AirPods Pro 3
H2 chip · IP57 · 8 h ANC
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
24-bit hi-res · 9-mic ANC · Ear-tip stabilizer
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Pro 3 lands at 92 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick AirPods Pro 3 if…
- ✓Up to 8 hours ANC on a single charge
- ✓IP57 dust + water resistance
- ✓MagSafe, Qi, Apple Watch + USB-C charging
Pick Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro if…
- ✓24-bit hi-res audio with One UI 7
- ✓Best mic pickup of any earbud
- ✓Real-time translation in calls
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testFeatures
TieCompared on the features sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Noise cancelling
AirPods Pro 3Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score
AirPods Pro 3 leads on anc (94 vs 92).
Sound
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 ProCompared on the sound sub-score
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro leads on sound (92 vs 90).
Value for money
TieSpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | AirPods Pro 3 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple H2 headphone chip | — |
| Battery (ANC on) | Up to 8 hours | — |
| Battery (with case, ANC on) | Up to 24 hours | — |
| Microphones | Dual beamforming + inward-facing + speech-detecting accelerometer | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.4 LE |
| Water rating | IP57 (case + earbuds) | — |
| Charging | MagSafe / Apple Watch charger / Qi / USB-C | USB-C / Qi |
| Driver | — | Dual coaxial 11mm + tweeter |
| Codecs | — | SSC Hi-Fi (24-bit) + LC3 + AAC + SBC |
| Battery | — | 8 hr (30 hr with case) |
| Weight | — | 5.5 g per bud |
| IP rating | — | IP57 |
AirPods Pro 3
- +Up to 8 hours ANC on a single charge
- +IP57 dust + water resistance
- +MagSafe, Qi, Apple Watch + USB-C charging
- −Android features remain limited
- −Premium price
- −In-ear fit not for everyone
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
- +24-bit hi-res audio with One UI 7
- +Best mic pickup of any earbud
- +Real-time translation in calls
- −Ecosystem-locked features
- −Squeeze controls finicky
- −Weaker fit vs WF-1000XM6
FAQ: AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
Which is better, AirPods Pro 3 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro? +
Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Pro 3 worth the price? +
At $249, AirPods Pro 3 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in features.
Is Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro worth the price? +
At $249, Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in features.
Does AirPods Pro 3 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Pro 3 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro? +
AirPods Pro 3 — leads on anc (94 vs 92). Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score.
Which is better for sound, AirPods Pro 3 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro? +
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro — leads on sound (92 vs 90). Compared on the sound sub-score.