Tech Accessories · Ecosystem Guides
AirPods vs. Galaxy Buds: Which Should You Buy in 2025?
Apple and Samsung keep trading blows on sound quality, noise cancellation, and smart features. We break down the real-world differences so you pick the buds that fit your devices and priorities.
Key takeaways
- Stay with your ecosystem if you rely on Find My, Audio Sharing, or Samsung Galaxy AI voice controls—these perks still work best inside their native platforms.
- AirPods Pro (2nd gen, USB-C) lead on spatial audio and call clarity; Galaxy Buds3 Pro pull ahead on adjustable ANC strength and 24-bit audio on supported Galaxy phones.
- Battery wins go to Samsung this year, but Apple's case adds precise location tracking that frequent travelers love.
Specs & feature comparison
| Feature | AirPods Pro (2nd gen) | Galaxy Buds3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Ecosystem perks | Auto-switching across Mac, iPhone, and iPad; conversation awareness; precise Find My with UWB. | Auto device switching for Galaxy phones/tablets; Interpreter mode; SmartThings Find proximity alerts. |
| Audio codecs | AAC + ALAC lossless over USB-C cable with iPhone 15 and later. | SSC HiFi (24-bit), AAC, and SBC with Galaxy AI upscaling on 2024+ devices. |
| Noise cancellation | Adaptive Audio blends transparency + ANC automatically based on ambient noise. | Five manual ANC levels plus voice detect. Stronger low-frequency reduction on flights in our tests. |
| Battery life | 6 hours ANC on, 30 hours with case. Case recharges via USB-C or MagSafe. | 7.5 hours ANC on, 30 hours with case. Supports USB-C and Qi2 wireless charging. |
| Fit & comfort | Four tip sizes + ear tip fit test. Stem controls easier with gloves. | Wingless design with secure ridge; pinch controls similar to AirPods. |
When to choose AirPods
If you primarily use Apple hardware, AirPods Pro remain the smoothest experience. iOS 18's Personalized Spatial Audio now maps your ear shape with the front-facing camera, and Siri Interactions let you trigger shortcuts silently. We also measured the cleanest voice pickup on the AirPods during windy street calls thanks to the H2 chip's beamforming tweaks.
Pair them with a USB-C GaN charger and you'll refill both your iPhone and the AirPods case from a single brick.
When to choose Galaxy Buds
Galaxy Buds3 Pro shine if you're deep in Samsung's ecosystem or want adjustable ANC. Galaxy AI Interpreter mode translates in real time during calls, and the Buds handle game mode latency better with the latest Galaxy S24 Ultra firmware. The shorter stem also fits under motorcycle helmets.
Add a travel-friendly laptop stand and Galaxy Book for a cohesive hybrid work kit.
Switching tips
Jumping platforms? Reset the buds through their respective apps before pairing to a new phone. Install the AirPods for Android or Galaxy Wearable for iOS helper apps to expose battery stats and ANC controls, though advanced features remain limited.
For travelers, we recommend carrying both ecosystems if you regularly switch between iPhone and Galaxy. Store the unused pair in a slim hard case and recharge with a dual-port power bank during flights.