Compare Poly Voyager Free 20 Earbuds vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro Earbuds

ANC was one of the strongest consensus points, repeatedly described as effective against office, commute, fan, and low-frequency noise.

Reviewers generally found ANC effective, with several praising real-world reduction while others said it trails Bose, Sony, Apple, or class-leading alternatives.

AI translation is present and useful mainly through compatible Galaxy AI features, but reviewers were mixed on whether the buds themselves add much beyond the phone.

Android compatibility was supported by app availability and Android, Pixel, or Samsung testing.

Android support is good, especially with Samsung phones; non-Samsung Android works but loses some ecosystem-only perks.

The Poly Lens app is important and feature-rich on mobile, but desktop functionality and firmware workflows drew criticism.

The Wear/Galaxy Wearable app unlocks major controls, EQ, firmware, and smart features, though reviewers differed on whether it feels sleek or barebones.

aptX support was not confirmed; the only evidence flags uncertainty around advanced codec support.

aptX is not supported, and reviewers specifically called the lack of aptX disappointing for broader Android codec flexibility.

Latency is helped by Samsung's gaming mode and some reviewers reported no noticeable delay, but the best low-latency features are Samsung-device dependent.

Auracast support was consistently noted as a forward-looking strength for broadcasts and sharing audio.

Bass was divisive: some reviewers heard strong or punchy low end, while others found it timid or lacking energy.

Bass was usually praised as punchy, strong, and controlled, though some reviewers found it too forward or wanted more heft.

Battery life was broadly praised, commonly around 8 hours with ANC and longer with ANC off or the case.

Battery life was mixed: some measured or reported decent daily stamina, while others found it only average or disappointing versus rivals.

Bluetooth support was strong overall, with Bluetooth 5.4, stable pairing, and good range mentioned despite setup quirks.

Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity was widely described as stable, with few dropout concerns and useful pairing behavior.

Build quality was mixed: earbuds were described as solid or well built, while the case and hinges felt fragile.

Build quality drew mixed comments: the buds can feel premium enough, but several reviewers criticized plasticky finishes, early tip issues, or cheap-feeling materials.

Reviews highlighted the dual-driver architecture, dedicated DAC/amp discussion, and hi-res Samsung codec support as advanced audio hardware strengths.

Control usability was mixed: push buttons prevent accidental touches but often push the buds into the ear and require pressure.

Physical button-style pinch control usability was mixed, ranging from convenient to awkward due to the angular stem shape.

The included cable drew criticism for being very short.

Case quality was split: reviewers liked magnets, size, and style, but several criticized plastic feel, loose hinges, and fingerprints.

The charging case is portable and sometimes praised, but several reviewers disliked its lid, insertion ergonomics, or glossy/cheap feel.

Charging was strong, with repeated fast-charge mentions plus USB-C and wireless charging positives.

Charging support is strong overall, with USB-C and wireless charging widely noted, though quick-charge comments were inconsistent.

Codec support was a weak point because HP did not specify supported codecs in one review.

Codec support is strong for recent Samsung devices with SSC/UHQ but limited for broader Android users because common hi-res options are missing.

Comfort was mostly strong, with multiple reviewers reporting long wear or low fatigue, although one had soreness after a couple of hours.

Comfort was one of the strongest points, with many reviewers saying the earbuds are light and wearable for long sessions.

The design was generally liked for its sleek, professional, black-and-gold or lightweight look.

Design opinions were split between stylish/futuristic praise and repeated criticism that the look is derivative of AirPods.

Dongle support is absent, and reviewers called out the missing USB dongle compared with more work-focused alternatives.

Fit was a recurring strength, aided by fit tests and tip choices, though fit still depended on ear size.

Fit is generally secure and comfortable for many ears, but tip fragility and some instability kept this from being universally strong.

Ear tip options were strong because multiple reviews confirmed four sizes or multiple tips.

Ear tip options are adequate but not generous; several reviewers wanted more sizes or warned that changing tips can be frustrating.

EQ customization was a repeated weakness, with reviewers wanting more than limited presets or a custom curve.

EQ customization is a major strength, especially the nine-band equalizer available through the Samsung/Galaxy Wear app.

Find My-style location support appears in Poly Lens, but evidence is limited to last-known or location features.

Find My functionality exists and can use lights or alerts, but reviewers noted it lacks the precision of UWB-based systems.

Frequency response evidence was favorable where measured, especially the close alignment with the Harman preference curve.

Hinge durability was a concern because reviewers found loose hinges on the charging case.

Included accessories were solid, with ear tips, charging case, and USB-C cable included.

Included accessories are standard and useful, including spare tips, a charging case, quick-start materials, and USB-C cable references.

One review praised the earbuds for balancing different sounds, supporting strong instrument separation.

Instrument separation was repeatedly praised, with reviewers hearing layered mixes, separated strings, and clear audio cues.

Integrated microphones are a core feature, with repeated references to three mics per bud or six noise-canceling microphones.

The integrated microphone setup is robust, with multiple mics, VPU/beamforming, and super wideband call features noted.

LDAC support was not confirmed; the only evidence flags uncertainty around advanced codec support.

LDAC is absent, and reviewers repeatedly framed that omission as a weakness versus other Android-friendly premium earbuds.

Hi-res or near-lossless playback is a strength only with compatible Samsung devices; outside that ecosystem it is limited.

Maximum-volume clarity was limited by peaking and high-frequency distortion in one review.

Maximum volume output was praised by reviewers who found the Buds 3 Pro capable of loud, meaty playback.

Noise reduction for calls was praised for reducing background noise and helping voices stay clear.

Microphone noise reduction was mixed but often positive, with strong call isolation in some tests and weaker background handling in others.

Call quality was consistently positive, with reviewers hearing clear, understandable voice pickup.

Call microphone quality ranged from average to excellent, with several reviewers praising real phone-call performance especially on Samsung devices.

Midrange clarity was generally a strength, with repeated comments about clear vocals and mids suited to calls and podcasts.

Midrange clarity was a strength in many listening notes, especially vocals and instruments, though some V-shaped tuning pushed mids back.

Multi-platform compatibility was strong across phones, laptops, Windows, iPhone, MacBook, Android, and general Bluetooth use.

Multi-platform use is limited: Bluetooth works broadly, but iPhone and non-Samsung users lose important app, codec, AI, or switching features.

Multipoint was a major work-use strength across phone and laptop pairings, though one reviewer noted switching delays.

Multipoint and seamless switching are useful for Samsung ecosystems but limited or missing as universal multipoint features.

Passive isolation was decent to strong because the sealed tips fully plugged the ears before ANC was considered.

Passive isolation is decent with a good seal, though some reviewers noted it is weaker than deeper in-ear or foam-tip rivals.

Portability was helped by a slim case that fits in a pocket.

Portability is a clear strength thanks to a small, pocketable case and true-wireless form factor.

Preset EQ options were limited to Bass, Flat, and Bright and were often described as underwhelming or too similar.

Preset EQ support was noted as useful, with some reviewers preferring certain presets and others using them as quick tuning tools.

Lighting customization is limited: reviewers mentioned blade light modes but criticized the lack of true RGB control.

Sensors were useful for wear detection, call answering, and media pause/resume behavior.

Sensors support useful behaviors such as in-ear detection and automatic pause, with Samsung-specific setup controls.

Sidetone adjustment scored poorly because one reviewer said the Free 20 lacked the ability.

Smudge resistance was poor, with multiple reviewers calling out fingerprints and scratches.

Setup and software simplicity were mixed: basic setup could be straightforward, but firmware and desktop support created friction.

Setup and software behavior were usually simple, especially on Samsung phones, though some app/device-dependent caveats remain.

One review referenced a fit test for audio leakage, suggesting leakage control depends on getting a proper seal.

Most reviewers described sound as good to excellent, especially for calls, vocals, and everyday music, though one found music compressed and shallow.

Sound quality was the strongest consensus point, with most reviewers calling the Buds 3 Pro detailed, enjoyable, clear, or excellent.

Soundstage depth was mixed, with one review finding it unexciting and another finding it immersive.

Soundstage depth and sense of space were praised where reviewers discussed layering or spacious presentation.

Soundstage impressions were mixed, ranging from solid but unexciting to spacious and immersive.

Soundstage width was repeatedly described as wide, open, or spacious, especially for music and immersive listening.

Spatial audio scored low because one review explicitly said it is lacking.

Spatial/360 audio is supported and sometimes enjoyable, though head tracking and Atmos behavior drew mixed reactions.

Stability was good, with reviewers noting no slipping, secure fit, and fit-test support.

Stability is context-dependent: some reviewers found a secure workout-ready fit, while others reported looseness or dislodging.

Touch controls scored poorly because one review stated the earbuds have no touch controls.

Touch and stem controls were broadly useful and responsive in many tests, though the angular stems caused frustration for some reviewers.

Transparency mode was useful in some reviews but less consistent, with complaints about switching friction or weak amplification.

Transparency/ambient mode was often praised as clear and natural, with a few caveats about hiss, sharpness, or adaptive behavior.

Treble came through clearly in some reviews, but one reviewer heard high-frequency distortion at maximum volume.

Treble clarity was generally strong and detailed, though some reviewers found highs fatiguing, subdued, or slightly uneven depending on EQ.

USB-C is well supported for the case and charging cable.

USB-C is well supported through the case and included cable, often paired with wireless charging.

Value was strongest when discounted or judged against sound and ANC performance, but one review felt $150 was pricey.

Value is mixed: reviewers liked the performance for Samsung users but repeatedly warned against paying full price.

Voice assistant support is present through controls, though evidence focused on activation rather than deeper integration.

Voice controls and assistant behavior are useful, including no-wake-word commands, but Bixby/default-assistant constraints remain.

Volume output was treated as a strength in hands-on use, though evidence was limited.

Volume output was generally strong, with useful on-bud volume controls and plenty of loudness.

Water and dust resistance was a positive feature across reviews, though one reviewer warned against running water.

Water and sweat resistance is a strength thanks to the IP57 rating repeatedly cited across reviews.

The earbuds’ low weight was repeatedly tied to easy long-session comfort.

Low weight contributes strongly to comfort, with reviewers often describing the buds as lightweight or gentle in-ear.