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Undisputed ANC
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Riding in on a wave of valor, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the latest and greatest Bose flagship TWS in-ears. The QC Ultra brings unparalleled noise-canceling to the table, along with top-shelf audio quality and numerous customizations via the Bose app. They may cost more than the competition, but you’re paying a premium for a reason.
Pros- Best in-class ANC
- Great sound and call quality
- Intuitive touch controls
- Good battery life
Cons- No wireless charging
- Pricier than the competition
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A beautiful redesign
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are premium ANC earbuds that work best with an Android device. Supporting Samsung audio codecs, along with SBC and AAC formats, these top-shelf buds sound great, fit nicely, and are packed with features and in-app customizations.
Pros- Excellent sound and call quality
- IP57 rated
- Wired or wireless charging
Cons- Pinch and swipe controls can be finicky
- No Galaxy Wearable app for iOS devices
When it comes to noise-canceling TWS earbuds, two of the top brands on the market are Bose and Samsung. While the former has a longstanding reputation for audio-only devices (save for that Bose TV hybrid), Bose is just as renowned for its active noise-canceling technology, phenomenal sound quality, and user-friendly hardware. Thus, well over a decade of releases has led us to Bose’s new flagship in-ears: the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
“But what about Samsung,” you may be wondering. Samsung has had a foot in the TWS race for a few years now, and the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro not only look completely different from past Samsung in-ears, but the company claims these improved buds deliver amazing sound and call quality, too.
So, between both flagship products, which is the best for you and yours? Your friends at Android Police have reviewed both pairs of earbuds, and we leaned on our experiences to write up this comparison.
Price, availability, and specs
A cheaper base price for Samsung
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro retail for $250 and are available in two colorways: White and Silver. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds retail for $300 and come in five colors: Black, Lunar Blue, Moonstone Blue, White Smoke, and Diamond 60th Anniversary Edition. You’ll be able to purchase both pairs of TWS buds directly through the manufacturers and from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.
Do keep in mind that both the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds often go on sale. The lowest price we’ve seen the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro at is $188, while the QC Ultra have sold for as little as $230.
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Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Battery Life 6 hours (24 hours with case) 6 hours (ANC on); 7 hours (ANC off) Noise Cancellation Yes Yes IP rating IPX4 IP57 (buds only) Supported codecs SBC, AAC, aptX Adaptive AAC, SBC, Samsung Seamless Charging USB-C USB-C; wireless Driver size 9.3mm 10.5 mm dynamic + 6.1 mm planar
Read Our Review
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review: Sounds familiar
Last year’s earbuds learn some new tricks, but the experience is largely the same
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Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro sound better than AirPods, but look like a cheap knockoff
An unoriginal design and QC issues are a concern
Design, fit, and controls
Stems and stabilizers
We have no real gripes with either the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro or the QC Ultra when it comes to comfort and fit. Samsung definitely took a page out of Apple’s AirPods blueprints when it comes to cosmetics, though the metallic finish, black and orange accents, and integrated LEDs are stark differences from Apple’s product.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro buds are sharp and angular, with touch commands mapped to the back of both stems. The earbuds themselves have an IP57 rating, and the charging case (no IP rating) supports both wired USB-C and Qi wireless charging.
Our reviewer found the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro to fit securely and comfortably for long-wear sessions. The buds come with swappable ear tips, too, so you’ll be able to match up with a pair that best suits your ear canals.
The Bose QC Ultra Earbuds are the direct successor to the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, and our review noted that the buds and charging cases are so identical that you can use them interchangeably.
The QC Ultra buds use a more traditional design than the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, ditching stems in favor of a flat, metal touchpoint on the back of each bud for controls. The controls are nice and responsive, though you may accidentally trigger a command when inserting or removing the earbuds. You’ll also get three pairs of swappable ear tips, plus a stabilizing gasket that wraps around the earbud, creating a tighter seal in your ear.
The QC Ultra buds are IPX4-rated, making them a great choice for hitting the gym or going on a run. You could even wear them on a rainy day, though we wouldn’t recommend exposing them to the elements for too long. Unfortunately, the charging case doesn’t support wireless charging. Certain controls for both the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the QC Ultra Earbuds can be modified in the Galaxy Wearable app and the Bose app (for iOS and Android devices).
Sound and call quality
A bass-forward reputation
This is another side by side comparison that’s going to be tough, for both the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and QC Ultra Earbuds deliver incredible sound quality for music, movies, games, and podcasts, and respectable call quality, too.
One of the main similarities shared between the brands is the bass-heavy sound signature you’ll hear the first time you pop the buds in your ears. The extra low-end oomph enhances the kinetics of whatever track you’re listening to and works particularly well for rock, pop, rap, R&B, and hip-hop genres. You can toggle between EQ presets (or create your own) in the Galaxy Wearable app or Bose app.
That said, do keep in mind that the Galaxy Wearable app will only work on Android devices.
Related
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
Are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds worthy competition to the iconic Apple AirPods Pro?
Overall, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro balances the highs, mids, and lows of the soundstage without any parts of the mix getting stomped on. Equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers and 6.1mm Planar tweeters, they also use Bluetooth 5.4 and support SBC, AAC, and Samsung Scalable (SSC) audio codecs, along with Samsung’s take on Spatial Audio. The earbuds also utilize a triple-microphone array and voice isolation tech to make your voice sound clearer.
The QC Ultra Earbuds bring a lot of the same audible perks to the table as the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, plus many more years of experience with making award-winning TWS earbuds. Expect lush bass with plenty of presence in the highs and mids, too. You can also use the Bose app to choose a different audio preset or create your own.
While you won’t get the kind of soundstage we’d expect from over-ear headphones, Bose’s Immersive Audio feature (the company’s take on Spatial Audio) helps to widen the virtual soundstage.
Related
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs. Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: Similar name, very different design
Newer is (barely) better
The QC Ultra Earbuds use the same 9.3mm drivers found on the QuietComfort Earbuds II and use Bluetooth 5.3. The earbuds also support the SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive audio codecs, giving them a slight edge over the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro when it comes to hi-res playback.
Bose actually made it a point to say that the call quality of the QC Ultra is better than what you’ll get with the QC Earbuds II. We didn’t notice much of a difference between the two in our tests, but we thought the QC Earbuds II had excellent call quality to begin with.
Noise-canceling
Bose wins this category all day, every day
When it comes to wireless ANC earbuds, it’s tough to beat the high bar set by Bose. The QC Ultra Earbuds feature some of the best noise-canceling you’ll find on any pair of buds in 2024.
When engaged, the QC Ultra ANC cancels out most lower-frequency sounds. The buds even do a great job at drowning out workplace chatter, though the occasional higher-frequency noise may sneak its way in. This is thanks in part to Bose’s returning CustomTune technology, which automatically adapts ANC to your listening preferences and environments.
You can also toggle between ANC and Immersive Audio and can choose between four listening modes, including Quiet, Aware, and two custom options.
Related
Are Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds waterproof?
There’s plenty to be curious about Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, including whether they sport their predecessors’ water-resistance
This isn’t to say that the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver a lackluster ANC experience. In fact, the noise-canceling you’ll get on Samsung’s flagship buds is pretty impressive. Most low-end sounds will all but be eliminated, and you’ll also be able to switch between Adaptive and Ambient presets for more noise control options.
Unfortunately, there’s just no contest here. Sorry, Samsung.
Battery life
Samsung comes out on top
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and QC Ultra Earbuds deliver the same six hours of battery life per bud. With a fully charged case, the former should last for up to 26 hours and the latter just about the same. Honestly, six hours isn’t much to write home about, though it is the average for most TWS earbuds we’ve tested.
And do recall that the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro charging case supports wired and wireless charging, unlike its Bose brethren (at least not until you add the $50 Qi silicone sleeve to the case).
Software
Samsung’s walled garden to Bose’s open arms
Earbud companion apps are improving, and both Samsung and Bose are behind two of the best apps in the game: the Galaxy Wearable app and the Bose app.
First and foremost, if you’re using an iOS device, you won’t have access to Samsung’s Galaxy Wearable service. This is a crying shame because we can totally foresee iPhone owners wanting to use a great pair of Samsung earbuds, and technically, you can; you just won’t be able to customize the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro EQ, create new commands, download firmware updates, etc.
But let’s pretend iPhones don’t exist for a minute: The Galaxy Wearable app is still a fantastic dashboard with easy-to-navigate screens and settings.
Over in Bose World, the Bose app is available for both iOS and Android devices and is packed with features, customizations, and an easy-to-navigate UI. Bose Music is also where you’ll go to adjust how strong or weak the ANC is, and to take an earbud seal test to ensure the tips you’re using are the right size for your ears.
Which is right for you?
Once a Bose fan, always a Bose fan
Samsung and Bose delivered two excellent TWS products, but we prefer the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds over the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. We have a feeling we’re not alone in this. Bose has been in the audio-only game longer than Samsung, and features like the ingenious CustomTune technology and Immersive Audio are proof that you can always trust Bose for the long term. Not to mention, the QC Ultra Earbuds sound superb.
Stays for dessert
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are everything you’d want a pair of flagship TWS earbuds to be! Expect incredible sound and call quality, strong noise-canceling, and a feature-packed companion app.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are another great set of flagship earbuds from a respectable brand. And if you own a handful of Samsung Galaxy devices, it makes total sense to choose Samsung’s best in-ears over the Bose QC Ultra buds.
Leaves after dinner
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are the best TWS earbuds from the Big S. A perfect addition to any Galaxy device ecosystem, the Buds 3 Pro bring awesome sound and call quality to the table, plus a number of other great features.
