Compare Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE Earbuds

EQ customization was a repeated weakness, with reviewers criticizing the lack of a real custom or adjustable EQ.

EQ customization is useful through Samsung software, with custom and preset options, but one reviewer misses personalized tuning.

The software/app experience drew mixed reactions: Android and iOS controls exist, but reviewers criticized limited iOS heart-rate app support and missing EQ.

The app and Samsung settings integration are important to getting full value, unlocking ANC controls, EQ, AI features, updates, and other advanced controls.

Charging was praised for wireless support, fast top-ups, USB-C, and low battery anxiety.

Charging is a compromise because USB-C works and wired charging can be quick enough, but missing wireless charging is repeatedly called out as a bummer or tradeoff.

Setup and software were split between very seamless iCloud pairing and frustrating heart-rate/software limitations.

Setup is easy on Samsung devices, with reviewers describing instant pairing, quick setup, and a painless process.

Battery life was one of the strongest points, with reviewers repeatedly reporting all-day or multi-workout endurance and strong case capacity.

Battery life is usually described as average to solid, with ANC runtimes around five to six hours and some praise for the quoted Galaxy Buds endurance.

Water/sweat resistance was mixed to negative: it was considered adequate for sweat and light rain, but several reviewers criticized IPX4 as weak for sport earbuds.

Water and sweat resistance is generally considered adequate for workouts and rain, though reviewers note IP54 is lower than the Pro model.

Sensors were the most divided area: some reviewers found heart-rate readings accurate or useful, while fitness-focused testers reported dropouts and unreliable execution.

Sensor behavior is a weakness because reviewers complain that wear sensors do not provide full auto-pause/resume functionality.

Find My was viewed as useful but basic compared with AirPods Pro 2 Precision Finding.

Find My evidence is limited but positive, with one reviewer confirming the feature worked and showed location on a map.

Frequency-response evidence was mixed, with testing noting a sound-quality hit and U-shaped balance when ANC was disabled.

Frequency response evidence is strong from measurement-based reviews that say the default tuning tracks the target curve closely.

Voice assistant integration received limited but positive evidence from a reviewer who demonstrated Siri access.

Voice assistant integration is useful but not complete; Gemini and Bixby support exist, while built-in voice controls from the Pro model are missed.

Fit and sealing varied by reviewer: some achieved a tight, sound-improving seal, while others could not seal well with the included tips.

Fit is one of the strongest points: sealed tips usually create a secure seal and help the Buds 3 FE stay put, though sizing may not work for everyone.

The case drew mixed opinions: smaller and better equipped than before, but still bulky, pocket-unfriendly, and in one review flimsy.

The case is compact and secure in testing, though case-related praise focuses more on size and magnet retention than premium materials.

Treble clarity was mixed, ranging from crisp highs to harsh, bright, muted, or missing sparkle depending on reviewer and device.

Treble clarity is mostly positive, with clear highs and less fatigue, but one reviewer criticizes the highs as splashy and uncontrolled.

Smudge resistance received one strong positive note for resisting fingerprints and scratches.

Smudge resistance is a small design strength thanks to the matte finish, which reviewers say reduces fingerprints, shine, and scratches.

Physical button controls were a standout strength, especially for workouts, gloves, and running.

Pinch and swipe controls are generally useful and sometimes praised, but reviewers also note extra force, awkward stem angles, or a short learning curve.

Value opinions were mixed: many called the feature set worth it for athletes, while others found the price hard to justify.

Value is a major strength, especially for Samsung phone owners, with reviewers repeatedly calling the Buds 3 FE an easy recommendation or strong deal.

Midrange clarity was generally acceptable to strong, with vocals cutting through and body present, though one reviewer wanted more midrange.

Midrange clarity is consistently positive, especially for vocals, which reviewers describe as clear, present, crisp, and detailed.

Multi-platform compatibility was mixed: Beats works across Apple and Android, but Apple/non-Apple switching and heart-rate routing created frustrations.

Multi-platform compatibility is a weakness: the earbuds work as basic Bluetooth buds on iPhone, but advanced controls and ecosystem features are Samsung- or Android-dependent.

Spatial audio was mixed: several reviewers liked the feature and head tracking, while one found it harsh for music.

Spatial audio is mixed: one reviewer likes the immersive 360 effect, while others dislike the lack of head tracking or find the effect diffused.

Instrument separation was usually praised as clear and detailed, though one reviewer wanted more separation in orchestral music.

Instrument separation is split: one reviewer hears distinct musical layers, while another says the Buds 3 FE lack detail and separation versus stronger options.

Soundstage depth/immersiveness was only mildly positive, with testing noting immersiveness as a shortcoming even if still borderline good.

Soundstage depth is generally positive when discussed, with reviewers noting pleasing depth or enough richness despite the single-driver design.

Volume output was praised where discussed, with reviewers noting loud output and extra energy.

Volume output is very strong in the available evidence, with one reviewer calling the volume insanely loud.

Codec support was a limitation for reviewers who noted only AAC/SBC and no higher-res Bluetooth codec support for Android.

Codec support is Samsung-first: SSC can improve fidelity on Samsung devices, while non-Samsung users are limited to AAC or SBC.

Reviewers broadly found ANC useful, especially for steady noise, but several said it trails the best earbuds, depends on seal, or struggles with wind and voices.

Most reviewers rate ANC highly, with several calling it excellent or top tier, though one subway-focused test found it only barely adequate in very loud environments.

Comfort was split: many found the redesign comfortable for workouts, while others reported hook pressure, fit fatigue, or outright discomfort.

Comfort is a strength across reviewers, with repeated praise for the light, familiar stem fit and comfortable listening sessions.

Bluetooth stability was praised where discussed, with reviewers reporting stable range and no regular stutters or dropouts.

Bluetooth connection is generally stable and easy on Samsung devices, though one reviewer notes the fast-pair experience is slick only when it works.

Android support was generally viewed as workable or even strong, though one fitness-focused review found the heart-rate path worked better on Android after Apple-side pairing trouble.

Android compatibility is strongest on Samsung phones and tablets, where key sound and ecosystem features unlock; non-Samsung Android works with more limits.

Passive isolation received positive evidence when the seal was secure, dulling low machinery and bike sounds.

Passive isolation benefits from the sealed design, with reviewers citing meaningful isolation and better noise blocking than unsealed Buds models.

Stability was the clearest strength, with reviewers repeatedly saying the earbuds stayed locked in during runs, workouts, and vigorous movement.

Stability is strong for normal use and shake tests, though one reviewer says the stem design is not ideal for high-impact running.

Bass was usually described as strong, energetic, and well controlled, though one audio-focused reviewer wanted tighter punch.

Bass impressions are mixed: several reviewers find it well-defined or pleasantly emphasized, while others say it is less punchy or not as controlled as rivals or the Pro model.

Build quality was mostly viewed positively, especially the flexible hook and durability, though case durability drew separate criticism.

Build quality receives positive but limited evidence, with one reviewer directly calling the overall build sturdy.

Soundstage width was mostly praised as bigger, open, and expansive, though one reviewer found it somewhat compressed.

Soundstage width receives positive evidence, with reviewers describing openness and a pleasing amount of width.

Microphone noise reduction was a strength in most supporting reviews, especially with background noise filtering on Apple devices.

Microphone noise reduction is mostly praised as much improved and strong at reducing background sounds, though one reviewer says it could still be better.

Sound quality was mostly praised as energetic and good for workouts, but not every reviewer found it class-leading or worth the price.

Sound quality is the most praised attribute overall, with most reviewers calling it excellent, balanced, outstanding, or great for the price, despite a few mixed impressions.

Multipoint reliability was a clear weakness because reviewers noted no Bluetooth multipoint and conflicts between phone audio and heart-rate pairing.

True multipoint is one of the clearest repeated negatives, with reviewers calling its absence disappointing, a potential dealbreaker, or worse than alternatives.

Maximum-volume clarity was praised in one lab-style review for staying controlled at higher volume.

Maximum-volume clarity is positive, with reviewers hearing little distortion or clean highs and mids even at loud levels.

Call microphone quality was mostly positive, but results ranged from excellent calls to one strongly negative lab-style experience.

Call microphone quality is a strength overall, with reviewers reporting clear voice pickup and reliable call performance, except in harder windy cases.

Ear tip options were mixed because several reviewers liked the expanded sizes, while one found all five too large.

Ear tip options are a recurring caveat because reviewers like having sizes included but several want more choices, especially an XL option.

Transparency mode was widely praised as natural and useful outdoors, though a few reviewers found AirPods Pro 2 better.

Transparency mode is widely praised as good, clear, natural, or great, with enough clarity for conversations and awareness.

Included accessories were mixed: reviewers liked having five tip sizes, but one criticized the lack of a charging cable.

Included accessories are a weakness because multiple reviewers note the missing cable and limited box contents.

Design was generally praised as a major, slimmer, more comfortable redesign with meaningful upgrades over the original.

Design receives broad praise for the matte finish, understated styling, premium look, and slimmer case, although the stem shape is not universally loved.

One reviewer reported excellent video sync with no lip-sync delay.

Video latency evidence is positive, with one reviewer reporting no noticeable delay and calling the earbuds suitable for watching videos.

Auracast support was criticized as absent, with a reviewer noting that could limit public-device pairing features.

Auracast support is a weakness because at least one reviewer was disappointed that the Buds 3 FE did not get the feature.

Weight comfort had limited positive evidence, with one reviewer finding the earbuds surprisingly light for their size.

Weight comfort is lightly but positively supported, with reviewers calling the buds lightweight and comfortable.

AI translation is treated as a useful Samsung ecosystem bonus, especially when it pipes live translations into the earbuds, but reviewers often frame it as a feature rather than the core reason to buy.

Reviewers consistently praised the H2 chip for Apple ecosystem pairing, switching, and feature integration.

Hi-res playback is a tradeoff: reviewers note that higher-end 24-bit features are reserved for the Pro model, limiting the FE for serious high-resolution listening.

Head gestures received limited positive evidence as a useful hands-free notification/reply feature.

The integrated microphones are generally strong for calls and voice commands, with particular praise for background-noise handling.

LDAC is a limitation because a reviewer points to alternatives that include LDAC among features the Buds 3 FE lack.

Lossless-style playback is possible only in limited Samsung conditions through SSC, so reviewers treat it as a Samsung-first benefit rather than universal hi-fi support.

Portability is positive but lightly covered, with the case described as pocketable.

Preset EQ profile quality gets direct praise from one reviewer, who says the presets work well.

Sidetone during calls is useful when transparency mode lets the wearer hear their own voice clearly and reduces call fatigue.

Touch responsiveness is mixed, ranging from fantastic controls to complaints that double and triple taps are finicky.

USB-C was positively received as part of the improved charging case, especially compared with the older Lightning case.