Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Review: 6-Month Later Verdict
Introduction
Six months ago, I purchased the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, a pair of premium wireless earbuds that stand out with their futuristic “Cybertruck meets AirPods” design. While they draw inevitable comparisons to the AirPods Pro 2, do they hold up as a worthy competitor, or are they overshadowed by their unconventional aesthetics?
After half a year of daily use, here’s my in-depth review covering sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, unique features, and key drawbacks.
Sound Quality: A Strong Contender
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver impressive audio performance, rivaling Apple’s and Google’s flagship earbuds. Key highlights include:
- Customizable EQ – Unlike AirPods, Samsung allows users to tweak the sound profile via the Samsung Wearable app, enabling a more personalized listening experience.
- Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC) – Similar to Sony’s LDAC, this high-quality codec enhances audio detail, making music more dynamic.
- Dolby Atmos & 360 Audio – While Dolby Atmos tracks on Apple Music sound compressed compared to AirPods, Samsung’s 360 Audio provides a convincing spatial sound alternative.
One issue: Apple Music’s Spatial Audio (Dolby Atmos) sounds less dynamic on these buds compared to Apple’s hardware. However, standard tracks play flawlessly.
Noise Cancellation: Good, But Not Perfect
The active noise cancellation (ANC) is on par with AirPods Pro 2, but with some quirks:
- High-Pitched Noise Leakage – Unlike AirPods, ANC lets through sharp metallic sounds (e.g., silverware clinking, nail clipping).
- Passive Isolation Lags Behind – Due to their open-fit design, they don’t block noise as effectively as Sony’s foam-tipped earbuds (e.g., WF-1000XM5).
- Improved Over Buds 2 Pro – ANC is noticeably better than its predecessor, making it suitable for city noise and airplane cabins.
Standout Features
1. Voice Controls
A surprisingly useful feature—voice commands allow hands-free playback control (e.g., “Play music,” “Stop music”).
2. Auracast Support
One of the few earbuds supporting Bluetooth Auracast, enabling multi-device pairing (e.g., sharing audio with another pair on a Samsung TV).
3. Transparency Mode
Among the best in the market, rivaling AirPods Pro 2. The natural sound passthrough makes it easy to forget you’re wearing earbuds—until you speak and hear your own voice.
4. Super Wideband Speech (16kHz)
Enhances call clarity with crisper voice reproduction. (See mic test comparisons below.)
5. Easy Setup & Clever Design
- Fast pairing with Samsung devices.
- Color-coded blade tips (blue/orange) help distinguish left/right earbuds.
- LED case indicators (red for charging, yellow for moderate battery).
Disappointments & Downsides
1. Battery Life Falls Short
- 6 hours per charge (ANC on) – Matches AirPods Pro 2 but lags behind Pixel Buds Pro 2 (8 hours).
- 26 hours total (with case) – Below AirPods Pro 2 (30 hours) and Pixel Buds Pro 2 (31 hours).
2. Case Design Flaws
- Buds Face the Wrong Way – Requires flipping before insertion.
- Silver Finish Feels Cheap – Painted rather than truly metallic.
- No Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Tracking – Loses precision compared to AirPods Pro 2.
3. Gimmicky Features
- Blade Lights – Low refresh rate causes flickering; more aesthetic than functional.
- Siren & Voice Detection – Overly sensitive (e.g., mistook a distant train horn for a siren).
- 360 Audio Recording – Niche use case; not practical for most users.
4. Tip Durability Issues
Early models had easily torn ear tips. Samsung replaced them under warranty, but removal requires a specific technique (pull outward first, unlike AirPods).
5. Bixby Still Default (No Gemini Integration)
Despite Google Gemini being Samsung’s new default assistant, Bixby remains the voice wake-up option.
Mic Test Comparison
Here’s how the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro compare to competitors:
| Earbuds | Mic Quality |
|---|---|
| Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | Clear, wideband-enhanced |
| AirPods Pro 2 | Balanced, natural |
| Sony WF-1000XM5 | Slightly muffled |
| Pixel Buds Pro 2 | Warm, mid-focused |
Verdict: The Buds 3 Pro offer excellent call clarity, especially with Super Wideband enabled.
Should You Buy the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
✅ Buy If:
✔ You own a Samsung phone (full feature support).
✔ You prioritize sound customization & spatial audio.
✔ You want Auracast & voice control features.
❌ Avoid If:
✖ You need best-in-class ANC (Sony XM5 is better).
✖ You use Apple Music Spatial Audio heavily.
✖ You prefer longer battery life (Pixel Buds Pro 2 lasts longer).
💰 Pricing & Alternatives
- Retail Price: $249
- Street Price: Often discounted below $200 (better value).
- Alternatives:
- Sony WF-1000XM5 ($248) – Superior ANC.
- AirPods Pro 2 ($249) – Best for Apple users.
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 ($199) – Best battery life.
Final Verdict: A Solid Samsung-Exclusive Upgrade
After six months, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro remain a strong choice for Samsung users, offering great sound, effective ANC, and innovative features like Auracast and voice controls. However, battery life, tip durability, and some gimmicky additions hold them back from being the absolute best.
Rating: 8.5/10
Best For: Samsung loyalists who want premium audio with ecosystem perks.
Which earbuds do you prefer? Let us know in the comments! 🎧
