Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro  Headphones Review

Reviewed Dec 06, 2024 at 11:57am
Writing modified Mar 23, 2026 at 09:53am
Tested using Methodology v2.1 
Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

Track

0.0
Sports And Fitness 
0.0
Travel 
0.0
Office Work 
0.0
Wireless Gaming (In Development) 
0.0
Wired Gaming (In Development) 
0.0
Audio Reproduction Accuracy 
0.0
Noise Isolation 
0.0
Microphone (In Development) 

Track

 35
Notice: These headphones were replaced by Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are the 2024 follow-up to the previous Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, as the brand's top-of-the-line buds are mainly aimed at the Android and Samsung ecosystem. Packed with adjustable active noise cancelling (ANC) and an upgraded nine-band graphic equalizer, alongside nice-to-haves such as 360 Audio and seamless device switching available, let's check these buds out.

Our Verdict

0.0
Sports And Fitness 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are good for sports and fitness. They're comfortable, portable, and lightweight. Their IP57 rating is reassuring for dusty and wet conditions. Although they lack stabilizers or over-ear hooks, their stability is still good unless your ears are difficult to fit. Depending on your tastes, their bassy sound signature can also be adjusted using the app's EQ. If you want to block out gym racket, the ANC attenuates a remarkable amount of background noise, or switch to transparency mode when on an outdoor run.

Pros
  • Nine-band graphic EQ.

  • Outstanding noise isolation.

  • IP57 rating.

  • Comfortable and stable fit.

Cons
  • Access to full features is limited to the brand's ecosystem.

  • Continuous battery life is okay, but not very long-lasting.

0.0
Travel 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are great for traveling. They're portable and comfortable to wear. The buds come equipped with fantastic ANC and passive isolation to block out airplane cabin din and passenger chit-chat. Their app includes an EQ with intuitive controls for easily adjusting the bassy tuning and handling playback. However, for long international flights, the battery life might not last without a recharge in the case to top it up.

Pros
  • Nine-band graphic EQ.

  • Outstanding noise isolation.

  • IP57 rating.

  • Comfortable and stable fit.

Cons
  • Access to full features is limited to the brand's ecosystem.

  • Lacks standard multi-device pairing.

  • Continuous battery life is okay, but not very long-lasting.

0.0
Office Work 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are good for office work. Their ANC handily cancels low-pitched noises like HVACs, as well as higher-pitched keyboard clatter and voices. They feel comfortable and lightweight, and the controls are easy to master. You can EQ the bassy tuning to your tastes as well. While the mic sounds decent, it struggles to separate your voice from noises in your environment. The continuous battery life won't make it through a full workday without a recharge in the case.

Pros
  • Nine-band graphic EQ.

  • Outstanding noise isolation.

  • Windows app can be used to control the buds at work.

  • Comfortable and stable fit.

  • Mic's recording quality is decent in quiet environments.

Cons
  • Access to full features is limited to the brand's ecosystem.

  • Lacks standard multi-device pairing.

  • Mic has poor noise handling.

  • Continuous battery life is okay, but not very long-lasting.

0.0
Wireless Gaming (In Development) 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are Bluetooth-only, so they're limited when it comes to their connectivity for wireless gaming, and their latency is elevated, so you may experience A/V sync issues. That said, you can use the Game Mode in the app with compatible devices.

0.0
Wired Gaming (In Development) 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are wireless-only earbuds and can't be used for wired gaming.

0.0
Audio Reproduction Accuracy 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro have very good audio reproduction accuracy. Their sound profile is quite bass-heavy, so it doesn't follow our target perfectly. However, the mids are flat and clear, while the treble region is mostly warm; it's not overly exaggerated, with only minor peaks and dips. You can also use their EQ to change the tuning to taste. They produce low amounts of harmonic distortion, so you won't notice any audible coloration. The left and right drivers are amazingly well aligned, so sounds are well-positioned in the stereo field.

0.0
Noise Isolation 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro have exceptional noise isolation performance. Their combined ANC and passive isolation filter out deep rumbles from bus engines, background conversation, and shrill noises really well. They also don't leak much of your audio, so you won't bother people nearby.

0.0
Microphone (In Development) 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are sub-par for microphone performance. While their recording quality is decent and captures your voice sounding fairly natural, their built-in noise handling struggles to parse your voice from background sounds. In quiet spaces, though, the mic's performance is useable.

0.0
Frequency Response Consistency 

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro have excellent frequency response consistency. Once you get a good fit, you'll get consistent sound with each wear.

  • 0.0
    Sports And Fitness
  • 0.0
    Travel
  • 0.0
    Office Work
  • 0.0
    Wireless Gaming (In Development)
  • 0.0
    Wired Gaming (In Development)

  • Performance Usages

  • 0.0
    Audio Reproduction Accuracy
  • 0.0
    Noise Isolation
  • 0.0
    Microphone (In Development)
  • 0.0
    Frequency Response Consistency
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Mar 23, 2026: 

      We've updated the Case box to mention the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro.

    2.  Updated Mar 12, 2026: 

      This review has been updated to Test Bench 2.1, which removes the Group Delay test and rebalances scoring for the Harmonic Distortion test and Audio Reproduction Accuracy performance usage. For more details, consult our full changelog.

    3.  Updated Mar 12, 2026: This review has been updated to Test Bench 2.1, which removes the Group Delay test, and rebalances scoring for the Harmonic Distortion test and Audio Reproduction Accuracy performance usage. For more details, consult our full changelog.
    4.  Updated Jan 08, 2026: 

      In the Recording Quality section of this review, we mentioned that some users have experienced difficulty getting the microphone of these earbuds to work when using apps like Zoom.

    Check Price

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are available in two colors, 'White' and 'Silver.' Our unit is 'Silver,' and you can view the label. We expect both color variants to perform similarly.

    If you encounter another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the forums, and we'll update our review.

    Popular Headphones Comparisons

    The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are different in form and materials than the previous Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, with the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro more closely resembling the Apple AirPods Pro 2 than the stemless Galaxy Buds2 Pro. Both the Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are noise cancelling with access to the same app, but many features are dependent on you using not only an Android but one of the latest Samsung devices. These days, when you choose Bluetooth earbuds, you're often also choosing operating systems and brand allegiances. Features such as the Samsung Seamless Codec promising 24-bit audio streaming and the ability to switch between devices signed into the same Samsung account require you to buy into the company's ecosystem. Sitting in the tier below, Samsung Galaxy Buds3 arrive equipped with ANC, but they sit outside of your ear canal, so they don't isolate nearly as well as the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Similarly, to get the most out of them, you'll need a compatible Samsung device.

    For more recommendations, check out the best wireless earbuds for Android, the best sounding wireless earbuds, and the best noise cancelling earbuds.

    Apple AirPods Pro 3

    Track

    By most metrics, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 are better earbuds than the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, but your device will determine your choice more than their individual capabilities alone, given that Apple's app features are built into iOS Settings and Samsung's app is exclusive to Android and Windows. The Apple are better made (even though both pairs have high dust and waterproofing) and a little more comfortable. Their noise isolation performance is a bit better, and their continuous battery life of nine hours outdoes the Samsung headphones' 6.5-hour continuous battery life. Still, if you like to adjust your sound, the Samsung app offers more room to EQ than Apple's one-and-done tuning. You can even get the Samsung app on Windows devices.

    Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless

    Track

    Whether you prefer the Sony WF-1000XM5 Truly Wireless over the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro may largely depend on your device's ecosystem. Both have warm sound profiles by default with in-app EQ. The Sony work the same with Android and iOS devices and have a longer battery life. They have multi-device pairing with up to two devices, too. On the other hand, if you're a Samsung user, you can seamlessly switch between different devices on the same Samsung account. Their mic also sounds more natural, and their IP57 rating outdoes the Sony's IPX4 rating. Finally, the Samsung also boast slightly better noise isolation overall, even if the Sony block bright sounds better.

    Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro

    Track

    The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro outperform the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro by most metrics. The Galaxy Buds3 Pro have outstanding noise cancelling and a better battery life with added dust resistance. On the other hand, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro use the same app with slightly pared-back functionality, but the main difference is whether you prefer their bud shape and clamshell-style case to the stemmed design of the successor.

    Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless

    Track

    The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Truly Wireless and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro have different strengths that appeal to different people. The Bose's app works on Android/iOS and their battery life is slightly longer. They also have multi-device pairing with up to two devices and use aptX Adaptive alongside other high-quality codecs. The Samsung have a more in-depth equalizer, but it's limited to Android. Many of their features are restricted to Android or Samsung devices, such as the Samsung Seamless Codec and seamless device switching between devices signed into the same account. That said, their noise cancelling is a bit more powerful than the Bose's, which may edge them ahead.

    Show more 

    Video

    How We Test Headphones: Over 800 And Counting!
    How We Test Headphones: Over 800 And Counting!

    Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.

    You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Sound
    Sound Profile
    Normalization Frequency
    LockedLock Hz
    Bass Amount
    LockedVery Emphasized (6 dB)
    Treble Amount
    LockedSlightly Underemphasized (-2 dB)
    Sound Signature
    LockedWarm

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Frequency Response Consistency
    Std. Deviation
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Raw Frequency Response
    0.0
    Bass Profile: Target Compliance
    RMS Deviation From Target
    LockedLock dB
    Low-Frequency Extension
    LockedLock Hz
    Low Bass
    LockedLock dB
    Mid Bass
    LockedLock dB
    High Bass
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Mid-Range Profile: Target Compliance
    RMS Deviation From Target
    LockedLock dB
    Low Mid
    LockedLock dB
    Mid-Mid
    LockedLock dB
    High Mid
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Treble Profile: Target Compliance
    RMS Deviation From Target
    LockedLock dB
    Low Treble
    LockedLock dB
    Mid Treble
    LockedLock dB
    High Treble
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Peaks/Dips
    Peaks
    LockedLock dB
    Dips
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Stereo Mismatch
    Weighted Amplitude Mismatch
    LockedLock dB
    Weighted Frequency Response Mismatch
    LockedLock dB
    Weighted Phase Mismatch
    LockedLock°

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Cumulative Spectral Decay
    0.0
    PRTF
    PRTF Accuracy (RMS Deviation)
    LockedN/A
    PRTF Size (Avg.)
    LockedN/A
    PRTF Distance
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Harmonic Distortion
    WHD @ 94 dB SPL
    LockedLock%
    WHD @ 104 dB SPL
    LockedLock%
    Electrical Aspects
    Sensitivity @1kHz-1V
    LockedN/A
    Bluetooth Max SPL
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Virtual Soundstage
    Head Modeling
    LockedLocked
    Speaker Modeling
    LockedLocked
    Room Ambience
    LockedLocked
    Head Tracking
    LockedLocked
    Virtual Surround
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Test Settings
    Firmware
    LockedLocked
    Power
    LockedLocked
    Connection
    LockedLocked
    Codec
    LockedLocked
    Test InstrumentLockedLocked
    EQ
    LockedLocked
    ANC
    LockedLocked
    Tip/Pad
    LockedLocked
    Microphone
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Design
    Style
    TypeLockedIn-ear
    EnclosureLockedClosed-Back
    WirelessLockedTruly Wireless
    TransducerLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Comfort
    WeightLockedLock lbs
    Clamping Force
    LockedLock lbs

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Controls
    OS Compatibility
    LockedLocked
    Ease Of UseLockedLocked
    FeedbackLockedLocked
    Call/Music ControlLockedLocked
    Volume ControlLockedLocked
    Microphone ControlLockedLocked
    Channel Mixing
    LockedLocked
    Noise Cancelling ControlLockedLocked
    Talk-Through
    LockedLocked
    Additional ControlsLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Portability
    LLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    VolumeLockedLock in³ (Lock cm³)
    Transmitter RequiredLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Case
    TypeLockedLocked
    LLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    HLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    VolumeLockedLock in³ (Lock cm³)

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Build Quality

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Stability

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Headshots 1
    Headshots 2
    Top
    In The Box

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Isolation
    0.0
    Noise Isolation - Full Range
    Noise CancellingLockedYes
    Overall Attenuation
    LockedLock dB
    Bass
    LockedLock dB
    Mid
    LockedLock dB
    Treble
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios
    Airplane Noise Attenuation
    LockedLock dB
    Airplane Noise Isolation Audio
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Office Noise Attenuation
    LockedLock dB
    Office Noise Isolation Audio
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Street Noise Attenuation
    LockedLock dB
    Street Noise Isolation Audio
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Noise Isolation - Voice Handling
    Female Voice 1
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Male Voice 1
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Female Voice 2
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Male Voice 2
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    ANC Wind Handling
    ANC Wind Noise
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Leakage
    Leakage Audio
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Overall Leakage @ 1ft
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Microphone
    Microphone Style
    Integrated
    LockedLocked
    In-Line
    LockedLocked
    Boom
    LockedLocked
    Detachable Boom
    LockedLocked
    MicLockedYes
    0.0
    Recording Quality
    Recorded Speech
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    LFE
    LockedLock Hz
    FR Std. Dev.
    LockedLock dB
    HFE
    LockedLock Hz
    Weighted THD
    LockedLock
    Gain
    LockedLock dB

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Noise Handling
    SpNR
    LockedLock dB
    Noise Gate
    LockedLocked
    Speech + Pink Noise Handling
    Locked
    0.0
    Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Speech + Subway Noise Handling
    Locked
    0.0
    Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Active Features
    0.0
    Battery
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked
    Continuous Battery Life
    LockedLock hrs
    Additional Charges
    LockedLock
    Total Battery Life
    LockedLock hrs
    Charge Time
    LockedLock hrs
    Power-Saving Feature
    LockedLocked
    Audio While Charging
    LockedLocked
    Passive Playback
    LockedLocked
    Charging PortLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    App Support
    App NameLockedLocked
    iOSLockedLocked
    AndroidLockedLocked
    macOSLockedLocked
    WindowsLockedLocked
    Equalizer
    LockedLocked
    ANC Control
    LockedLocked
    Mic ControlLockedLocked
    Room Effects
    LockedLocked
    Playback Control
    LockedLocked
    Button MappingLockedLocked
    Surround Support
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Connectivity
    0.0
    Wired Connection
    Analog Audio
    LockedLocked
    USB Audio
    LockedLocked
    Detachable
    LockedLocked
    Length
    LockedN/A
    Connector
    LockedLocked
    Latency - Analog
    LockedN/A
    Latency - USB
    LockedN/A
    Recorded Latency
    N/A
    Recorded Latency ConnectionLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Bluetooth Connection
    Bluetooth Version
    LockedLocked
    Multi-Device Pairing
    LockedLocked
    Quick Pair (Android)
    LockedLocked
    Quick Pair (iOS)
    LockedLocked
    Line Of Sight Range
    LockedLock ft (Lock m)
    Latency - SBC
    LockedLock ms
    Latency - aptX
    LockedN/A
    Latency - aptX Adaptive (High Quality)
    LockedN/A
    Latency - aptX Adaptive (Low Latency)
    LockedN/A
    Latency - LDAC
    LockedN/A
    Recorded Latency
    JOIN NOWto hear audio samples
    Recorded Latency CodecLockedLocked
    AAC Support
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Wireless Connection (Dongle)
    Line Of Sight Range
    LockedN/A
    Latency - Dongle
    LockedN/A
    Recorded Latency
    N/A
    PC Compatibility
    Analog
    LockedLocked
    Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    PlayStation Compatibility
    PS4 Analog
    LockedLocked
    PS4 Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    PS4 Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Analog
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    PS5 Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Compatibility
    Xbox One Analog
    LockedLocked
    Xbox One Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Xbox One Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Analog
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Wired USB
    LockedLocked
    Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless
    LockedLocked
    0.0
    Base/Dock
    Type
    LockedLocked
    USB Input
    LockedLocked
    Line In
    LockedLocked
    Line Out
    LockedLocked
    Optical Input
    LockedLocked
    RCA Input
    LockedLocked
    Dock Charging
    LockedLocked
    Power Supply
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.