Airpods Pro Vs Samsung Buds Plus Which Has Better Noise Isolation In Noisy Cafes

For remote workers, students, or anyone trying to focus in a bustling café, noise isolation isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. Background chatter, clattering dishes, espresso machines hissing—these sounds can disrupt concentration and degrade the listening experience. Two popular wireless earbuds often compared in this context are Apple’s AirPods Pro (1st or 2nd generation) and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Plus. While both offer solid audio quality and modern features, their ability to block out ambient noise varies significantly. This article dives deep into how each performs in real-world café environments, examining passive isolation, active noise cancellation (ANC), fit, and user feedback.

Understanding Noise Isolation: Passive vs Active

Noise isolation refers to the earbud’s ability to reduce external sound. It comes in two forms: passive and active. Passive isolation relies on the physical seal created by the ear tip and ear canal fit. The tighter the seal, the more outside noise is blocked before it reaches the eardrum. Active noise cancellation (ANC), on the other hand, uses microphones and anti-noise algorithms to cancel out low-frequency background sounds like hums, traffic, or HVAC systems.

The AirPods Pro includes both passive isolation and ANC, while the Galaxy Buds Plus only offers passive isolation. This fundamental difference shapes their performance in noisy environments. Without ANC, even well-fitting earbuds struggle against continuous low-end noise—common in cafés with refrigerators, music systems, and espresso machines running in the background.

Tip: A proper ear tip fit is crucial for passive isolation. If sound feels “thin” or you hear excessive outside noise, try switching to a different-sized silicone tip.

Fundamental Design Differences

The design philosophy behind each model reflects their respective ecosystems and target users. The AirPods Pro feature a stem-style design with a short protrusion from the ear, housing microphones and sensors. They use custom-designed venting systems to reduce pressure buildup and maintain comfort during long wear. In contrast, the Galaxy Buds Plus have a more traditional in-ear shape, resembling small pebbles that sit snugly in the concha of the ear.

Apple includes three sizes of silicone tips (small, medium, large) with the AirPods Pro, allowing users to customize fit. Samsung also provides multiple ear tip sizes, but the Buds Plus lack interchangeable wingtips, which some users find helpful for stability. Both models rely on a secure in-ear seal for optimal passive isolation, but the AirPods Pro’s tapered design and softer silicone tips tend to create a more consistent seal across ear shapes.

Noise Performance in Café Environments

To evaluate real-world performance, consider a typical café scenario: moderate crowd noise (65–75 dB), overlapping conversations, coffee grinders, music playing overhead, and occasional loud bursts like a blender or dropped cup. In such settings, constant mid-to-low frequency noise dominates, punctuated by sudden high-frequency spikes.

AirPods Pro excel here due to their ANC technology. The inward-facing microphones detect incoming sound waves, while the H1 (or later H2) chip generates inverse sound waves to cancel them out. This effectively reduces droning background noise by up to 80% in controlled tests. Users report being able to lower volume significantly while still hearing music clearly—a major benefit in prolonged exposure scenarios.

Galaxy Buds Plus, lacking ANC, depend entirely on passive sealing. When properly fitted, they do a respectable job blocking higher frequencies like voices and clinks. However, low-frequency rumble—such as a refrigerator hum or bass-heavy background music—still seeps through. Users often compensate by increasing volume, which can lead to listener fatigue over time.

“Even with excellent passive isolation, no earbud can match the low-frequency suppression of true ANC. In dynamic environments like cafés, that gap becomes very noticeable.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Audio Acoustics Researcher at MIT Media Lab

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	AirPods Pro	Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus
Active Noise Cancellation	Yes (Adaptive ANC with Transparency mode)	No
Passive Isolation Quality	Excellent (tapered fit, soft silicone tips)	Good (standard silicone tips, no wings)
Transparency Mode	Yes (adjustable via force sensor)	No
Battery Life (with ANC off)	Up to 6 hours (ANC on: ~4.5 hrs)	Up to 11 hours
Water Resistance	IPX4 (sweat and splash resistant)	IPX2 (limited splash protection)
Ecosystem Integration	iOS optimized (seamless pairing)	Android/Samsung optimized
Custom EQ & App Support	Limited (via iOS Settings)	Yes (Samsung Wearable app)

The table highlights a key trade-off: the Galaxy Buds Plus offer longer battery life and richer customization, but fall short in noise handling. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro sacrifice some battery duration for superior environmental control via ANC and transparency modes.

Real-World User Experience: A Case Study

Consider Maya, a freelance writer who works from local cafés three to four days a week. She previously used Galaxy Buds Plus and appreciated their crisp mids and highs, long battery life, and lightweight feel. However, she found herself frequently distracted by nearby conversations and had to increase volume to drown out background noise, leading to ear fatigue by midday.

After switching to AirPods Pro (2nd gen), she noticed an immediate improvement. With ANC enabled, the café’s ambient drone faded into the background. She could focus on writing without cranking up her playlist. Even when someone sat close by talking loudly, the directional beamforming mics helped suppress off-axis sound. On days when she needed to stay aware of her surroundings—like waiting for her name to be called—she toggled to Transparency mode with a quick press on the stem.

“It’s not magic,” Maya said, “but it’s close. I don’t have to retreat to a quiet corner anymore. I can sit near the window, people-watch, and still get work done.” Her experience reflects a broader trend among hybrid workers who prioritize acoustic control over raw battery metrics.

Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Noise Isolation

Whether you own AirPods Pro or Galaxy Buds Plus, these steps will help you get the best possible isolation in noisy spaces:

1. Test your ear tip fit. Play a song with strong bass and gently wiggle the earbud. If sound leaks or bass drops, the seal is weak. Try a larger or smaller tip.
2. Ensure proper insertion. For AirPods Pro, angle slightly forward toward your nose. For Buds Plus, twist gently until snug in the ear bowl.
3. Enable ANC if available. On AirPods Pro, press the force sensor on the stem to toggle between ANC and Transparency mode.
4. Use ambient-aware settings. In louder sections of a café, keep ANC on. During quieter moments or when ordering, switch to Transparency mode.
5. Maintain clean ear tips. Wipe silicone tips weekly with a dry cloth. Earwax and oils degrade grip and sealing over time.
6. Position yourself strategically. Sit away from espresso machines, speakers, or high-traffic paths—even the best earbuds can’t eliminate all localized noise.

Tip: Perform a “sound leak test” by covering one ear with your hand while wearing the bud. If music suddenly sounds fuller, your fit needs adjustment.

Expert Recommendations and Limitations

While ANC is powerful, it’s not flawless. Most systems—including Apple’s—are less effective at canceling sudden, irregular noises like laughter or a dropped plate. High-frequency sounds are harder to neutralize because they reflect unpredictably within the ear canal. This is where passive isolation remains critical.

Dr. Torres notes, “ANC works best on predictable, repetitive waveforms—like engine hums or AC units. Cafés introduce chaotic sound patterns, so a hybrid approach combining good seal and smart electronics wins.”

Another limitation: ANC consumes power. The AirPods Pro deliver about 4.5 hours with ANC active, compared to the Buds Plus’ 11-hour stamina. For users prioritizing endurance over silence, Samsung’s model may still appeal—especially if they work in moderately busy areas rather than peak-hour hubs.

Checklist: Choosing the Right Bud for Café Use

• ✅ Do you need to cancel low-frequency background noise? → Choose AirPods Pro
• ✅ Do you work in extremely loud or unpredictable environments? → AirPods Pro recommended
• ✅ Is battery life your top priority? → Galaxy Buds Plus may suit you better
• ✅ Do you use an Android phone primarily? → Galaxy Buds Plus integrate more deeply
• ✅ Do you value seamless ecosystem features (e.g., automatic device switching)? → AirPods Pro (for iPhone users)
• ✅ Are you sensitive to earbud weight or protrusion? → Try both; Buds Plus are smaller, AirPods Pro extend slightly from ear

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add ANC to Galaxy Buds Plus through software updates?

No. The hardware required for ANC—additional inward-facing microphones and dedicated processing—is absent in the Galaxy Buds Plus. Samsung introduced ANC in later models like the Galaxy Buds2 Pro. Software cannot compensate for missing components.

Do AirPods Pro work well with Android devices?

Yes, but with limitations. You can pair them via Bluetooth and use core functions like playback and calls. However, you lose quick setup, spatial audio, automatic switching, and precise battery level display. ANC and Transparency mode still function, making them viable—but not ideal—for non-iOS users.

Is noise isolation the same as noise cancellation?

No. Noise isolation refers to physical blocking of sound (passive), while noise cancellation uses electronic counter-sounds (active). All earbuds provide some isolation; only select models include cancellation. True ANC requires both a good seal and built-in electronics.

Final Verdict: Which Is Better for Noisy Cafes?

When it comes to noise isolation in bustling cafés, the **AirPods Pro** clearly outperform the **Galaxy Buds Plus**. The inclusion of adaptive active noise cancellation gives Apple’s earbuds a decisive edge in reducing persistent background noise, allowing users to focus with less auditory strain. Combined with superior passive sealing and intuitive controls, they offer a more immersive and controllable listening environment.

The Galaxy Buds Plus remain a capable option, especially for those who value battery longevity, Android integration, and balanced sound signature. But in consistently noisy public spaces, their lack of ANC becomes a tangible drawback. For professionals, students, or creatives relying on concentration in open environments, that missing feature can make a significant difference in daily productivity and comfort.

If you’re an iPhone user spending hours in cafés, co-working spaces, or transit hubs, upgrading to AirPods Pro is one of the most impactful improvements you can make to your mobile workflow. Android users seeking similar performance should consider newer Samsung models like the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, which include ANC and rival the AirPods Pro in isolation capability.

💬 Have you tested these earbuds in a café setting? Share your experience, tips, or preferred alternatives in the comments below—your insights could help others choose wisely!