Compare Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Earbuds vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro

ANC performance ranges from solid to near-flagship when the seal is good, often compared favorably with AirPods Pro 2, but it is less convincing against voices and wind and generally trails the very best from Bose and Sony.

ANC is usually rated as strong and clearly improved, but not universally best-in-class; it excels more with steady noise than sudden sounds and remains behind the very top Bose, Sony, or Apple options for some listeners.

Android works well for core playback and features through the Beats app, but it lacks some Apple-only conveniences and is held back by limited codec and multipoint support.

These earbuds pair especially well with Samsung and Android devices, and many reviewers frame that ecosystem fit as one of the product's biggest selling points.

On iOS, many controls live in system settings; on Android, the Beats app covers essentials like modes, customization, and updates, but experiences vary depending on how much you care about deeper audio tweaking.

The Galaxy Wearable experience is feature-rich and useful, but several reviews note that the best tools remain most valuable on Samsung devices.

The Apple H2 chip delivers the most polished experience on iOS (fast pairing, device switching, Siri features), and it helps overall responsiveness and stability within the Apple ecosystem.

No aptX support is a downside for Android users who want Qualcomm codec options.

Video/audio latency is generally low; at least one reviewer specifically reports no noticeable lip-sync delay.

One review notes that enabling the highest-quality Samsung audio mode can hurt lip-sync performance, making video playback less precise than standard settings.

Bass is consistently highlighted as powerful and well-controlled for a Beats product, adding drive without usually overwhelming the mix, though it can boom at high volumes for some listeners.

Bass is widely described as deep, punchy, and well-controlled, but a minority of reviewers thought the low end could overpower some tracks without EQ tweaks.

Battery life is a major strength: most reports align with roughly 8 hours (ANC on) and up to 10 hours (ANC off), with a few tests exceeding the rated numbers.

Battery life is serviceable rather than standout. Most reviews land around six hours per charge and see that as fine for everyday use, but short versus the longest-lasting rivals.

Connection stability is generally reported as strong in everyday use, especially on Apple devices, with few dropouts for audio playback.

Bluetooth stability is generally solid, with good range and few disconnect complaints, though one review did note occasional dropouts.

Build impressions are mixed: many call the redesign durable and sweat-ready for workouts, but a few reviews point to flimsy case parts or comfort/fit hardware that feels unforgiving.

Physical buttons and volume rockers are widely appreciated for workouts (especially with gloves), with easy playback/volume control; a few users report accidental presses while inserting the buds.

The case is smaller than the original and generally functional with strong magnets, but it is still bulky compared with most earbuds; at least one review criticizes build/hinge feel.

The redesigned case earns mostly positive marks for pocketability, easier docking, and the translucent lid, though a few reviewers found it blockier or more scratch-prone than ideal.

Charging is well modernized with wireless charging and fast-charge support; most reviewers like the convenience, even if the case itself remains sizable.

Charging convenience is strong thanks to USB-C and wireless charging support, and reviewers generally liked the case's day-to-day practicality.

Codec support is basic (AAC/SBC), which is fine for iOS but leaves Android users without higher-resolution options.

Codec support is strong for Samsung owners thanks to SSC and UHQ options, but the experience is less compelling outside the Galaxy ecosystem where higher-end features are restricted.

Long-wear comfort is generally good for a sport earhook design, with many able to wear them for hours, but comfort varies widely: some reviewers felt hook or in-ear pressure after extended use and a few found them outright uncomfortable.

Long-session comfort is a major positive. Many reviewers wore the earbuds for hours on flights, work sessions, or daily use without significant fatigue.

The redesign (smaller hook, slimmer housings, new colors) is widely seen as a meaningful refinement over gen 1, improving ergonomics and how they work with glasses, even if the look is still more conspicuous than standard earbuds.

Samsung's new look is broadly seen as more polished and premium, with the flatter metallic stem and refined case helping the Buds 4 Pro feel more distinct and mature.

Five tip sizes (XS to XL) and built-in fit tests help most users dial in a seal, but a minority still struggle to get a consistent seal with the stock tips (and seal quality strongly affects sound, ANC, and heart-rate tracking).

Samsung includes multiple tip sizes, but fit outcomes still vary widely; some reviewers got a strong seal quickly while others could not find a great match.

A recurring complaint is the lack of a true user EQ; you largely live with Beats/Apple tuning plus Adaptive EQ, which frustrates listeners who want to fine-tune bass/treble.

EQ customization is a clear strength, with reviewers frequently praising the custom bands and the ability to tune the sound away from the stock profile.

Find My/Locate features are useful for tracking, but multiple reviews note it is more basic than AirPods Pro 2 (e.g., missing Precision Finding).

Instrument separation is often praised as improved over older Beats buds, but it is not universally class-leading; some reviewers hear a slightly compressed presentation compared with the best premium earbuds.

Instrument separation is frequently cited as a standout, with cleaner layering and better distinction between elements than earlier Galaxy Buds generations.

No LDAC support further limits high-bitrate Bluetooth audio on Android.

At high volumes, clarity generally holds up well without obvious distortion, though the overall tuning can get more bass-forward as you push volume.

Noise reduction on calls is typically praised for suppressing background noise, though wind handling and consistency vary by reviewer and device.

Background-noise suppression during calls performs very well in most reviews, especially against wind, traffic, and loud ambient noise, even if the processed voice can sound a bit artificial.

Call mic quality is often rated very good, especially on iPhone with Apple processing, but at least one review reports highly inconsistent or poor call clarity.

Call quality is good overall, with clear enough voice pickup for everyday use, but several reviewers heard some digitizing, fuzziness, or mild warble in tougher conditions.

Midrange is generally clear enough for vocals and guitars, but a few reviews note occasional honkiness or distance that can make some vocals feel less present, especially when fit is off.

Midrange performance is a strength, with vocals and core instruments coming through clearly and without being swallowed by the boosted low end.

They play nicely across Apple devices and are usable on Android/other Bluetooth sources, but true cross-platform flexibility can be hampered by pairing quirks and feature gaps.

Outside the Samsung ecosystem, the Buds 4 Pro lose meaningful convenience and some premium features, so cross-platform users get a less complete product.

True multipoint is a notable omission; Apple device switching works smoothly via iCloud, but simultaneous multi-device connections (and some HR use cases) are limited.

Multipoint and device switching are a weak spot. Galaxy-to-Galaxy switching is convenient, but true cross-platform multipoint is missing or awkward.

Passive isolation depends heavily on achieving a good seal; with the right tips it blocks a lot of gym/street noise, but inconsistent fit can let voices and sharp sounds leak through.

Passive isolation depends heavily on fit: reviewers with a strong seal found it effective, while others said the tips failed to seal well enough for class-leading isolation.

Pocketability is improved but still a weak spot: many can fit it in pockets, yet it is often described as chunky and better suited to a gym bag.

Adaptive EQ and mode-dependent tuning help keep sound consistent, but the experience can change with ANC/transparency on vs off; some reviewers prefer the sound with ANC/transparency enabled.

Preset EQ options are generally well received, especially the Dynamic-style tuning, though they are not a full substitute for manual tweaking if you dislike the default balance.

Sensors are a headline feature (in-ear detection and heart-rate monitoring). Heart-rate can match Apple Watch closely when it behaves, but multiple reviewers report dropouts, limited iOS app support, and inconsistent performance during runs.

Smudge and fingerprint resistance is noted as better than expected on at least one colorway/case finish, helping them look cleaner over time.

Setup is easy for many users (especially iPhone pairing), but heart-rate permissions, limited supported apps, and occasional pairing conflicts can make initial configuration frustrating for some.

Setup is not difficult, but one review noted a small learning curve because some controls moved from the old app-centered flow into Samsung's system settings.

Overall sound is tuned for energy: punchy and engaging for workouts, with good detail for the category; audiophile-focused listeners may find it less refined than top-tier premium buds.

Across the review set, the Buds 4 Pro are consistently praised for rich, detailed, energetic sound, though a few reviewers found the tuning a bit bass-forward or Samsung-dependent at the top end.

Soundstage is reported as reasonably open for in-ears, with some reviewers noting a bigger stage than prior Beats, while others still find it more compact than reference-grade earbuds.

When reviewers commented on staging, they found the presentation surprisingly open and spacious for true wireless earbuds, especially with Samsung's higher-quality audio modes.

Spatial audio (often with head tracking on Apple devices) is available and generally works well, though not everyone prefers it for music and some note it changes the sound signature.

Earhook stability is a standout: most reviewers report the buds stay locked in through runs and gym sessions with minimal slippage, though a few note tips can loosen when readjusting and the hook can create pressure points for some ears.

Fit security is good for many listeners, but not universal. Several reviewers found the buds locked in well, while others reported slipping during movement or difficulty maintaining a seal.

Pinch and swipe controls are usually considered responsive and easier to use than last generation, though a few people still found the gesture scheme awkward at first.

Transparency mode is a strong point, frequently described as natural and easy to trust outdoors; a few reviewers still rate AirPods Pro 2 slightly more realistic, especially in high frequencies.

Transparency or ambient mode is one of the most consistently praised features, sounding natural and useful for conversations, announcements, and day-to-day awareness.

Treble is usually crisp and lively, but multiple reviewers mention either muted sparkle or occasional sharp/metallic moments depending on track, device, and fit.

Treble is generally clear and lively with good sparkle, though a few reviews mention occasional high-frequency leak-through in ANC mode or a slightly uneven top-end balance.

USB-C is a welcomed update and, paired with wireless charging, makes top-ups simpler than the previous Lightning-era Beats cases.

Hands-free Siri and voice-assistant support are strong in the Apple ecosystem, and basic voice assistant access is available across platforms.

They can play loud with plenty of headroom, and several reviewers note extra energy/volume compared with some competitors.

IPX4 is adequate for sweat and light rain, but several reviewers call it underwhelming for a fitness-first product and note tougher-rated rivals exist.

The IP57 rating is repeatedly highlighted as a useful advantage for sweaty workouts, rain, and general durability, even though the buds are not meant for swimming.

Despite being chunkier than non-hooked buds, weight is usually not noticeable once seated, helped by the lighter redesign; comfort issues tend to come more from hook pressure than sheer weight.