Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Earbuds

Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Earbuds Review

Brand: Samsung
Released: July 10, 2024
Updated: 5 months ago
3.9
Overall review score
316
Review insights
50
Scored features
19
Expert reviews

Bottom Line

Choose the Galaxy Buds3 Pro if you use Samsung and want lively sound, strong calls, useful EQ and good everyday ANC. Skip them if you need best-in-class ANC, long battery life, iPhone app support or easy tip swaps.

Best for

Best for Samsung Galaxy users who want premium true wireless earbuds with strong sound, customizable EQ, reliable calls, useful transparency mode and a feature set that integrates with Galaxy phones.

Not for

Not for iPhone users, deal hunters, heavy travelers needing the strongest ANC or battery life, or anyone worried about fragile tips and awkward case insertion.

Verdict

Reviewers describe the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro as premium earbuds with a clear Samsung-first identity. Their strongest consensus is sound: the buds are repeatedly praised for lively tuning, strong bass, clear mids, useful EQ and convincing transparency mode. Call quality also earns unusually strong praise in several reviews. The tradeoff is ecosystem dependence and consistency. ANC is good for everyday use but often trails the best Bose, Sony or Apple alternatives, and the most advanced codec, AI and switching features are strongest on recent Galaxy devices. Battery life, case ergonomics and fragile or awkward ear tips create the main friction, especially for travelers or users outside Samsung’s ecosystem.

Feature Scorecards

Summary

50 reviewed features
  • Very positive 4.5-5.0
    11 (22%)
  • Positive 3.5-4.4
    28 (56%)
  • Neutral 2.5-3.4
    10 (20%)
  • Negative 1.5-2.4
    1 (2%)

Pros highlights

  • 4.5
    17 reviews strong consensus
    Sound quality: 4.5, 17 reviews, strong consensus
    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.
  • 4.0
    15 reviews strong consensus
    Active noise cancellation: 4.0, 15 reviews, strong consensus
    ANC was broadly useful but not universally class-leading; some reviewers called it excellent or effective, while others found it merely decent or underwhelming.
  • 4.3
    14 reviews strong consensus
    Bass performance: 4.3, 14 reviews, strong consensus
    Bass was generally viewed as strong, punchy, and satisfying, though a few reviewers found it loud, thumpy, or overcooked depending on volume and preset.
  • 4.2
    14 reviews moderate consensus
    Microphone quality for calls: 4.2, 14 reviews, moderate consensus
    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.
  • 4.0
    14 reviews moderate consensus
    Button control usability: 4.0, 14 reviews, moderate consensus
    Physical control usability was mixed-to-positive: many liked the pinch and swipe system, while others found the angular stems awkward or tricky.
  • 3.5
    14 reviews strong consensus
    Value for money: 3.5, 14 reviews, strong consensus
    Value was mixed: reviewers saw a premium, capable product, but many warned against full price or called the cost high.

Cons highlights

  • 2.8
    11 reviews strong consensus
    Multi-platform compatibility: 2.8, 11 reviews, strong consensus
    Multi-platform compatibility was a major weakness because iPhone users lack app support and many advanced features remain Samsung-exclusive.
  • 3.2
    10 reviews moderate consensus
    Carry case quality: 3.2, 10 reviews, moderate consensus
    Carry case quality was mixed: some liked the solid feel, transparency, and click, while others found it cheap-looking, clunky, slippery, or awkward.
  • 3.3
    9 reviews low consensus
    Eartips fit: 3.3, 9 reviews, low consensus
    Eartip fit was inconsistent: some reviewers got a good seal and comfort, while others criticized difficult removal, fragile tips, or easy dislodging.
  • 3.1
    8 reviews strong consensus
    Codec support: 3.1, 8 reviews, strong consensus
    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.
  • 3.4
    6 reviews moderate consensus
    Build quality: 3.4, 6 reviews, moderate consensus
    Build quality was mixed, with some praise for premium materials and great build, but several complaints about plasticky or cheap-feeling finishes.
  • 3.3
    5 reviews strong consensus
    Lossless audio support: 3.3, 5 reviews, strong consensus
    Lossless or hi-res audio support was valued but limited by Samsung-device requirements and only subtle perceived improvements in some tests.

Compared With Category Average

Compared with other Earbuds, this product is above average in Equalizer customization, Auracast support, Frequency response accuracy, near average in Microphone quality for calls, Bass performance, below average in Multi-platform compatibility, LDAC, Ear tip size options.

Comparison summary

50 compared features
  • Above average 0.4+ pts higher
    12 (24%)
  • Same as average within 0.3 pts
    26 (52%)
  • Below average 0.4+ pts lower
    12 (24%)

Largest category differences

Attribute This product Category average Difference
Multi-platform compatibility 2.8 4.1 -1.2
LDAC 2.2 3.3 -1.1
Ear tip size options 2.8 3.8 -1.0
Maximum volume clarity 3.0 4.0 -1.0
Equalizer customization 4.6 3.8 +0.8
Auracast support 4.3 3.4 +0.9
Value for money 3.5 4.0 -0.6
Frequency response accuracy 4.7 3.8 +0.8

Consider This Instead

If you want better Multi-platform compatibility

Choose Nothing Ear (a) Earbuds. It scores 4.5 vs 2.8 for Multi-platform compatibility, with a 4.1 overall score.

Compare

Compared in Reviews

Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.

  • Better: active noise cancellation CNET found the Buds3 Pro ANC slightly behind Sony WF-1000XM5 buds.
  • Worse: sound quality The Greatest Song said Buds3 Pro outshone Sony WF-1000XM5 for sound.
  • Better: active noise cancellation IGN said Sony cancelled more overall, while Buds3 Pro were strong for everyday use.

AirPods Pro 2

  • Better: case battery life Six Months Later said the Buds3 Pro case battery total was lower than AirPods Pro 2.
  • Better: active noise cancellation CNET found the Buds3 Pro ANC slightly behind AirPods Pro 2.
  • Worse: sound quality CNET thought the Buds3 Pro sounded a bit more dynamic and punchier than AirPods Pro 2.

Apple AirPods Pro 2

  • Worse: sound quality The Greatest Song said Buds3 Pro outshone AirPods Pro 2 for balanced, natural sound.

FAQ

Do reviewers think the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro sound good?

Yes. Most reviews praise the sound as lively, detailed and enjoyable, with strong bass, clear mids and enough EQ control to tune the default balance.

How good is the noise cancellation?

The evidence is positive but not unanimous. Several reviewers found ANC effective for everyday noise, while others said it falls short of top Bose, Sony or Apple options.

Are they mainly for Samsung users?

Yes. They work beyond Samsung phones, but reviewers repeatedly note that the best codec, AI, app and switching features are tied to Samsung or Galaxy devices.

Are the Buds3 Pro comfortable?

Most reviewers found them lightweight and comfortable for long listening, but stability and tip fit varied. Some reviewers reported loosening during activity or difficult tip removal.

How is call quality?

Call quality is one of the stronger areas overall. Many reviewers praised clear calls and strong voice pickup, though a few tests found noise handling or voice volume only average.

Is battery life a strength?

Battery life is mixed. Some reviewers found it adequate or improved, but others called it short or disappointing compared with competing premium earbuds.

Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed

These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.

Video Reviews

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