Ask iDevice

AirPods 5 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4: which should you buy?

Answer worked out Oct. 11, 2026. Prices and the answer are worked out again every few minutes.

The answer

AirPods 5

FINE TO BUY

No reason to wait, and no deal to chase.

The AirPods 5 came out Sep 18, 2026, and its best price today is $129 at Apple. For a model this new, iDevice's advice is to buy it if you want it, not to wait for a drop.

$129 at Apple

Samsung Galaxy Buds 4

NO RUSH

No need to rush.

$179.99 at Samsung is $30 above its lowest price in the last 90 days. At about $157 or less, the answer turns to Buy now.

$179.99 at Samsung

Better purchase today: AirPods 5. It reads FINE TO BUY against NO RUSH for Samsung Galaxy Buds 4.

Better product: No clear winner. Pick by what each one is best for.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 costs $50.99 more than the AirPods 5 today ($179.99 at Samsung against $129 at Apple).

Key differences

  • Water resistance: IP57 vs IP54AirPods 5: IP57 ConfirmedSourceSamsung Galaxy Buds 4: IP54 ConfirmedSource
  • Weight: 4.3g vs 4.6gAirPods 5: 4.3g ConfirmedSourceSamsung Galaxy Buds 4: 4.6g ConfirmedSource

From each maker's own specifications. A point is listed only when both makers state a figure and the two differ; a point either maker does not state is left out, never guessed.

Who should buy which

  • Pick the AirPods 5 for travel.Travel: Both models now cancel noise, with up to 1.5 times the cancellation of AirPods 4 with ANC. ConfirmedSource
  • Pick the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 for translation.Translation: Live Translate runs through the earbuds when they are paired to a Galaxy phone. ConfirmedSource

From what each Guide names the product best for. Both Guides also name music and calls. This does not rank the two.

Side by side

What is comparedAirPods 5Samsung Galaxy Buds 4
Best price today$129 at ApplePrice checked Oct. 11, 2026$179.99 at SamsungPrice checked Oct. 11, 2026
Lowest in 90 days$129Seen Sept. 10, 2026$149.99Seen Oct. 7, 2026
Launch priceNot shown$179.99 (Standard)news.samsung.com
Works withOur read Works with AirPods 5: iPhone: Works. Android: Works.Source: AppleConfirmed Works with Samsung Galaxy Buds 4: iPhone: Works. Android: Works.Source: Samsung
TimingOur read No newer model is expected in the next 90 days.Source: iDevice GuideOur read No newer model is expected in the next 90 days.Source: iDevice Guide
PriceOur read The lowest price checked in the last 90 days is $129 (Sep 10, 2026).Source: iDevice GuideOur read Nothing's forcing the decision right now, so there's no need to rush. The lowest price checked in the last 90 days is $149.99 (Oct 7, 2026).Source: iDevice Guide
What could change it
  • If a newer model is announced or reported inside 90 days, the answer becomes Wait.
  • If the price falls to about $157 or less, iDevice's price verdict turns to Buy now, as long as a replacement is not close.
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