Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
When deciding between Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) or Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro, understanding which is better for your specific needs requires looking at more than just specs. The difference between Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro comes down to your smartphone choice and priorities—Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro isn't a matter of one being universally superior, but rather which features matter most to you. To help you make an informed choice, we've compared Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) compared to Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro across performance, sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and price, so you can see exactly how these two leading earbuds stack up against each other.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) | Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | Adaptive ANC up to 2x better noise reduction than original | Intelligent ANC up to 99% ambient noise blocking |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 rating (splash resistant) | IPX7 rating (submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes) |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 6 hours (30 hours with charging case) | 5 hours (18 hours with charging case) |
| Driver Configuration | Single custom high-excursion driver | Dual driver system: 11mm woofer + 6.5mm tweeter |
| Spatial Audio | Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking | 360 Audio with Dolby Atmos (Samsung devices only) |
| Weight per Earbud | 5.3 grams | 6.3 grams |
| Bluetooth Codec Support | AAC only | AAC, SBC, Scalable (Samsung proprietary) |
| Charging Options | MagSafe, Lightning, Qi wireless, Apple Watch charger | USB-C, Qi wireless, reverse wireless charging |
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Pros
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation with Adaptive Transparency mode
- Seamless integration with Apple ecosystem and spatial audio with head tracking
- IPX4 water resistance and Find My integration with speaker in case
- Up to 6 hours playback with ANC (30 hours total with case)
Cons
- Premium price point at $249
- Limited functionality with Android devices
- No customizable EQ settings in native app
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with 11mm woofer and 6.5mm tweeter dual driver system
- 360 Audio with Dolby Atmos support and auto-switching between devices
- IPX7 water resistance rating (better than AirPods Pro)
- More affordable at $199 with extensive EQ customization
Cons
- ANC performance slightly below AirPods Pro
- Battery life of 5 hours with ANC (18 hours total) is shorter
- Best features require Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro: Full Comparison
I've tested both the AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro extensively, and they represent two very different approaches to premium wireless earbuds.
The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) deliver what I consider the best noise cancellation available in true wireless earbuds. The H2 chip provides up to twice the noise cancellation of the original model, which is immediately noticeable on airplanes or busy streets. The Adaptive Transparency mode is brilliant—it reduces harsh environmental noise while keeping you aware of your surroundings. For iPhone users, the integration is flawless. Pairing happens instantly, device switching across your Apple products works perfectly, and Find My integration means you'll never lose them. Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive experience for movies and music, though it works best within Apple's ecosystem.
The Galaxy Buds Pro take a different approach. Samsung went with a dual-driver system: an 11mm woofer paired with a 6.5mm tweeter. This delivers noticeably better sound separation than the AirPods Pro's single-driver design. Bass hits harder, highs sound clearer, especially with complex tracks. The Galaxy Wearable app offers extensive EQ customization—something Apple simply doesn't provide. The IPX7 water resistance rating means you can wear these in the shower or during intense workouts. AirPods Pro only offer IPX4 splash resistance.
Battery life favors Apple: 6 hours with ANC versus 5 hours, and the charging case provides 30 total hours compared to Samsung's 18 hours.
Price matters here. Galaxy Buds Pro typically cost $50-70 less than AirPods Pro and frequently drop to $129 during sales.
My take? Your phone determines your choice. iPhone users benefit from the AirPods Pro's superior ANC, longer battery life, and tight Apple integration. Android users, especially Samsung Galaxy owners, get better audio quality, more customization, superior water resistance, and save money with the Galaxy Buds Pro.
This comparison is researched and written with AI assistance. Specs, prices, and availability may change — verify details with the manufacturer or retailer before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
They connect via Bluetooth, but you'll lose most of what makes them special. No spatial audio, no automatic device switching, no battery indicators in your notification shade, and no easy pairing. They basically become standard Bluetooth earbuds without the Apple magic.
Galaxy Buds Pro have the edge here. Their dual-driver system (11mm woofer plus 6.5mm tweeter) produces better separation, deeper bass, and clearer highs. AirPods Pro sound excellent and balanced with great computational audio features, but the Galaxy Buds Pro's customizable EQ gives you more control over your sound.
Absolutely. The IPX7 rating means they can handle submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. AirPods Pro only have IPX4 splash resistance. Galaxy Buds Pro also stay more secure during high-impact activities, though both come with multiple ear tip sizes for proper fit.
Yes, they connect via Bluetooth, and you can download the Galaxy Buds app from the iOS App Store to access EQ customization and ANC settings. But features like 360 Audio, Bixby integration, and device switching work best with Samsung Galaxy devices.
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) win this easily. The H2 chip delivers up to 2x better ANC than the original model, and the Adaptive Transparency mode intelligently filters harsh sounds. Galaxy Buds Pro have effective ANC that blocks up to 99% of ambient noise, but independent tests consistently rank AirPods Pro higher.
It depends on your phone ecosystem. AirPods Pro are objectively better for iPhone users thanks to superior noise cancellation and seamless Apple integration, while Galaxy Buds Pro are the better choice for Android users with their dual-driver audio and lower price. Neither is universally "better"—they're optimized for different platforms.
Buy AirPods Pro if you use an iPhone and want the best noise cancellation and ecosystem integration. Buy Galaxy Buds Pro if you're on Android, want superior audio quality, prefer stronger water resistance, or need to save money—they're the smarter value pick.
AirPods Pro excel in noise cancellation and Apple ecosystem features, while Galaxy Buds Pro offer dual-driver audio, better water resistance (IPX7 vs IPX4), and lower pricing. The real difference is ecosystem: AirPods dominate on iOS, Galaxy Buds dominate on Android.
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