Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Review: Your Complete Guide

Are you tired of earbuds that promise the world but deliver mediocre sound? The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro burst onto the scene with a bold new look and AI features that caught everyone’s attention.

These earbuds look different from anything Samsung has made before. They come with blade shaped stems, powerful noise cancellation, and smart AI tricks up their sleeves.

Whether you love Samsung phones or just want amazing wireless earbuds, this review will tell you everything you need to know before spending your hard earned cash.

Key Takeaways:

• New Design Language: Samsung completely redesigned these earbuds with stem based design similar to AirPods. The blade shaped stems feature LED lights and improved touch controls.
• Strong Noise Cancellation: The ANC performance rivals industry leaders like Apple AirPods Pro 2. You get excellent isolation from outside noise in various environments.
• AI Features That Work: Real time translation, voice commands, and adaptive sound optimization make these earbuds genuinely smart. The AI features actually enhance your daily experience.
• Solid Battery Life: You get 5 to 6 hours per charge with ANC enabled. The charging case adds another 20 hours of total playtime for all day use.
• Premium Sound Quality: The dual driver setup with planar magnetic tweeters delivers clear, detailed audio. The sound signature balances bass, mids, and highs nicely.
• Ecosystem Integration: These earbuds work best with Samsung Galaxy phones. You unlock features like 360 audio and seamless device switching when paired with Samsung devices.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro arrive in a sleek minimalist package that screams premium from the start. You get the charging case, the earbuds themselves, and several ear tip sizes to ensure a perfect fit.

Samsung includes a USB C charging cable but no wall adapter. The packaging feels environmentally conscious with minimal plastic waste.

The charging case immediately catches your eye with its transparent lid design. You can see the earbuds resting inside, which looks futuristic and cool.

The case feels solid in your hand with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. It’s compact enough to slip into your pocket without creating an awkward bulge.

When you first pull out the earbuds, their blade shaped stems surprise you. Samsung clearly took design inspiration from Apple, but these stems have personality. LED lights run along the stems that glow when you interact with the earbuds.

Some people love this visual flair while others find it gimmicky. The earbuds feel lightweight yet sturdy. Build quality impresses right out of the gate.

Design and Comfort

Samsung made a bold move abandoning their previous kidney bean shape for these stem based earbuds. The blade shaped stems serve multiple purposes beyond just looks.

They house the touch sensitive controls and provide leverage for adjusting fit. The stems angle slightly to align with your ear canal naturally.

Each earbud weighs just 5.4 grams making them extremely light. You barely notice them during extended wear sessions.

The silicone ear tips create a secure seal without excessive pressure. I wore these earbuds for three hour stretches without discomfort. Your ears won’t feel sore or fatigued even during marathon listening sessions.

The IP rating stands at IPX7 for water resistance. You can safely wear these in the rain or during sweaty workouts. However, the charging case only has IPX4 protection so don’t submerge it. The earbuds stayed firmly planted during jogging and gym sessions. They never felt loose or ready to fall out.

The LED lights along the stems provide visual feedback for controls and charging status. They pulse when you activate voice assistant or adjust volume. Some find this feature helpful while others wish they could disable it. The lights do drain battery slightly faster when enabled.

Sound Quality and Audio Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro pack a 2 way driver system that separates audio frequencies intelligently. One planar magnetic tweeter handles high frequencies while a dedicated low frequency driver manages bass. This setup creates better separation between different sound elements.

The sound signature leans slightly warm with punchy bass that doesn’t overwhelm. Bass lovers will appreciate the thump without muddiness.

The low end extends well for wireless earbuds. Hip hop and electronic music sound energetic and fun. However, audiophiles seeking perfectly flat neutral sound might find these a touch colored.

Midrange frequencies come through clear and detailed. Vocals sit prominently in the mix without sounding harsh. Acoustic instruments have natural timbre and texture. You can pick out individual instruments in complex recordings. Podcasts and audiobooks sound excellent with crystal clear speech reproduction.

The treble performance impresses with crispy highs that sparkle without becoming piercing. Cymbals and high hats have shimmer and air. The planar magnetic tweeter provides more detail than typical balanced armature drivers. You notice subtle textures in recordings that cheaper earbuds miss entirely.

Top 3 Alternatives for Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

Active Noise Cancellation

The ANC performance on these earbuds legitimately competes with industry leaders. Samsung claims their noise cancellation rivals AirPods Pro 2 and testing confirms this.

You get excellent isolation from low frequency rumble like airplane engines and traffic noise. The adaptive ANC automatically adjusts based on your environment.

In busy coffee shops, the noise cancellation blocks out most chatter and background music. You can focus on your work or enjoy your music without cranking volume dangerously high. On airplanes, engine drone virtually disappears. Only sharp sudden sounds like crying babies or announcements break through occasionally.

The earbuds use six microphones total for noise cancellation and ambient sound. Two outer mics capture environmental noise while an inner mic monitors sound inside your ear canal. This setup enables precise noise cancellation that adapts in real time. Wind noise reduction works decently but not perfectly during outdoor activities.

One clever feature is Voice Detect which automatically switches to transparency mode when you start speaking. This works surprisingly well. You can have quick conversations without removing your earbuds.

After you stop talking, ANC reactivates automatically. The sensitivity adjusts in the app if it triggers too easily or not enough.

Call Quality and Microphone Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro excel at voice calls with excellent microphone quality. Your voice comes through clear and natural to people on the other end. The six microphone array captures your voice while minimizing background noise effectively. Calls in quiet environments sound crisp with good clarity.

In noisy situations, the AI noise suppression works impressively. The earbuds isolate your voice from surrounding chaos. I tested calls while standing next to busy traffic and the person could still hear me clearly. Wind noise gets reduced significantly though not completely eliminated.

The microphone setup uses beamforming technology to focus on your mouth direction. This prevents the earbuds from picking up random environmental sounds. Your voice maintains consistent volume even when you turn your head. Video calls work great for remote work or virtual meetings.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance lands in the average range for premium wireless earbuds. You get approximately 5 to 6 hours of continuous playback with ANC enabled. Disabling noise cancellation extends this to about 6 to 7 hours. Real world usage typically falls around 5 hours before needing a recharge.

The charging case provides an additional 20 hours of battery life for total playtime around 26 hours. This gets you through several days of moderate use without plugging in. The case supports both USB C wired charging and Qi wireless charging. Wireless charging works conveniently if you have a charging pad.

Fast charging capability gives you approximately 1 hour of playback from just 5 minutes in the case. A full charge takes about 90 minutes for both earbuds and case. Battery management works efficiently without excessive drain when idle. The case shows LED indicators for remaining charge level.

The LED lights on the earbud stems do consume extra battery when enabled. You can disable these lights in the app to squeeze out slightly longer runtime. However, the impact is relatively minor. Most users will keep them enabled for the visual feedback.

Smart Features and AI Integration

The AI capabilities truly set these earbuds apart from basic Bluetooth options. Adaptive Sound automatically adjusts EQ and noise cancellation based on your activity and environment. The earbuds detect whether you’re commuting, working out, or relaxing. Sound profiles optimize accordingly without manual switching.

Hearing Enhancement tailors audio to your specific hearing profile. You take a brief hearing test in the app which measures your sensitivity across different frequencies. The earbuds then boost frequencies you hear less clearly. This personalized approach helps people with minor hearing differences.

The Neck Stretch Reminder uses motion sensors to detect poor posture. If you’re hunched over your phone or computer too long, the earbuds gently remind you to stretch. This wellness feature seems gimmicky initially but becomes appreciated during long work sessions. You can disable it if you find it annoying.

Find My Earbuds helps locate misplaced earbuds using SmartThings Find on Samsung devices. The earbuds play a loud chirping sound even when not connected. This lifesaver feature prevents losing expensive earbuds in couch cushions or gym bags. It works even when the case is closed.

App Experience and Customization

The Galaxy Wearable app serves as control center for all earbud settings. The interface looks clean and organized. You access EQ presets, touch control customization, and firmware updates here. The app works exclusively on Android devices. iPhone users get limited functionality through basic Bluetooth settings.

Six EQ presets come standard: Normal, Bass Boost, Soft, Dynamic, Clear, and Treble Boost. Each preset noticeably changes the sound signature. You can also create custom EQ curves by adjusting individual frequency bands. The equalizer provides enough control for most users without overwhelming complexity.

Labs features enable experimental options like extra high treble and extra bass. These push the drivers harder for more extreme sound signatures. However, enabling these reduces battery life and may cause distortion at high volumes. Audiophiles enjoy tweaking these settings for personalized sound.

Firmware updates arrive regularly through the app. Samsung actively supports these earbuds with bug fixes and feature additions. Recent updates improved ANC performance and call quality. The update process happens wirelessly and takes just minutes. Keeping firmware current ensures optimal performance.

Value and Pricing

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro retail for $249.99 at launch. This positions them squarely against Apple AirPods Pro 2 and Sony WF 1000XM5. The pricing feels justified given the feature set and performance. However, sales and promotions frequently drop the price to $199 or lower.

At full price, these earbuds offer solid value for Samsung phone users. The ecosystem integration and exclusive features justify the premium. You get excellent sound quality, strong ANC, and useful AI features. Build quality and comfort match the high price point.

For non Samsung phone users, the value proposition weakens somewhat. You miss out on 360 Audio, language interpreter, and seamless switching. The earbuds still sound good and work fine but lack special sauce. At that point, consider whether AirPods Pro or Sony options serve you better.

Compared to budget options under $100, these obviously cost significantly more. However, you truly get what you pay for. The sound quality, ANC performance, and features far exceed cheap alternatives. These compete with luxury earbuds not basic commodity products.

Who Should Buy These Earbuds

Samsung Galaxy phone users represent the ideal target audience. You unlock every feature and get seamless integration with your device. The 360 Audio, quick switching, and AI features work exclusively with Samsung ecosystem. If you own a Galaxy S24 or Z Fold, these earbuds make perfect sense.

Frequent travelers will appreciate the strong noise cancellation and language interpreter. The ANC rivals the best options available. You can actually rest or work on airplanes without distraction. The interpreter helps navigate foreign countries without language barriers.

Remote workers benefit from excellent call quality and comfortable all day wear. The microphone setup isolates your voice clearly during video calls. You can wear these for back to back meetings without ear fatigue. Voice assistant integration speeds up multitasking.

Audiophiles on a budget get surprisingly good sound quality for the price. The planar magnetic tweeter provides detail that impresses. While not reference quality, these satisfy discerning ears better than most wireless options. The customizable EQ lets you dial in your preferred sound signature.

Who Should Skip These

Apple ecosystem users should probably stick with AirPods Pro. You lose significant functionality using Galaxy Buds with iPhones. Spatial audio, quick switching, and Siri integration work better with Apple’s own earbuds. The value proposition doesn’t make sense outside Samsung ecosystem.

Audiophile purists seeking absolutely neutral sound should look elsewhere. These have a slightly colored warm signature. The lack of LDAC or aptX codecs disappoints. Wired IEMs or flagship wireless options from Sennheiser offer more accurate sound reproduction.

Budget conscious shoppers might find the $250 price too steep. Excellent options exist for $100 to $150 that provide 80% of the performance. Unless you specifically need the AI features or premium build, cheaper alternatives deliver great value. Wait for sales if you want these specifically.

People with small ears may struggle with fit despite multiple tip sizes. The stems add bulk that some find uncomfortable. The earbuds protrude more than previous Galaxy Buds models. Try them in store before buying if you typically have fit issues with stemmed earbuds.

Comparison with Key Competitors

Against Apple AirPods Pro 2, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro compete admirably. Sound quality feels comparable with slight differences in tuning. ANC performance matches closely in most situations. Apple wins on seamless iOS integration while Samsung dominates on Android. Choose based on your phone ecosystem.

The Sony WF 1000XM5 offers superior audio quality for pure music listening. Sony’s LDAC codec provides higher resolution wireless audio. However, the Galaxy Buds have better call quality and more comfortable fit. Sony wins for audiophiles while Samsung suits all around use better.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds provide slightly better noise cancellation. Bose remains the ANC king even in 2024. However, the Galaxy Buds sound more engaging and cost less. Bose excels for noise blocking while Samsung balances all aspects better. Choose Bose if ANC is your absolute priority.

Budget options like Nothing Ear or OnePlus Buds Pro 3 cost significantly less. These deliver 70% of the performance at 60% of the price. You sacrifice build quality, AI features, and ultimate sound quality. However, they represent better value if budget is tight. Samsung offers refinement and polish.

Previous Galaxy Buds 2 Pro still hold up remarkably well. They cost $100 less now and deliver similar core performance. You miss the new design, improved ANC, and AI features. For pure sound quality and ANC, the gap isn’t huge. Consider the older model if saving money matters more than latest features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro worth buying in 2025?

Yes, these earbuds remain competitive and worth buying especially for Samsung phone users. The sound quality, ANC performance, and AI features justify the price. They compete directly with AirPods Pro 2 and Sony flagship models. Wait for sales to maximize value.

Do Galaxy Buds 3 Pro work well with iPhone?

They work with iPhones through standard Bluetooth but lose many features. You miss 360 Audio, language interpreter, and seamless device switching. Sound quality and ANC still work fine. However, AirPods Pro make more sense for iPhone users.

How long does the battery last on Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?

You get 5 to 6 hours per charge with ANC enabled or 6 to 7 hours with ANC off. The case adds 20 more hours for total playtime around 26 hours. Fast charging provides 1 hour of playback from 5 minutes of charging.

Can you use Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for working out?

Absolutely yes. The IPX7 water resistance protects against sweat and rain. They stay secure during running and gym workouts. The fit feels comfortable during extended exercise sessions. Ambient sound mode helps you stay aware of surroundings during outdoor activities.

How good is the noise cancellation on Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?

The ANC performance rivals AirPods Pro 2 making these among the best available. You get excellent isolation from airplane noise, traffic, and office chatter. Adaptive ANC adjusts automatically based on environment. Only sudden sharp sounds occasionally break through.

Do the LED lights drain battery faster?

The stem lights consume minimal extra battery maybe 10 to 15 minutes of total runtime. You can disable them in the app to maximize battery life. Most users keep them enabled since the visual feedback proves helpful for controls.

What is the best alternative to Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?

For Samsung users, consider the older Galaxy Buds 2 Pro which cost less but perform similarly. For iPhone users, get AirPods Pro 2 for better integration. Audiophiles should check Sony WF 1000XM5 for superior sound quality. Budget shoppers might prefer Nothing Ear or OnePlus Buds Pro 3.