The market for high-end truly wireless earbuds is very competitive. Apple’s AirPods Pro (now in their second generation) and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are two of the best. Both offer a great mix of excellent sound quality, effective active noise cancellation (ANC), ergonomic design, and seamless integration with their respective ecosystems. However, if you look closely, you’ll notice significant variations that could have a substantial impact on your decision to make a purchase.
This detailed post will compare these two flagship earbuds in critical areas to help you decide which pair is best for you, especially since Renala Khurd, Punjab, Pakistan, may not have the same availability or regional differences.
1. Comfort and design:
Apple retained the same design for the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), which features their iconic stem, but made a few minor adjustments. There are now four sizes of eartips (XS, S, M, and L) to ensure a better fit. The fact that they are lightweight (5.3 grams per earbud) makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods, so you might forget you have them on. The stem has touch controls for playing media and choosing between ANC and Transparency modes. These controls are easy to use and responsive.
Samsung has chosen a design for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro that lacks a stem and is less noticeable. At 5.5 grams each, they are even lighter than the AirPods Pro. Three sizes of silicone eartips are available, and the smooth, rounded edges fit securely in the ear. The outer surface that responds to touch provides similar controls, but some people might find them more likely to be accidentally touched than the AirPods Pro’s stem controls.
Both earbuds put comfort first and fit well. The choice usually comes down to personal preference: the AirPods Pro’s distinctive stem or the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s more understated design. Others who prefer stemless designs may opt for the Buds 2 Pro, while those who appreciate the more tactile controls of the AirPods Pro might choose them instead. It is essential for both comfort and sound quality that multiple eartip sizes are available to ensure a good seal.
2. Quality of sound:
The new H2 chip in the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) significantly improves the sound quality over the previous generation. The sound characteristic is mostly balanced, and you can hear a lot of detail and clarity across the frequency range. The bass is powerful and well-defined, yet not overpowering. The mids are clear, and the highs are sharp. When you use Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, it makes listening more immersive, especially with appropriate content.
Samsung says that the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have 24-bit Hi-Fi audio capability (with compatible Samsung smartphones) and two drivers in each earbud (a 10mm woofer and a 5.3mm tweeter). People generally say that the sound characteristic is slightly warmer and has more bass than the AirPods Pro, but it still maintains good clarity and detail. There is also spatial audio with head tracking, which provides a similar immersive experience within the Samsung environment.
Both earbuds sound great, although they have slightly different sound profiles. Audiophiles who own Samsung devices compatible with the Buds 2 Pro may appreciate the option to access higher-resolution audio. However, many people will understand the AirPods Pro’s balanced and detailed sound, along with its enhanced Spatial Audio capabilities. Ultimately, your preference for a warmer or more neutral sound will be pretty significant. Consider whether high-quality streaming services and compatible devices are available in your area.
3. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode:
Apple claims that the H2 chip significantly improves the ANC in the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen), and real-world tests support this assertion. They are great at blocking out a lot of low-frequency sounds, such as engine noise and background chatter. Another great feature is Adaptive Transparency mode, which intelligently reduces loud noises in the area while still allowing you to hear what’s happening around you.
Samsung’s ANC on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is also quite effective at reducing various types of noise. They usually do well in the middle frequency band. You can adjust the level of ambient sound in the Ambient Sound mode by selecting different amplification levels.
Both earbuds have excellent ANC that will keep you from being distracted. The Adaptive Transparency mode on the AirPods Pro is a unique and helpful feature that allows you to stay aware of your surroundings without needing to remove the earbuds. The Buds 2 Pro’s adjustable Ambient Sound option, on the other hand, provides more control over your surroundings. Consider how you will utilize them most effectively. If you travel a lot, the AirPods Pro’s ANC might be better, but if you work in an office or city, customisable ambient sound might be better.
4. How Long the Battery Lasts:
AirPods Pro (2nd Gen): Apple has improved the battery life. With ANC on, you can listen for up to 6 hours, and with the charging case, you can listen for up to 30 hours.
With ANC on, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can play music for up to 5 hours, and with the charging case, they can play music for up to 18 hours. Both batteries last longer when ANC is turned off.
Conclusion: The AirPods Pro usually have a little longer battery life on a single charge, and while they are in their charging case. If you want to listen for a long time, Apple’s product is a little better. Both instances can be charged wirelessly, making them even more helpful.
5. Features and how they work with other things in the ecosystem:
One of the best features of the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) is their seamless integration with other Apple products. Instant pairing, quick device switching, and “Find My” integration are all handy features for Apple consumers. Personalized Spatial Audio, which scans your ears to create a custom soundscape, makes the experience even better. The Find My app can find things accurately thanks to the U1 chip in the charging case.
Apple always makes great calls with its beamforming microphones and wind noise reduction technologies. Even in loud places, voices sound clear and natural.
A significant advantage of the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is their seamless integration with Samsung devices. In the Galaxy ecosystem, features such as seamless pairing, automatic switching between Samsung devices, and 360 Audio with head tracking all function flawlessly. The Buds Controller widget from Samsung makes it easy to go to settings.
Verdict: If you use a lot of Apple or Samsung products, the earphones from those companies offer a much smoother and feature-rich experience. You can use both with devices from other brands via Bluetooth, but you will lose some of the features that are exclusive to the ecosystem. Consider your primary devices and how crucial it is for them to work together seamlessly.
6. Quality of Calls:
Samsung has also improved call quality on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro by utilizing three microphones and a Voice Pickup Unit to capture your voice. Some people say that the AirPods Pro might be a little better in very windy or noisy conditions, but overall, they are a good option.
Both earbuds are suitable for making calls daily. But if you make a lot of calls in tough places, the AirPods Pro might be a more trustworthy choice.
7. Cost and availability:
The price is quite significant; therefore, it’s good to compare the prices and availability of the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Prices are subject to change and may vary between different stores. Both are generally in the high-end earbud market. For the most up-to-date information on prices and availability, it’s best to check with local electronics stores and online marketplaces.
In conclusion:
Ultimately, your own needs, preferences, and ecosystem preference will determine whether you should get the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) or the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro.
If you want, pick the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen):
You are deeply connected to the Apple ecosystem and appreciate features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive Transparency, which make it easy to connect.
You place a greater emphasis on battery life and possibly improved call quality in noisy environments.
You like the design with stems and tactile controls that you’re already familiar with.
If you want to get the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro,
You are deeply committed to the Samsung ecosystem and want to utilize features like 24-bit Hi-Fi audio and seamless switching across devices within the Galaxy family.
You like a design that is more unobtrusive and doesn’t have a stem, and you find it more comfortable.
You want a sound signature that is a little warmer, and you’d like the ability to change the ambient sound modes.