Airpods Pro Vs Galaxy Buds Plus Are Apple Users Missing Out

For years, Apple’s AirPods have dominated the wireless earbud market with seamless integration, iconic design, and strong brand loyalty. But as Android competitors refine their offerings, a critical question emerges: are Apple users missing out by sticking solely to AirPods Pro when alternatives like the Galaxy Buds Plus deliver compelling advantages? While ecosystem synergy is powerful, it shouldn’t blind consumers to performance, value, and feature gaps that could enhance their daily audio experience.

This isn’t about allegiance—it’s about informed choice. The Galaxy Buds Plus, though an older model in Samsung’s lineup, still holds its ground against the first-generation AirPods Pro in key areas. Let’s break down where each excels and whether iOS users might benefit from stepping outside the walled garden.

Sound Quality and Audio Performance

Audio fidelity is where the Galaxy Buds Plus often surprises listeners. Equipped with dual drivers—11mm dynamic drivers for bass and 6.5mm tweeters for clarity—they deliver a richer, more balanced sound profile than the single-driver AirPods Pro. The result is deeper lows, crisper highs, and a wider soundstage that audiophiles appreciate, especially for genres like hip-hop, electronic, or classical music.

In contrast, the AirPods Pro prioritize neutrality and spatial accuracy. Their sound signature is tuned for clarity in calls and media consumption within the Apple ecosystem, particularly with spatial audio and head-tracking features. However, without user-adjustable EQ on iOS (without third-party apps), customization is limited. Galaxy Buds Plus, on the other hand, offer full EQ control via the Galaxy Wearable app—even on non-Samsung Android devices—allowing fine-tuning to personal preference.

Tip: If you value customizable sound profiles and richer bass response, the Galaxy Buds Plus provide more flexibility even if you're not using a Samsung phone.

Fit, Comfort, and Active Use

Finding the right fit is crucial for both comfort and noise isolation. The AirPods Pro use a silicone tip design (three sizes included) that creates a seal in the ear canal, enabling active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency mode. This fit works well for many but can cause discomfort during extended wear for users with smaller or sensitive ears.

The Galaxy Buds Plus take a different approach. They use a wingtip design that rests just outside the ear canal, relying on stability fins for grip. While this makes them less isolating acoustically, they’re often praised for all-day comfort. Users with ear canal sensitivities frequently report preferring the Buds Plus for long listening sessions or workouts.

However, the lack of ANC on the Galaxy Buds Plus is a major differentiator. The AirPods Pro’s ANC effectively reduces ambient noise—ideal for flights, commutes, or noisy offices. The Buds Plus offer passive noise isolation only, which is decent but no match for Apple’s adaptive filtering.

Battery Life and Charging Flexibility

Battery longevity is where the Galaxy Buds Plus decisively win. With up to 11 hours of playback on a single charge (and 22 hours with the charging case), they nearly double the AirPods Pro’s 4.5–5 hours (6 with ANC off). For travelers, remote workers, or anyone who forgets to recharge nightly, this difference is significant.

Charging options also favor Samsung’s offering. The Buds Plus case supports wireless charging and can be topped up via any Qi-compatible pad—a convenience Apple later adopted but one that remains useful across ecosystems. The AirPods Pro case offers the same, but the shorter battery life means more frequent top-ups regardless.

“Battery anxiety is real. For users who spend long hours away from power sources, longer playback time can be a deciding factor.” — Jordan Lee, Audio Tech Analyst at SoundReview Lab

Feature Comparison: Ecosystem vs. Open Flexibility

Apple’s strength lies in integration. AirPods Pro pair instantly with all Apple devices, support automatic switching between iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and work seamlessly with Siri. Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking enhances movies and music, making them ideal for Apple-centric households.

The Galaxy Buds Plus, while designed for Samsung, function well on any Bluetooth device. Pairing is straightforward, and features like touch controls, voice assistant access (Google Assistant or Bixby), and multipoint connectivity (connecting to two devices simultaneously) work reliably—even on Windows laptops or iPads. This cross-platform versatility is rare among premium earbuds and gives Android users—and curious iOS adopters—more freedom.

That said, iOS users lose some functionality. The Galaxy Wearable app is not available on iPhone, so EQ adjustments, firmware updates, and precise touch control remapping aren’t possible. You’re left with basic Bluetooth pairing and default settings. Still, core audio playback and mic functions remain fully operational.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	AirPods Pro (1st Gen)	Galaxy Buds Plus
Battery Life (earbuds)	4.5–5 hrs (with ANC)	Up to 11 hrs
Case Battery	~24 hrs total	~22 hrs total
Noise Cancellation	Yes (active)	No (passive only)
Transparency Mode	Yes	No
Wireless Charging	Yes	Yes
EQ Customization	Limited (iOS)	Full (via app)
Multipoint Bluetooth	No (single device)	Yes (two devices)
iOS App Support	Full (AirPods settings)	None (basic Bluetooth only)
Microphones	3 mics + voice detection	2 mics per bud

Real-World Scenario: The Hybrid User

Consider Maya, a freelance designer who uses a MacBook Pro and iPhone daily but also owns a Windows desktop for rendering and a Samsung tablet for client presentations. She relied on AirPods Pro for years but grew frustrated with short battery life during back-to-back Zoom calls and editing sessions.

After testing the Galaxy Buds Plus, she found the 11-hour battery eliminated midday charging panic. Using multipoint, she kept her buds connected to both her iPad and laptop, switching seamlessly during collaborative reviews. Though she missed spatial audio, the ability to stay connected across platforms—and hear clearer instrument separation in reference tracks—made the trade-off worthwhile. On her iPhone, she couldn’t tweak EQ, but the default sound was satisfying enough.

Maya didn’t abandon her AirPods entirely. She keeps them for flights, where ANC is essential. But for day-to-day productivity, the Buds Plus became her go-to—proving that multi-ecosystem users can benefit from mixing and matching.

Checklist: Should You Consider Galaxy Buds Plus on iOS?

• ✅ Need longer battery life than AirPods Pro offer
• ✅ Frequently switch between iOS and non-Apple devices
• ✅ Prefer a lightweight, comfortable fit for long wear
• ✅ Value richer bass and customizable sound (if using Android occasionally)
• ❌ Require active noise cancellation regularly
• ❌ Prioritize Siri integration and instant Apple device switching

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Galaxy Buds Plus with my iPhone?

Yes. They pair via Bluetooth and function as standard wireless earbuds. You’ll get full audio playback, microphone support for calls, and touch controls (play/pause, skip). However, you won’t have access to the Galaxy Wearable app, so no EQ adjustment, firmware updates, or advanced settings.

Do Galaxy Buds Plus have noise cancellation?

No, they do not feature active noise cancellation. They rely on physical fit for passive noise isolation, which is moderate but not comparable to AirPods Pro’s ANC. If you commute or work in loud environments, this is a significant limitation.

Are AirPods Pro worth it over Galaxy Buds Plus for Apple users?

For most dedicated Apple users, yes—especially if you value seamless ecosystem integration, ANC, and transparency mode. However, if battery life, sound customization, and multi-device flexibility matter more, trying the Buds Plus—even on iOS—can be a smart supplement or alternative.

Final Thoughts: Are Apple Users Missing Out?

The answer depends on priorities. For those deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem who value convenience, noise cancellation, and flawless device handoff, the AirPods Pro remain a top-tier choice. But dismissing alternatives like the Galaxy Buds Plus outright means overlooking tangible benefits: superior battery life, better sound tuning, and broader compatibility.

Apple users aren’t “missing out” in a blanket sense—but they may be limiting their options. Technology should serve lifestyle, not brand loyalty. If your needs extend beyond seamless syncing—especially if you juggle multiple devices or crave longer playtime—stepping outside the Apple bubble isn’t a betrayal. It’s practicality.

🚀 Challenge your defaults. Try a non-Apple earbud—even for a week. You might discover a feature, fit, or battery life improvement that changes how you listen every day.