Tech head-to-head
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)vsSamsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, scored side by side on all 5 Tech axes. Overall 8.5 to 8.2.
8.5
If you live on Apple hardware, the convenience gap outweighs any sound-quality argument.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens the current Amazon listing.
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Samsung
8.2
Paired with a Galaxy phone, this is where the money goes furthest in this list.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens the current Amazon listing.
Where they diverge
Two products can average the same and still feel different, because the shape of the scores differs. Left of center is Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C), right is Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Axis
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
- 8.5Performance8.3
- 7.8Value8.0
- 8.0Durability7.6
- 9.3Ease of use8.8
- 8.8Design8.2
Which one to pick
Take the Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Leads on Performance, Durability, Ease of use and Design.
- An iPhone, an iPad, and a Mac all in daily rotation
- You move between devices constantly and want the handoff automatic
- Call quality is a real part of your day
Take the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
Leads on Value.
- A Galaxy phone, where the 24-bit codec is actually available
- You switch between Samsung devices through the day
- Warranty service you can walk into rather than mail in
What each one gets wrong
Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
- Android is your main phone, which strands most of the feature set
- You want a high-bitrate codec for local files
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
- An iPhone is your main phone
- Stem-shaped buds are not your thing
Specs, side by side
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) | Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, SSC (Galaxy only) |
| Battery | About 6 hrs with ANC on | About 6 hrs with ANC on |
| Charging | USB-C | — |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP57 |
| Shape | — | Stem |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro — which should I buy?
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) leads on Performance, Durability, Ease of use and Design. If Value matters more to you, take the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro instead.
- How far apart are they overall?
- Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) scores 8.5 and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro scores 8.2, a gap of 0.3. The total is the plain average of the 5 axes used in Tech.