Compare Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE Earbuds

Active noise cancellation drew the strongest agreement: reviewers repeatedly called it excellent, impressive, or among the best in true wireless earbuds.

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.

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.

Android compatibility was consistently weak because reviewers said many features are unavailable or the experience is not worth the price.

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

The app/settings experience was excellent on Apple devices but sharply weaker for Android users without access to key controls.

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

The H2 chip was credited with better ANC, battery life, stability, and the features that distinguish this generation.

Low-latency spatial audio for Vision Pro was positively described as essential for avoiding delayed audio in that use case.

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

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

Bass was usually described as satisfying, fuller, and more powerful than earlier AirPods, with only isolated caveats about tightness or quantity versus other headphones.

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.

Battery life was adequate to good for most users, improved over older models, but several reviewers still called it average or behind rivals.

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.

Bluetooth reliability was generally strong in lab and long-term testing, though one dropped-product report mentioned occasional connection and balance issues.

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

Build quality received a low long-term note because the case was reported to scratch easily.

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

Hi-res playback support was weak because the reviews noted no broad high-resolution audio support outside the headset exception.

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.

Button and pinch controls were praised as intuitive and superior to less comfortable tap-based controls.

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

The case was widely liked for compactness, pocketability, speaker/Find My usefulness, and easier daily handling, despite scratch concerns elsewhere.

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

Charging was praised for quick top-ups, Apple Watch/MagSafe/wireless options, USB-C convenience, and reduced cable friction.

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.

Codec support was a recurring weakness because reviewers noted AAC/SBC limits and no higher-quality codec support.

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

Comfort during long use was a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly saying they could wear the earbuds for extended sessions.

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

Design drew mixed-to-positive reactions: reviewers liked the modern look and compact case but criticized white plastic grip, stains, or snag-prone stems.

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

Fit was generally favorable, especially versus some rivals, but reviews still noted ear-tip fit may vary by ear.

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.

Ear tip size options were praised for improving fit and seal, especially the added extra-small option, though some wanted extra-large tips.

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

Equalizer customization was a consistent weakness: reviewers repeatedly missed a manual EQ or noted no direct EQ adjustment.

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

Find My support was heavily praised for case tracking, sounds, precision finding, and helping locate individual buds or the case.

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

The long-term reviewer who discussed tonal balance found the frequency response consistent and neutral.

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

Included accessories were positively noted where the extra-small ear tips were treated as a needed and applauded inclusion.

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

Instrument separation was praised in the reviews that discussed it, especially the ability to pull apart different elements in 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.

The integrated microphone hardware was praised where the beam-forming mic array was evaluated directly.

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 audio support was mostly a limitation, except for Vision Pro-specific support that one reviewer found useful.

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.

Maximum-volume clarity was mostly positive, though one review noted clarity can suffer at high levels while another heard little distortion.

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

Microphone noise reduction was praised for suppressing background noise and keeping voices intelligible.

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

Call mic quality ranged from mediocre in one audiophile review to excellent in lab and mainstream reviews, with most evidence positive.

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

Midrange performance earned positive notes for natural vocals, balanced mids, and clear vocal presentation.

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

Multi-platform use was acceptable in the one Windows mention, where switching to a Windows PC worked without trouble.

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.

Apple-device switching and connectivity were repeatedly praised, while true non-Apple multipoint remained a limitation.

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

Passive isolation was strongest when reviewers got a good seal, but one long-term user still wanted more background blocking.

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

Portability was praised through the small, pocketable case and sleek form factor.

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.

Sensors were praised where auto-wear/skin detection returned and improved playback behavior.

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

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

Smudge and surface resistance were weak in long-term use, with complaints about scratching, yellowing, and visible grime.

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

Setup and software simplicity were excellent in Apple’s ecosystem but poor for users outside it, especially Android owners.

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

Reviewers broadly praised the AirPods Pro 2 sound as clear, balanced, rich, and dramatically improved, though a few framed it as merely good rather than truly pro-level.

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.

Soundstage depth was mixed: some reviewers found the experience immersive, but others heard limited depth compared with larger headphones.

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

Reviewers often found the soundstage surprisingly wide and spacious for earbuds, though some treated the effect as limited compared with full-size headphones.

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

Spatial audio was polarizing: several reviewers loved the immersion, while others called it gimmicky or frustrating to personalize.

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

Stability was strong in lab tests and daily use, with one long-term reviewer only wishing for slightly better grip in certain jaw movements.

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

Sustainability materials were mentioned positively in one review that applauded Apple’s sourced-material choices.

Touch and stem controls were usually praised for convenience and responsiveness, though several reviewers found the volume gesture imperfect or awkward at first.

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

Transparency mode was one of the most praised features, often described as natural, class-leading, and useful for conversations or awareness.

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

Treble was consistently characterized as smooth, natural, and free from harshness or sibilance.

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

USB-C was generally welcomed for cable convenience, though one review said it was not enough reason to upgrade from the Lightning version alone.

Value was strong for Apple users, especially on sale, though some reviews still emphasized the high price and ecosystem dependence.

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

Voice assistant integration was praised in one long-term review for working seamlessly with Apple’s assistant.

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

Volume output was seen as strong, with one lab noting maintained sound quality at high and low levels and another noting clarity at low volume.

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

Water and sweat resistance were viewed positively for workouts, sweat, light rain, and added security, but not as full waterproofing.

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

Weight comfort was supported by praise for the lightweight design that helped make the earbuds comfortable.

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