By What Hi-Fi?
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Samsung's cheap AirPods rivals go head-to-head
Samsung may have launched a brand new flagship pair of wireless earbuds – the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, which sports a fresh redesign and plenty of new features and new tech – but we're looking at two of its older stablemates here.
Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2 wireless earbuds feature the tech giant's latest noise-cancelling technology and are Samsung's 'lightest' wireless in-ears yet. But how do they compare to another of Samsung's noise-cancelling buds, the older Galaxy Buds Pro?
We compare the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 with the Galaxy Buds Pro and see which – if either – is worth your hard-earned.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: at a glance
- Buds 2 are smaller and lighter, making them better for smaller ears
- Buds Pro are priced higher, but both can be found at cheaper prices now
- Buds Pro have more advanced noise-cancellation features
- Buds 2 have two hours more battery life
- Buds Pro lack sparkle, but sound less harsh than the Buds 2
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: price
The Galaxy Buds Pro cost £219 ($199, AU$299) at launch, but shop around and you should be able to get a discount.
The newer Galaxy Buds 2 are noticeably cheaper than the Buds Pro. They're priced from £139 ($150, AU$219), which is the same launch price as the original 2019 Samsung Galaxy Buds.
With the newer Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro now released at £219 / $229 / AU$349, however, both Buds Pro and Buds 2 have drastically dropped in price. We've listed today's cheapest Galaxy Buds Pro and Buds 2 deals below.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: design
At just 5g per bud, the Galaxy Buds 2 are Samsung's smallest and lightest wireless earbuds to date. (The new Buds 2 Pro are 5.5g per earbud.) Although the outside of the square charging case is white, the buds themselves and the inside of the case come in a choice of four colours: graphite, white, olive or lavender.
They're less bulbous on the underside than the Buds Pro, making them a better fit for smaller ears. And you can use the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone to conduct an earbud fit test – this recognises that we have placed the buds in our ears, sends a few tones into our shell-likes, and then decides whether the eartips we have selected from a choice of three has provided a good fit. For us, the pre-fitted medium pair offers a good seal and, although they aren’t the most secure set of earbuds we’ve ever worn (we wouldn’t wear them for our tougher workouts), they are comfortable and light over the course of our listening.
The (slightly) older Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro weigh in at 6.3g each and are a tad chunkier. They also come in some natty colours: Phantom Violet, Phantom Silver and Phantom Black.
Samsung supplies three pairs of silicone eartips with the Galaxy Buds Pro. As we noted in our review, "It's quite easy to get the earbuds positioned comfortably – although, perhaps because of their physical size, there’s a little more movement in the buds than is ideal."
Both models feature Samsung's Auto Switch feature, which lets the earbuds simultaneously connect to multiple Galaxy devices and automatically switch to the one you’re using. Handy if you want to go from streaming music on your Galaxy Tab to picking up a call on your Samsung Galaxy S21.
The Buds Pro are rated IPX7, which means they can be submerged in up to 1m of water for at least half an hour. The Buds 2 can't match that performance – they're rated IPX2, meaning they're only splashproof.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: noise-cancelling
The Buds Pro feature two Active Noise Cancelling levels, low and high, and four Ambient Sound settings. 'High' is designed for noise-polluted areas such as busy city streets, while 'Low' is better for nixing rumbling sounds, such as the hum of an aeroplane engine.
Samsung claims that the Buds Pro remove "99 percent of noise" at 118Hz. That might sound impressive on paper, but under review, we felt that the noise-cancelling was underwhelming.
That's partly because competition among the best noise-cancelling headphones is fierce, with the five-star (and pricier) Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF-1000XM4 leading the way on cancellation.
The Buds 2's active noise cancellation promises to nix external noise by up to 98 per cent. This is joined by an ‘enhanced’ Ambient Sound mode, plus three microphones per earbud – one inner with voice pickup unit for clear calls, two external beamforming mics – to boast a 'significantly reduced latency'.
You can access these noise profiles using the on-device controls, but it's a little hit and miss, so you may well find yourself reaching for your phone instead. The noise cancellation and Ambient Sound are as good as we would expect for the price, though there are no degrees of ANC, just on or off.
If you're wondering why the Buds Pro are so much more expensive, it's because they have Intelligent ANC and Dolby Head Tracking features.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: battery life
The Galaxy Buds 2 might be cheaper than the Galaxy Buds Pro, but they come out top when you compare battery life.
The Buds 2 claim five hours per charge with noise cancelling switched on, plus an additional 15 hours provided by the USB-C charging case (pictured above). Not bad, although the AirPods Pro 2 top that with 30 hours total battery life.
The Galaxy Buds Pro also last five hours per charge, but their charging case supplies an extra 13 hours' worth of juice. Total battery life? 18 hours – a solid two hours less than the new Galaxy Buds 2.
Both of these in-ears support Qi wireless charging. Five minutes on a standard 5A pad should return around one hour of playback.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: sound quality
Sound quality is much of a muchness here, as both Samsung buds received three stars out of five when we reviewed them. Their decidedly average performance won't trouble the best at this price, but they do offer slightly different sonic characteristics.
The Galaxy Buds Pro are tonally-balanced and provide plenty of detail through the midrange. You can expect nice harmonic separation and a civilised level of bass, too. Overall these Buds Pro sound inoffensive but lack sparkle. It's a performance that falls short of class leaders.
The Buds 2 aren't any better, we're afraid. While they pack a good dollop of detail and healthy bass kick, the timing needs work. Theirs is an energetic performance, but in all the excitement there's a harshness through the treble that makes the midrange sound decidedly flat. Disappointing.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: verdict
This is a tricky one. The Buds Pro are (for the most part) better-specced than the Buds 2, with better water resistance and more advanced audio features. However, the Buds 2 are lighter, smaller and offer better battery life. Both pairs pair just as seamlessly with a Galaxy smartphone, so there's nothing between them there.
Sound quality aside, it could all come down to price. We've seen the pricier Buds Pro on even cheaper deals than the Buds 2 before (which could swing it in their favour), but there are discounts aplenty to be had across both earbuds. The newer (but still three-star) Galaxy Buds 2 Pro might be a better option overall thanks to better design and new features, but we'd hold off until those were on a good deal, too.
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What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.
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FAQs
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 vs Galaxy Buds Pro: which should you buy? ›
Our Verdict. The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Truly Wireless are slightly better in-ears than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Truly Wireless. The Buds2 have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, their noise isolation performance is better, and their mic has a better recording quality.
Is Buds 2 or Pro better? ›Our Verdict. The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Truly Wireless are slightly better in-ears than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Truly Wireless. The Buds2 have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer, their noise isolation performance is better, and their mic has a better recording quality.
Should I upgrade from buds Pro to Buds 2? ›The original Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro might not look as stylish as the newer Buds 2 Pro, but the older earbuds still offer great sound quality and strong ANC. They're a little on the bulky side, but if they're comfortable in your ears, there's not much reason to upgrade right now.
Is it worth upgrading Galaxy buds to Galaxy buds 2? ›And the winner is ...
However, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are a serious improvement, taking over for the original Galaxy Buds Pro as Samsung's flagship pair They sound better, offer better noise canceling, and serve up several features that the standard pair doesn't, like IPX7 water resistance.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro True Wireless are the upgraded variant of the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Truly Wireless. While both buds are comfortable and well-built, the Pro have a higher IP certification of IPX7 and a significantly better noise isolation performance.
Which Galaxy buds are most comfortable? ›Samsung Galaxy Buds Live
The bean-shaped Galaxy Buds Live are one of the most comfortable earbuds out there. If you want something that blends naturally with your ears and doesn't stick out much, the Buds Live model is the perfect “fit” for you.
Galaxy Buds2 Pro give you up to 8 hours of play time per charge, which can be extended to up to 30 hours with a fully charged case. Galaxy Buds2 give you up to 7.5 hours of play time per charge, which can be extended to up to 29 hours more with a fully charged case.
Can you use Galaxy buds 2 in the shower? ›Precautions to care for your Galaxy Buds Pro in good condition. Do not wear the device during activities, such as swimming, playing water sports, taking a shower, or while visiting spa or sauna facilities. Doing so can damage the device.
Is Galaxy Buds Pro discontinued? ›The Buds 2 Pro were seen as the successor to the Buds Pro, which were discontinued following the announcement. The Buds 2 Pro include active noise cancellation, 24-bit Hi-Fi audio support (only for Samsung device with One UI 4.0 or above) and enhanced 360-degree audio.
Is Samsung earbuds Pro worth it? ›You get good sound quality, effective premium active noise cancellation, decent battery life, and a comfortable fit with these earphones. The pros far outweighed the few cons I found. It's quite a bonus that at Rs. 15,990, the Galaxy Buds Pro costs less than most competing options in the space.
Can I make my Galaxy buds 2 louder? ›
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro let you adjust their volume by tapping on your ears: two quick taps on your left ear ticks the volume down one notch, two taps on the right turns it up.
Do Galaxy buds 2 have good noise cancellation? ›The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbuds provide great sound and feature active noise canceling. They meld a great fit and comfort with a vast range of ear tips. Efficient ANC and five hours of battery life sweeten the deal.
Do the Galaxy buds 2 have noise Cancelling? ›The Galaxy Buds Live, Galaxy Buds Pro, Galaxy Buds2, and Galaxy Buds2 Pro include Active noise canceling. When this feature is turned on, it will block out noise in the nearby area, so you can be fully immersed in your music. If you ever need to be aware of your surroundings, simply turn off Active noise canceling.
Are Galaxy buds 2 waterproof? ›The earbuds are not waterproof and are not suitable for use in water. If they get some sweat or rain on them, you should clean them immediately.
Do Galaxy buds 2 have GPS? ›Tap on 'Find My Earbuds' to be shown your Buds' latest detected location. Here, you can either choose Ring or Navigate. “Ring” will make the earbuds play a gradually increasing beeping sound. And “Navigate” will open Google Maps and direct you to the GPS location of the buds.
Which is better Galaxy Buds 2 or Live? ›Our Verdict. The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Truly Wireless are somewhat better headphones than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live Truly Wireless. The Buds2 are more comfortable, have more consistent audio reproduction, and have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer.
Which Galaxy Buds should you buy? ›Best Samsung Earbuds – Overall: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
The Galaxy Buds Pro are the best Samsung earbuds overall not just because they're the latest model, but they offer exceptional sound quality with improved noise cancellation. Priced at $229, these are also the most expensive wireless earbuds yet from Samsung.
- JBL Tune 230NC TWS Earbuds.
- boAt Airdopes 141 Truly Wireless in Ear Earbuds.
- OnePlus Nord Buds.
- Sony WF-C500 Truly Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds.
- Boult Ammo True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds.
- pTron Bassbuds Eon TWS Earbuds.
- Noise Buds VS104 in-Ear TWS.
- Oppo Enco Air 2 Bluetooth Truly Wireless Earbuds.
The Jabra Elite 85t Truly Wireless are somewhat better headphones than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro Truly Wireless. The Jabra are better-built, have a more neutral sound profile out-of-the-box, and offer a better overall battery performance.
Which Galaxy Buds last the longest? ›- Galaxy Buds Pro: Up to 28 hours of play time, with 8 hours per charge in the earbuds. Charging them in the case for 10 minutes will give you up to 85 minutes of play time.
- Galaxy Buds2: Up to 20 hours of play time. ...
- Galaxy Buds2 Pro: Up to 30 hours of play time, with up to 8 hours per charge in the earbuds.
Can Galaxy buds 2 read text messages? ›
Voice Assistant. The AirPods Pro works with Siri, obviously, while the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can connect to either Bixby (default) or Google Assistant. Both earbuds can read incoming text messages aloud to me, but only the AirPods Pro allows me to respond via voice dictation.
Can you sleep with buds 2 pro? ›The Buds 2 are some of the most comfortable earbuds I've used and they don't really protrude outwards. So little, in fact, that I found myself able to fall asleep wearing them, which doesn't happen often.
Can I sleep with my Galaxy buds on? ›Don't Wear Earbuds for Long Hours
Sleeping with earbuds every once in a while isn't too harmful. Listening to music on your earbuds is actually therapeutic and can be helpful to people who need some sound to fall asleep. However, if your sleep routine involves sleeping with earbuds every night, then that's a problem.
The Galaxy Buds charging case is equipped with wireless charging technology. You can charge the battery by using a wireless charger or another device that functions as a wireless charger.
Is Galaxy Buds 2 sweat proof? ›The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 and Buds 2 Pro are both sweatproof to a degree. If you're sweating buckets from a run on a blistering hot day, you may not want to take the Galaxy Buds 2 out. However, Galaxy Buds 2 Pro should endure all the sweat you throw at them.
Why do Samsung buds keep falling out? ›As SELF has previously reported, if your earbuds fall out, it might be because your ear canal is too big and there's nothing for the earbuds to sit against. On the other hand, if your ear canal is too small, the earbud won't be able to go in deep enough to fit properly.
What is the lowest price of Samsung buds pro ever? ›| Product Name | Price in India |
|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones (Silver) | ₹ 8,490 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones (Black) | ₹ 8,490 |
| Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones (Violet) | ₹ 15,990 |
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro price in India starts from Rs. 14,899. The lowest price of Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro is Rs. 14,899 at amazon.in.
Are Galaxy Buds Pro good for calls? ›The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are fair for phone calls. Their integrated mic does an okay job recording your voice clearly, but it struggles to separate your voice from background noise. If you're taking a call from a busy street, your voice can be drowned out.
What is Galaxy Buds Pro used for? ›Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) on Galaxy Buds Pro cuts external background noise by up to 99%, backed by UL Verification. The battery can last up to an hour longer on a 5-minute charge. Playtime may vary depending on settings.
Is Samsung Buds Pro comfortable? ›
Let's just get to it: Samsung's Galaxy Buds Pro are the best true wireless earbuds that the company has made yet. For their $200 asking price, you get a comfortable fit, effective active noise cancellation, and good, punchy sound quality.
Why are the Galaxy Buds 2 so quiet? ›If you are experiencing low volume or poor sound quality on one or both of your Galaxy Buds, there may be a couple reasons why. You might be wearing the earbuds incorrectly, or the buds could have accumulated dust or debris.
Does the Galaxy buds 2 have woofer? ›Its dynamic two-way speaker system means that the earbuds have a woofer and a tweeter. The woofer specifically controls the bass quality while the tweeter enhances higher-frequency sounds. The Galaxy Buds2 also has Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) functions.
Which Samsung buds have best noise cancelling? ›The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has some of the best noise canceling we've tested and undercuts other flagships with its price, which isn't cheap by any means. If you want a pocketable pair of ANC earbuds, this is your best bet. Sound quality is also very good and requires little tinkering.
How much is the Galaxy buds 2 pro? ›If you don't already use Samsung products, however, a $230 MSRP is a bit much when features are limited outside of the Samsung ecosystem. It's the major drawback for the Buds 2 Pro—as it is for the Apple AirPods Pro and Google Pixel Buds.
Do the Galaxy buds 2 have touch controls? ›Tap your earbuds to play or pause music and answer or end a call. You can also touch and hold the earbuds to activate a command of your choice.
Do Galaxy buds 2 pause when you take them out? ›Galaxy Buds in-ear detection allows you to automatically pause music playback when you take them out of your ears and resume playback when you put them back in.
Does Galaxy buds 2 have surround sound? ›When paired to a Samsung device and streaming compatible content, you can access Samsung 360 Audio surround sound with either pair of buds. Both sets of earphones support head tracking and adjust the left and right channel volumes as your head rotates.
Are Galaxy buds 2 compatible with iPhone? ›You'll find plenty to like about the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbuds but are they a good fit for those using an Apple device like an iPhone or an iPad? Well, the answer is yes, you can pair the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro with an iPhone or an iPad.
Is Samsung Buds Pro waterproof? ›IPX7 rating means that the device is water-resistance when submersed in fresh water at a depth of 1 meter, for up to 30 minutes. However, the earbuds may be damaged if used in conditions inconsistent with the IPX7 standard.
What to do if Galaxy Buds 2 get wet? ›
If your Galaxy Buds 2 Pro earbuds get wet, you should attempt to dry them using any kind of nearby cloth to remove excess water. Samsung also recommends gently shaking each bud as you dry. If it's not clean water — say they're soaked with a spilled drink — rinse them off using a bowl of water, then dry them as normal.
Does Galaxy buds 2 have Bixby? ›The Buds2 allow you to adjust sound settings, give commands to Bixby, locate the buds when they're lost, and more. Does all that information sound a little overwhelming? This guide covers the basics of connecting and getting to know your Buds2.
Do Galaxy buds 2 have wings? ›The Galaxy Buds Plus has small wing protrusions on each earbud, whereas the Galaxy Buds 2 does not.
Can I find my earbuds if they are in the case? ›In order to use this setting, your buds MUST be connected to your mobile device using the Galaxy Wearable app. The Galaxy Buds must also be within Bluetooth range to successfully locate them. Unfortunately if you have misplaced them while they are in the case, you will not be able to use this setting.
Are Galaxy buds 2 or Pro more comfortable? ›While both buds are comfortable and well-built, the Buds2 Pro have a significantly better noise isolation performance, and their companion app offers more features. They also have a more neutral sound profile, which some users may prefer.
Is Galaxy Buds Pro 2 better than Galaxy Buds Pro? ›The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are Samsung's best earbuds to date, sporting a refined design and support for 24-bit audio playback under the right conditions. They're not much better than the first-gen Galaxy Buds Pro overall, though.
Which is better Buds 2 or buds Live? ›Our Verdict. The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Truly Wireless are somewhat better headphones than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live Truly Wireless. The Buds2 are more comfortable, have more consistent audio reproduction, and have a more neutral default sound profile, which some users may prefer.
Which is better buds Pro or buds Live? ›The Pro are more comfortable and have a better-balanced sound profile right out of the box. Their ANC can reduce more ambient noise around you, and their integrated mic offers better overall performance. However, the Live have longer-lasting continuous battery life.
Which brand is best for buds? ›- Apple.
- Nothing.
- boAt.
- Noise.
- Boult Audio.
- Apple. ...
- Sennheiser. ...
- Audio-Technica. Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. ...
- JBL. JBL Live Pro 2 TWS True Wireless. ...
- Beats. Beats Fit Pro True Wireless. ...
- Jabra. Jabra Elite 7 Pro True Wireless. ...
- Anker. Anker Soundcore Space A40 Truly Wireless. ...
- Skullcandy. Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless.
Which Galaxy buds are best for small ears? ›
Generally, smaller ears fit the Galaxy Buds 2 better. Remember, a good fit is just as important as noise canceling tech when it comes to blocking outside sounds. A fine pair of noise canceling earbuds that might get lost in the confusing line of other Buds.
Are Samsung buds worth the money? ›The sound quality is sure to please most listers and the noise canceling, while not the best, is quite good for the price. Even still, you might find it hard to justify this compared to the more advanced Galaxy Buds Pro and more comfortable (and affordable) Galaxy Buds Plus.
What is the latest version of Samsung earbuds? ›There's plenty to like about the Galaxy Buds 2 – particularly their comfy fit and active noise cancellation – and they're certainly a better overall package than the earbuds they intend to replace.
Which Galaxy buds last the longest? ›- Galaxy Buds Pro: Up to 28 hours of play time, with 8 hours per charge in the earbuds. Charging them in the case for 10 minutes will give you up to 85 minutes of play time.
- Galaxy Buds2: Up to 20 hours of play time. ...
- Galaxy Buds2 Pro: Up to 30 hours of play time, with up to 8 hours per charge in the earbuds.
The only noteworthy difference between the two cases is that the Buds Live case is glossy plastic on the outside and matte plastic on the inside, while the Buds Pro case is matte plastic all around, which makes it look and feel a bit more premium. The Buds Pro's case lid also opens much easier and feels quite lighter.
How durable are Galaxy Buds Pro? ›Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro durability and sustainability
That means the Buds Pro can be submerged in 1 meter of freshwater for 30 minutes and can take splashes from any angle. The AirPods Pro and Buds Live have only ratings of IPX4 and 2, respectively. The Buds Pro aren't just durable, they're also sustainable.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offers very good audio output. There's a notable boost in bass range sound, and a spike in the very high range, but otherwise everything should sound pretty much like it's supposed to.