AirPods Pro 3 or Galaxy Buds4 Pro? Your Phone Decides
Same price, different perks — pick the pair that works with your phone.
Apple and Samsung each sell premium earbuds for almost exactly the same price: $249 for AirPods Pro 3 and $249.99 for Galaxy Buds4 Pro. So what actually sets them apart? Mostly the phone you already own. AirPods Pro 3 are built for iPhones, while Galaxy Buds4 Pro offer more features on Samsung phones and most Android devices.
Battery life matters if you hate charging. Apple claims up to 8 hours of listening with noise cancellation on one charge, versus Samsung's 6 hours. But Samsung's charging case adds more total listening time: 26 hours compared to Apple's 24. Both block background noise, but Samsung gives you a manual equalizer (like a treble and bass dial) while Apple adjusts sound automatically.
Another difference: durability. Both earbuds resist water and dust well (IP57 rating), but Apple's case is also water-resistant. Samsung's case is not — a big deal if you're at a pool or caught in the rain. Fit matters too: Apple includes five ear-tip sizes, Samsung has three.
The takeaway: if you have an iPhone, AirPods Pro 3 will feel more integrated. If you use a Samsung or Android phone, Galaxy Buds4 Pro give you more control and flexibility. Specs matter less than the ecosystem you're already in.
- AirPods Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds4 Pro both cost about $249 — price won't make the decision for you.
- Apple's earbuds last 2 hours longer per charge with noise cancellation, but Samsung's case adds 2 more hours of total listening time.
- Choose based on your phone: AirPods fit iPhones best, Galaxy Buds offer more sound controls on Android.
Why It Matters
Your earbuds should match your phone — this guide helps you avoid wasting $250.