Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — Which Should You Buy?

Side-by-side comparison of Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro. We compare specs, performance, and value to help you decide.

Updated 2026-03-09 Independently reviewed
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

9.4/10
$249 /one-time
VS
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

8.8/10
$249 /one-time

Feature Comparison

Feature Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Driver Size Custom Apple driver 11mm + 6.5mm dual driver
ANC Yes (Adaptive) Yes
Battery Life (Buds) 6 hours (ANC on) 5 hours (ANC on)
Battery Life (Case) 30 hours total 20 hours total
Bluetooth 5.3 5.3
Water Resistance IP54 IP57
Codec Support AAC Samsung Scalable, AAC, SBC
Wireless Charging MagSafe, Qi Yes
Multipoint No (Apple ecosystem only) Yes (Galaxy only)
Weight (per bud) 5.3g 5.8g

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Pros

  • Industry-leading Transparency mode sounds natural and clear
  • Excellent ANC that rivals over-ear headphones
  • Seamless pairing and switching across Apple devices
  • Precision Finding and Find My integration
  • MagSafe and Qi wireless charging
  • IP54 sweat and water resistance
  • Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Limited codec support (AAC only)
  • Battery life trails some competitors

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

Pros

  • Strong bass and engaging sound signature
  • 360 Audio with head tracking on Galaxy
  • Improved ANC over previous generation
  • Compact, lightweight design
  • IP57 dust and water resistance
  • Wireless charging support
  • Good battery life

Cons

  • Best features require Samsung phone
  • Fit may not suit all ear shapes
  • No LDAC or aptX support

Our Verdict

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

The AirPods Pro 2 remain the gold standard for iPhone users who want the best ANC and Transparency in a compact form factor. While Android users miss out on key features, Apple ecosystem integration is unmatched. Worth the premium if you value seamless connectivity and spatial audio.

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Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

Galaxy Buds3 Pro are the obvious choice for Samsung phone owners who want premium sound and ANC. The dual-driver setup delivers punchy bass, and 360 Audio adds immersion for supported content. Consider alternatives if you're not in the Samsung ecosystem.

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Our Methodology

We test each pair of wireless earbuds for at least 2 weeks across commuting, gym, and office scenarios. We measure ANC effectiveness with a calibrated SPL meter, battery life under continuous playback at 50% volume, and latency using specialized audio tools. No brand has editorial influence over our rankings.

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