I’m aware the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro may arrive with the Galaxy S26, but I want to make the case for picking up the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, a pair of earbuds I don’t think ever got the recognition they deserved.
Great sound
Regardless of your choice of phone
Before we get into the main issue some people had with the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, I want to talk about the reason we buy earbuds in the first place: sound.
I enjoy switching between different earbuds, and regularly change my Apple AirPods Pro 2 for other true wireless earbuds.
I tend to use my iPhone for music and podcasts (and there’s a very specific reason why), but also use them with tablets for video.
The iPhone is the real test of the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, because there’s no way to change the stock sound, as the Galaxy Wearable app isn’t available for iOS.
The thing is, they still sound great. Vocals are front and center, there’s a deep bass response that’s not over the top, and unless you crank the volume right up, no distortion or confusion in the sound.
However, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro really come alive connected to Android devices like the Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra, when you can play around with the Galaxy Wearable app.
I don’t feel the need to change the equalizer, as the presets do a brilliant job of adjusting the sound to what I’m listening to or watching.
The touch controls on the stem (which still operate when connected to an iPhone) are easy to use after you’re used to them, mostly due to the very obvious “click” upon activation, although they only need a very light touch compared to some other earbuds.
What’s more, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro are very comfortable. They stay in my ears when I’m out walking or running, where the Active Noise Cancellation works well, and I haven’t experienced any aching fatigue after wearing them for a few hours.
I love the design
Not sure I understand the complaints
I don’t think I’m alone in enjoying the Galaxy Buds3 Pro’s sound, but I may be in the minority liking the design.
Somewhere along the line, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro’s design was called an AirPods rip-off, and this reputation has bizarrely stuck. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t really see the similarity outside the same basic shape.
Sure, they have stems, a chamber to house the speakers and associated tech, and they go in your ears, but these are pretty standard.
I don’t want too much of a deviation either, as this overall design is comfortable, easy to hold and use, and has enough space inside for decent sound and battery life.
My AirPods Pro 2 don’t have a cool LED running down the stem, a styling feature I absolutely love that truly separates the Buds3 Pro from other earbuds.
The triangular stem makes finding the touch controls easy, and again, it isn’t anything like Apple’s design.
Even the case looks different, with its smoked lid allowing you to see the LEDs when you put the earbuds on charge.
To me, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro look futuristic and are much more of a statement than the AirPods. I’ll never fully understand why so many took against them. Is it really just having a stem?
Galaxy Buds4 Pro
What does the future hold?
Inevitably, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro will be replaced in Samsung’s range in 2026. The Galaxy Buds4 Pro have already been rumored and leaked, along with the standard Buds4.
From early looks, the design will be a complete departure from the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, aside from retaining a small stem.
This time, the shape appears to be simpler, curvier, and far less industrial. They look good, but I’ll miss the Buds3 Pro’s unique shape.
Early rumors point to changes arriving in the software and the app, including head tracking for gesture controls, plus larger capacity batteries for longer use time.
Solid upgrades, but unless you’re really keen on the latest and greatest, I’d suggest taking a very serious look at the Galaxy Buds3 Pro today.
Available at a good price
Don’t miss out
I’ve reached for the Galaxy Buds3 Pro often over the last few months.
The battery life has never been a problem, and they easily last a week with regular daily use and recharging in the case, plus the audio is fantastic.
Although they work with an iPhone, they are best paired with an Android phone, and regardless of which model you own, the Galaxy Wearable app is available through Google Play and enables all the features.
You don’t need to own a Samsung phone to enjoy them.
At launch, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro cost $250, just like most other top true wireless earbuds, including the new AirPods Pro 3.
However, a quick look at the Samsung online store and Best Buy reveals the Galaxy Buds3 Pro are yours for $180 today.
It’s a great price for what I think may be a terribly underappreciated pair of in-ear headphones, which have gained an unfortunate (and I think undeserved) reputation for being Apple copycats.
Ignore all that, don’t feel you must wait for the Galaxy Buds4 Pro, and take advantage of a great price to get yourself a pair.
- Battery Life
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6 hours (ANC on); 7 hours (ANC off)
- Noise Cancellation
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Yes
- Bluetooth
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No
- Microphones
-
3x per bud
- IP rating
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IP57 (buds only)
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.
