Samsung has recently launched its latest wireless earbuds, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, priced at $250. These new earbuds bring several refinements over their predecessor, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, including a sleeker design, a slightly improved fit, and enhanced sound quality and noise-canceling capabilities. However, from a features standpoint, the Buds 4 Pro do not offer a dramatic leap forward, as their core functionality remains largely unchanged. One notable design difference is that the Buds 4 Pro lack the LED lights in their stems that the Buds 3 Pro had, a feature some users appreciated for its utility in pairing and locating the buds in the dark.
In terms of audio performance, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro continue to impress with their dual-driver setup — an 11-millimeter woofer paired with a 5.5-millimeter planar tweeter. Although these drivers are the same size as those in the Buds 3 Pro, Samsung has upgraded the hardware, particularly the woofer, which it describes as “super wide” to deliver improved bass. While the improvements in sound and noise cancellation are subtle rather than revolutionary, they are perceptible, especially for audiophiles who value clear, dynamic sound.
My full review of the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, which earned a CNET Editors' Choice award and ranks near the top of the best wireless earbuds list, provides a comprehensive evaluation of their performance. Alongside this, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 FE, a more budget-friendly option at around $130, also received an Editors' Choice award. While the Buds 4 Pro are generally the better recommendation, especially if you can take advantage of Samsung promotions or trade-in offers when purchasing a new Galaxy phone, the Buds 3 Pro remain a viable alternative if found at a significant discount, particularly the international version which can be bought for about $140 online (though it lacks a US warranty).
### Design and Fit: A Shift Toward Familiarity
Samsung’s earbuds have evolved considerably over the years. The Galaxy Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro marked the company’s first foray into stemmed designs, a look that some critics have dismissed as another imitation of Apple’s AirPods. While the resemblance is undeniable, the key aspects that matter most are comfort, sound quality, and performance, areas where Samsung’s earbuds have generally excelled.
The Galaxy Buds 3 are open-fit earbuds akin to Apple’s AirPods 3, designed for users who dislike the feeling of in-ear tips. Conversely, the Buds 3 Pro are noise-isolating buds, more comparable to the AirPods Pro 2, with silicone tips that create a seal inside the ear canal. Both models are available in silver and white, and their pricing aligns with Apple’s premium earbuds, reflecting their status in the market.
In terms of durability and usability, both the Buds 3 and Buds 3 Pro feature Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, IP57 water and dust resistance rating, and support for LE audio and Samsung’s 360-degree Auracast feature. An IP57 rating means these earbuds can withstand significant exposure to water, such as rain or sweat, but they are not fully waterproof.
The design of the Buds 3 Pro’s stems — which Samsung calls “blades” — adopts a more angular look inspired by the Tesla Cybertruck, differentiating them from the rounded stems of AirPods. This blade design was chosen after extensive testing to offer the best fit for a wider range of users, addressing complaints about fit issues in previous Samsung models like the Galaxy Buds Live and Buds Pro 2. In my experience and that of fellow reviewers, the Buds 3 Pro are lightweight, comfortable, and provide a secure fit for extended wear.
### Seal and Comfort: Essential for Optimal Performance
Achieving a good seal in the ear canal is critical for both sound quality and noise cancelation. The Galaxy Wear app includes a seal test feature, and I found that the largest provided eartips offered a good seal. However, it would have been beneficial if Samsung offered an even larger tip option, as the proprietary design makes it challenging to source third-party replacements. Interestingly, some third-party foam tips made for AirPods Pro 2 physically fit the Buds 3 Pro but failed to deliver a proper seal during testing.
A feature unique to the Buds