Introduction and Unboxing
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 pro have consistently been a reliable choice for Android users—offering solid build quality, superior sound compared to most competitors, and a comprehensive set of features.
While the core qualities remain unchanged, the sixth generation of these buds introduces a striking new look. For the first time, Samsung’s earbuds feature a stem design, which has improved their functionality. However, this change also makes them resemble the Apple AirPods Pro, causing them to lose some of their unique character.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro are priced at $250 / £220 / €250 and are available in Silver and White. The package includes a USB-C cable and silicone ear tips in sizes S, M, and L.
“Let’s explore Samsung’s most significant update to the Galaxy Buds so far.”
Design and Features
At first glance, some might claim that the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro is simply an imitation of the Apple AirPods Pro 2, from the design of the buds to the shape of the case. However, we beg to differ. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro have their own distinct shape, particularly noticeable if you opt for the Silver model.
Despite the comparisons to Apple, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro sport a completely revamped design compared to their predecessor. The once bulbous and stemless buds have been transformed into sleeker buds with long, flat-sided stems.
The case itself has a transparent top and features small blue, cyan, or orange accents that indicate where each matching-colored bud should be placed. Unlike the AirPods Pro 2, where the buds sit in the case in the same orientation as they would in your ears, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro nestle inside facing outward.
While you may eventually get accustomed to the direction in which the buds need to be placed, the real challenge lies in aligning the flat-sided stems with the angled slots in the case. This requires a bit of finger gymnastics that doesn’t get any easier with time. Simply put, putting these buds back into their case can be a bit of a hassle each and every time.
On the bright side, the new angular stems on the Galaxy Buds3 Pro offer a range of control options that weren’t available in previous models.
Much like the controls on the AirPods Pro and Nothing Ear, you can squeeze the stem to manage playback. However, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro also allows you to slide your finger up and down the stem for precise volume control—a feature made possible by the flat side of the stem, which isn’t found on those other earbuds.
Regarding the reported quality issues that led Samsung to temporarily pause Galaxy Buds3 Pro sales, these were related to the ear tips, which attach to the buds via a plastic cradle. Some users reported that this cradle broke on their units. However, our Galaxy Buds3 Pro didn’t exhibit this issue. We removed and reattached the tips multiple times without any problems.
The stems on the Galaxy Buds3 Pro include a Blade Light that lights up when you place the buds back in the case. You can keep the lights on continuously by holding down the stem for a long press. While this design choice is unique, it doesn’t really enhance the overall experience.
The case features a USB-C port and supports wireless charging. It also has a small LED in the center to indicate battery and charging status, along with a pairing button located on the bottom.
We find this case design more user-friendly. The smaller lid is easier to close gently compared to the larger flap on the previous Galaxy Buds case.
The buds themselves have an IP57 rating, offering protection against moderate dust and water exposure.
The In-ear fit of the buds is highly subjective. For this editor, they felt slightly too loose, even after trying different ear tips.
While they stayed secure during most activities, eating lunch or watching a movie occasionally led to the buds slipping out. Pushing them deeper into the ear improved their stability but made the fit a bit less comfortable.
The stem controls on the Galaxy Buds3 Pro are a significant improvement. Unlike previous models, which often misinterpreted taps as commands while adjusting them, the new stems offer precise control.
With the latest model, a single squeeze pauses playback, a double squeeze skips to the next track, and a triple squeeze repeats the current track—all without any issues.
After experiencing the excellent controls of the Nothing Ear and Galaxy Buds3 Pro, it’s challenging to return to stemless models.
The stems are also useful for removing the buds or adjusting their position in your ears. Removing the buds automatically pauses whatever you’re listening to.
Sound Quality, Active Noise Cancellation, and Battery Life
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro feature adaptive noise control, offering more advanced ANC than previous models. The buds can detect when you’re speaking and will automatically turn off ANC during conversations. Additionally, they use AI to recognize alarms or sirens and deactivate ANC to ensure you hear important warnings.
You can customize the noise cancellation strength via the Galaxy Wear app. At maximum strength, the noise reduction is quite effective. We tested the buds in various settings, including an office environment, outdoors, and during a three-hour flight.
While the Galaxy Buds3 Pro effectively reduces constant noise, such as that from a jet engine, it may struggle with human voices and unpredictable sounds. Maintaining a snug fit significantly enhances the effectiveness of the ANC.
Before diving into sound quality, let’s discuss the underlying technology. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro feature a 2-way driver setup with separate woofers and tweeters in each bud. On the software front, they encode audio at up to 24-bit/96kHz and decode it at the same quality using Samsung’s Seamless Codec.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro stand out as possibly the best earbuds for calls, thanks to their six microphones that deliver clear audio without the typical “speakerphone” effect found in many similar products. Callers were often surprised to learn we were using earbuds.
For users with a Galaxy phone, the buds offer 360 Audio (spatial audio), creating a multi-speaker system effect. They also support Galaxy AI’s Interpreter mode. Additionally, there’s a multi-point connection feature, but it seems to be limited to Galaxy devices.
Voice control is another feature, allowing commands like Volume Up, Play Music, Previous Song, and Call Answer/Reject, although this also appears to be exclusive to Galaxy phones.
In terms of sound, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro are impressive. They offer a noticeable increase in volume, soundstage, and dynamics compared to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro. The bass is robust, especially with the Bass Boost equalizer setting, which delivers a satisfying rumble.
The midrange Is where the Galaxy Buds3 Pro truly excels, with well-defined instruments and melodies, and natural-sounding vocals with the right amount of presence and brilliance in the higher frequencies.
One minor issue is the custom equalizer, which is quieter than the preset options—even if the settings are identical. For example, duplicating the Bass Boost setting as a Custom EQ results in about a 10% reduction in volume. This seems to be a software glitch likely to be addressed in a future update.
Battery life is solid, providing around 4.5 hours of playback with ANC active and at approximately 80% volume. We managed to charge the case twice over two weeks of intensive use.
Conclusion
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro represents another impressive entry from Samsung, adding a notable yet somewhat controversial addition to their strong lineup of earbuds.
Although comparisons to the AirPods Pro and the initial quality issues (which have since been resolved) caused some early hiccups, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro is a significant upgrade from the already excellent Galaxy Buds2 Pro. The new design introduces several enhancements in functionality and comfort.
Aside from the design overhaul, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro also delivers subtle yet impactful improvements in sound quality. We would even argue that they outperform mainstream competitors like the Apple AirPods Pro and Nothing Ear, offering stronger bass and a more dynamic soundstage.
The Galaxy Buds3 Pro are priced at $250 / £220 / €250, making them relatively expensive but still slightly cheaper than Apple’s AirPods Pro 2.
For Galaxy phone owners, these earbuds are likely the best option available, with additional features that justify the cost. However, other Android users might find better value elsewhere. Consider checking out the new, more affordable Nothing Ear for a similar sound and feature set at a lower price.