Samsung Galaxy Buds Buds4 Pro

The Galaxy Buds4 Pro sound excellent and have some of the best call quality we've tested, but the 4.5-hour battery life is a real bummer. They're a killer choice for Samsung users who prioritize sound and durability over all-day stamina. If you can live with frequent top-ups, there's a lot to love here.

The sound is a standout, landing in the 84th percentile of our database. That dual-driver system delivers a wide, detailed soundstage that makes tracks feel alive, and the 24-bit hi-fi support is a nice bonus for anyone with a compatible Samsung phone. Adaptive ANC is strong too, sitting at the 88th percentile, and it does a solid job hushing subway rumble and office chatter. The 6-mic array is one of the best on the market for calls, and connectivity is nearly flawless with Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint. The real letdown is battery life. At 4.5 hours per charge, it's disappointing and falls behind most competitors, even if the case gives you 30 hours total.

Stacked against the Sony WF-1000XM6, the Samsung buds trade blows on sound and ANC but get lapped on battery life. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra still holds the ANC crown if that's your only priority, though the Buds4 Pro sound more fun. The Technics EAH-AZ100 is a dark horse with incredible detail, and the Soundcore P31i has barged into the top five as a budget-friendly wildcard that makes the Samsung's value look a little shaky. The Apple AirPods Pro remain the no-brainer pick for iPhone users. Samsung's biggest edge is that IP57 rating and call quality, but the battery gap is hard to ignore.

Pricing floats between $190 and $250, which puts these right in the thick of the premium earbud fight. For Samsung die-hards, the tight integration and exclusive features might justify the cost. But for everyone else, the short battery life and some feature lock-in make the value proposition a little shaky compared to rivals that offer more stamina for the same money.

Samsung's Galaxy Buds4 Pro are the company's latest shot at the premium true wireless crown, and they pack some serious hardware. You get a new 2-way dynamic driver setup, adaptive ANC, Hi-Res 24-bit audio, and an IP57 rating that means they can handle sweat and a sudden downpour without flinching. On paper, it's a loaded spec sheet aimed right at commuters and everyday listeners who want great sound without fussing with wires.

If battery life is a dealbreaker, look elsewhere. The Sony WF-1000XM6 or EarFun Air Pro 4+ will give you significantly more playtime per charge. Also, if you're not using a Samsung phone, you're paying for features you can't even access, so you're better off with a more platform-agnostic pair like the Technics EAH-AZ100.

If you're deep in the Samsung ecosystem and want earbuds that sound fantastic, handle calls like a champ, and can survive your sweatiest workout, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro are a great pick. Just know you'll be reaching for the charging case more often than you'd like, and some of the coolest tricks require the latest Galaxy phone.