Compare Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Earbuds

Equalizer customization is a repeated complaint: reviewers call the lack of EQ a grave oversight or want a workaround-free adjustable EQ.

Equalizer customization was a standout strength, with reviewers repeatedly praising the 9-band EQ and the ability to tune sound globally.

SoundGuys criticizes frequency response consistency, saying bass and treble become more extreme at quieter hardware volume levels.

Frequency response evidence was positive, with one reviewer finding a close Harman-curve match and another saying lab results tracked the target closely except for bass.

Touch responsiveness has limited negative evidence, with one reviewer finding gestures stubborn or not very responsive.

Touch and swipe responsiveness was strong where tested, especially for volume controls that reviewers called responsive, quick, and useful.

Lossless audio support is poor because reviewers explicitly note that AirPods Pro 3 do not support lossless or hi-res playback.

Lossless or hi-res audio support was valued but limited by Samsung-device requirements and only subtle perceived improvements in some tests.

Voice assistant integration is a weakness in one review because Siri confused Live Translation commands and sentence boundaries.

Voice assistant and voice-control evidence was mixed: reviewers liked no-wake-word commands, but Bixby and prankable or awkward voice behavior remained concerns.

Bluetooth and connection reliability are mixed, with one review reporting connection bugs and another warning about a static issue affecting some users.

Bluetooth reliability was praised for stable connections, long range, and a lack of dropouts in several tests.

Android compatibility remains a clear weakness because reviewers say Android users lose major features and should generally look elsewhere.

Android compatibility was generally favorable, especially for Samsung and broader Android users, though the best experience was still Samsung-centered.

Maximum-volume clarity is praised by one reviewer for low high-volume distortion, while another suggests louder listening can improve the response.

Maximum-volume clarity was mixed because one reviewer said higher volumes could make bass aggressive and boomy.

Button or stem-control usability is weak in one review, which says the gestures are not very responsive.

Physical control usability was mixed-to-positive: many liked the pinch and swipe system, while others found the angular stems awkward or tricky.

Ear tip size options are generally praised for five sizes and better fit experimentation, but one reviewer complains that removal and replacement can be difficult.

Ear tip size options were a limitation, with reviewers wanting more than the included sizes for a better seal.

Multi-platform compatibility is positive for Apple-device switching but limited outside the Apple ecosystem.

Multi-platform compatibility was a major weakness because iPhone users lack app support and many advanced features remain Samsung-exclusive.

Multipoint reliability is a weakness in one review because the earbuds sometimes failed to auto-connect between phone and laptop.

Multipoint and switching worked well inside Samsung's ecosystem, but reviewers disliked that seamless switching was limited outside Samsung devices.

Codec support is a weakness because reviewers criticize the lack of higher-quality codec options and call Apple behind the industry.

Codec support was a recurring compromise: Samsung's codec was appreciated, but reviewers criticized the ecosystem lock-in and lack of wider high-res codec options.

Passive isolation improves with the new tips and seal, helping block more sound even without ANC.

Passive isolation was mixed: a good seal blocked some sound, but reviewers said the design did not isolate as well as deeper in-ear or foam-tip alternatives.

Find My is a clear strength, with reviewers praising improved precision and easier case tracking.

Find My was helpful but imperfect: reviewers liked flashing lights and improved recovery, but disliked imprecision or odd notifications.

Design and aesthetics are mostly conservative; one reviewer lists the unchanged look as a drawback.

Design opinions were split between stylish, distinctive, and functional versus derivative, generic, or gimmicky.

ANC is the clearest consensus win: reviewers repeatedly call it excellent, impressive, stronger than before, and among the best in earbuds.

ANC was broadly useful but not universally class-leading; some reviewers called it excellent or effective, while others found it merely decent or underwhelming.

Sensors are mostly praised for accurate heart-rate tracking, though some reviewers call the feature redundant for Apple Watch users.

Sensors and automatic detection features were useful in concept but inconsistent, with some reviewers calling voice detect helpful and others finding adaptive behavior gimmicky or wonky.

LDAC support is poor because reviewers list LDAC among the codecs Apple still needs to add.

LDAC support was viewed negatively because reviewers explicitly wished Samsung had included LDAC or noted its absence as disappointing.

Eartip fit is strongly divided: many reviewers get a better seal and secure fit, while others have fit discomfort or difficult tip removal.

Eartip fit was inconsistent: some reviewers got a good seal and comfort, while others criticized difficult removal, fragile tips, or easy dislodging.

Spatial audio earns strong praise for surround-like movie playback, immersive staging, and best-in-class implementation, though one reviewer personally dislikes it.

Spatial audio was mixed: some reviewers found it immersive or useful, while others called it hit-or-miss, compressed, or only occasionally worthwhile.

Transparency mode is another major strength, often described as natural, cleaner, and close to not wearing earbuds.

Transparency and ambient modes were a major strength, often described as natural, clear, convincing, and among the best some reviewers had heard.

Value depends heavily on upgrade path: reviewers like the product for new or older-AirPods buyers, but several say AirPods Pro 2 owners may not need it.

Value was mixed: reviewers saw a premium, capable product, but many warned against full price or called the cost high.

Battery life is a tradeoff: single-charge runtime is widely praised, but several reviewers complain that the case has less total battery than before.

Battery life was one of the most divided areas: some reviewers called it decent or accurate, while others found it short or disappointing versus rivals.

Comfort is highly ear-dependent: many reviewers find the Pro 3 more comfortable for long wear, while others report pressure or discomfort from the new shape.

Comfort was a consistent highlight, with reviewers describing the earbuds as light, easy to wear for long sessions, and more comfortable than earlier Galaxy Buds.

Build quality evidence is mixed, with one review criticizing scratch-prone plastic and another noting a possible screeching/static issue for some users.

Build quality was mixed, with some praise for premium materials and great build, but several complaints about plasticky or cheap-feeling finishes.

One reviewer reports no latency issues when watching content, making audio-video sync a strength where mentioned.

Gaming latency was praised in one review after Game Mode delivered phone gaming without noticeable delay.

The integrated microphones are useful beyond calls, with reviewers calling them good or usable for recording in a pinch.

The integrated microphone design was praised in one review for helping deliver top-notch voice-calling performance.

Most reviewers like the overall sound, praising cleaner, fuller, or premium playback, but a few hear only minor gains over AirPods Pro 2 and one strongly dislikes the tuning.

Reviewers strongly praised the Buds3 Pro's overall sound, often calling it excellent, lively, detailed, or among the best in its class, with only a few tuning caveats.

Bass is consistently described as stronger and often better controlled, though several reviewers find it boosted, fatiguing, or excessive depending on fit and preference.

Bass was generally viewed as strong, punchy, and satisfying, though a few reviewers found it loud, thumpy, or overcooked depending on volume and preset.

One reviewer says the earbuds get louder than before, supporting a strong volume-output score.

Volume output was considered strong enough for normal and loud listening, though one test noted boominess at higher levels.

Call microphone quality is generally strong, with reviewers describing clear calls, good voice pickup, and first-rate call performance.

Call microphone quality was one of the strongest attributes overall, with many reviewers praising clear, natural calls, though a few measured softer or average results.

Portability is positive where reviewed, with the compact case described as easy to fit in a pocket.

Portability was praised because reviewers found the case small, pocketable, and easy to carry.

Stability improves for many reviewers during walking, workouts, or sleep, though a few still report slipping or sports-fit limits.

Stability ranged from excellent during workouts to weaker in active use, depending on reviewer fit and facial movement.

Software and setup are strongest inside Apple’s ecosystem, with reviewers praising simple use and updates, though advanced controls can still feel buried.

Setup and software basics were praised where tested, with reviewers calling setup easy and gestures simple once learned.

Live Translation is promising but uneven: some reviewers call it magical or accurate, while others note delays, limits, or little Pro 3-specific improvement.

AI translation was mixed: reviewers found it cool or decent, but several questioned whether the earbuds added much beyond the phone feature.

Reviewers who discuss width hear a larger, more expansive presentation, especially with spatial audio or big tracks.

The soundstage was described as open, broad, and improved, giving music more separation and breadth than expected from true wireless earbuds.

Charging feedback is mostly positive thanks to fast recharging and multiple charging options, though one reviewer wanted faster quick charging.

Charging was mostly positive due to USB-C and wireless charging, but the lack of quick charging hurt one reviewer's score.

Carry case quality is mixed: reviewers like the compact case and hinge, but criticize larger size, lower case battery, and recharge frequency.

Carry case quality was mixed: some liked the solid feel, transparency, and click, while others found it cheap-looking, clunky, slippery, or awkward.

Microphone noise reduction is mixed: some reviewers praise outside-noise rejection, while one finds environmental noise suppression weak.

Microphone noise reduction was split: some reviewers heard strong voice isolation, while others found background clutter or app-based recordings less impressive.

Weight comfort is positive where mentioned, with extra weight described as imperceptible in use.

Weight comfort was positive, with reviewers saying the light stems helped the buds stay in place and reduced ear pressure.

Treble reactions are mostly positive when described as crisp or resolving, but SoundGuys warns the upper range can be overemphasized at some listening levels.

Treble drew mostly positive comments for clarity, detail, and quick transients, but some reviewers heard fatigue, sharpness, or a darker default tuning that needed EQ.

Instrument separation is a strength, with reviewers noting distinguishable vocals, orchestral parts, and precise instrument placement.

Instrument separation was consistently praised, with reviewers hearing layered cues, separated instruments, and fine detail across orchestral, rock, and pop tracks.

Water and sweat resistance is viewed positively, with reviewers treating IP57 as useful reassurance for workouts, rain, and heavier exposure.

Water and sweat resistance drew positive comments, especially for workouts and durability, with reviewers treating the IP57 rating as above average or reassuring.

Midrange reproduction earns strong praise for clear vocals, rich tone, and clean separation from nearby instruments or bass content.

Midrange clarity was a recurring strength: reviewers heard natural vocals, realistic timbre, defined instruments, and meaningful improvements over earlier Samsung buds.

USB-C is viewed positively where discussed, especially when paired with fast charging.

USB-C was positively tied to charging convenience in one review that praised USB-C plus Qi wireless charging.

The companion app was important and generally useful for EQ, controls, fit tests, and settings, though some reviewers called it barebones or less intuitive.

aptX support is poor because reviewers specifically say Apple should catch up to competitors with aptX options.

Auracast support was viewed positively as a forward-looking or standout Bluetooth feature.

Built-in DAC and hi-res playback drew positive comments for impressive hi-res capability and studio-like detail, while still depending on Samsung support.

The case hinge receives limited but positive durability evidence, with one reviewer calling it sturdy like the previous generation.

Included accessories are a weakness because reviewers complain about the missing charging cable.

Preset EQ quality was praised in one review, especially the Clear preset and Samsung's unusually useful preset choices.