
AirPods vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: which earbuds are best?
For the longest time, Apple and Samsung users have fought over which device is best – and when it comes to earbuds, the battle continues. Well, we’re here to set the record straight and end this fight once and for all!
We’re taking a deep dive into the specs of each model of AirPods and Galaxy Buds to see which earbuds actually come out on top. So whether you’re an Apple adopter, a Samsung fanatic, or you have no preference between the two, you’ll finally get an honest answer as to which earbuds are best.
In this blog:
Specs at a glance
When it comes to AirPods vs Samsung Galaxy Buds, it can be hard to compare the models as Apple and Samsung tend to use different spec names. Lucky for you, we’ve gone through all the specifications and put them in this handy table, so you can see all the specs and features that Apple and Samsung earbuds share and how they compare against each other!
Specs | Galaxy Buds FE | Galaxy Buds2 | Galaxy Buds2 Pro | AirPods 2nd Gen | AirPods 3rd Gen | AirPods Pro 2nd Gen |
Sound | One-way dynamic speaker | Two-way dynamic speakers, one woofer |
Two-way dynamic speakers, one woofer, one tweeter |
*N/A | Custom high-excursion Apple driver, dynamic range amplifier |
Custom high-excursion Apple driver, dynamic range amplifier |
Active noise cancellation | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Ambient sound | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Adaptive audio | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
360/spatial audio | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Conversation awareness | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Auto switching | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Voice assistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Charging | Wired | Wired/ Wireless |
Wired/ Wireless |
Wired | Wired | Wired/ Wireless |
Battery life (on one charge) | Up to 7 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 8 hours | Up to 5 hours | Up to 6 hours | Up to 6 hours |
Battery life (with charging case) | Up to 16 hours | Up to 20 hours | Up to 30 hours | More than 24 hours | Up to 30 hours | Up to 30 hours |
Price (RRP) | £99 | £139.99 | £219 | £159 | £249 | £249 |
IP rating | IPX2 | IPX2 | IPX7 | IP54 | IPX4 | IPX4 |
*AirPods 2nd Gen don’t seem to have any sound specs available for us to include in the comparison table.
AirPods 2nd Gen
The Apple AirPods 2nd Gen are a popular choice for many, offering basic true wireless features with seamless compatibility with other Apple products.
Unlike any of the Samsung Galaxy Buds in this comparison piece, the AirPods 2nd Gen do not have active noise cancellation or adaptive audio, and when comparing these AirPods to the 3rd Gen and 2nd Gen Pro models, they also lack other features such as transparency mode, conversation awareness and personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.
They come with an IP54 rating, which means they are not resistant to sweat or water, limiting their use during intense workouts or in wet conditions. As for the processor, the AirPods 2nd Gen are powered by the H1 chipset.
In terms of battery life, these AirPods offer up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge and more than 24 hours with the charging case. However, they only support lightning charging, with no option for wireless charging.
For call quality, the AirPods 2nd Gen are equipped with dual beamforming microphones, a motion-detecting accelerometer and a speech-detecting accelerometer. Interestingly, there is no clear information on the sound quality specs of these earbuds (unlike Samsung’s detailed specs of speakers, woofers and tweeters).
While the AirPods 2nd Gen might not boast the advanced features of the Samsung Galaxy Buds, they are the cheapest of the AirPods models. Plus, their seamless integration with Apple devices make them a solid choice for Apple users who just want the basics from their earbuds.
AirPods 3rd Gen
The Apple AirPods 3rd Gen feature some handy improvements when compared to the 2nd Gen model. These earbuds do not have noise cancellation, adaptive audio, transparency mode or conversation awareness, but they do offer personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking.
With an IPX4 rating, the AirPods 3rd Gen are resistant to sweat and water, making them suitable for workouts and light rain. However, you’ll find the same H1 chipset as the 2nd Gen models powering these earbuds.
The battery life has been improved, offering up to 6 hours of listening time on one charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. However, similar to the 2nd Gen, they only support lightning charging, with no option for wireless charging.
In terms of sound, the AirPods 3rd Gen feature a custom high-excursion Apple driver and a custom high dynamic range amplifier, although specific details about woofers, tweeters or speakers are not provided.
For call quality, these AirPods include dual beamforming microphones, an inward-facing microphone, a motion-detecting accelerometer, a speech-detecting accelerometer and a skin-detecting sensor.
While they may not have all the advanced features that the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen have to offer, they’re well worth the upgrade if you’re determined to own some AirPods without overspending on the Pro models.
AirPods Pro 2nd Gen
The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen are Apple’s most advanced earbuds, packed with features that put them in direct competition with the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 and 2 Pro.
These earbuds come with noise cancellation, adaptive audio, transparency mode, conversation awareness and personalised spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, making these AirPods the first model to include all of the cool features that the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 and 2 Pro offer (albeit for a higher price point).
The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen share the same IPX4 rating as the 3rd Gen AirPods, meaning they are suitable for sweaty workouts and outdoor use. However, Apple did seem to upgrade the processor to the newer H2 chipset.
You’ll get up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Unlike earlier models, the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen support both lightning charging and MagSafe wireless charging. The charging case also features a new built-in speaker for charging notifications.
The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen feature a custom high-excursion Apple driver and a custom high dynamic range amplifier, although specific details on woofers, tweeters or speakers are not provided, which seems to be a recurring theme when it comes to Apple’s earbuds.
When it comes to call quality, these AirPods boast dual beamforming microphones, an inward-facing microphone, a motion-detecting accelerometer, a speech-detecting accelerometer and a skin-detecting sensor. You’ll also benefit from a new vent system for pressure equalisation.
If you’re looking for the best Apple AirPods, then the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen are the earbuds for you.
Samsung Galaxy Buds FE
Choosing between Apple AirPods and Samsung Galaxy Buds can be tough, but the Galaxy Buds FE make a strong case. They feature a new one-way dynamic speaker optimised for high-quality sound.
With an IPX2 rating, they can handle light sweat or rain, making them suitable for workouts. The battery life is pretty impressive too, offering up to 26 hours of playtime in total and up to 7 hours on a single charge.
For call quality, the Galaxy Buds FE include two outer microphones and one inner ear microphone to ensure clear speech. They also offer both noise cancellation and ambient sound modes, allowing for versatility in different environments.
Design-wise, they are ergonomic so should be comfortable enough for extended wear. Plus, they’re the most budget-friendly option amongst the Galaxy Buds and AirPods models.
With their combination of features and affordability, the Galaxy Buds FE are definitely worth considering if you’re on a budget!
Samsung Galaxy Buds2
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 are another excellent option to consider in the battle between Apple AirPods vs Samsung Galaxy Buds.
Equipped with two-way dynamic speakers and a woofer, these earbuds deliver a powerful, rich sound experience. With an IPX2 rating, they offer protection from slight rain and sweat, making them suitable for light exercise and outdoor use.
The battery life provides up to 20 hours of playtime with the case, and with a quick 10-minute charge you’ll get an additional 150 minutes of battery life. The Galaxy Buds2 are designed with three microphones and noise reduction technology for improved call quality.
For gamers, the Galaxy Buds2 feature a gaming mode that reduces audio delays, offering an immersive and intense sound experience during gameplay – this is a feature that Apple’s AirPods simply don’t offer.
These earbuds strike a balance between quality, functionality and price, making them a worthy contender against the Apple AirPods and other Galaxy Buds models.
Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
If you’re wondering what Samsung’s Pro buds have to offer when compared to Apple’s AirPods Pro models, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
These earbuds feature two-way dynamic speakers, one woofer and one tweeter, delivering impeccable sound quality. With an impressive IPX7 rating, they can withstand being submerged in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes, however, that doesn’t mean you should swim with them in.
The battery life is also pretty impressive, providing up to 30 hours of playtime with the charging case and up to 8 hours of charge in the earbuds themselves. For clear and reliable call quality, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro feature three microphones and personal beamforming voice pickup technology. Like the Galaxy Buds2, these earbuds also offer a gaming mode that reduces audio delays.
Combining advanced features, superior sound quality and excellent water resistance, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro are a premium option that competes strongly with Apple AirPods and other Galaxy Buds models (and comes out on top for the most part).
Final thoughts
When you look at the specifications and features of all the models, it’s clear that Samsung’s Galaxy Buds are the better earbuds overall.
The AirPods Pro 2nd Gen seem to beat the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE and the Samsung Galaxy Buds2, but only just. When comparing both the AirPods Pro 2nd Gen and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, Samsung’s earbuds have significantly better specs, and they’re more affordable than Apple’s earbuds!
While the Galaxy Buds are the overall winners, it is important to note that these earbuds won’t work as smoothly with your iPhone, Mac or iPad as AirPods would, so if you’re an Apple user it might be more beneficial to stick with Apple’s AirPods; the same goes for Samsung users who are considering AirPods.
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