After months of switching between Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the question remains: which pair actually delivers the better experience?
Both sit at the top of their ecosystems, but real-world use reveals clear differences in features, performance, and who each model is truly designed for.
Apple and Samsung both lean heavily on their ecosystems to unlock the full potential of their latest earbuds. Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 offer a long list of features that only work with iPhones, while Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro bring their strongest capabilities to Galaxy devices and Android.
The AirPods lineup remains Apple’s biggest example of why first-party accessories matter. Connected to an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 unlock Spatial Audio, Live Translation, Find My tracking, automatic switching, and wearing detection, none of which work properly on non-Apple devices.
Samsung uses the same strategy. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro integrate tightly with Galaxy phones, enabling instant pairing, auto switch, and AI-powered tools like Interpreter mode for live translation.
Specifications: How they compare
| Feature | AirPods Pro 3 | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life | 8 hours (24 with case) | 6 hours (20 with case) |
| Audio modes | ANC, Transparency, Adaptive Audio | ANC, Ambient Sound, Adaptive |
| IP rating | IP57 | IP57 |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Additional features | Hearing aid mode, Live Translation, Auto Switching, Spatial Audio, heart rate monitor | Hearing enhancements, Interpreter, Auto Switch, 360 audio |
| Price | $249 | $250 |
You should buy the AirPods Pro 3 if…
1. You already use apple devices
AirPods Pro 3 work best inside Apple’s ecosystem. While they can pair via Bluetooth to non-Apple devices, features like automatic switching, spatial audio, Live Translation, Find My, and wearing detection simply won’t work.
With Apple devices, switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac is seamless, and spatial audio enhances movies and TV shows. Live Translation also lets users translate speech in real time when connected to an iPhone.
2. You want built-In fitness tracking
The AirPods Pro 3 introduce an in-ear heart rate monitor — one of the biggest upgrades. It works with over 50 workout types through the Apple Fitness app, turning the AirPods Pro 3 into both audio gear and a wellness device.
They also work with Apple’s new Workout Buddy feature, which uses AI to analyze fitness data and deliver personalized motivation directly through the earbuds.
3. You need better battery life
Battery performance is another win for Apple. The AirPods Pro 3 offer 8 hours of continuous listening with ANC, compared to 6 hours on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Their case extends total listening time to 24 hours — an advantage for long-haul travel or long office days.
You should buy Galaxy Buds 3 Pro if…
1. You don’t use Apple devices
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro work smoothly across all Android devices, not just Samsung. Android users can access noise controls, EQ settings, and more through the Samsung Wear app — an app that doesn’t exist on iOS.
Samsung phone users get additional perks such as fast pairing, Auto Switch, Interpreter mode for live translations, and Galaxy ecosystem integration.
2. You want more customisable sound
Samsung gives users far more control over audio tuning. The Buds 3 Pro include a full nine-band EQ, ranging from 63Hz to 16kHz, plus several presets. Apple doesn’t let users adjust sound manually, sticking to its own tuning approach.
3. You prefer bigger, deeper bass
The Buds 3 Pro deliver stronger, heavier bass compared to AirPods Pro 3.
Apple’s bass is cleaner and more natural, but Samsung’s tuning offers more impact — ideal for listeners who prefer deeper low-end.
