As a Digital Technology Expert and audio aficionado, I‘ve watched the true wireless earbud market evolve at a breakneck pace. What was once a niche product category has exploded into the mainstream, with tech giants like Apple and Samsung leading the charge. Their latest flagships – the AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds Pro – represent the cutting edge of cord-free audio technology. But which one comes out on top? I put both through a rigorous set of tests to find out.
Design and Comfort
The AirPods Pro feature a familiar design refined from the original AirPods. The stem is shorter and the housing is more contoured to sit comfortably in your ear. The Galaxy Buds Pro take a different approach with a stemless, rounded shape that nestle discreetly into your ear canal.
Fit is highly subjective, but I found the Galaxy Buds Pro slightly more comfortable for multi-hour listening sessions. The included wingtips (in three sizes) helped lock them securely in place during intense workouts. However, the AirPods Pro‘s silicone tips (also in three sizes) formed a tighter seal in my ears for better passive noise isolation.
One neat trick up the AirPods Pro‘s sleeve is the Ear Tip Fit Test. It plays a snippet of music and uses the internal microphones to detect whether you‘ve achieved an optimal seal. There‘s no equivalent on the Galaxy Buds Pro, so you‘ll have to experiment with the different tip sizes to find your ideal fit.
Winner: Toss-up
Durability and Water Resistance
If you need earbuds that can withstand the elements, it‘s no contest. The Galaxy Buds Pro boast an IPX7 rating, meaning they can be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. That‘s an extremely rare feat for true wireless earbuds. The AirPods Pro‘s IPX4 rating only protects against light splashes and sweat.
To be clear, I wouldn‘t recommend swimming with either pair. But the Galaxy Buds Pro will survive an accidental drop in the sink or a torrential downpour. They‘re the ultimate adventure companions.
Winner: Galaxy Buds Pro
Sound Quality
Now let‘s talk sound. The AirPods Pro pack a custom low-distortion driver and high-dynamic-range amplifier. The result is exceptionally clean and well-balanced audio across the frequency spectrum. Bass is tight and controlled, mids are lush and detailed, and highs are crisp without being fatiguing.
An adaptive EQ feature continuously tunes the low and mid frequencies to the shape of your ear for consistent performance. And when paired with compatible Apple devices, you can enjoy immersive Spatial Audio that places sounds all around you. It‘s a treat for movies and live recordings.
The Galaxy Buds Pro are sonic powerhouses in their own right. The dual-driver array consists of an 11mm woofer for deep, powerful bass and a 6.5mm tweeter for sparkling highs. The sound signature is a touch warmer and bassier than the AirPods Pro out of the box. Instrumental separation is excellent, creating a wide and engaging soundstage.
Samsung‘s new 360 Audio feature is designed to rival Apple‘s Spatial Audio, using Dolby Head Tracking technology to create a virtual 5.1 or 7.1 surround effect. It works well with Samsung devices and certain apps like Netflix, but the content ecosystem isn‘t as robust as Apple‘s at the moment.
Both earbuds support the standard SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs. The Galaxy Buds Pro pull ahead with the addition of Samsung‘s proprietary Scalable Codec, which enables high-bitrate streaming on Galaxy devices. Sadly, neither offers the higher-quality aptX or LDAC codecs favored by audiophiles.
In terms of pure audio fidelity, I give a slight edge to the AirPods Pro for their more neutral tuning and impressive Spatial Audio implementation. But both are thoroughly enjoyable and represent the pinnacle of true wireless sound.
Winner: AirPods Pro (barely)
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is a key selling point for both sets. The AirPods Pro utilize a pair of microphones – one outward-facing and one inward-facing – to continuously adapt the noise cancellation signal to your environment. Low-frequency droning sounds like airplane engines or HVAC systems are dramatically reduced, providing a cocoon of tranquility.
The Galaxy Buds Pro feature a similar dual-mic ANC system powered by Samsung subsidiary AKG. While not quite as effective as the AirPods Pro, they still do an admirable job muting external distractions. Crucially, both allow you to dial in your preferred amount of ANC (from light to heavy) within their respective companion apps.
Transparency modes are also on tap to pipe in outside sound for better situational awareness. The AirPods Pro‘s implementation sounds impressively natural, almost like you‘re not wearing earbuds at all. The Galaxy Buds Pro are a bit more aggressive in amplifying ambient noise, which some may prefer for staying alert in busy environments.
A unique trick up Samsung‘s sleeve is Voice Detect. When the buds sense that you‘ve started talking, they‘ll automatically kick into transparency mode and lower your music so you can converse without removing them. It‘s not entirely foolproof, but a thoughtful addition nonetheless.
Winner: AirPods Pro
Microphone and Call Quality
Voice calls are another area where the AirPods Pro shine. Dual beam-forming microphones work in tandem with an inward-facing mic to clearly capture your voice while filtering out background noise. Callers consistently reported that I sounded loud and clear, even in windy conditions.
The Galaxy Buds Pro are no slouch in this department, employing a triple-mic array and advanced AI algorithms to isolate your voice. In quieter environments, they matched the AirPods Pro‘s clarity. But on a blustery day, my voice did get somewhat muffled as wind whipped across the mics.
Winner: AirPods Pro
Battery Life and Charging
Endurance is solid on both models, but the Galaxy Buds Pro last longer on a single charge. They‘re rated for up to 8 hours of continuous playback with ANC disabled, or 5 hours with it turned on. The AirPods Pro max out at 5 hours and 4.5 hours respectively.
However, the AirPods Pro‘s charging case holds significantly more juice, providing over 24 hours of total listening time versus roughly 20 hours for the Galaxy Buds Pro. Both cases can be topped up wirelessly via any Qi-compatible charger. And in a pinch, the Galaxy Buds Pro case can be charged from a compatible Samsung phone using Wireless PowerShare.
Winner: Galaxy Buds Pro
Controls and Digital Assistant Support
When it comes to on-board controls, the AirPods Pro are hard to beat. The force sensor on each stem allows you to play/pause, skip tracks, toggle ANC, or summon Siri with a combination of presses. The Galaxy Buds Pro rely on less precise touch controls that are easy to accidentally trigger when adjusting the fit. You also have to remember which bud does what, as playback and ANC/ambient controls are split between the two.
Both offer hands-free digital assistant access, but only within their respective ecosystems. The AirPods Pro support "Hey Siri" on iOS devices, while the Galaxy Buds Pro can wake up Bixby on Samsung hardware. If you‘re hoping to use Google Assistant or Alexa, you‘re sadly out of luck with either pair.
Winner: AirPods Pro
Connectivity and Compatibility
The AirPods Pro are unsurprisingly tailor-made for Apple‘s ecosystem. They automatically pair with your iPhone out of the case and intelligently switch between your various iOS and macOS devices. You‘ll also need an Apple device to access certain features like Spatial Audio, the ear tip fit test, and audio sharing (which lets you share audio with another pair of AirPods).
The Galaxy Buds Pro are more platform-agnostic, pairing easily with any Bluetooth-enabled phone, tablet, or laptop. And Samsung‘s Galaxy Wearable companion app brings features like EQ customization, ANC controls, and "Find My Buds" to both Android and iOS. Just be aware that the 360 Audio feature and Gaming Mode (which reduces audio latency) only work with the latest Galaxy devices.
Winner: Galaxy Buds Pro
Pricing and Value
Neither of these flagship earbuds come cheap, but the Galaxy Buds Pro have a lower starting MSRP of $199 compared to $249 for the AirPods Pro. Of course, both regularly go on sale these days. At the time of writing, the AirPods Pro are down to $197 on Amazon, while the Galaxy Buds Pro are an absolute steal at just $99.
Considering their superior durability, battery life, and feature set, I have to give the value win to the Samsung buds – especially at their current discounted price. But truthfully, you‘re getting a premium experience with cutting-edge tech either way.
Winner: Galaxy Buds Pro
Conclusion
So which pair of wireless earbuds reigns supreme? It ultimately depends on your priorities and the devices you own. If you‘re deeply entrenched in the Apple ecosystem and willing to pay a premium, the AirPods Pro offer unmatched integration and ease of use. Their noise cancellation, microphone quality, and intuitive controls are also a cut above.
On the other hand, the Galaxy Buds Pro are the clear choice for non-Apple users who want the best combination of sound quality, durability, and battery life for the price. Their IPX7 water resistance rating is a massive selling point for active lifestyles. And while the ANC and transparency modes aren‘t quite as refined as the AirPods Pro, they‘re still incredibly effective.
Sonically, both earbuds are top-tier and sure to delight all but the pickiest audiophiles. The Galaxy Buds Pro deliver a slightly bassier and more energetic sound, while the AirPods Pro opt for a more neutral and immersive presentation. You truly can‘t go wrong either way.
As a Digital Technology Expert and audio lover, I‘m thrilled by the relentless innovation happening in the true wireless space. Products like the AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds Pro would have been unimaginable just a few short years ago. If you‘re ready to cut the cord and experience the bleeding edge of personal audio, you owe it to yourself to snag one of these remarkable pairs. Your ears will thank you!
