Apple AirPods 3 & Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Apple AirPods 3 rather than the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2.
Why Do I Recommend The Apple AirPods 3?
- The Apple AirPods 3 has Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking for a theater-like immersive sound experience, which the Galaxy Buds 2 lacks entirely.
- AirPods 3 features Adaptive EQ, which automatically tunes the music to your ear shape in real-time for enhancing clarity and richness, which is not available in the Galaxy Buds 2.
- Apple includes a MagSafe-compatible wireless charging case with the AirPods 3 for more secure and convenient charging compared to the Galaxy Buds 2’s standard Qi-only case.
- The AirPods 3 have IPX4 water resistance for both the earbuds and the case, making them more durable for workouts and rain than the Galaxy Buds 2’s IPX2 earbuds-only rating.
- It supports automatic switching for audio sharing, and iCloud sync, while the Galaxy Buds 2 are limited to Samsung’s ecosystem.
- AirPods 3 has force sensor controls for more precise input and accidental touch resistance compared to the Galaxy Buds 2’s basic touch-sensitive surface.
- It provides up to 30 hours of listening time for extended travel or long listening sessions, compared to 20 hours of Galaxy Buds 2.
- AirPods 3 supports hands-free “Hey Siri” voice control for always-on access to Apple’s voice assistant, whereas Galaxy Buds 2 require a long press to activate Google Assistant or Bixby.
Maybe the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Apple AirPods 3. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Apple AirPods 3 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 |
| Design Type | Open-fit | In-ear with silicone tips |
| Noise Cancellation | No ANC | ANC supported |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | No |
| Audio Format | Spatial Audio with head tracking | Standard stereo with ANC |
| Adaptive EQ | Yes | No |
| Speaker Driver | Custom high-excursion Apple driver | 2-way dynamic speaker (woofer + tweeter) |
| Microphones | Dual beamforming + inward mic | 3-mic system (2 outer, 1 inner) |
| Battery Life (Buds) | Up to 6 hours | Up to 5 hours (ANC on), 7.5 hours (ANC off) |
| Battery Life (With Case) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 20 hours (ANC on), 29 hours (ANC off) |
| Charging Case | MagSafe + Lightning + Qi | Qi wireless charging + USB-C |
| Water/Sweat Resistance | IPX4 | IPX2 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Audio Codecs | AAC | SBC, AAC, Scalable |
| Device Compatibility | Best with Apple | Best with Samsung/Android |
| Ecosystem Features | iCloud sync, Handoff, Audio Sharing | Auto-switching (Samsung only), Galaxy Wearable app |
| Customization App | No equalizer | EQ presets and ANC control via app |
| Touch Controls | Force sensor on stem | Touch surface on buds |
| Voice Assistant Access | “Hey Siri” | Bixby or Google Assistant (long press) |
| Colors Available | White | Graphite, White, Olive, Lavender |
| Weight (Each Earbud) | 4.28 g | 5.0 g |
| Weight (Case) | 37.91 g | 41.2 g |
| Case Dimensions | 46.4 x 54.4 x 21.38 mm | 50.2 x 50.0 x 27.8 mm |
| Case Charging Port | Lightning | USB-C |
| Price | Check AirPods 3 Price | Check Galaxy Buds 2 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- True Wireless Design: Both earbuds feature a completely wire-free design, offering a minimalist and convenient user experience without any cables connecting the two buds or to a device.
- Wireless Charging Case: Each model comes with a wireless charging case that supports Qi charging, allowing for cable-free recharging on compatible charging pads.
- In-Ear Detection: Both earbuds include wear detection sensors that automatically pause audio when removed and resume playback when reinserted.
- Auto Play/Pause: Each model supports automatic play and pause functionality, enhancing user convenience during daily use.
- Touch/Force Controls: Both earbuds allow users to manage playback, calls, and voice assistants via touch-sensitive or force-sensitive controls directly on the earbuds.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both models support Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring seamless pairing with smartphones, tablets, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- Microphone System: Each model is equipped with beamforming microphones designed to capture your voice clearly during calls while reducing background noise.
- Compatible with iOS and Android: Both earbuds can connect to devices across both iOS and Android platforms, offering cross-platform flexibility despite being optimized for their respective ecosystems.
- Voice Assistant Access: Both earbuds provide access to voice assistants, with AirPods supporting “Hey Siri” and Galaxy Buds 2 allowing activation of Google Assistant or Bixby.
- Firmware Update Support: Each model supports firmware updates, enabling manufacturers to deliver improvements, new features, and bug fixes over time.
- Compact Charging Case: Both earbuds include a compact, portable charging case that provides on-the-go power and storage in a pocket-friendly form factor.
- Fast Pairing with Ecosystem: Both earbuds offer quick and seamless pairing experiences within their respective ecosystems—AirPods with Apple devices and Galaxy Buds 2 with Samsung Galaxy devices.
- Noise Reduction for Calls: Each model features noise reduction technology for calls, ensuring clearer communication by filtering out ambient sounds during voice conversations.
- Mono Mode (Single Earbud Use): Both earbuds support mono mode, allowing either earbud to be used independently for calls or media playback.
- Wireless Audio Codec Support: Both models support the AAC codec, delivering enhanced audio quality over Bluetooth, especially on Apple and Android devices that support it.
- Battery Status Indicator on Case: Each charging case includes an LED light indicator that displays charging and battery status for quick reference.
Common Features
| Feature | Apple AirPods 3 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 |
| True Wireless Design | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging Case | Yes | Yes |
| In-Ear Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Play/Pause | Yes | Yes |
| Touch/Force Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone System | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with iOS and Android | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant Access | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware Update Support | Yes | Yes |
| Compact Charging Case | Yes | Yes |
| Fast Pairing with Ecosystem | Yes | Yes |
| Noise Reduction for Calls | Yes | Yes |
| Mono Mode (Single Earbud Use) | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Audio Codec Support | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Status Indicator on Case | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check AirPods 3 Price | Check Galaxy Buds 2 Price |
FAQ
Are the Apple AirPods 3 compatible with Android devices? Do the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 work with iPhones? Do either AirPods 3 or Galaxy Buds 2 support active noise cancellation? Which earbuds offer better water resistance, AirPods 3 or Galaxy Buds 2? Do both earbuds support wireless charging? Can I use a single earbud independently with either model? Which earbuds offer better integration with their respective ecosystems? Do both earbuds have sensors for in-ear detection? Can you control volume directly from the earbuds? Do AirPods 3 and Galaxy Buds 2 support firmware updates? Which earbuds are more comfortable for long listening sessions? Which model has better call quality? Do either of the earbuds support Spatial Audio? Can I use voice assistants with both models? Which has longer battery life between charges? |