ConsFirst / Wireless earbuds / Compare
Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Apple AirPods Pro 3 ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 11) and scores better on noise cancelling, call quality, battery.
The biggest complaint about the Apple AirPods Pro 3 is fit can slip or hurt; for the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro it's best features locked to galaxy phones. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Good for: iPhone owners who want hands-free Siri, heart-rate tracking and hearing features
Its catch: fit can slip or hurt
Check price on AmazonGood for: Samsung Galaxy phone owners
Its catch: best features locked to Galaxy phones
Check price on AmazonPaid links. We don't list prices — they change daily. Neither one feels right?
Side by side
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in wireless earbuds | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Noise-cancelling | Noise-cancelling |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 10% | 10% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| Sound | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Noise cancelling | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Comfort & fit | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Call quality | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Battery | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Durability | 3.5 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $100 · $$ $100–200 · $$$ over $200. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Apple AirPods Pro 3
- Fit can slip or hurt
Wirecutter says the fit may be hard for small ears and the buds worked loose during high-impact exercise, especially when using the squeeze controls. SoundGuys found the tips and glossy shell still slipped as sweat built up. Amazon's review summary calls fit and comfort mixed, with some owners saying they fall out. A low-star Walmart review says they are too big and hurt.
- Apple-only extras and awkward controls
Wirecutter dislikes the squeeze-and-swipe controls, which can shift the buds in your ear, and notes most advanced features are exclusive to Apple users. Tom's Guide says Android users get very little control because there is no app, and Live Translation needs an iPhone with Apple Intelligence. SoundGuys lists Apple-exclusive features and some connection issues among its cons.
- Charging and reliability failures
Amazon's review summary says some owners report them breaking after a month of use. Low-star Walmart reviews describe a left earbud that won't charge, a case that stopped charging the buds, and a pair that wouldn't charge past 1%. Many other 1-star Walmart reviews are about delivery problems, not the product.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
- Best features locked to Galaxy phones
SoundGuys lists Samsung-exclusive features and no multipoint as cons. Tom's Guide says headline AI and call-enhancement features need a Galaxy S23 or newer, and the app for other phones is just 'fine'. Wirecutter lists auto-pairing, voice, gestures and translation as Galaxy-only.
- Fit and squeeze controls
Wirecutter says people with deep ear canals or small ears may struggle with the stemmed design, and each squeeze can reposition the bud. SoundGuys notes limited tip options and says a poor fit hurts both ANC and mics. Amazon calls fit mixed.
- Battery and reliability gripes
SoundGuys measured 6 hours 1 minute and calls that below average at this price; Tom's Guide says it lags the AirPods Pro 3. Amazon shows mixed battery and connectivity feedback. Low-star Walmart reviews describe buds that stopped working after 3 weeks, a case that won't charge, and buds that stay connected in the case and drain.
Who should pick which
Pick the Apple AirPods Pro 3 if
iPhone owners who want hands-free Siri, heart-rate tracking and hearing features
Commuters and flyers who want strong ANC
Sweaty workouts and rain (IP57)
Skip it if: You use an Android phone; AirPods have fallen out of your ears before; You want physical buttons or a detailed EQ
Pick the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro if
Samsung Galaxy phone owners
Bass lovers who still want clarity
Rain and sweat (IP57)
Skip it if: You use an iPhone or a non-Samsung Android phone; You switch between two devices often (no multipoint); You have small ears or deep ear canals
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.
Neither one feels right?
If both catches are deal-breakers, start here.
Wirecutter's top pick for both everyday and noise-cancelling earbuds, with the best call mics it has tested. But battery life is short (about 6.5 hours with ANC), and the bass-heavy default sound needs EQ work.
Its catch: battery shorter than rivalsA third option · #8CMF Buds 2Tom's Guide's best cheap earbuds: Dirac-tuned sound that punches above its $49 price, about 12 hours per charge and decent ANC. The trade-offs are mics that let traffic through on calls, no hi-res codecs, and a fit and connection Amazon owners call mixed.
Its catch: callers hear your surroundingsAll 11 comparedSee every earbud, rankedEach one's biggest complaint at a glance, with the full ranking and a 3-question quiz.
Browse wireless earbuds →Not sure which downside you can live with? Take the 3-question quiz →