Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and AirPods Pro 2 are some of the best wireless earbuds you can buy. They lead the way in Samsung’s and Apple’s line of earbuds, and they share a lot of similarities, such as great sound quality, noise-cancellation, and a lot of special features—with only a $20 price difference between the two.

It’s easy to point out that the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are best for Android users, while the AirPods Pro 2 are best for iPhone users. But as flagship earbuds from their respective companies, they all offer a set of features that will convince you to choose any of them, no matter which phone you own.

Let’s dive into how these earbuds are different.

The second-generation AirPods Pro feature the same design as the original model, instantly recognizable to anyone who has seen AirPods. They still have stems, they’re still shiny and white, and they still have silicone tips. While it would be nice if Apple changed their design a bit, it’s not like they’re ugly or desperately in need of an update. Instead, they’re comfortable enough for most people’s ears, have an IPX4 rating for sweat resistance, and have that signature look that lets people know you’re rocking the AirPods.

But as with any competitive product category, there are many alternative designs that offer better water resistance, color and comfort. Samsung is a prime example, thanks to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, which offer a lower profile than AirPods and are available in four different colors. They’re IPX7 rated for some extra waterproof protection for workouts, and the buds are matte rather than glossy, instantly making them more suitable for everyday wear.

The main reason I prefer the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro over the AirPods Pro is that they are more comfortable. I didn’t notice this until I used the AirPods exclusively for a few weeks and then switched back to the Buds 2 Pro. It’s a little unbelievable that the Galaxy Buds fit my ears better and stay in my ears during long writing sessions. They also feel lighter, less intrusive and easy to forget while wearing them.

Even better. I haven’t had a second-generation AirPods Pro in a long time, but somehow I was able to scratch the back of the entire case due to its smooth nature. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro don’t have this problem at all. The matte finish helps reduce scuffs and fingerprints, and the case is somewhat better at keeping debris like dust and pocket fuzz out of the lid than the AirPods case.

If the AirPods have any design advantage over the Galaxy Buds, it’s that the case is noticeably smarter. It has a built-in speaker that will ring when you lose it or start charging or the battery is low. There’s also a lanyard lock for those who prefer to hang their earbuds from their backpack zipper. The Buds 2 Pro don’t have that. You’re pretty much stuck with an LED that shows you when they’re charging, that’s all.

TL;DR: The new AirPods Pro look a lot like the old ones. That’s not a bad thing, as they’re still comfortable to wear, but the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro literally hit it out of the park in terms of fit and finish (and they’re matte).

There’s no question that the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and second-generation AirPods Pro sound great. They both offer excellent sound quality, with punchy bass, clear highs and full mids. Any kind of music – whether it’s Boom-bap hip-hop, classic jazz, rock, or top 40 pop – sounds great on these buds.

However, deciding which is better is a challenge, especially since their feature sets are stronger in different areas. For example, Apple has better spatial audio than Samsung, advanced head tracking technology, dedicated Dolby Atmos master for your favorite songs in Apple Music, and a more pleasing 360 soundscape. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer 24-bit high-fidelity audio thanks to Samsung’s special codec. It might require you to own a Samsung phone to work, but it gives the music an extra oomph so tracks sound a little cleaner than they would on AirPods.

If I had to pick a winner here, it would be the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. The extra resolution in sound quality helps make music sound clearer and more pleasing, and the overall soundstage feels brighter and more inclusive than what the AirPods Pro can deliver. If you’re a big fan of spatial audio and want the best possible experience, the AirPods will be the right choice, but anyone looking for better sound quality overall will love the Galaxy Buds.

TL;PhD: The AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro both sound great, but Samsung’s earbuds take the crown for their ability to stream 24-bit high-fidelity audio.

AirPods Pro 2 are the kings of ANC and transparency

Whatever Voodoo powers the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode on the AirPods Pro, they manage to put them ahead of other earbuds on the market, including the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.

Apple says ANC is twice as powerful as the previous generation, and it’s a bit of a shocker how well it works. The windiest boardwalks, noisiest street corners, and most cluttered homes can’t match the noise suppression of these buds — when it’s on, you can barely hear anything, leaving you and your music or podcasts for you yourself.

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are fine by comparison, but it’s clear they’re not that great. Smart Active Noise Cancellation here helps louder sounds get quieter for a more balanced sound, and Samsung has made solid strides in improving how ANC typically does on its earbuds. But side by side, Samsung’s earbuds don’t quite hold up. If you’re walking down the street wearing them, you’ll have extra wind noise in your ears, and the sound should be suppressed a bit louder than with AirPods.

Samsung’s Ambient Mode also lags behind Apple’s Transparency Mode. The sound sounds worse than on the AirPods, and you can’t hear your surroundings clearly. The AirPods Pro can also suppress louder sounds when using Transparency Mode so that everything is at a consistent volume, something the Galaxy Buds can’t do.

TL;PhD: There’s no question that Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are better at removing unwanted background noise. They’re also better in transparency than the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.

Apple says the second-generation AirPods Pro can last up to 6 hours on a full charge, while Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro last for 5 hours. We were impressed with the battery life of both sets of earbuds in our review, but in my use, I found the AirPods Pro to have the edge. After keeping the AirPods Pro in my pocket for over a week, I found that I only needed to charge them once or twice, while the Galaxy Buds took two to three times on my wireless charger. For context, I use both sets with ANC the entire time, and occasionally turn on transparency mode.

Both the AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro support Qi wireless chargers, while the AirPods are also compatible with MagSafe and Apple Watch chargers. The Galaxy Buds don’t have fancy magnetic charging, so you’ll have to make sure they line up perfectly on the wireless charger. Samsung’s earbuds ship with a USB-C cable, while AirPods continue to ship with Lightning.

TL;PhD: In terms of battery life, the AirPods Pro 2 lasted a little longer than the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, but the difference wasn’t much.

Galaxy Buds require a Samsung phone, AirPods require an iPhone

This is the clearest point of any comparison between AirPods and a set of earbuds developed by an Android phone maker. If you own an iPhone, the second-generation AirPods Pro will serve you better because they’re designed to work with each other. Again, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are best for Android phones, especially Samsung Galaxy devices, because they come with the Galaxy Wearable app out of the box.

Pairing each set of buds with their respective smartphone also enables special features. AirPods Pro get Siri integration, spatial audio, multi-device support, and customizable touch controls when paired with an iPhone, something you can’t get when paired with an Android device. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds feature 24-bit high-fidelity audio, multi-device support, and fast pairing whenever you connect them to a Galaxy phone.

If you own a Galaxy or other Android phone, you’ll get a better experience with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro because these are the devices the earbuds are designed to use. For iPhone users, the AirPods Pro are a match made in heaven. It’s a bit of a bummer, but what can you do?

TL;PhD: Samsung’s earbuds are best for Galaxy phones, and Apple’s earbuds are best for iPhones. Surprised?

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and second-generation AirPods Pro play well in the same circle. At $230 and $249, respectively, they’re some of the best earbuds you can buy.

As the overall winner, we had to go with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, thanks to its more comfortable design, wider soundstage, and high-fidelity audio support. But the AirPods Pro are certainly no slouch, and any set will suit you.

You know, assuming you pair them with the right phone.