REASONS TO BUY
Very enjoyable listening
Lightweight
Comfy
REASONS TO AVOID
Not Apple-friendly
Ear tips tear
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Review
These buds offer enjoyable sound and are comfortable, but they aren't the best for iOS
Credit: Natalie Kafader
By Rachael Lamore ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ April 30, 2025
Contributions From: Genaveve Bradshaw & Clark Tate
RELATED: Best Wireless Earbuds of 2025
Our Verdict
With a sophisticated design, enjoyable sound, and comfortable fit, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro is a solid selection among the other top-ranked earbuds we tested. They build a broad sound stage where boosted treble and bass notes bookend a balanced mid-range. The result is a lively, polished mix that works best with modern genres like pop, hip hop, and R&B. While they offer only average active noise cancellation and voice isolation for phone calls, they do provide a solid array of features. From touch controls to an ear fit test, wireless charging, and a Find My Earbud jingle, there's a lot to like here. Add in an 8-hour battery life and all-day comfort, and it's an easy choice for Android users, especially those who've already committed to Samsung.
A crazy-comfortable fit, 8-hour battery life, and seamless integration with Samsung products, the Galaxy Buds3 are an easy choice for those invested in the Samsung ecosystem. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Our Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Experience
While the futuristic, AirPod-like look is a significant departure from the Galaxy Buds2 Pro's button style, we like their take on the stem design, which makes them easier to grip and control than past versions.
The Galaxy looks futuristic and includes color-coded earbud slots. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Samsung case is heavier than it looks, and it is a pain to open with one hand. In our opinion, the clear top feels and looks cheap, but the overall minimalist look is appealing. The bud stems temporarily glow when you open the case, and the right and left buds are color-coded for quick placement.
Removing the buds from the Samsung case requires finesse and patience, and it could be doubly frustrating for those with larger fingers. Credit: Wendy Schmitz
The stems tuck into the case body, and there is no elegant way to remove them; those with larger fingers might curse the case lid as it gets in the way of pinching the earbud body to remove it. The experience feels clunky and not as ergonomic or user-friendly as some cases, as if it were a first try that could use some refinement.
The charging cord plugs into the bottom of the case, but the longer USB-C cord (provided) prevents it from dangling upside down when plugged into an outlet like some competitors. The lid also remains firmly closed.
The Galaxy Buds3 feel so much lighter than they look. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The soft silicone ear tips easily conform to the ear, creating a gentle, secure seal, with three sizes to choose from. However, they are so fragile that they tear easily. While the buds stay put most of the time, they are easier to dislodge than competitors. Even exaggerated facial expressions can loosen them, and frequent adjustments are necessary. We were less inclined to choose them for activities like workouts or running, preferring to leave them safely in their case to avoid losing one, which is a shame given the higher IP57 rating that makes them more ideal for rainy and sweaty events.
The noise cancellation isn't stellar, and we wish it offered more for blocking the world and helping us focus. We could hear keyboard clicking and coffee mugs settling on the counter while working at the office. It has a somewhat hushing effect on ambient sounds that could help some focus, but it was still challenging in busy coffee shops and the open-plan office.
We had to recharge the Galaxy mid-day to make it through work. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Galaxy's battery life is about average at 8 hours, but without a quick charging case, it means significant downtime for charging between uses. Shifting from a longer commute to work and back meant remembering to charge at work or sitting in silence on the train, waiting for the buds to charge. Trying to squeeze in a quick workout session after work also meant losing motivation mid-lift when the battery ran out.
While we managed many calls using the Galaxy, they aren't a favorite. It felt like they struggled to differentiate voices from background clutter, and often we had to repeat ourselves so the caller could hear us. While certainly good enough for random phone chats, it wouldn't be our go-to if calls and meetings are the order of the day or more chaotic environments are frequented.
Comparing the Buds 3 to the prior version is like comparing oranges and bananas. The prior version had a button design that seemed to fit more users comfortably, while the new version offers a stem that makes touch controls a little more intuitive, even if there is a learning curve. The latest version is packed with AI features (if you have a Samsung phone) that include real-time translation, which is fun, but if you don't utilize these features often, it could be a fancy party trick that isn't worth the added cost. Overall, it could come down to price and how many bells and whistles you need when determining which option is right for you. Samsung also makes a non-Pro version of the 3s, with a significantly lower price, but the performance was also less impressive.
For Android users, especially those embedded in the Samsung ecosystem, these stylish earbuds will please, especially for those looking for a fun sound and all-day comfort. Their soft silicone tips and featherweight feel go a long way to make up for their less intuitive app and subpar noise cancellation. If you're often in loud, chaotic environments and rely on strong noise cancellation to tune it out, these may not be the right fit for you.
If you are an Apple user looking for something similar, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 fit the bill, providing better active noise cancellation and a snazzy spatial audio feature. Apple also just released the Apple AirPod Pro 3, which performed better than the Pro 2 and the Galaxy Buds. If you'd like to save some money, the Nothing Ear Wireless buds are a terrific budget-friendly alternative, with a bold sound and stronger voice isolation. Their noise cancellation scores are even lower, however.
Our Analysis and Test Results
We analyzed the sound quality of the Galaxy both with our expert ears and hardware and software designed to track frequencies. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Sound Quality
The Galaxy Buds3 sound excellent, creating a wide soundstage that lets the music sprawl. The mix is punchy and polished, with boosted highs and lows that could feel overly sculpted to more discerning ears. Still, they pair perfectly with today's top hits and bring an immersive feel to favorite songs, no matter the genre.
The treble is smooth and warm, often floating delicately above the rest of the mix. It's rarely radiant, though. More often, the high notes play it safe, never tipping into harsh keening tones. One tester said, “They don't take many chances in their delivery.” And sometimes we miss the drama.
Luckily, the bass brings it. The low notes can sound too forward at times, resulting in a V-shaped mix that can drown out details. While those powerful bass lines can push country songs too far, they make hip-hop and R&B sound great. Though they are less emphasized in the mix, the mid-tones sound wonderful and rarely get lost in the boosted lows. Instruments are vibrant, with crisp detail, and vocals maintain realistic timbre.
The Galaxy Buds3 deliver a spacious sound with punchy bass, smooth treble, and detailed mids. Their V-shaped tuning is ideal for pop, hip-hop, and R&B. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Faye Webster's “Kingston” is a great example of the sound signature. A mellow bassline anchors the track, warm and distinct beneath Webster's hushed, dreamy vocals. Rich textures from steel guitar, horns, and keys fill the mids, while a soft flute adds just a hint of shimmer up top. The drums deliver a satisfying punch that balances the floaty highs and hefty lows.
The Galaxy Buds3 offer a solid volume range. The middle setting worked perfectly in the office, supporting focus without blowing eardrums. While the buds maintain detail and clarity at low volumes, the bass frequencies can sound aggressive and boomy at higher volumes. It's not exactly muddy or blown out, just a bit much.
The two curves line up pretty closely, but the Buds3 Pro bumps everything up a notch, bringing some extra drama to the mix.
We charted the frequency response of these buds, and compared it to our GearLab House Curve benchmark. The two curves track pretty well, with the Buds3 Pro frequencies tuned slightly higher than our target curve.
Dislodging the Galaxy Buds3 is easy, even with a simple expression. Here's a comparison of the second generation (left) to the third (right). Credit: Natalie Kafader
Comfort and Fit
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro are surprisingly lightweight and wonderfully comfortable, but not the most stable. We wore them for hours without fatigue.
There are very few earbuds that are more comfortable or that we could wear for longer, but the instability was hard to reconcile with when it came to using them for more active pursuits.
In our ANC test, the Galaxy Buds3 softens the loud cafe. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Noise Cancellation
The Galaxy Buds3 block some ambient sound with passive noise isolation by sealing the ear. They offer active noise cancellation (ANC). While we noticed a difference using this feature, it was underwhelming.
The ANC's performance is somewhat better than that of many competitors, but it isn't as good as that of top performers. However, we appreciate that it doesn't cause uncomfortable pressure in the effort to dampen sound.
The Galaxy Buds3 block both passively and through active noise cancellation across different frequencies.
With the Active Noise Cancelation engaged, the Galaxy Buds3 manage to block an impressive 20 to 45 decibels across the spectrum.
The Galaxy Buds3 are fairly easy to customize, especially in the Samsung ecosystem. Credit: Natalie Kafader
App Features
Android users get a less-than-intuitive app, with even less compatibility with Apple devices. Luckily, touch controls through pinches and swipes adjust the ANC, ambient, and adaptive listening modes and control music and phone calls without accessing the app.
The Galaxy Buds3 offer standard features, like customizing EQ settings with presets and checking battery life. They also have an ear fit test to optimize sound quality and a Find My Earbud feature.
Battery Life
The Galaxy Buds3 have 8.1 hours of battery life, which is well above the 6-hour manufacturer claim.
Unlike most earbuds, they do not have a quick charge, but the case holds enough power for four additional charges, and wireless charging adds convenience.
The call quality on the Galaxy Buds3 is clear in quiet environments, but so soft in louder situations that it could be hard to hear. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Call Quality
Earbuds should isolate voices from distracting background sounds to help clear calls. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro are only average. In a quiet room, the voices sound soft, though the clarity was excellent and distortion-free. The lower-than-average volume may make it harder for callers to hear.
Between the low voice volume and the sounds of a busy office, words might get lost with Galaxy Buds3. Credit: Natalie Kafader
In a slightly louder office, it's harder to hear the voices. Background sounds sneak through, making the quiet voices even harder to hear.
On a noisy subway platform, the Galaxy Buds3 block some harsh sounds, but voices get lost in the chaos. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Voices can sometimes be drowned out on a blaring subway platform. Voice isolation succeeds in blocking out some of the most aggressive subway sounds, but it isn't super effective.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro versus top competing products:
—Rachael Lamore, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Clark Tate
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