Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds+ and Apple’s AirPods Pro Two of the best headphones available in 2020. And while there’s no shortage of options these days, here are their comparisons as these are the two headphones that buyers are most interested in.
You can find regular AirPods at a discount, but getting the best new earbuds is probably a better idea. If you’re trying to decide, know that they both have pros and cons, not to mention AirPods don’t play very well with Android phones, making the choice easy for some people.
Here, we’ll cover the design, features, specs, battery life, and sound for those considering some wireless earbuds.
Part of the decision will depend on which phone you have, whether it’s an iPhone, Samsung Galaxy or any other Android device. And while there are many brands that make headphones, Apple vs Samsung isn’t your only option. However, if you own an iPhone, you’re probably thinking of AirPods when Galaxy owners look at the Galaxy Buds. Just remember that the decision is more than that.
iPhone owners can continue to use and enjoy Galaxy Buds, and some Android users may consider AirPods for many different reasons. Samsung has also recently released its companion app for iPhone, making Buds+ work great on Apple devices.
So if you’re not sure which to choose between Apple’s AirPod Pros and the Galaxy Buds+, we’re here to help.
Galaxy Buds+ and AirPods Pro: Design
It’s undeniable that the original AirPods in 2016 really kicked off the truly wireless earbuds movement, even if they looked like Q-tips sticking out of your ears. You still see them everywhere to this day, brands copy the design and they are still wildly popular. Since then, Apple has enhanced the design with the Pros, with a sleeker frame and a more compact package.
Both of these headphones have a very different style that probably won’t change, as part of their “brand” identity. With AirPods, you’ll probably love or hate them, and there’s not much in between. It’s basically Apple’s walkie-talkie popular earbud. Memes everywhere make fun of looks, but Apple still proudly uses it, even if the Pros are smaller and less noticeable.
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Plus It comes with three eartips and wingtips for customization and is also available in four color options: black, white, red and blue. As for Apple, the AirPod Pro comes with three different eartips, but only one color option.
Then there’s the Samsung Galaxy Buds+, which has a larger but more traditional design. They fill your entire ear opening but do not protrude beyond your ear. All the tech is crammed inside the handle, not outside your ear like Apple. A completely different design approach. Overall, although they look much larger than AirPods in your ears, they’re still very compact, especially when compared to some of the cheaper rivals on the market.
Honestly, in terms of design, the decision comes down to personal preference as one doesn’t necessarily have to be better than the other. Both have adjustable tips for a snug fit and both have their own style.
Compared to sitting in your ear this year as in previous models, both of these are true in-ear headphones. Again, this is not just a matter of personal preference, but a ‘love it or hate it’ when it comes to Pod design.
Galaxy Buds+ and AirPods Pro: Battery Life
Perhaps the most important consideration for most people is battery life and charging, because that’s one more thing to worry about. This year Samsung really stepped up in terms of battery life.
Judging by the numbers and specs, Samsung’s Galaxy Buds beat Apple in terms of battery life – sort of. That’s because Galaxy Buds+ has around 11 hours of playtime, which is twice as long as previous models and AirPods. However, Samsung claims the charging case gives them 11 more for a total of 22 hours.
However, Apple’s charging case is more efficient because it takes about 24 hours before you need to recharge your AirPods and the case they are in. Note that AirPods only have 5 hours of playback battery life and even shorter when charged. you are using noise cancellation.
Both earphones charge while inside the carrying case, which is nice, but Samsung has another advantage here. They accept USB Type-C so charging is fast, plus the case supports wireless charging like AirPod Pro. Additionally, Samsung says just three minutes of the case will get you 1 hour of music playback, perfect for those last-minute stops at the gym.
Both wireless charging cases can be used with most charging mats, Qi chargers and wireless charging solutions inside supported vehicles. As an added bonus, the Galaxy S20 supports reverse wireless charging and you can actually charge your Galaxy Buds by sitting them on the back of your phone, which is really cool.
Galaxy Buds+ and AirPods Pro: Sound Quality
Neither of these are audiophile-grade headphones, but they sound great to the average person who wants the convenience of wireless headphones. Sound is objective and everyone has different ears, wants or needs. That said, these are two of the better options in the wireless earbuds category. You can also highly customize the Galaxy Buds+ sound, which you cannot do with the Pros.
There is no clear winner when it comes to audio. As I said before, Samsung Galaxy Buds cover your ears a little better, which technically gives you better sound, deeper bass and fuller sound. They are warm, balanced and support some advanced wireless audio codecs. The price and the fact that it’s over Bluetooth sounds pretty good.
Apple’s AirPod Pros also sound pretty good. If you’ve ever used wired Apple Buds with an iPod or iPhone a few years ago, you basically know what to expect. Yes, the sound is a bit better these days thanks to tighter sealing and noise canceling, but it’s more of a feature upgrade than a sound upgrade.
The AirPod Pros have clean and crisp sound, a good soundstage and really good treble. Sometimes things start to get tense at higher volumes, but overall they’re pretty good too.
At the end of the day, these are two of the best headphones that sound, work great, last a long time, and are perfect for use in the city, the gym, or anywhere you listen to random music.
Galaxy Buds+ and AirPods Pro: Features
When it comes to features, both Samsung Galaxy Buds and Apple AirPods lead the pack, as long as you use that brand’s smartphone at the same time. This is also where things get a little muddy and confusing.
Both earbuds have easy touch controls to operate Siri, Bixby or Google Assistant, which is nice. Pause/play, answer calls or quickly switch tracks to the next song. These are all standard features that we all expect them to have. As long as it’s an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy, they both pair quickly with your phone. Otherwise, you will be messing up the Bluetooth settings menu on your device.
However, you can use the hands-free voice controls for Siri, while you have to tap the Galaxy Buds to launch Bixby.
Apple’s AirPods pair very quickly with an iPhone, thanks to the new H1 chip created by Apple for its earphones. iPhone users will instantly see the Pros on the screen when they open the charging case and connection is very easy. Honestly, it’s a much better and elegant solution than Android, despite Samsung trying to integrate something similar with their latest software updates.
Perhaps the biggest benefit, in terms of features or where Samsung is ahead, is in the design of the earbuds or the accompanying Galaxy Wearable app. They give you better sound and less environmental noise because of the extra tips and they cover your ear a little better, but the active noise cancellation is lacking, which is a big issue.
You can also adjust the bass and access a full list of EQ settings with the Galaxy Wear app. You can even let in some outside noise with the “ambient sound” controls. Even if you don’t have ANC, the Buds+ has multiple microphones that use software to block outside noise.
The biggest feature difference here is probably AirPods Pro’s noise canceling and Galaxy Buds+ being customizable with EQ and other options within the app. In reality though, most likely iPhone owners will get the AirPods, while Galaxy users will get the Buds. However, the Galaxy Wear app now works with the iPhone, so it might be worth trying the Samsung Galaxy Buds+ with your iPhone 11 Pro.
Galaxy Buds vs AirPods Pro: Pricing and Availability
Now that AirPods aren’t that hard to find and run out of ubiquitous, you can pop into just about any electronics store. best buy, Walmartor apple shop and get a pair starting at $249.
Yes, they’re a lot more expensive than the regular $159 AirPods, so keep that in mind.
Still, as soon as you walk out the door, Samsung is highlighting the AirPods. Galaxy Buds+ cost just $149. Is noise canceling worth the extra $100 you have to pay for Apple’s earbuds? This is something you have to decide.
Basically, it’s a launch. The Galaxy Buds+ are cheaper, come in multiple colors and sound great, but they’re not as fancy as the AirPods Pro and don’t have active noise canceling. Also, they don’t seem to be “innovative” if that’s something you’re worried about.
Conclusion (and Alternatives)
To be honest, Android and Galaxy owners should get the Galaxy Buds+, while Apple users should try both and see which one you like best. Does this help you at all?
Both Galaxy Buds+ and AirPods Pro have similar battery life, good features, great sound, but one is much more expensive than the other. So the real issue is your style preference and which phone you have in your pocket. Comparing the odd design or if the Buds will fit your small ear canals, consider which smartphone ecosystem you’re using.
Then, if you’re not sold on any of these options, consider one of the great headphone alternatives in our selection below.
