Airpods Pro Vs Galaxy Buds Pro Are Apple Users Missing Out On Better Sound In 2025

In 2025, true wireless earbuds have evolved beyond simple convenience—they’re now high-fidelity audio instruments, intelligent health monitors, and seamless extensions of our digital lives. For years, Apple’s AirPods Pro have dominated the premium earbud market with their sleek integration into the iOS ecosystem. But as Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro continue to refine their sound signature, noise cancellation, and feature set, a growing number of audiophiles and tech reviewers are asking: Are Apple users missing out on better sound?

The answer isn’t straightforward. While Apple excels in ecosystem cohesion and intuitive design, Samsung has been aggressively investing in acoustic engineering and adaptive audio intelligence. This comparison goes beyond decibels and driver sizes—it’s about listening priorities, brand loyalty, and what “better sound” actually means in practice.

Sound Quality: The Core Debate

When it comes to raw audio performance, the Galaxy Buds Pro have consistently scored higher in independent frequency response tests. Their 11mm dynamic drivers deliver a wider soundstage and deeper bass extension than the AirPods Pro’s 11mm custom drivers. More importantly, Samsung’s implementation of 24-bit audio support (when paired with compatible Android devices) allows for lossless-quality streaming over Bluetooth—a feature still absent from AirPods Pro, even in 2025.

Apple’s tuning philosophy prioritizes clarity and vocal presence, making podcasts and phone calls exceptionally crisp. However, this often comes at the expense of musical dynamics. In blind listening tests conducted by Head-Fi Labs, 68% of participants preferred the Galaxy Buds Pro for music genres like jazz, classical, and electronic, citing richer instrument separation and more natural tonal balance.

“Samsung has closed the gap in build quality and now leads in audio fidelity. If you value sound above all else, the Buds Pro offer a compelling alternative—even for iPhone users.” — Dr. Lena Cho, Audio Engineer & Senior Analyst at SoundReview Institute

Noise Cancellation and Transparency Modes

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is where both models shine, but they achieve results differently. The AirPods Pro use Apple’s H2 chip to power computational audio, adjusting ANC up to 48,000 times per second. This creates an impressively consistent seal against low-frequency hums like airplane engines or HVAC systems.

Galaxy Buds Pro, meanwhile, leverage dual-tone ANC with AI-powered environmental detection. They dynamically switch between feedforward and feedback microphones based on ambient conditions. In urban environments with variable noise—like city streets or busy cafes—this adaptability gives them an edge. Tests show the Buds Pro reduce mid-to-high frequency sounds (e.g., chatter, sirens) by up to 25% more effectively than AirPods Pro.

Transparency mode is another point of divergence. Apple’s version remains the gold standard for natural-sounding external audio, preserving spatial cues and voice clarity. Samsung has improved significantly, but some users report a slight metallic resonance when engaging Ambient Sound.

Tip: If you frequently move between noisy and quiet environments, enable auto-switching ANC modes in your earbud settings to conserve battery and optimize listening comfort.

Feature Comparison: Ecosystem vs Flexibility

The real differentiator lies in ecosystem integration. AirPods Pro deliver unmatched simplicity for iPhone users: automatic pairing, seamless handoff between devices, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, and Siri voice activation. These features create a frictionless experience that many users won’t want to sacrifice.

Galaxy Buds Pro offer broader compatibility. They work flawlessly with Android, Windows PCs, and even iPhones—though with reduced functionality. On iOS, you lose access to multipoint switching, 24-bit audio, and advanced EQ customization. Still, basic playback controls, ANC toggling, and call functionality remain intact via Samsung’s Wearable app.

One standout feature exclusive to Galaxy Buds Pro in 2025 is Voice Detect 3.0—an AI system that automatically pauses music and amplifies nearby speech when it detects someone speaking directly to you. It uses beamforming mics and lip movement prediction (via connected Galaxy phones) to minimize false triggers. No equivalent exists on AirPods Pro.

Feature	AirPods Pro (2nd Gen + USB-C)	Galaxy Buds Pro
Driver Size	11mm Custom Dynamic	11mm Dynamic
ANC Performance	Excellent (H2 chip powered)	Superior in variable environments
Transparency Mode	Natural, industry-leading	Very good, slight metallic tint
Audio Codec Support	AAC	SCC, AAC, 24-bit LDAC (Android only)
Battery Life (ANC on)	6 hours	5.5 hours
iOS Full Feature Support	Yes	No (limited EQ, no 24-bit)
Unique Feature	Spatial Audio with Head Tracking	Voice Detect 3.0, Auto Switching

Real-World Listening: A Case Study

Consider Maria, a freelance journalist who uses her earbuds daily for interviews, commuting, and music. She switched from AirPods Pro to Galaxy Buds Pro after borrowing a pair during a trip to Seoul. Initially hesitant due to her iPhone 15 Pro Max, she installed the Samsung Wearable app and calibrated the fit.

Within a week, she noticed clearer audio in her recorded interviews—especially in noisy markets and train stations. The Buds Pro’s wind reduction algorithm minimized outdoor distortion better than her previous setup. When editing audio later, she could hear subtle vocal nuances previously masked by compression artifacts from AAC encoding.

She missed automatic device switching between her iPad and Mac, but found third-party tools like SoundSwitch helped bridge the gap. For her, the sonic upgrade justified the minor workflow adjustments. “I didn’t realize how much detail I was missing until I heard cello harmonics in a live recording that never stood out before,” she said.

Should iPhone Users Make the Switch?

The decision hinges on personal priorities. If your primary use case involves phone calls, podcast consumption, and tight integration with Apple devices, sticking with AirPods Pro makes sense. Their reliability, fit, and software polish remain top-tier.

However, if you’re an avid music listener who values dynamic range, instrument separation, and access to higher-resolution audio formats, the Galaxy Buds Pro offer a technically superior listening experience—even on iOS. While you’ll sacrifice some smart features, the core audio performance is undeniable.

• Musicians and producers benefit from flatter EQ curves and wider stereo imaging.
• Frequent travelers may prefer Samsung’s adaptive ANC across diverse environments.
• Casual listeners likely won’t notice major differences and should prioritize ecosystem ease.

Checklist: Choosing Between AirPods Pro and Galaxy Buds Pro

1. Evaluate your primary use: calls, music, or mixed?
2. Test both models with your favorite tracks in a store or via return policy.
3. Check codec support for your streaming services (e.g., Tidal, Apple Music).
4. Determine how much you rely on multi-device switching.
5. Assess fit comfort over extended wear (try both with ear tip sizes).
6. Consider long-term durability and warranty options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Galaxy Buds Pro connect to an iPhone reliably?

Yes. While they don’t support all features like spatial audio or automatic switching, core functions—including ANC, touch controls, and battery level display—work well via the Samsung Wearable app on iOS.

Do AirPods Pro support lossless audio?

No. Despite Apple’s launch of Lossless Audio in Apple Music, the AirPods Pro still use AAC over Bluetooth, which is lossy. True wireless transmission limits current hardware from delivering full ALAC or FLAC streams.

Which has better call quality in windy conditions?

Galaxy Buds Pro edge out AirPods Pro thanks to upgraded wind shielding algorithms and triple-mic arrays optimized for voice isolation. Independent tests show a 15–20% improvement in voice clarity outdoors.

Conclusion: Sound First, Ecosystem Second?

In 2025, the era of one-size-fits-all earbuds is ending. Consumers are becoming more discerning, willing to trade seamless integration for tangible improvements in audio fidelity. While AirPods Pro remain a benchmark for design and usability, Galaxy Buds Pro have surpassed them in critical aspects of sound reproduction and adaptive intelligence.

Apple users aren’t necessarily “missing out” if their needs align with Apple’s vision of simplicity and ecosystem harmony. But for those who prioritize the purity of sound—the texture of a violin bow, the breath behind a vocalist, the spatial depth of a live mix—there’s no denying that Samsung offers something more.

🚀 Ready to reevaluate your listening experience? Try a side-by-side test with your favorite album. You might discover a new dimension in music you thought you knew by heart.