Let’s start with the simple truth. If you use an iPhone, the AirPods Pro 3 are the obvious pick. If you’re on a Samsung Galaxy device, go for the Buds4 Pro. Both are designed to work best within their own ecosystems, and switching sides means missing out on key features.
That said, if you’re not tied to a specific platform—or you’re thinking about switching—this comparison gets interesting. Samsung introduced the Buds4 Pro in early 2026 to go head-to-head with Apple’s latest AirPods, and the gap between them is now tighter than ever.
Here’s how they stack up.
Quick Overview
- Drivers:
Buds4 Pro: Dual-driver setup per earbud
AirPods Pro 3: Single custom driver - Noise Cancellation:
Buds4 Pro: Adaptive ANC 2.0
AirPods Pro 3: H2-powered ANC (improved over previous gen) - Battery Life (ANC on):
Buds4 Pro: 6 hours (26 hours total with case)
AirPods Pro 3: 8 hours (24 hours total) - Water Resistance: Both rated IP57
- Heart Rate Tracking: Available on both
- Wireless Charging:
Buds4 Pro: No
AirPods Pro 3: Yes (MagSafe + Qi) - Price: Similar starting range
Sound Quality
Samsung takes a hardware-focused approach with its dual-driver system—separating bass and treble into dedicated components. The result is a richer, bass-heavy sound that feels deep and powerful. It’s especially enjoyable for genres like hip-hop or EDM, though it can lean slightly heavy without EQ adjustments.
Apple, on the other hand, focuses on balance. The AirPods Pro 3 deliver a cleaner, more natural sound with strong vocal clarity and a wider soundstage. Adaptive EQ fine-tunes audio in real time, making them versatile across all types of music.
Verdict:
- Love strong bass? Go Buds4 Pro
- Prefer balanced audio? AirPods Pro 3 win
Active Noise Cancellation
Apple still leads in this category. The AirPods Pro 3 offer some of the best noise cancellation available in earbuds, effectively blocking out everything from traffic to office chatter.
Samsung has made big improvements with Adaptive ANC 2.0. It performs very well in most everyday environments, though Apple maintains a slight edge—noticeable mainly in direct comparisons.
Winner: AirPods Pro 3 (but it’s close)
Battery Life
On paper, both are similar—but Apple has the advantage where it matters most.
- AirPods Pro 3: Longer listening time per charge (8 hours)
- Buds4 Pro: Slightly longer total battery with the case
Both support USB-C charging, but only Apple includes wireless charging with MagSafe support.
Verdict: Essentially a tie, with a slight edge to Apple for daily use convenience.
Health and Fitness Features
Both earbuds now include heart rate monitoring, which is a big step forward.
Apple integrates deeply with its Fitness ecosystem, offering detailed tracking, workout support, and AI-powered coaching features. Samsung’s version works well through Samsung Health, but its ecosystem isn’t quite as mature yet.
Winner: AirPods Pro 3 (slightly more advanced)
Ecosystem Experience
This is where your phone choice matters most.
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
- Seamless integration with Galaxy devices
- Features like live translation, gesture controls, and advanced EQ
- Best experience within the Samsung ecosystem
AirPods Pro 3
- Instant pairing and switching across Apple devices
- Siri integration, Find My tracking, and hearing health tools
- Deep Apple Intelligence features
Both support spatial audio, touch controls, and translation tools—but most advanced features are locked to their native ecosystems.
Verdict:
Whichever phone you use determines the winner here.
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
- iPhone users: AirPods Pro 3 are the clear choice. Better ANC, longer battery per charge, wireless charging, and unmatched Apple ecosystem integration make them the more practical option.
- Samsung Galaxy users: Buds4 Pro are just as compelling. The dual-driver sound is impressive, and Galaxy-specific features enhance the overall experience.
- Platform-neutral users: This is where it gets tricky. The AirPods Pro 3 have a slight edge in noise cancellation and battery efficiency, but the Buds4 Pro offer stronger bass and often better deals—making them a great value pick if discounted.
Bottom Line
Both earbuds are excellent, and the differences are smaller than ever. Your decision ultimately comes down to two things: your smartphone ecosystem and your personal audio preference.
