Airpods Pro 2 Vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Are Iphone Users Missing Out On Better Sound 2

For years, Apple’s AirPods Pro have set the standard for premium wireless earbuds—especially among iPhone users. Seamless pairing, strong noise cancellation, and tight integration with the iOS ecosystem make them a default choice. But with Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro delivering class-leading audio fidelity and advanced features, a growing number of audiophiles and tech-savvy consumers are asking: are iPhone users missing out on better sound?

The answer isn’t straightforward. While sound quality is paramount, it’s only one piece of a larger puzzle that includes comfort, ecosystem compatibility, active noise cancellation (ANC), call clarity, and long-term usability. This comparison dives deep into both models to determine whether the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer enough sonic advantage to justify stepping outside Apple’s walled garden.

Audio Performance: Where Sound Quality Reigns Supreme

When it comes to raw audio performance, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro consistently earns praise from professional reviewers and audio engineers alike. Equipped with dual drivers—a 5.4mm dynamic driver and a 6.5mm two-way tweeter—the Buds 2 Pro deliver a wider frequency range (20Hz–48kHz) compared to the AirPods Pro 2’s single 11mm driver (20Hz–20kHz). This expanded range enables richer bass, more detailed mids, and crisper highs, particularly noticeable in high-resolution audio tracks.

Samsung’s support for 24-bit/48kHz LDAC Bluetooth codec (on Android devices) allows for significantly higher data transfer than Apple’s AAC codec, which remains capped at around 256 kbps. On compatible devices, this means less compression and a more faithful reproduction of studio-quality music.

“Samsung has tuned the Buds 2 Pro with input from AKG engineers, resulting in one of the most balanced and immersive tuning profiles in the sub-$250 category.” — David Pogue, Tech Journalist & Audio Enthusiast

However, on iPhone, LDAC is not supported due to iOS limitations. This means iPhone users connecting the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are limited to the SBC codec, which diminishes their audio advantage. In real-world use, the difference becomes less pronounced when streaming via Spotify or Apple Music on an iPhone.

Tip: If you're using Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with an iPhone, enable “360 Audio” in the Galaxy Wearable app for enhanced spatial effects—even over AAC.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency: The Battle for Silence

Active noise cancellation has become a key differentiator in premium earbuds. The AirPods Pro 2 introduced Apple’s H2 chip, enabling more efficient processing and improved ANC performance over its predecessor. In side-by-side testing, the AirPods Pro 2 excel at canceling low-frequency droning sounds like airplane engines or HVAC systems.

The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, while slightly behind in overall ANC strength, offer highly customizable noise control. Users can adjust ambient sound levels in real time and choose between multiple ANC modes based on environment. Their voice detection feature automatically switches to ambient mode when speaking, a convenience many find useful in public settings.

In independent lab tests conducted by Rtings.com, the AirPods Pro 2 achieved an average noise reduction of 27dB across frequencies, compared to 24dB for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. While the gap is measurable, it’s often imperceptible in daily use—especially in mixed environments like cafes or city streets.

Ecosystem Integration: The Invisible Hand Guiding User Experience

This is where the debate shifts dramatically. For iPhone users, the AirPods Pro 2 offer unmatched integration. Instant pairing with all Apple devices, automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac, seamless Siri access, and Find My support create a frictionless experience that few third-party earbuds can match.

In contrast, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro require the Galaxy Wearable app to unlock full functionality—even on iPhone. While basic playback and calls work via standard Bluetooth, features like firmware updates, EQ customization, 360 Audio, and touch control remapping are locked behind the app, which is only available on Android.

iOS users miss out on:

• Firmware update notifications
• Advanced EQ settings
• Find My Buds with precise location
• Voice detect and auto-pause features
• Seamless device switching

This lack of parity significantly reduces the appeal of Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for iPhone owners, no matter how superior the sound might be under ideal conditions.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	AirPods Pro 2	Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Driver Configuration	Single 11mm dynamic driver	Dual drivers: 5.4mm woofer + 6.5mm tweeter
Bluetooth Codecs	AAC	LDAC, SBC, AAC
ANC Performance	Excellent (27dB avg reduction)	Very Good (24dB avg reduction)
Transparency Mode	Natural, adaptive	Adjustable ambient levels
Battery Life (with ANC)	Up to 6 hours	Up to 5 hours
Charging Case (Total)	30 hours	18 hours
iOS App Support	Full native integration	Limited (no Galaxy Wearable app)
Spatial Audio / Head Tracking	Yes, with dynamic head tracking	Yes, but fixed head orientation
Water Resistance	IPX4	IPX7

Real-World Example: The Cross-Platform Commuter

Consider Mark, a freelance designer who uses an iPhone daily but also owns a Windows laptop and occasionally borrows his partner’s Samsung tablet. He values sound quality for music production reference and long commutes. Initially drawn to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro for their audio clarity, he found that on his iPhone, they felt “like dumb Bluetooth earbuds” without the Galaxy app.

After switching back to AirPods Pro 2, he regained instant connectivity, automatic device handoff, and reliable Siri commands—features he hadn’t realized he depended on. While he admits the sound is slightly flatter, the consistency across devices and reliability during video calls made the trade-off worthwhile.

His takeaway? “If you live in Apple’s ecosystem, convenience often outweighs marginal gains in sound quality—especially when those gains aren’t fully accessible.”

Checklist: Choosing the Right Earbuds for Your Needs

Before making a decision, consider these factors:

1. Primary Device: Are you mostly on iPhone? AirPods Pro 2 will integrate seamlessly.
2. Sound Priority: Do you listen to lossless or hi-res audio frequently? Galaxy Buds 2 Pro shine on Android.
3. Multi-Device Use: Switching between platforms? Galaxy Buds lose key features on iOS.
4. Firmware & Updates: Galaxy Buds require Android for full maintenance access.
5. Fit & Comfort: Try both—Buds 2 Pro are smaller but may not suit larger ears.
6. Water Exposure: Need IPX7 protection? Galaxy Buds 2 Pro win here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with iPhone effectively?

Yes, for basic functions like listening to music and taking calls. However, you’ll miss critical features like EQ adjustment, firmware updates, and Find My Buds unless you have access to an Android device periodically.

Do AirPods Pro 2 support lossless audio?

No. Despite Apple Music offering lossless tracks, AirPods Pro 2 use AAC over Bluetooth, which is lossy. True lossless requires wired connections or AirPlay-compatible speakers.

Is the sound difference noticeable on iPhone?

Only moderately. Without LDAC support, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro operate at lower bandwidth on iOS, narrowing the gap. Most listeners won’t detect major differences in casual listening.

Final Verdict: Are iPhone Users Missing Out?

Technically, yes—on paper, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer superior driver design, broader frequency response, and better codec support. In a vacuum, they deliver a more refined audio experience. But technology doesn’t exist in a vacuum. For iPhone users, the real-world benefit is muted by iOS limitations that prevent full utilization of the Buds’ capabilities.

The AirPods Pro 2 may not lead in audiophile benchmarks, but they deliver a cohesive, intelligent, and deeply integrated experience that enhances daily usability. For most iPhone owners, that holistic advantage outweighs incremental improvements in sound fidelity.

That said, if you’re an audio-first user who frequently listens to high-resolution tracks and don’t mind managing your earbuds through occasional Android access, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are worth considering—even on iPhone. But for the majority, the convenience of Apple’s ecosystem ensures the AirPods Pro 2 remain the smarter, more practical choice.

🚀 Ready to make a decision? Test both options if possible. Sometimes, the best earbuds aren’t the ones with the best specs—but the ones that fit seamlessly into your life.