AirPods Pro 4
H3 · Adaptive ANC · Real-time translation
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
24-bit hi-res · 9-mic ANC · Ear-tip stabilizer
AirPods Pro 4 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, AirPods Pro 4 lands at 94 and Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro at 92. That puts AirPods Pro 4 ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick AirPods Pro 4 if…
- ✓H3 chip doubles ANC performance
- ✓Real-time Live Translate
- ✓Improved fit/heart-rate sensor
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
AirPods Pro 4Compared on the features sub-score
AirPods Pro 4 leads on features (98 vs 96).
Noise cancelling
AirPods Pro 4Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score
AirPods Pro 4 leads on anc (96 vs 92).
Sound
TieCompared on the sound sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
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 4 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | H3 | — |
| Battery | 6 h (ANC) / 35 h case | ▲ 8 hr (30 hr with case) |
| Connectivity | BT 5.4 | — |
| Water rating | IP57 | — |
| Release year | 2025 | — |
| Driver | — | Dual coaxial 11mm + tweeter |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.4 LE |
| Codecs | — | SSC Hi-Fi (24-bit) + LC3 + AAC + SBC |
| Charging | — | USB-C / Qi |
| Weight | — | 5.5 g per bud |
| IP rating | — | IP57 |
AirPods Pro 4
- +H3 chip doubles ANC performance
- +Real-time Live Translate
- +Improved fit/heart-rate sensor
- −Pricier than AirPods Pro 3
- −Android compatibility limited
- −Battery ~6h still
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 4 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
Which is better, AirPods Pro 4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro? +
AirPods Pro 4 scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is AirPods Pro 4 worth the price? +
At $279, AirPods Pro 4 delivers a Specdex score of 94 — 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 4 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 features, AirPods Pro 4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro? +
AirPods Pro 4 — leads on features (98 vs 96). Compared on the features sub-score.
Which is better for noise cancelling, AirPods Pro 4 or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro? +
AirPods Pro 4 — leads on anc (96 vs 92). Compared on the noise cancelling sub-score.