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro leaves that to other devices.
-
The AirPods Pro 3 has
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro comes close with 1.64 oz; the AirPods Pro 3 does slightly better with 1.55 oz. The AirPods Pro 3’s case is lighter, one less thing weighing down your pocket.
Design & Size
Both land at nearly the same weight, so this isn’t a deciding factor.
Fit & Build
| Spec | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with blade stem | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IP57 | IP57 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.19 oz | 0.20 oz |
| Case weight | 1.64 oz | 1.55 oz (winner) |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
On paper, the sound & noise cancelling comparison ends all square. For sound & noise cancelling, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Battery & Charging
AirPods Pro 3 leads
This section belongs to the AirPods Pro 3. In battery & charging, it leads the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro by a margin that’s hard to ignore. Point to the AirPods Pro 3 for 2 h more listening per charge. Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro answers with 2 h more total battery with the case. The battery & charging verdict goes to the AirPods Pro 3.
Battery (single charge)
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: 6 h AirPods Pro 3: 8 h The AirPods Pro 3 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast.
Battery (with case)
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: 26 h AirPods Pro 3: 24 h Total battery with the case tells you how long you can go before plugging anything in.
Features & Connectivity
AirPods Pro 3 leads
The AirPods Pro 3 edges the features & connectivity section, though the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro stays close. The AirPods Pro 3 scores with built-in heart-rate sensing. If you already wear a fitness tracker, this feature is a nice extra rather than a must-have. If this section decides it for you, choose the AirPods Pro 3.
Heart-rate sensing
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: no AirPods Pro 3: yes Built-in heart-rate sensing lets you track workouts without wearing a watch or chest strap.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 6 h | 8 h (winner) |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 26 h (winner) | 24 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 | Bluetooth 5.3 (Apple H2 chip) |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | Yes (winner) |
| 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 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear with blade stem | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IP57 | IP57 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.19 oz | 0.20 oz |
| Case weight | 1.64 oz | 1.55 oz (winner) |
Price
| Spec | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
The AirPods Pro 3 has a small price advantage of $1 at launch. The AirPods Pro 3 costs $1 less and still comes out ahead in more areas, a rare combination.
Based on US launch pricing as of September 2025. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro if…
- you want more total battery with the case (26 h vs 24 h)
- you already know your way around Samsung’s products
Choose the AirPods Pro 3 if…
- you listen for hours at a stretch (8 h vs 6 h per charge)
- you want built-in heart-rate sensing
- you carry the case in a small pocket (1.55 oz vs 1.64 oz)
- you’d rather keep $1 in your pocket
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or the AirPods Pro 3?
For most people, the AirPods Pro 3 is the stronger choice, unless you care more about 2 h more total battery with the case than anything else.
Does the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro last longer on a charge than the AirPods Pro 3?
Going by the official figures, the AirPods Pro 3 leads: 8 h versus 6 h for battery (single charge). Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Which costs less, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or the AirPods Pro 3?
The AirPods Pro 3 is the cheaper option, launching at $1 less than the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (launch prices as of September 2025).
Is the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro lighter than the AirPods Pro 3?
Neither by much. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the AirPods Pro 3 weigh almost the same.
Executive Summary
Honestly, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro versus the AirPods Pro 3 is one of those matchups where your priorities matter more than the logo. The single spec I’d point a friend to is this: the AirPods Pro 3 has 2 h more listening per charge. And the AirPods Pro 3 doesn’t stop there; it also offers built-in heart-rate sensing. Still, if you care most about 2 h more total battery with the case, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deserves a look.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro makes sense for anyone who values battery life; the AirPods Pro 3 for anyone who values battery & charging.
My pick: I think most people will be happier with the AirPods Pro 3, unless your top priority is 2 h more total battery with the case.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.