Apple AirPods Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro – Lifewire

Apple and Samsung have a rivalry that carries over not just in smartphones but also in the audio space. Apple’s AirPods Pro (2nd gen) go head to head against Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2 Pro.

Both are true wireless earbuds with built-in noise cancellation and a charging case, giving you uncharted audio no matter where you are.

We’ve compared them head-to-head to see how they fare in design, comfort, sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), battery life, software, and other features. 

Design and Comfort 

The AirPods Pro earbuds retain the distinctive white Q-tip design of the first and second-generation AirPods. With four silicon tips to pick from—extra small to large—they’re built to fit a range of ears. This significantly differs from other AirPods models’ hard, smooth plastic ear tips.

The fit is more comfortable, makes a better noise isolation seal, and is less likely to fall out of your ears. You also don’t have to worry about taking it to the gym since they’re IP54 water and sweat-resistant, though they’re not built for water sports.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro has a distinctive design compared to the AirPods Pro. They are 15 percent smaller than Buds Pro and lack the stem seen in Apple’s earbuds. The Buds2 Pro are available in Bora purple, white, and graphite.

The Buds2 Pro are IPX7 water resistant, so they should also hold up well for workouts and gym use as long as you don’t get them soaked. 

Sound Quality and Noise Cancelation 

The AirPods Pro earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Unlike passive noise cancellation, which uses the physical seal of the earbuds, the AirPods Pro uses its microphones to pipe in sound that essentially cancels out ambient noise without interfering with your music or other audio.

Apple has also packed its AirPods Pro with clever tricks to improve ANC. There’s a vent system to reduce the pressurized feeling that other noise-canceling earbuds cause. It manages to do this without diminishing the ANC, which is impressive. 

Switching from ANC mode to Transparency mode on the AirPods Pro is a breeze, allowing you to hear your surroundings when needed.

Whether you’re commuting or need to hear an announcement, the AirPods Pro’s sound quality, sharp highs and great boosted bass, is sure to impress. The H2 chip, supporting all these audio features, adds to the practicality and value of this user-friendly choice. 

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro also boasts ANC, which Samsung calls Intelligent Active Noise Cancellation. They operate similarly to the AirPods Pro, using external microphones to balance out ambient noise.

However, the AirPods Pro excels in diminishing background noise, from a screeching train to a chattering crowd and loud PA system, making it a top choice for those seeking a truly immersive audio experience.

The Buds2 Pro includes Intelligent Conversation Mode, which lets the outside world in when necessary via voice detection. They also support a range of audio features and enhancements. Samsung’s earbuds come with six EQ settings in the app and complete customization for more advanced users.

The AirPods Pro does have Adaptive EQ, which is powered by the H2 chip and does it automatically, but you can only tweak so many individual settings.

Battery Life 

With active ANC, the AirPods Pro will last up to six hours on a full charge (30 hours with the case), which is technically slightly worse than the five hours Samsung says the Buds2 Pro will last (23 hours with the case).

The differences here, although minimal, might contribute to your buying decision.

Software and Features 

The AirPods Pro, while not offering extensive EQ customization, compensates with many other features. Upon initial setup, they conduct an audio test to ensure optimal ANC fit. This feature, designed for convenience, suggests adjustments if the initial test results aren’t ideal, providing a reassuring user experience.

Apple’s AirPods Pro offer a unique feature: Spatial Audio. This advanced technology creates a virtual surround sound, enhancing your gaming and media experiences. It even utilizes your phone’s TrueDepth camera to understand your head geometry, creating a custom profile for a personalized fit. This innovative feature is sure to intrigue and impress potential buyers.

With Siri and Bixby built-in, you can activate them with voice commands to interact with your phone and smart home devices. This convenient feature allows you to control things like volume and track playback with ease.

The Samsung Buds2 Pro buds are loaded with extras on the software end. We have already touched on the various EQ options.

In addition to the various EQ options, the Samsung Buds2 Pro offers a range of software extras. These include remappable touch controls (changeable through the app), Dual Audio for playback on two devices, and the Bixby voice assistant for commands. These extras enhance the product’s versatility and functionality.

Price 

At MSRP, the AirPods Pro will cost you $249. Apple does not typically offer steep discounts, though we’ve occasionally seen the AirPods Pro come down to $200 during holiday sales.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro cost a more modest $169 and have been on sale a few times.

Final Verdict

If you’re an iPhone user and already embedded in the Apple ecosystem, get the AirPods Pro. They will offer excellent noise cancellation, solid audio, and valuable integrations and enhancements for easy pairing.

While the AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds2 Pro use Bluetooth 5.3, the AirPods Pro dramatically benefits from the H2 chip.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are a good option for Android users who like to have many EQ customization options to create an individualized sound profile.