Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

The Galaxy Buds3 Pro bring top-tier ANC and excellent call quality to Samsung's lineup, with a unique dual-driver setup that includes a planar tweeter. Pricing ranges from USD 130 to USD 159, and at the low end that's a strong value. But comfort and build quality are below average, and the fitness score is rough. Best for Samsung users who prioritize noise cancelling and calls over all-day comfort.

Let's start with the good stuff. The ANC here ranks in the 90th percentile of all true wireless earbuds we track, which puts it in the top tier of noise cancelling right now. That adaptive ANC is doing real work, and combined with the dual-driver setup, you're getting a listening experience that's well above average. Sound quality lands at the 76th percentile, which is strong but not best-in-class. The planar tweeter should give you crisp highs, and the dual amp should keep distortion low, but the overall sound signature won't dethrone the absolute top performers.

The mic system is a standout at the 87th percentile. Three mics per bud with AI noise reduction means your voice should come through clearly even in noisy environments, which is a big deal if you take calls on the go. Battery life is solid at the 72nd percentile, with 6 hours from the buds and 24 total with the case. Fast charging and Qi wireless charging are both supported, which is a nice touch. But connectivity is middle of the pack at the 40th percentile, so don't expect the rock-solid stability of some competitors.

The obvious comparison is the Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation. Apple's buds are the default choice for iPhone users, and they typically score better on comfort and build. But the Galaxy Buds3 Pro beat them on ANC and mic quality in our rankings, and the international version works across platforms. If you're on Android, or you just want better noise cancelling, Samsung has a real edge here.

The Sony WF-1000XM6 is another heavyweight. Sony has long owned the ANC crown, and their sound quality is consistently top-tier. The Buds3 Pro actually rank higher on ANC in our current data, which is a big deal. But Sony's comfort and build are typically stronger, and their connectivity is more reliable. The Technics EAH-AZ100 is also worth a look if sound quality is your top priority, as Technics has a reputation for excellent audio tuning. The Soundcore P31i and EarFun Air Pro 4+ are budget alternatives that won't match the ANC or mic performance, but they cost significantly less and may fit better.

Pricing on these is interesting. We're seeing a spread of USD 130 to USD 159 across two US listings, which is a meaningful gap. At the low end, you're getting flagship-level ANC and call quality for well under what Sony or Apple charge. At the high end, you're creeping closer to AirPods Pro territory, and that's a tougher sell given the comfort and build concerns.

If you can snag these at the USD 130 end of that range, the value proposition is genuinely strong. You're getting top-tier noise cancelling, excellent mics, and a unique driver setup for less than most premium competitors. But at USD 159, the calculus shifts. The build quality and comfort scores suggest these don't feel as premium as the price tag implies, and that's something to weigh carefully.

Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro are the company's latest swing at the premium true wireless crown, and on paper they bring some genuinely new hardware to the table. We're talking a dual-driver setup with a planar tweeter, a first for the Galaxy Buds line, plus a dual amp design and 24-bit audio support. That's the kind of spec sheet you'd expect from a company trying to prove it can hang with Sony and Apple at the top of the market.

Who are these for? If you're deep in the Samsung ecosystem, or you just want flagship-level noise cancelling and call quality without paying AirPods Pro money, these are aimed squarely at you. The ANC is adaptive, there are three mics per bud with AI noise reduction for calls, and the case supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging. The international version also means you're not locked into any particular phone brand, which is nice.

But here's the thing. The comfort and build scores in our database are not great, and the fitness score is rough. So while the audio and noise cancelling story is compelling, the physical experience of wearing these might be the dealbreaker for some people. We'll dig into all of that below.

If you're someone who wears earbuds for hours at a time, or you have sensitive ears, the comfort score here should give you pause. At the 29th percentile, these are below average for fit, and that's not something you can fix with a software update. The build quality at the 34th percentile also suggests these don't feel as premium as the price tag implies.

Fitness enthusiasts should definitely look elsewhere. A 25 out of 100 fitness score means these aren't built for workouts, and the fit concerns will only get worse when you're moving around. For gym use, check out the Soundcore P31i or EarFun Air Pro 4+, which are cheaper and better suited to active use. And if you're an iPhone user who wants the smoothest possible experience, the AirPods Pro 3rd Generation is still the default choice, even if the ANC isn't quite as strong.

If you're a Samsung phone user who wants the best noise cancelling and call quality in the Galaxy ecosystem, the Buds3 Pro are an easy recommendation, especially if you can find them at the lower end of that USD 130 to USD 159 range. The ANC and mic performance are genuinely top-tier, and the dual-driver setup gives you a sound signature that's detailed and engaging.

But if comfort is a priority, or you plan to use these for workouts, you should look elsewhere. The 29th percentile comfort score and 25 out of 100 fitness score are red flags. The Sony WF-1000XM6 or AirPods Pro 3rd Generation are safer bets for all-day wear, even if they cost a bit more. And if you're on a budget, the Soundcore P31i or EarFun Air Pro 4+ will get you decent sound without the premium price tag.