The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: A Worthy Contender in 2024

The Apple AirPods have long been a favorite among true wireless earbud enthusiasts, but for Android users, the exclusivity to Apple devices has been a major drawback. Fortunately, Samsung has stepped up its game with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, bringing them closer to the Apple formula than ever before. While there may be some similarities that raise eyebrows, the combination of great sound quality and active noise cancellation make these earbuds a strong competitor for the title of one of the best wireless earbuds of 2024.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro – Design and Features

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro have undergone a major redesign from their predecessors. Samsung has ditched the in-ear design of the previous generation in favor of a more AirPods-like stem design. The Galaxy Buds 3 come in two versions: the standard open-ear design that hangs in your ear, allowing you to hear your surroundings, and the Pro version, which offers an in-ear fit with silicone ear tips and additional features like Adaptive Noise Control and enhanced sound quality thanks to an extra driver.

While the influence of the Apple AirPods Pro is evident, Samsung has made some distinct changes to set the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro apart. Available in white or silver, the buds feature angular stems with a unique shape for easy pinch and touch controls. The back of each bud also sports white light strips that can be customized to illuminate or pulse, or turned off for a more discreet look.

The charging case has also been redesigned to resemble the AirPods case, with a transparent lid for a futuristic touch. However, the glossy material may be prone to scratches when stored alongside keys or coins.

Control on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is versatile, with a mix of pinch, pinch-and-hold, and capacitive touch gestures. The earbuds boast a dual speaker system, combining a 10.5mm dynamic driver with a 6.1mm planar magnetic driver for impressive sound quality. Each driver is equipped with its own digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for high-resolution audio output. While the buds excel in sound performance, the lack of LDAC or aptX support on non-Galaxy devices may be a downside for some users.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro – Sound and Performance

The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro may draw comparisons to Apple’s AirPods in terms of design, but their comfort and performance tell a different story. The bud-and-stem design enhances comfort, with silicone tips that provide a secure fit for extended wear, even during intense activities.

Sound quality on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is top-notch, with a default Balanced preset delivering warm tones, detailed mids, and highs, and a deep low-end. The buds offer a wide soundstage and impressive clarity, making them suitable for a variety of music genres and gaming experiences.

For gaming, enabling Game Mode reduces latency, ensuring a smooth gaming experience without noticeable delay. Personalizing the EQ presets and adjusting ANC settings can further enhance the audio experience on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.

While active noise cancellation on the buds is effective, the emphasis on middle and high frequencies may be more suited for everyday use rather than travel. Ambient Sound Mode provides clear environmental awareness, although some users may find the crispness of the sound to be slightly sharp at times.

The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro’s AI features, including Adaptive Noise Control and real-time translation capabilities, add extra functionality to the earbuds. However, battery life and notifications related to the Find My Earbuds feature may be areas of concern for some users.