AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: how the earbuds compare and who they suit

ZDNET's Christian de Looper compared Apple's AirPods Pro 3 and Samsung's Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and found a strong first‑party advantage: each pair delivers more functionality when used with its maker's ecosystem. The two models differ on key specs. Apple quotes eight hours of continuous listening (up to 24 hours with the charging case) versus six hours for Samsung (up to 20 hours with case).

Both offer ANC and adaptive modes (AirPods: ANC, Transparency Mode, Adaptive Audio; Galaxy Buds: ANC, Ambient Sound, Adaptive), share an IP57 earbuds‑only rating, and use Bluetooth 5.3 and 5.4 respectively. Apple lists features such as hearing aid mode, live translation, Automatic Switching, Spatial Audio and a heart rate monitor; Samsung lists hearing enhancements, an Interpreter, Auto switch and 360 audio.

Prices are $249 for AirPods Pro 3 and $250 for Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. The AirPods Pro 3 stand out for Apple users: they provide extra features when connected to Apple devices, including Automatic Switching across iCloud devices, Spatial Audio, Live Translation when paired with an iPhone, and in‑ear heart rate monitoring tied into Apple Fitness and a Workout Buddy feature.

Some advanced functions—Find My and automatic wearing detection among them—are limited or unavailable when the AirPods are paired to non‑Apple devices. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are positioned for Android users, and particularly Samsung owners.

Key Topics

Tech, Apple, Samsung, Heart Rate Monitor