Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Review: Worth Buying in 2025
Dropping serious cash on true wireless earbuds should feel like an upgrade, not a guessing game. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro arrived in July 2024 with a bold new stem design, dual drivers, and Galaxy AI tricks—but early word on comfort and a lingering lawsuit over earlier models raises natural questions. Here’s what the testing data and real-world reports actually say.
Release date: July 2024 · ANC type: Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation · Driver type: Dual (woofer + tweeter) with 24‑bit audio · Battery life (buds only): Up to 6 hours (ANC on) · Charging case battery: Up to 26 hours total · Water resistance: IP57
Quick snapshot
- Released July 2024 with two‑way driver system (What Hi‑Fi?)
- Adaptive ANC reduces ambient noise by an average of 76% (SoundGuys)
- IP57 dust/water resistance rating (What Hi‑Fi?)
- Exact sales volumes for Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
- Whether the class‑action lawsuit over the first‑gen Buds Pro will affect later models
- Release date of a potential Galaxy Buds 4
- 2021 – First‑gen Galaxy Buds Pro released; later lawsuit over ear infections (What Hi‑Fi?)
- July 2024 – Galaxy Buds 3 Pro launched with redesigned fit (What Hi‑Fi?)
- 2025 – Current market; lawsuit against first‑gen still active (What Hi‑Fi?)
- Possible Galaxy Buds 4 (speculation only)
- Improved ANC and battery in future generations
- Third‑party ear tips for better comfort
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 2024 |
| Price (MSRP) | €219 – €250 depending on region |
| Drivers | Two‑way (dynamic + planar) – 10.5mm + 6.1mm |
| ANC | Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency |
| Battery (buds) | Up to 6 hours (ANC on) / 8 hours (ANC off) |
| Charging Case Battery | Additional 20 hours (total up to 26h with ANC off) |
| Water Resistance | IP57 (submersion up to 1m for 30 minutes) |
| Weight (per bud) | 5.6 g |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint, Samsung Seamless Codec |
| Special Features | Galaxy AI integration, 360 Audio, voice pickup unit |
Is it worth buying Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
Price vs. competition
At around £219 / $249 / AU$399 (What Hi‑Fi?), the Buds 3 Pro sit below the Sony WF‑1000XM5 and AirPods Pro 2 by roughly $50 at market prices (Recording Now). That makes them a slightly cheaper entry point into the premium tier, but the savings come with trade‑offs in fit and battery life that you need to weigh.
Key strengths in audio and ANC
The dual‑driver setup (10.5 mm woofer + 6.1 mm planar tweeter, per a long‑term YouTube teardown) delivers crisp highs and decent bass. SoundGuys measured passive isolation at 57% and ANC active reduction at 76% (SoundGuys). Transparency mode is described as “effectively perfect” by one reviewer (YouTube). For Samsung phone owners, Galaxy AI adds real‑time voice detection and adaptive sound profiles—features that won’t work on iPhones (What Hi‑Fi?).
Main drawbacks: comfort and reliability concerns
Multiple reviewers note that the new lollipop‑and‑stem design can create pressure in some ears. SoundGuys found the Buds 3 Pro slightly less comfortable than the Buds 3 FE (source), and a long‑term user reported that ANC is not as strong as on the Buds 2 Pro (YouTube). Battery life at high volume can drop to around 5 hours with ANC on (same source).
You save about $50 compared with Sony and Apple flagships, but you lose some ANC muscle and a few hours of playback. For Samsung power users, the AI extras may tip the scales; for everyone else, the competition offers a more comfortable long‑term experience.
What is the difference between Galaxy Buds 3 and Pro?
The easiest way to see the gap is in the hardware: the Pro model uses dual drivers and active noise cancellation, while the standard Buds 3 skip ANC and rely on a single driver.
| Feature | Galaxy Buds 3 | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Driver configuration | Single dynamic driver | Dual (dynamic woofer + planar tweeter) |
| Active Noise Cancellation | No (passive isolation only) | Adaptive ANC (76% noise reduction) |
| Audio codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, Samsung Seamless Codec UHQ |
| Bluetooth version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Wireless charging case | No | Yes (Qi) |
| Galaxy AI features | Limited | Full (Voice Detect, Adaptive EQ) |
| Typical price | ~£150 | ~£219 |
The implication: if ANC and high‑res audio matter, the Pro justifies the premium. If you mostly take calls in quiet spaces and want a lower price, the standard Buds 3 will serve you well.
What is the lawsuit against Samsung earbuds pro?
A class‑action lawsuit was filed in 2022 alleging that the first‑generation Galaxy Buds Pro caused ear infections. Samsung has denied the claims and updated the design in later models. The case remains active as of 2025, but it does not directly involve the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Reports on the lawsuit’s progress are limited, and no court ruling has been issued yet.
What’s the difference between Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Galaxy Buds 4?
Samsung has not announced a Galaxy Buds 4 as of early 2025. Any comparison is therefore speculative. Based on the typical upgrade cycle, the next generation could bring longer battery life, improved ANC, and new AI features. For now, the Buds 3 Pro remain the current flagship, with Galaxy AI integration and 24‑bit audio already on board. If you need earbuds today, waiting for an unconfirmed product may not be practical.
Is Galaxy Buds 3 Pro better than AirPods Pro?
The answer depends heavily on your phone ecosystem. Here’s a side‑by‑side look at the two leading competitors.
| Criteria | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | AirPods Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Samsung Galaxy owners, Android users who want AI features | iPhone and Apple ecosystem users |
| Audio quality | 24‑bit with dual drivers; Samsung Seamless Codec | Adaptive EQ; AAC only; excellent balance |
| Noise cancellation | 76% reduction (SoundGuys); decent but not class‑leading | Top‑tier; slightly better across frequencies |
| Comfort | Mixed reports (some pressure); multiple ear tip sizes | Generally praised for all‑day wear |
| Battery (buds, ANC on) | 5–6 hours | 6 hours |
| Price (typical) | ~$249 | ~$249 |
| Special features | Galaxy AI, 360 Audio, voice pickup | Spatial Audio, seamless switching, Find My |
The pattern: the Buds 3 Pro offer superior codec flexibility and AI tricks for Android, while the AirPods Pro 2 deliver a more polished, integrated experience for iPhone users. ANC and comfort slightly favour Apple, but the gap is narrow.
Why do the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro hurt my ears?
Several owners report a feeling of pressure or pain after extended wear. The likely cause is the redesigned “lollipop” stem and slightly larger housing compared with the Buds 2 Pro. Samsung includes multiple ear tip sizes, but some users find that none provide a perfect seal without discomfort. A common fix is to switch to third‑party foam tips, which can improve both comfort and passive isolation.
If you have small ear canals, the Buds 3 Pro’s stem may press against the outer ear. Try the included small tips, and consider aftermarket options like Comply foam before giving up on them.
What we know vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Galaxy Buds 3 Pro released July 2024 (What Hi‑Fi?)
- Dual drivers (10.5mm + 6.1mm) with 24‑bit audio (SoundGuys)
- Adaptive ANC reduces noise by 76% (SoundGuys)
- IP57 dust/water resistance
- Bluetooth 5.4, Samsung Seamless Codec (What Hi‑Fi?)
What’s unclear
- Whether the class‑action lawsuit will affect later Galaxy Buds models
- Exact sales figures for the Buds 3 Pro
- Release timeline for Galaxy Buds 4
- Why ANC seems weaker than on Buds 2 Pro (reported by some users)
“The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro deliver 24‑bit studio‑quality sound with Galaxy AI integration, offering an intelligent audio experience that adapts to your environment.”
Samsung official product description (shop.samsung.com)
“With ANC on, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro reduce outside noise by an average of 76%. Passive isolation alone blocks 57% of ambient sound.”
SoundGuys performance testing (SoundGuys)
Timeline: Galaxy Buds Pro family
- 2021 – First‑gen Galaxy Buds Pro launched. Class‑action lawsuit later filed alleging ear infections (What Hi‑Fi?).
- July 2024 – Galaxy Buds 3 Pro launched with redesigned stem, dual drivers, and Galaxy AI.
- 2025 (current) – Buds 3 Pro on market; lawsuit against first‑gen still ongoing.
For Samsung loyalists who want the latest AI‑powered audio, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a solid—if imperfect—choice. The dual‑driver sound and adaptive ANC justify the premium, but comfort and battery life fall short of the best in class. If you’re invested in the Apple or Sony ecosystem, the AirPods Pro 2 or WF‑1000XM5 deliver a more rounded experience. For Android users who value codec flexibility and Galaxy integration, the decision is clear: buy the Buds 3 Pro, invest in foam tips, and turn on ANC sparingly.
For a detailed look at the earbuds’ features and performance, check out our full Samsung Buds 3 Pro review from another UK tech site.
Frequently asked questions
Does Galaxy Buds 3 Pro support wireless charging?
Yes—the charging case is Qi‑compatible. Both the buds and the case support wireless charging.
How do I connect Galaxy Buds 3 Pro to an iPhone?
Pair via standard Bluetooth; the Galaxy Wearable app is not available on iOS, so you lose customisation and firmware updates.
Are Galaxy Buds 3 Pro compatible with Galaxy Watch?
Yes—they pair directly with Galaxy Watch models running Wear OS.
What colors are available for Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
Typically white and silver/black options are offered at launch.
Can I use Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with non‑Samsung Android phones?
Yes—they work as standard Bluetooth earbuds, but Galaxy AI features and the Samsung Seamless Codec require a Galaxy device.
Does Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have a microphone for calls?
Yes—each bud has a built‑in microphone with voice pickup for clear calls.
How do I reset Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
Place both buds in the case, close the lid, wait 5 seconds, then open the lid and press and hold the touch pads for 7 seconds until the indicator flashes green.
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