Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Which One Should You Choose? 

Samsung Galaxy Buds has been a big name when we research wireless earbuds, offering high-quality earbuds that work well with their other devices, similar to how Apple’s AirPods work with iPhones. Their latest earbuds, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro, are designed very differently from the previous model, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, and also include new AI features.

If you’re wondering how these two premium earbuds compare in important areas like sound quality and noise cancelation, we’ve tested both to help you figure out which one might be the better choice for you.

A User’s Perspective – Galaxy Buds3 Pro Compared to Galaxy Buds2 Pro

The biggest difference between the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and the Buds2 Pro is how they look. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro has a new design that looks like a mix between Apple’s AirPods and something futuristic, with a triangular stem and lights. You can control them by pinching or swiping. 

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro, on the other hand, has a more traditional round shape with a rubbery finish that makes it easier to hold and use.

The round shape of the Buds2 Pro fits more comfortably in your ears, but some people might prefer the stem design of the Buds3 Pro for better stability. It really depends on the size and shape of your ears.

Both models are water-resistant, so they’re good for workouts and rainy days. However, the Buds3 Pro is also dust-resistant, a better option for those conscious about protection. 

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro case has a clear lid so you can see the earbuds inside, and it’s slim enough to fit in most pockets. The Buds2 Pro case is fully solid with a rubbery texture, making it easy to grip but also easier to scratch. Both cases can charge wirelessly or with a USB-C cable.

Both earbuds come with different sizes of ear tips to help you get a good fit. You should be able to wear them comfortably for about an hour before they might start to feel warm or sweaty, but this can vary depending on your ear shape.

Lastly, if you care about colors, the new Galaxy Buds3 Pro comes in white and silver, while the Buds2 Pro is available in white, graphite, and bora purple. 

How to Control the Galaxy Buds3 Pro vs. Buds2 Pro? 

Both earbuds have touch controls built right into them. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro lets you control them by pinching or swiping the stems, while the Galaxy Buds2 Pro uses taps on the earbuds’ surface to control functions. The Buds3 Pro also has some extra options, like using your voice to change the volume or control music without touching the earbuds at all. 

Is it Necessary to Use the Samsung Wearables App? 

Yes, both the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds2 Pro are designed to work with the Samsung Wearables app. This app is important because it lets you access and adjust different settings, like sound quality presets (EQ), update the earbuds’ software, and use other special features.

The Buds3 Pro also comes with some new AI-powered features through the app, including a real-time interpreter that can translate languages as you listen. While both earbuds have preset sound settings, only the Buds3 Pro allows you to customize the sound with a 9-band equalizer.

Keep in mind that some features are only available if you’re using a Samsung phone. If you have a different Android phone or an iPhone, you might not be able to use all the features.

How Do Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds2 Pro Connect?

Both the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds2 Pro connect to your devices using Bluetooth. The Buds3 Pro uses the latest Bluetooth 5.4, while the Buds2 Pro uses Bluetooth 5.3. Both earbuds support multiple audio codecs, which determine how the sound is transmitted. This includes standard codecs like SBC and AAC, as well as the Samsung Seamless Codec, which is designed to work best with Samsung devices.

The Buds3 Pro also introduces a new Bluetooth feature called Auracast. This feature allows you to share audio with other people or broadcast audio to multiple devices in public places.

Both models pair quickly with Samsung devices and can automatically switch between different Samsung products you’ve connected to. However, to get the best audio quality (UHQ Audio with 24bit / 96kHz) and access all features, you’ll need to use a recent Samsung smartphone.

Which Has Better Battery Life? Galaxy Buds3 Pro or Buds2 Pro

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro has a slightly shorter battery life than the Buds2 Pro:

• Buds3 Pro: Around 4 hours and 31 minutes with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned on.
• Buds2 Pro: Around 4 hours and 50 minutes with ANC turned on.

Both models come with charging cases that can recharge the earbuds, giving you more listening time. However, when compared to other earbuds on the market, neither of these models has an outstanding battery life.

Which Blocks Noise Better? Galaxy Buds3 Pro vs. Buds2 Pro

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro doesn’t perform as well in noise cancelation as expected. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned on, it reduces about 76% of background noise. While this might be enough for most users, it doesn’t match the level of noise cancelation offered by other earbuds in the same price range. It’s also unclear if a software update will improve this or if this is the best the Buds3 Pro can do.

In comparison, the Buds2 Pro blocks out about 84% of outside noise, which you can definitely notice. Its ANC works really well for lower-frequency sounds, from 100Hz down to around 30Hz, making it one of the best noise-canceling earbuds available.

Which Buds Deliver Better Sound?

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro offers a rich and detailed sound, but the default settings might make the higher tones a bit too strong, which could cause listening fatigue for some people. We found that using the “Clear” EQ preset helped create a more balanced sound that was easier to listen to.

The Galaxy Buds2 Pro also delivers good sound quality overall. It is also noted that in certain high-pitched sounds, like hi-hats, can stand out more than other parts of the music, and while the bass is strong, it doesn’t dominate the sound, keeping it well-balanced.

Analyzing the Facts – Objective Results

Both the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds2 Pro are designed to deliver sound that most people will enjoy, following a sound curve that’s popular among consumers. Here’s how they compare:

Bass

Both earbuds have a bit of extra emphasis on the bass, giving it a strong presence. The Buds3 Pro might go even deeper into the low bass (sub-bass) than the Buds2 Pro, which can give a richer sound to bass-heavy music.

Mids

The midrange frequencies, which include most vocals and instruments, are well-balanced on both models and stay close to the ideal sound curve that many people prefer.

Highs

Both models have the higher frequencies, which can make details in the music stand out more. The Buds3 Pro, in particular, has a noticeable increase around 10kHz, which could make the highs sound more pronounced.

Both models also include Samsung’s 360 Audio feature, which creates a surround sound effect, but this feature only works with compatible Samsung devices.

Do the Galaxy Buds3 Pro Have a Better Microphone Than Buds2 Pro?

Both the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds2 Pro have microphones that work well for regular phone calls or video conferences, but they each have their pros and cons.

Buds3 Pro includes advanced features like a “super wideband call” option, which can capture sound at a higher quality (up to 16kHz instead of the usual 8kHz) depending on your network speed. 

However, it is found that the Buds3 Pro didn’t do a great job of reducing background noise, especially in noisy environments like on the street. Your experience might be different depending on the phone or app you’re using, and a software update might fix this issue in the future.

Buds2 Pro does a better job at blocking out background noise during calls, though the voices might not always sound completely natural. One useful feature you can activate through the Galaxy Wearable app is Ambient sound mode during calls. 

This feature lets you hear your own voice more clearly while talking, which can help reduce the discomfort of hearing yourself muffled through the earbuds. It works similarly to a sidetone effect, meaning, you would be hear your own voice during a call.

Galaxy Buds3 Pro vs. Buds2 Pro in Price and Availability

Cay Gadgets, a tech store based in the Cayman Islands, has the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds2 Pro in stock and ready for delivery. It’s a store that recognizes the need for quality gadgets for everyday people.

Regarding pricing, Cay Gadgets offers these earbuds at very competitive rates. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro is available for CI$ 249.00, and the Buds2 Pro is priced at CI$ 179.00.

Deciding Between Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds2 Pro: Which to Get?

Choosing between the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds2 Pro really depends on what’s most important to you and whether you have a compatible Samsung device.

Go For Galaxy Buds3 Pro if: 

• You like earbuds with a stem design. 
• You want better sound quality compared to the Buds2 Pro.
• If you want to use Auracast, a new feature that allows you to share audio with others.
• You’re interested in the latest AI features, like real-time translation, the Buds3 Pro includes those.
• You want to customize the sound more with a custom equalizer.

Go Galaxy Buds2 Pro If:

• If you prefer a more traditional earbud design without a stem.
• Better noise cancelation (ANC) is your requirement.  
• You want slightly longer battery life, so you can use them a bit longer between charges.
• You’re looking to save some money.

If you’ve just bought a new Samsung smartphone and want to use the latest AI features, like real-time translation, the Buds3 Pro might be the better choice. But if noise cancelation is your top priority or you’re looking for something more affordable, the Buds2 Pro is still a great option.