Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Airpods Pro: Which Earbuds Reign?
Tired of tangled wires and subpar sound? You’re in the right place. We’re diving deep into a head-to-head battle of the titans in the wireless earbuds arena: the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and the Apple AirPods Pro.
Both promise premium audio experiences, advanced features, and seamless integration with their respective ecosystems. But which pair truly delivers the best listening experience and value for your money? This comparison will break down everything you need to know.
We’ll examine their design, sound quality, noise cancellation capabilities, battery life, and overall user experience. Get ready to discover which earbuds emerge victorious in this ultimate showdown between the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and the AirPods Pro.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Galaxy Buds 2 Pro | AirPods Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 | IPX4 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Codec Support | SSC, AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial Audio | No | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (per bud) | 5.5g | 5.3g |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | 5 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Case Charging | 20 hours | 24 hours |
| Voice Assistant | Bixby, Google Assistant | Siri |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Audio Quality
- Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Offers Hi-Fi 24bit Audio support with a custom coaxial 2-way speaker. Delivers rich, detailed sound with powerful bass. Some users find the default sound signature slightly bass-heavy, which can be adjusted via EQ.
- Airpods Pro: Features Adaptive EQ, which automatically tunes music to the shape of your ear. Provides a balanced sound profile, well-suited for a variety of music genres. Some audiophiles may prefer a more customizable EQ.
- Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Offers impressive ANC, effectively blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise. Performs well in various environments, from busy streets to noisy offices. Some users experience slight pressure build-up.
- Airpods Pro: Provides excellent ANC, significantly reducing background noise. Offers a comfortable and effective noise-canceling experience. Some users report slightly better ANC performance than the previous generation.
- Winner: Tie
Transparency Mode
- Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Features a robust Ambient Sound mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings clearly. Sounds natural and minimizes the “electronic” feel of some transparency modes. May pick up some wind noise.
- Airpods Pro: Offers a well-implemented Transparency mode that lets you hear the outside world without removing the earbuds. Sounds natural and is very effective for conversations. Some users report a slight “hiss” in quieter environments.
- Winner: Tie
Comfort and Fit
- Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Designed to be small and lightweight, offering a secure and comfortable fit for many users. Comes with multiple ear tip sizes to ensure a proper seal. Fit may not be ideal for all ear shapes.
- Airpods Pro: Features a more universal fit with three sizes of silicone tips. Comfortable for extended use, but the fit can vary depending on individual ear shape. Some users may experience slippage during workouts.
- Winner: Tie
Call Quality
- Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Delivers clear call quality with multiple microphones and voice pickup unit. Effectively reduces background noise during calls. Some users report occasional issues in windy conditions.
- Airpods Pro: Provides excellent call quality with beamforming microphones. Minimizes background noise and ensures clear voice transmission. Known for reliable call performance.
- Winner: AirPods Pro
Battery Life
- Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Offers around 5 hours of playtime with ANC on (up to 8 hours with ANC off), plus additional charges from the case. Battery life is decent, but not class-leading.
- Airpods Pro: Provides around 4.5 hours of playtime with ANC on (up to 5 hours with ANC off), plus additional charges from the case. Battery life is slightly shorter than some competitors.
- Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Water Resistance
- Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Boasts an IPX7 water resistance rating, offering excellent protection against sweat and water. Suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
- Airpods Pro: Features an IPX4 water resistance rating, offering protection against splashes and sweat. Suitable for workouts, but not recommended for full submersion.
- Winner: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Ecosystem Integration
- Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Optimized for Samsung devices, offering seamless pairing and features like 360 Audio. Works well with Android devices, but lacks some features on non-Samsung phones.
- Airpods Pro: Designed for seamless integration with Apple devices, offering features like automatic device switching and spatial audio. Works with other devices via Bluetooth, but some features are exclusive to Apple devices.
- Winner: AirPods Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Sound Quality | Galaxy Buds 2 Pro |
| Ecosystem Integration | AirPods Pro |
| Comfort | Galaxy Buds 2 Pro |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Tie |
| Value | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both earbuds feature active noise cancellation to block out distracting sounds, providing a more immersive listening experience.
- Transparency Mode: Both offer a transparency mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds, ideal for conversations or awareness.
- Wireless Charging: Both cases support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options with a compatible charging pad.
- Bluetooth 5.3: Both utilize Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable and efficient wireless connection to your devices.
- Water Resistance: Both earbuds are water-resistant, protecting them from splashes and light rain, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Vs Airpods Pro Buying Guide
Sound Quality
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and AirPods Pro both deliver impressive sound quality, but they cater to different preferences. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro boast a more balanced sound profile with a focus on clear highs and rich bass, offering a wider soundstage. AirPods Pro, on the other hand, prioritize a more neutral sound signature, with excellent vocal clarity. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferred sound signature. Both support active noise cancellation, but the implementation differs.
Noise Cancellation
Both earbuds excel at noise cancellation, but their approaches vary. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro provide excellent isolation, effectively blocking out a wide range of ambient noises. AirPods Pro also offer strong noise cancellation, particularly effective at filtering out consistent sounds like airplane engines or office chatter. AirPods Pro’s Transparency mode is highly praised, allowing for natural-sounding awareness of your surroundings. Consider your environment and noise profile when deciding.
Design and Comfort
Design and comfort are crucial for extended listening sessions. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have a sleek, compact design that sits comfortably in most ears. AirPods Pro feature a more iconic design with a shorter stem and a lighter feel. Both offer different ear tip sizes to ensure a secure fit, which is important for both comfort and noise isolation. Try both designs if possible to see which feels better in your ears for long-term use.
Features and Functionality
Both earbuds offer a range of features. Galaxy Buds 2 Pro support features like 360 Audio for immersive sound and seamless connectivity with Samsung devices. AirPods Pro integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem, offering features like spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. Both offer touch controls for music playback, call management, and voice assistant activation. Consider which ecosystem you’re invested in for the best feature set.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro typically offer around 5 hours of playback with ANC enabled, with the charging case providing additional charges. AirPods Pro offer a similar battery life, around 4.5 to 5 hours of listening time with ANC on. Both charging cases support wireless charging and provide a quick charge option. Real-world battery life can vary depending on usage and volume levels.
Price and Value
The price point is a key factor in your decision. Both the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and AirPods Pro are premium earbuds, so the cost is a major consideration. Consider the features, sound quality, and ecosystem integration when evaluating the value. Frequent sales and promotions can affect the prices of both models. Compare current market prices to determine which offers the best value for your needs and budget.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Galaxy Buds 2 Pro If…
- You prioritize a comfortable fit and a secure in-ear experience.
- You want the best sound quality with a focus on detailed audio.
- You’re invested in the Samsung ecosystem and desire seamless integration.
- You value a longer battery life on the earbuds themselves.
Buy AirPods Pro If…
- You are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and want seamless device switching.
- You prioritize spatial audio for a more immersive listening experience.
- You want a more streamlined user experience with easy pairing.
- You prefer a more compact and pocketable charging case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which earbuds have better sound quality?
Both offer great sound, but it depends on preference. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have a more balanced sound with a focus on bass, while the AirPods Pro offer a more neutral sound signature. Consider what kind of music you usually listen to and your personal preferences for how your music sounds. Both are excellent choices.
Which have better noise cancellation?
Both the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and AirPods Pro provide excellent noise cancellation. Each excels at blocking out different types of noise. The AirPods Pro may be slightly better at handling consistent low-frequency noises, whereas the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s noise cancellation is also excellent. Consider the environments you’ll use them in.
How’s the fit and comfort of each?
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have a small, sleek design that fits comfortably in most ears. The AirPods Pro have a more iconic design with a shorter stem. Both come with different ear tip sizes. The best way to know is to try them and see which fits and feels more comfortable in your ears for extended use.
What are the key features of each?
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro support 360 Audio for immersive sound and seamless connectivity with Samsung devices. AirPods Pro offer spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Both have touch controls for music, calls, and voice assistants. Consider your preferred ecosystem and features.
What is the battery life like?
Both earbuds have similar battery life, around 4.5 to 5 hours with ANC on. The charging cases provide multiple additional charges. Both cases support wireless charging and have a quick charge feature. Real-world battery life can vary depending on usage and volume levels. Consider how often you’ll be able to charge them.
Are they water resistant?
Yes, both earbuds have a degree of water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have an IPX7 rating, while the AirPods Pro have an IPX4 rating. Check the specific ratings to determine how much water resistance you need for your use cases. However, avoid submerging them.
Which are better for phone calls?
Both the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and AirPods Pro perform well for phone calls. The quality will be similar and both use multiple microphones for clear voice pickup. The AirPods Pro have a slight edge in some environments due to their sophisticated noise cancellation for calls. Consider where you will primarily be taking calls.
Final Verdict
Both the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and AirPods Pro are excellent choices. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer a balanced sound signature and seamless integration within the Samsung ecosystem. AirPods Pro provide a more neutral sound and exceptional integration with Apple devices. The best choice depends on personal preferences and ecosystem.
Winner: Tie