Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: which should you buy?
Pick by your phone
- On an iPhone, get AirPods Pro 3.
- On a Galaxy phone, get Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
- On other Android phones, get Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: it is lighter (per earbud).
$179.99
Get it if
- You use an iPhone.
- You want heart rate tracking from your earbuds during workouts.
- You want up to 8 hours per charge with noise cancellation on.
Checked Nov 15, 2026 · We may earn a commission.
$249.99
Get it if
- You use an Android phone, ideally a Samsung one.
- You prefer a two-way driver in each earbud, with a separate woofer and tweeter.
Checked Nov 15, 2026 · We may earn a commission.
Get the AirPods Pro 3 if you use an iPhone and want heart rate tracking for workouts and up to 8 hours per charge. Get the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro if you use an Android phone, ideally a Samsung one, and prefer a two-way driver in each earbud.
What's different
Only the AirPods Pro 3 track your heart rate
The AirPods Pro 3 have a heart rate sensor for workouts, so a run can be logged without a watch. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have no heart rate sensor; their sensors handle touch, motion and wear detection.
Longer battery per charge on the AirPods
With noise cancellation on, Apple rates the AirPods Pro 3 for up to 8 hours per charge and Samsung rates the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for up to 6. With the case the two are close: up to 24 hours for the AirPods Pro 3 and up to 26 hours for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
Case ratings
Both pairs of earbuds are rated IP57 for dust and water. The AirPods Pro 3 case carries the same IP57 rating; the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro case is not water resistant.
A two-way driver in each Galaxy earbud
Each Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earbud has a two-way speaker: an 11 mm woofer and a 5.5 mm planar tweeter. Each AirPods Pro 3 earbud has one custom Apple driver.
Each pair is built for its own phone
The AirPods Pro 3 get their full feature set on an iPhone; on an Android phone they work as a Bluetooth headset, without Siri. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are built for Android, and some of their features need a Samsung device; on an iPhone they work as a Bluetooth headset.
Weight (each earbud)
AirPods Pro 35.55 g (0.20 oz)Galaxy Buds 4 Pro5.1 g (0.18 oz)Each AirPods Pro 3 earbud weighs 5.55 g (0.20 oz) and each Galaxy Buds 4 Pro earbud 5.1 g (0.18 oz). The AirPods Pro 3 come with ear tips in five sizes, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro in three.
What's the same
- Noise cancellation, plus a mode to hear the room (Transparency on the AirPods, Ambient Sound on the Galaxy Buds)
- Spatial audio with head tracking
- A charging case that charges wirelessly
- An in-ear fit with silicone ear tips
Tale of the Tape
AirPods Pro 3
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro
- AirPods Pro 3: Yes âś“ Heart rate sensorGalaxy Buds 4 Pro: No
- AirPods Pro 3: Up to 8 hrs âś“ Battery per charge (noise cancellation on)Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Up to 6 hrs
- AirPods Pro 3: Up to 24 hrs Battery with case (noise cancellation on)Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Up to 26 hrs
- AirPods Pro 3: IP57, earbuds and case Dust, sweat and water ratingGalaxy Buds 4 Pro: IP57 earbuds case not water resistant
- AirPods Pro 3: One custom driver Speaker drivers (each earbud)Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Two-way: 11 mm woofer and 5.5 mm planar tweeter
- AirPods Pro 3: 5.55 g (0.20 oz) Weight (each earbud)Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: 5.1 g (0.18 oz)
- AirPods Pro 3: Five Ear tip sizesGalaxy Buds 4 Pro: Three
- AirPods Pro 3: iPhone and iOS Software (full features)Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Android some features need a Samsung device
