Apple AirPods Pro vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro – Lifewire

Apple and Samsung have a rivalry that extends not only into smartphones but also into the audio space. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) face each other face to face Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2 Pro.

Both are true wireless earbuds with built-in noise cancellation and a charging case, giving you uncharted sound, wherever you are.

We compared them head to head to see how they fare in terms of 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 silicone tips to choose from, from smallest to largest, they are designed to fit a wide range of ears. This differs significantly from the smooth, hard plastic tips on other AirPods models.

The fit is more comfortable, provides better sound insulation, and is less likely to fall out of your ears. You don’t have to worry about taking it to the gym either as they are IP54 water and sweat resistant, although they are not designed for water sports.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro has a distinctive design compared to the AirPods Pro. They’re 15% smaller than the Buds Pro and don’t have the stem of 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 to workouts and the gym as long as you don’t soak them.

Sound quality and noise cancellation

AirPods Pro headphones feature active noise cancellation (ANC). Unlike passive noise cancellation, which uses the earbuds’ physical seal, AirPods Pro uses its microphones to deliver sound that essentially cancels out ambient noise without interfering with your music or other audio.

Apple has also given its AirPods Pro some nifty tricks to improve ANC. There is a ventilation system to reduce the feeling of pressure caused by other noise-canceling headphones. It manages to do this without decreasing the ANC, which is impressive.

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

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

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

However, AirPods Pro excel at reducing background noise, from a screeching train to a chattering crowd to a noisy sound system, making them a top choice for those looking for a truly immersive audio experience.

The Buds2 Pro includes Smart Talk Mode, which lets the outside world in when needed via voice detection. They also support a range of audio features and enhancements. Samsung’s headphones come with six in-app EQ settings and full customization for more advanced users.

The AirPods Pro have adaptive equalizer, which is powered by the H2 chip and does so automatically, but you can only change a limited number of individual settings.

Battery life

With ANC active, 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 claims the Buds2 Pro will last (23 hours with the case). housing).

The differences here, although small, could contribute to your purchasing decision.

Software and Features

The AirPods Pro, while not offering extensive EQ customization, makes up for it with plenty of other features. During initial setup, they perform an audio test to ensure optimal ANC fit. This feature, designed for convenience, suggests adjustments if initial test results are not ideal, providing a reassuring user experience.

Apple AirPods Pro offer a unique feature: Spatial Audio. This advanced technology creates virtual surround sound, enhancing your gaming and multimedia experiences. It even uses your phone’s TrueDepth camera to understand your head geometry, creating a personalized 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 devices. This handy feature lets you easily control things like volume and track playback.

The Samsung Buds2 Pro headphones come with some extras on the software side. We have already discussed the different equalization options.

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

Price

At MSRP, the AirPods Pro will cost you $249. Apple doesn’t usually offer deep discounts, although we’ve sometimes seen AirPods Pro go down to $200 during holiday sales.

On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro costs a more modest $169 and has been on sale several times.

Final verdict

If you are an iPhone user and already integrated into the Apple ecosystem, get the AirPods Pro. They’ll 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 benefit significantly from the H2 chip.

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