Editor’s note: This is the first version of this article, which was published on July 22, 2024. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro compared to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro?

There’s a big difference in fit between the stem design on the Buds3 Pro and the bulb design on the Buds2 Pro.

Perhaps the biggest difference between the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds2 Pro is in their design. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro features a new triangular lollipop stem design, almost like a cross between Apple’s AirPods and a “Cybertruck” aesthetic. They also have lights on them and utilize pinch and swipe controls. In contrast, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro maintains a more traditional bulb-shaped design. Their matte, rubberized texture makes them slightly easier to grasp and perform touch commands.

Personally, I find the Buds2 Pro’s bulb design more ergonomic and secure. However, some people might prefer the stem design for stability. It all depends on the shape and size of your ears.

Both models offer IPX7 water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and rainy conditions. However, the Buds3 Pro takes it a step further with an IP57 rating, adding dust resistance to the mix.

Bose cases charge via USB-C, but the Buds3 Pro has a pairing button.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro’s case features a clear plastic window lid, allowing users to see the earbuds inside. The case is also thinner, easily fitting into most pockets. The Buds2 Pro’s case is fully opaque and has the same matte, rubberized finish as the earbuds, which makes it grippy but also prone to scratches. Both cases support wireless charging, and USB-C wired charging.

Both models come with multiple ear tip sizes to help you get a good seal. You should have no problem wearing them for an hour or more before heat and sweat may affect the fit, but as always, that can vary depending on the size and shape of your ears.

If you have color preferences, the new Galaxy Buds3 Pro only comes in silver and white, while the previous Buds2 Pro came in black, white, or purple.

How do you control the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro vs Galaxy Buds2 Pro?

Both models utilize touch controls on the earbuds themselves. The Buds3 Pro introduces a new control scheme using pinches and swipes along the stems, while the Buds2 Pro relies on taping the surface of the earbuds. The Buds3 Pro offers some additional control options, including voice commands to adjust volume and play and pause music, so you can avoid touching your earbuds at all.

Galaxy Buds3 Pro controls:

Galaxy Buds2 Pro controls:

What you see above is what you get, as both models suffer from limited customization options for controls through their respective apps.

Should you use the Samsung Wearables app for the Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Galaxy Buds2 Pro?

The Buds3 Pro has a custom 9-band equalizer, while the Buds2 Pro only has EQ presets.

Both earbud models are designed to work with the Samsung Wearables app, which provides access to various features and settings. The app is essential for accessing EQ presets, firmware updates, and device-specific features.

The Buds3 Pro introduces some new AI-powered features through the app, including a real-time interpreter mode for language translation. Both models offer EQ presets, but only the Buds3 Pro features a custom 9-band equalizer if you want to fine-tune it yourself.

It’s important to note that many features are exclusive to Samsung devices, which can limit functionality if you have a different Android phone or iPhone.

How do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Galaxy Buds2 Pro connect?

Both earbud models use Bluetooth for connectivity. The Buds3 Pro utilizes Bluetooth 5.4, while the Buds2 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.3. They both support various codecs, including SBC, AAC, and the Samsung Seamless Codec (on compatible Samsung devices).

The Buds3 Pro introduces support for Auracast, a new Bluetooth feature for audio sharing and public broadcasts.

Both models offer quick pairing with Samsung devices and auto-switching between paired Samsung products. However, the fullest feature set and UHQ Audio (24bit / 96kHz) are reserved for users of recent Samsung smartphones.

Is battery life better on the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Galaxy Buds2 Pro?

The Buds3 Pro looks more flashy, but the Buds2 Pro have some advantages under the hood, such as battery life.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers a slightly shorter battery life compared to its predecessor:

• Buds3 Pro: Approximately 4 hours 31 minutes with ANC on
• Buds2 Pro: Approximately 4 hours 50 minutes with ANC on

Both models’ cases provide additional charging cycles. However, neither model offers exceptional battery life compared to some competitors in the market.

Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Galaxy Buds2 Pro block noise better?

Interestingly, the newer Buds3 Pro seems to have taken a step back in terms of noise cancelation performance. With ANC enabled, the Buds3 Pro blocks out about 76% of perceived noise. While that’s fine enough for most, it’s definitely a cut below what other products at this price point provide, and it’s unclear whether a firmware update will fix this or if this is as good as it gets.

For comparison, the Buds2 Pro blocks out 84% of outside noise, which does make a perceptible difference. Here, the ANC affects sounds below 100Hz (down to about 30Hz), and it’s among the best ANC earbuds out there.

Both models also offer a transparency mode to allow environmental awareness when needed.

Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro sound better than the Galaxy Buds2 Pro?

I’ve got to admit — the Blade Lights are pretty cool.

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro has full and detailed sound. The default tuning might have slightly overemphasized highs, which could be fatiguing for some listeners. We found the “Clear” EQ preset to be the best for a more balanced sound.

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro also has good overall sound quality. In our review, we found that hi-hats could be a bit loud relative to other elements, and bass was prominent but not overpowering.

Objective results

Both models follow a consumer-friendly frequency response curve with some similarities and deviations from our house curve:

• Bass: Both models feature a slight bass emphasis, with the Buds3 Pro potentially offering more sub-bass extension.
• Mids: Generally well-balanced on both models, closely following target curves.
• Highs: Both models show some emphasis on the high frequencies, with the Buds3 Pro having a notable boost around 10kHz.

Both models support Samsung’s 360 Audio feature for spatial sound effects, though this is limited to compatible Samsung devices.

Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Galaxy Buds2 Pro have a better microphone?

Both earbud models offer decent microphone performance for casual calls or conferences, but they each have their strengths and weaknesses.

The Buds3 Pro comes with several advanced features, such as a “super wideband call” functionality that allows you to record up to 16kHz instead of the usual 8kHz, depending on your network speeds. For whatever reason, we couldn’t get much noise reduction out of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro in our testing, as you can hear in the Street conditions recording samples below. Still, it is possible you could get different results depending on which client or device you use. A firmware update could also fix this.

On the other hand, the Buds2 Pro provides reasonable noise rejection, even if voices don’t consistently sound true to life. One of the useful features you can toggle on in the Galaxy Wearable app is activating Ambient sound mode while you’re on a call. This can offset the disorientation of hearing your own muffled voice and works like a sidetone effect.

Galaxy Buds3 Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Galaxy Buds2 Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Galaxy Buds3 Pro microphone demo (Street conditions):

Galaxy Buds2 Pro microphone demo (Street conditions):

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro vs Galaxy Buds2 Pro: Price and availability

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro launched at a price of , positioning it as a premium offering in the true wireless earbud market. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro, being an older model, can often be found at a lower price point (), sometimes around $180-$200, depending on sales and promotions.

Due to quality control concerns, Samsung has temporarily halted shipments of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, which may impact availability until late August. Once that is resolved, both models should be available through Samsung’s official channels, major electronics retailers, and online marketplaces.

Should you get the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Galaxy Buds2 Pro?

The decision largely comes down to design preference and the need for strong ANC.

The choice between the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds2 Pro largely depends on your priorities and whether you own a compatible Samsung device.

If you just got yourself a new Samsung smartphone and value the latest Galaxy AI features like real-time translation, the Buds3 Pro can be a good audio companion. However, if ANC performance is a top priority or you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Buds2 Pro remains an excellent choice.

If you already own the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, upgrading to the Buds3 Pro is not necessary unless you really prefer stem designs or something like Auracast will make a meaningful difference in your life. The Buds2 Pro still nails the basics, offering excellent sound quality, strong ANC performance, and most of the core features found in the newer model.

For users of non-Samsung Android phones or iPhones, the differences become less pronounced due to limited access to some features. In these cases, the lower-priced Buds2 Pro provide better value.

If neither option seems ideal for your needs, you can check out our list of the best wireless earbuds in 2024 for more options.

Frequently asked questions

These earbuds are particularly well-suited for Samsung smartphone users, who will benefit the most from features like the Samsung Seamless Codec and seamless device pairing. However, they’re also an excellent choice for any Android user looking for high-quality audio and effective noise cancelation. Even iPhone users can enjoy the superior sound and ANC, though they’ll miss out on some of the Samsung-specific features.

I’ve had the chance to spend some hands-on time with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and after comparing both models for a few days, I have to say I find the Buds 2 Pro to have a more comfortable and secure fit compared to the new Buds 3 Pro’s unique angular stem design. Additionally, while our full review is still forthcoming, our early testing results suggest that the Buds 2 Pro may actually outperform the newer model in Active Noise Cancellation, which matches up with my initial experience. At this price point, the Buds 2 Pro offers exceptional value, especially considering their strong performance against the newer model.

Between the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, I think the latter are the better buys—especially at this price.

While the new Galaxy Buds 3 Pro brings some interesting features to the table, including integration with Galaxy Ai and new Blade Lights along the stem, based on my initial impressions, I would recommend the Buds 2 Pro might as the better choice for many users, especially at this discounted price. If you’re in the market for high-quality earbuds and don’t mind missing out on the latest features, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for less than $105 are an absolute steal. But act fast; I don’t know how long this deal will last!

It’s Amazon Prime Day! This means you have a couple of days to take advantage of some of the hottest deals you’ll see this year. There are a bunch of discounts to be had, but we’re especially excited to see that most of our favorite earbuds are on discount, significantly slashing the prices. This is nice to see because most of these are commonly pretty pricey, and the ones that are already cheap are even more affordable right now.

Amazon Prime Day discounts on the best earbuds

• Get the Sony WF-1000XM5 for $228
• Get the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for $120
• Get the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC for $70
• Get the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for $229
• Get the Google Pixel Buds Pro for $120
• Get the Beats Studio Buds for $80

Of course, you’ll want to learn more about these before you pull the trigger. We’re your trusted source for all things audio, and have dedicated reviews for all of these.

Our reviews on these awesome earbuds

• Sony WF-1000XM5 review
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro review
• Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC review
• Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review
• Google Pixel Buds Pro review
• Beats Studio Buds review

Which should you get?

All of these earbuds are good in their own ways. Which you get highly depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re looking for the best value per dollar, we would definitely go for something like the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC. Aside from the lower price, they have great active noise canceling, nice battery life, and cool features like an IPX4 rating and wireless charging. The Beats Studio Buds may have slightly better audio quality, though, and they are both flashier and better looking.

If you use a Samsung phone, the obvious choice is the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. These are great earbuds, and Samsung users get access to more codecs and exclusive features. Likewise, Android and Pixel owners will prefer the Google Pixel Buds Pro.

If you want the best quality earbuds, the true fight is between the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. This has always been a heated battle, and it’s hard to determine which is best. We can tell you the Bose earbuds are more bassy, though, and we believe they have better device support.

Regardless of which you pick, though, you should act soon. Prime Day will only last a couple of days, and there is always a chance of models going out of stock.

Transparency mode effectively balances the desire for an immersive audio experience with the ability to remain connected to the world around you. However, while many earbuds offer this capability, the effectiveness and quality of the transparency mode can vary significantly. To help you find the best, we’ve rounded up our top picks for earbuds with transparency mode.

Editor’s note: this list was published on February 13, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

Best transparency mode earbuds for most people: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)

Make sure to update your iPhone to iOS 17 to get the most out of your new AirPods Pro.

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) is a staple in the iOS ecosystem, particularly in the realms of active noise canceling (ANC), battery life, and, importantly for this summary, the Adaptive Transparency mode. The H2 chip powers these enhancements, ensuring that users enjoy a more seamless and immersive listening experience.

The Adaptive Transparency mode balances the need for environmental awareness with the desire to mitigate the harshness of sudden loud noises. In our review, we found it effective in allowing ambient sound to pass through while dampening potentially jarring noises, providing a comfortable and safe listening experience without completely isolating the listener from their surroundings.

The U1 chip in the case, alongside an integrated speaker, enhances the Find My app functionality, letting you locate them with your iPhone if they get lost. However, The device’s reliance on Apple-exclusive features and the lack of an EQ customization option without third-party apps may deter some potential users. If you have an Android phone, look to the other options on this list.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 adapts to your lifestyle

The Headphones Connect app lets you customize how the earbuds act in various situations.

The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds perhaps represent the pinnacle of user control and customization. Through Sony’s Headphones Connect app, listeners can personalize their soundscapes across any device. They have Adaptive Sound Control, which intelligently adjusts ambient sound settings and ANC levels based on the user’s activities and surroundings. You can also fine-tune these adjustments for specific scenarios, such as when you are stationary, walking, running, or commuting.

Sony also offers a six-band equalizer in the app to tweak your audio preferences and spatial audio personalization regardless of whether you are using an Android or iSO device. Other features, such as Speak-to-Chat, multipoint connectivity and LDAC support, and head gesture recognition for calls, further add to its user-centric design. If you want some of the best noise canceling earbuds currently on the market, look no further.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra brings high-end features

The earbuds look expensive, which is fitting: they are.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are a high-end option for those prioritizing active noise cancelation (ANC), comfort, and fit, though their sound profile and price point may not appeal to everyone. With a $300 price tag, these earbuds are positioned as a premium choice, particularly for Android users, thanks to their Snapdragon Sound support, which offers high-resolution audio through aptX Lossless and low-latency listening experiences.

One of the flagship features of the QuietComfort Ultra earbuds is Bose’s Immersive Audio, which joins two features: Quiet mode, which activates the ANC, and Aware mode, which serves as their version of transparency mode. The latter allows ambient sounds to clearly filter through, and it’s quick and easy to toggle between the two. You can also enable Still mode, which allows for side-to-side head tracking while the music stays at a fixed position in front of you, or Motion mode, which reduces head tracking and keeps the audio by your ears no matter which direction you turn.

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is best for Samsung users

Vents help to alleviate pressure from the ANC.

For Samsung device owners, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is the top choice, offering seamless ecosystem integration, robust ANC, especially effective at low frequencies, and a comfortable fit. Of note for this list is their Intelligent Conversation Mode, which automatically transitions users to ambient sound upon detecting their voice. This feature, akin to Sony’s speak-to-chat functionality, enhances usability by allowing for natural conversations without needing to manually switch modes or remove the earbuds.

The earbuds offer excellent sound quality, largely when used with Samsung’s proprietary codec. Still, this advantage narrows for non-Samsung Android users due to fewer codec options and lack of features like 360 Audio and Wireless PowerShare. They also boast an IPX7 water resistance rating, making them suitable for wet conditions, and have adequate battery life.

The Creative Aurvana 2 is the best bang for your buck

The Creative Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds are a great choice for those seeking high-quality sound without the premium price tag. One of the standout features of the Aurvana Ace 2 is its dual-driver system featuring xMEMS speakers, delivering a sound quality that rivals more expensive counterparts.

Of course, they feature an Ambient Mode to stay alert to external noises, and you can switch between active noise canceling and ambient mode through both the Creative app and the earbuds’ touch controls, which is pretty convenient. The app also has a customizable EQ on board. Combined with a good seal from the selection of ear tips, these are a great value proposition for any listener.

Should you get the Sony Linkbuds?

The silicone loop fins are really important for getting a secure fit.

Here’s a novel approach when it comes to transparency mode. The Sony LinkBuds have a distinctive donut-shaped design with a literal hole in the center of each bud to facilitate natural sound passthrough. This design choice is ideal for those who prioritize situational awareness. However, this unoccluded design comes with its trade-offs, most notably in the bass department, where the LinkBuds struggle to deliver the depth and richness found in more traditional sealed earbuds. The very feature that makes them unique—allowing ambient noise to pass through—also means that users may find the audio experience lacking, particularly in noisy environments where bass lines and lower frequencies can be overshadowed by external sounds. Ultimately, it depends on what your priorities are.

Leave your ears completely open with bone conduction headphones

These headphones rest on your cheekbones and send vibrations down the inner ear, bypassing the outer and middle ear.

If you want to remain as aware of your surroundings as possible while listening to music or podcasts, consider bone conduction headphones. Unlike traditional headphones and earbuds, the eardrum doesn’t vibrate to pass the information along to the cochlea. Instead, the vibrations from the bone conduction bee-lines for the cochlea. Since these don’t seal around or even touch the ear canal, they allow you to hear other pedestrians, passing cars, and other potential hazards. On the other side of the same coin, there is no isolation whatsoever, which means that the audio quality is severely degraded. Again, it all depends on your priorities, but the difference here is more extreme than with the aforementioned Sony LinkBuds.

The best transparency mode earbuds: Notable mentions

In the Soundcore app you can lock the controls or turn off in-ear detection.

• Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC (): With an IPX4 rating, long battery life, good ANC, and plenty of Ambient modes and EQ presets, these are worth the money.
• Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 (): At $129, the Edifier NeoBuds Pro 2 are a steal. They’re not perfect, but the only group of people we don’t recommend these to are frequent international travelers. For everyone else, this is a good buy with the option to toggle between plenty of different passthrough modes.
• Jabra Elite 8 Active (): If you need highly durable earbuds, the Jabra Elite 8 Active deliver. They will stay in your ears, provided you can get a good fit. The sound is good, the noise canceling works well, and they have a HearThrough mode that can automatically switch for phone calls.
• Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 (): These have most of the features of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, including a pleasant environmental passthrough that doesn’t sound robotic, but cost less.

What you should know about transparency mode earbuds

While transparency mode—or ambient mode, as it’s variously known—has been popularized by Apple, it’s a feature now found in many earbuds across a variety of brands, each with its own take on the functionality.

Brand-Specific Implementations

Transparency mode is engineered differently across brands, affecting how natural external sounds seem and how well these sounds are integrated with your audio playback. For instance, some earbuds may use advanced algorithms to prioritize certain external frequencies, like voices or traffic noises, ensuring they’re clearly audible over background sounds. Others might offer more basic functionality, simply amplifying all external noise without much filtration.

Technical Enhancements

The effectiveness of transparency mode is significantly influenced by the earbuds’ microphone quality and the software algorithms used to process external sounds. High-quality microphones and sophisticated processing can result in a more natural and less distracting ambient sound experience. Additionally, some earbuds allow users to customize the level of ambient sound, providing a more tailored listening experience that can adjust to different environments or personal preferences.

The xMEMS Skyline DynamicVent.

Recent advancements from companies like xMEMS’s Skyline DynamicVent are setting new standards in how users interact with their environment while enjoying their favorite audio content. The Skyline DynamicVent utilizes a vent-based passive isolation mechanism that dynamically adjusts to the surrounding noise levels, automatically closing to create a passive seal in noisy settings and opening in quieter environments to reduce the occlusion effect. Such technology showcases the potential for earbuds to provide a more natural listening experience without the need for electronic noise management systems. By combining this vent system with DSP noise detection, users can effortlessly transition from a fully immersive audio experience to being fully aware of their surroundings with a simple button press or automatically, thanks to intelligent environmental noise assessment. Expect to see these types of solutions in more earbuds in the future.

User Interface and Control

How users activate and adjust transparency mode varies by product. Some earbuds include intuitive touch controls or voice commands for easy toggling between modes, while others may require adjustments through a companion app. The ease of accessing and customizing this feature might affect your overall user experience.

The Role of Companion Apps

Many earbuds rely on companion apps to offer deeper customization options for transparency mode, from adjusting the mix of ambient sound to setting scenarios where transparency mode automatically activates. These apps can enhance the functionality of transparency mode, making it a versatile tool that adapts to your needs.

How we test transparency mode in earbuds

All objective testing is carried out using our B&K5128 acoustic test head.

Our testing process for evaluating the effectiveness of transparency mode in earbuds is thorough and multi-faceted. We examine how well the earbuds balance ambient sound with audio playback, ensuring that environmental noises are neither too overpowering nor too subdued. This involves testing in multiple real-world scenarios, such as in busy streets, public transportation, offices, and quiet rooms, to gauge performance across different noise environments.

We also assess the responsiveness of the transparency mode, including how quickly it activates upon detecting speech or environmental changes and how seamlessly it integrates with the listening experience. Another critical aspect of our testing includes evaluating the naturalness of the ambient sound, ensuring it doesn’t sound overly processed or artificial, which can be distracting or uncomfortable over time.

How we choose the best transparency mode earbuds

In selecting the best transparency mode earbuds, we prioritize models that offer a seamless and natural integration of external sounds, allowing users to remain connected to their environment without sacrificing audio quality. The ability to customize the level of ambient sound, quick toggling between modes, and the overall sound quality of the earbuds are key factors in our evaluation.

Earbuds that provide an intuitive user interface, robust connectivity options, and reliable performance across a range of listening scenarios stand out in our selection process. Our goal is to recommend transparency mode earbuds that not only excel in their primary function of blending ambient sounds with personal audio but also offer a comfortable fit, long battery life, and a user-friendly experience, ensuring they meet the diverse needs and preferences of our readers.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

Creative professionals will enjoy using this pair of open-back headphones for audio mixing.

At SoundGuys, our commitment to delivering accurate, unbiased, and thorough reviews is at the core of everything we do. Our team of audio experts brings years of industry experience and a passion for sound to every article, review, and test we conduct. We pride ourselves on our rigorous testing methodology, which is designed to evaluate audio products under a variety of conditions to assess their performance, durability, and overall value. Our process is transparent, and we strive to explain our findings in a way that’s both informative and accessible to all our readers, from casual listeners to audiophiles.

SoundGuys operates with strict ethical standards, ensuring our reviews are free from external influence. Even when products are provided by manufacturers, we maintain full editorial independence. Our recommendations are made based on data and experience, not brand partnerships or sponsorships. Our primary goal is to help our readers make informed decisions about audio products that will best meet their needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for $159.99 ($70 off)

Great sound and effective ANC are just two features we love about these buds. While those in the Samsung ecosystem are going to get the most out of the features available, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro makes a top audio companion for any user and an excellent gift for music lovers.

These aren’t the only Samsung Buds that are subject to record deals this week. The newest earbuds in the lineup are the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, which are better suited to users on a budget. They’re down from their $100 retail price to only $69.99 in the sale. Alternatively, the Galaxy Buds 2 are dropped to $99.99, down from $150.

We’ve linked the deals directly from Samsung above, but the price drops are being matched over on Amazon. If you prefer the monolithic online retailer then you can check out the Galaxy Buds deals via the button below.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for $179.99 off at Samsung | $177.99 off at Amazon 

While the Samsung event is the catalyst, it has actually sent the true wireless earbuds to a slightly lower price on Amazon at just $177.99. It’s worth checking out both offers, as Samsung gives you the chance to save a further $75 on your purchase if you’re looking to trade in your old headphones.

These flagship Samsung earbuds are designed primarily for Galaxy device owners, with exclusive features like the Samsung Seamless Codec and auto switching between Samsung devices. But they’re still a great choice if you don’t have a Samsung phone. The active noise canceling (ANC) is among the best available in earbuds, and an IPX7 rating ensures they can withstand wet conditions. Sound quality follows a consumer-friendly curve, with a bass boost and slightly exaggerated treble, and they’re comfortable for extended wear. This is appropriate as the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offers a battery life of nearly five hours with ANC on.

This Galaxy Buds 2 Pro deal may not be available for long. You can check it out for yourself via the links above.

Editor’s note: this post was updated on August 28, 2023, to add the Sony WF-1000XM5 as an alternative, to answer FAQ, and to update formatting.

What’s it like to use the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro compared to the Google Pixel Buds Pro?

These three sets of ear tips are easier than most earbuds to swap out and fit on the Pixel Buds Pro.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro does not look very different from the previous version, except it now comes in matte colorways. At 5.5g, each Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbud weighs a little less than the also lightweight Pixel Buds Pro earbuds (6.2g each). Even without stabilizers or wings the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro stays put, which is important. The earbuds aren’t the most secure, but they sit in your ears a little better than the Pixel Buds Pro.

Both pairs of earbuds come with three sets of ear tips, which are easy to swap out. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro feel extremely comfortable over long stretches of time, and so long as you don’t try to do jumping jacks they shouldn’t fall out. By contrast, the Pixel Buds Pro rates fine for comfort but the fit is looser. Annoyingly, the Google Fear tip fit test tends to say every ear tip is a “good fit” unless the bud is literally halfway out your ear.

Its case isn’t waterproof, but the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is safe from spills and pool drops.

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro comes with an excellent IPX7 rating against water, while the Google Pixel Buds Pro has a lesser IPX4 rating for sweat protection. Google also ensures the Pixel Buds Pro case has an IPX2 rating against splashes, which makes sense considering the odd raindrop that might land on it. Samsung hasn’t given the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro case any IP rating.

Both cases otherwise feel sturdy, although the Pixel Buds Pro case is more pocketable with its flattened egg shape. The squat case of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is by no means large, but its uniform thickness causes it to bulge in a pocket more easily.

How do you control the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Google Pixel Buds Pro?

You control the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with a series of taps, presses, and holds.

Like the previous generation, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro uses virtually the same tap controls across the rounded rubbery surface. Fortunately, the touch panel now has more appropriate sensitivity, so commands tend to register as intended. Whether the flat panel of the Pixel Buds Pro or the round panel of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is better really comes down to personal preference.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro controls:

You can’t customize a whole lot except for touch-and-hold gestures. Samsung limits you to allocating one “type” of command to this function for both ears. If you want the left for Spotify Tap and the right for volume increase, you’re out of luck.

Google debuts its swipe forward and backward volume gestures on the Pixel Buds Pro’s matte touch panels. While the matte texture feels premium, it provides some extra resistance. Combine that resistance with the already loose fit, and it can cause the buds to pull out when you swipe them. Swipe control is a neat feature, but it could benefit from a better fitting bud, or smoother textured touch panels for less resistance.

Google Pixel buds Pro controls:

Like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Google has a limited set of control reassignments available, but you still have more options with the Pixel Buds Pro. You can make an earbud to activate Google Assistant, determine what listening modes (of the three) to cycle through directly from the earbuds, and reassign some taps to other commands.

Should you use the apps of either Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or Google Pixel Buds Pro?

If you’ve got a Pixel phone, the Pixel Buds Pro app is integrated into the Bluetooth settings. Otherwise, you need to install an app.

You might not have a choice whether you get the apps or not. If you have a Samsung device, it’ll automatically add the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro to the Galaxy Wearable app. You’ll then need to agree to a lot of data sharing. For updates alone, it’s worth having the app. You can choose different EQ presets, access Find My Earbuds, enable accessibility settings, alter ANC settings, do a fit test, and set up 360 Audio. It also has a hands-free voice assistant if you want that, defaulting to Bixby.

The app is exclusive to Android devices, with some features further exclusive to Samsung devices only, like 24-bit audio and device switching, which only works between Samsung Galaxy devices (One UI 4.0+) on the same Samsung account. You can even program the buds to read out notifications or have ambient mode on during a call to mimic a telephone’s sidetone.

The left shows the significant number of app permissions required to even use the Galaxy Wearable app. On the right is the main menu page, where most functions are under settings.

If you have a Google Pixel phone, you already have the app built in for the Google Pixel Buds Pro. The rest of us have to download the Pixel Buds app, which, like the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and its companion app, only works on Android. It offers pretty similar functionality as the Galaxy Wearable app, like ANC adjustments, custom controls, hands-free voice assistant, Find my earbuds, an ear tip seal test, and EQ presets. In a recent update, Google added spatial audio with head tracking to the Pixel Buds Pro too.

Where the Pixel Buds Pro differs is including Volume EQ, which uses an algorithm to alter your EQ in response to the listening volume, and an integration of the Google Translate function on the fly.

How do the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Google Pixel Buds Pro connect?

Use the indicator light which blinks red, blue, and green when in pairing mode.

Both the Google Pixel Buds Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro use the industry standard wireless connections AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs. In addition, if you pair the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with a Samsung device you can access the Samsung Seamless Codec for better quality audio.

It is a little odd that two wireless earbuds aimed at Android users only use AAC and SBC, particularly in the case of Pixel Buds Pro, which does not have any exclusive high-quality codec. They’re both required for Bluetooth 5.0 and higher, but AAC has been shown to work best with Apple products, and indeed both sets of earbuds have low latency over AAC with an iPhone. We would’ve liked to see something more Android-friendly, like aptX.

Opening the case will automatically trigger the buds to try pairing (in most cases).

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro uses the latest Bluetooth 5.3, meaning it will gain LE Audio compatibility. Although the Bluetooth 5.0 version on the Pixel Buds Pro is completely fine, it won’t support LE Audio when it rolls out. For these reasons and the added Samsung codec, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro wins for connectivity.

Is battery life better on the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or Google Pixel Buds Pro?

The case feels grippy for the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.

Sporting a superior battery life, the Google Pixel Buds Pro lasts 7 hours and 6 minutes with ANC on. Using the same standardized testing method, consisting of constant music playback peaking at 75dB(SPL), the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro lasts 4 hours and 50 minutes. Requiring fewer charging cycles than the Samsung Buds to achieve the same playback time, the Pixel Buds Pro may last a little longer down the line.

Otherwise, both battery cases charge via USB-C or wirelessly with a Qi pad. Samsung includes the Wireless PowerShare function; this requires you to have a Qi-compatible phone to charge the buds.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or Google Pixel Buds Pro block noise better?

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has better ANC than the Pixel Buds Pro.

One of the greatest strengths of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro lies in its excellent active noise canceling performance. The Google Pixel Buds Pro has very respectable ANC tech, but particularly in the lowest frequency regions, it can’t keep pace with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. In addition, vents present on both sets of earbuds act to relieve in-ear pressure caused by noise canceling.

More comparable are the isolating qualities of each set of buds, however, even here Samsung mostly outdoes the Pixel Buds Pro as well. So while Samsung wins for better noise canceling, both wireless earbuds will help keep your volume at a safer level to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

Does the Google Pixel Buds Pro sound better than the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro?

Most people will prefer how the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro sounds over the Pixel Buds Pro.

Our tests show both sets have nearly identical tuning below 1000Hz, exaggerating bass by around 5dB, with the Pixel Buds Pro bumping it up a couple decibels more around 40-60Hz. Also, compared to our headphone preference curve, both marginally under-emphasize the 500-1000Hz region. Still, Samsung and Google’s frequency responses roughly follow the gist of our target curve there, and it helps to know these differences and similarities when deciding on a purchase.

In the high end, except for the volume roll-off at 10kHz, the Google Pixel Buds Pro is louder than the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. The Pixel Buds Pro could border on harsh for some listeners, depending on the content. In contrast, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro delivers a saner amount of treble in its frequency response, and features a volume dip between 7-10kHz, and then a boost above 10kHz. Less happens above 10Khz in terms of content, so while it’ll affect your audio, it won’t be as obvious as the over-amplified treble frequencies on the Pixel Buds Pro.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or Google Pixel Buds Pro have a better microphone?

Neither microphone is the most accurate, but both work just fine for meetings. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro in ideal conditions sounds more or less fine, but can cause some voices to sound as though they have a lisp, and exaggerates plosives (p sounds). It rejects wind noise fairly well.

The Pixel Buds Pro noise rejection works okay, but can sometimes cut your voice out completely with heavy wind, so maybe avoid mid-windstorm Zoom meetings. Higher voices tend to fare worse with some sibilant (s sounds) exaggerations, as well.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Google Pixel Buds Pro microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Google Pixel Buds Pro microphone demo (Windy conditions):

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Editor’s note: Our standardized test setup plays back pre-recorded phrases from a calibrated artificial mouth in our test chamber, either with or without simulated background noises, simulated reverberant spaces, or artificial wind. This means that samples from every product can be directly compared, which makes it far easier to make meaningful comparisons between products in terms of the raw speech quality or the product’s ability to reject noise. While this setup is consistent, it’s unable to allow the earbuds to detect speech as they would in the real world (using vibrations), so you’re likely to experience something different than our demos above.

Should you get the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro or Google Pixel Buds Pro?

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are better where it counts.

Unless you have a Google obsession or need earbuds for constant playback exceeding 5 hours, you ought to pick up the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. This is especially true for Samsung phone owners who can access the Samsung Seamless Codec. The Samsung buds sound better and cancel more noise than the Google Pixel Buds Pro. It also happens to be on our best noise canceling wireless earphones list.

Both sets of earbuds are comfortable, but the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earphones fit and feel better. Plus Samsung’s buds have a superior IPX7 rating compared to the IPX4 on the Google buds. Granted, the Pixel Buds Pro has a better charging case with IPX2 protection and a more pocketable shape. You also get a longer standalone battery life out of the Pixel buds Pro.

The case lid props up the buds for easy access.

Most of what you buy when you get either of these great wireless earbuds is the companion software. Both apps have similar functionality and limitations, even down to control remapping. Even considering prices jump around a lot for Samsung, and Google is pretty fixed, you might as well go for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for its better sound and ANC, unless you need a better battery life and Google Translate.

What should you get instead of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Google Pixel Buds Pro?

The first and second-gen AirPods Pro look and operate similarly to one another.

First off, don’t buy either of these earbuds if you have an iPhone. You won’t have access to most of the Samsung and Google features because you miss out on the apps. Instead, iPhone owners, just jump right to the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) () for the smoothest experience on iOS. If you don’t mind missing a few features like a speaker built into the charging case, you can grab the Apple AirPods Pro (1st gen) instead (); it compares very well against the 2nd generation.

The WF-1000XM5 (left) and WF-1000XM4 (right) support similar feature sets that can suit folks looking to get great earbuds.

Those who switch between operating systems, go ahead and pick up the Sony WF-1000XM4. Sony’s buds have great ANC, 360 Reality Audio, and a more granular equalizer in the app. Android owners can use the LDAC codec and don’t need a special phone for the WF-1000XM4 either, hurray. Granted, it was more expensive when released, but has gone down a bit ().

The introduction of the even newer Sony WF-1000XM5, which updates the battery life, noise canceling, and slims down the previous iteration, is a solid alternative to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Pixel Buds Pro. These are a bit costly (), but for the latest tech from Sony that might be worth the entry fee.

The Nothing X app works regardless of whether your phone uses Android or iOS.

If you want a solid connection, some ANC, and don’t care for spatial audio with head tracking, there’s the Nothing Ear (2). No need here to make sure you have the Nothing Phone 2 to get features, as needed for Google and Samsung earbuds. You get the LHDC 5.0 codec, provided you’ve got Android 10 or later to potentially get up to 24 bit/192kHz audio, similar to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s Samsung Seamless Codec. iOS users still get the AAC codec too. While the noise canceling doesn’t outdo the Pixel Buds Pro or Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, it’s very consistent in its implementation. For it’s worth a look.

Frequently asked questions