Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro

The Galaxy Buds Pro deliver best-in-class ANC and well above average sound in a package you can often snag renewed for around $90. The IPX7 water resistance is a standout feature most competitors lack. But the fit is a serious gamble with comfort ranking in the bottom third of our database, and multiple owners report the buds falling out during any kind of movement. Battery life is also underwhelming at around 18 hours total. If you're a stationary Samsung user who values ANC and sound above all else, these are a bargain. If you move around, look elsewhere.

Let's talk about what these buds do well, because the audio performance is genuinely impressive. That dual-driver setup isn't just marketing fluff. The 11mm woofer handles bass with authority while the 6.5mm tweeter keeps highs crisp without getting sibilant. In our sound quality rankings, they land in the 82nd percentile, which puts them well above average and nipping at the heels of much newer releases. The soundstage feels wider than you'd expect from sealed in-ears, and the default tuning is pleasantly balanced. Samsung's Scalable Codec helps on Galaxy devices, but even over standard AAC on an iPhone, these sound better than most buds in the sub-$100 range they often sell for renewed.

The ANC is where things get really interesting. At the 91st percentile, the noise cancellation is a standout performer, easily one of the best on the market from this generation. It handles low-end rumble like airplane engines and air conditioners with ease, and the intelligent mode that switches between ANC and ambient sound based on voice detection works surprisingly well. The transparency mode has four adjustable levels, which is more granular than most competitors offer. Call quality sits at a solid 72nd percentile, with the triple-mic system doing decent background noise reduction. It's not class-leading, and some users report a muffled quality on the other end, but for most calls in reasonable environments, you'll come through clearly.

Stacked against the Sony WF-1000XM6, the Galaxy Buds Pro hold their own surprisingly well on ANC and sound quality, but Sony runs away with it on battery life, comfort, and overall polish. The XM6 buds are more expensive even renewed, but they don't have the same fit lottery problem. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra are another step up in ANC performance and comfort, but again, you're paying a premium. If sound quality and noise cancellation are your top priorities and you're on a tight budget, the Buds Pro make a strong argument. But if you plan to wear these for hours at a time or during workouts, the Sony or Bose options are safer bets.

Then there's the Apple AirPods Pro 3 for iPhone users. The integration with iOS is seamless in a way Samsung's buds can't match on Apple devices, and the fit is far more universally accepted. The Soundcore P31i sits at the budget end and actually beats the Buds Pro on battery life and comfort for some users, though it can't touch the ANC or sound quality. The Technics EAH-AZ100 is the dark horse here, with excellent sound and a more secure fit for many, but availability is spotty. The Buds Pro carve out a niche as the value play for Samsung users who want premium ANC and sound without paying premium prices, as long as the fit works for their ears.

Pricing on these renewed units is all over the map, with a spread from $90 to a frankly absurd $1,586 across vendors. Ignore the high end of that range, that's just someone hoping you won't price check. The real sweet spot is around that $90 mark, where you're getting ANC that competes with buds in the $200+ range, genuinely good sound, and IPX7 water resistance. At that price, the value proposition is strong enough that you might be willing to roll the dice on the fit issues. Compared to buying new Galaxy Buds2 Pro or jumping to the Sony WF-1000XM6 at three to four times the cost, these renewed Pros make a compelling case for themselves if you can find them from a reputable seller at the low end of that price spread.

Just keep in mind that the battery life is a weak spot. At 18 hours total with the case, you're looking at roughly 5 hours on the buds themselves with ANC on, and real-world reports suggest it can dip closer to 2-3 hours as the batteries age on renewed units. That's something to factor into the value equation. If you're a heavy user who needs all-day battery, the low upfront cost might not feel like such a deal when you're reaching for the charger by lunchtime.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro landed a few years back as Samsung's shot at the premium true wireless crown, and they're still kicking around, often at prices that make you do a double take. We're talking about earbuds that pack an 11mm woofer and a 6.5mm tweeter into each side, plus intelligent ANC that ranks in the 91st percentile in our database. That's best-in-class territory for noise cancellation, hanging with buds that cost twice as much when these first launched. The IPX7 water resistance means you can literally drop them in three feet of water and they'll survive, which is more than most flagships can claim even today.

But here's the thing about these Buds Pro: they're a tale of two experiences. On paper, the dual-driver setup, voice-detect ANC, and seamless Samsung ecosystem integration paint a picture of a no-brainer purchase. In reality, the fit is wildly divisive. Our user sentiment data shows a recurring theme of people who love the sound but can't keep the buds in their ears during a light jog. The build quality sits at a mediocre 35th percentile, and comfort isn't much better at the 30th. So you're getting top-tier audio tech in a package that some ears just reject outright.

Who are these for? If you're deep in the Samsung ecosystem with a Galaxy phone and you mostly use earbuds at a desk or on a walk where you're not bouncing around, there's a lot to like here. The call quality is solid, the ANC punches way above its weight class, and the sound signature is genuinely enjoyable. But if you're a runner, a gym rat, or someone with ears that have historically fought with stemless designs, you might want to keep scrolling. These are renewed units we're looking at too, which means you can snag them for a steal, but the fit gamble remains the same.

Runners, gym-goers, and anyone who plans to move around while wearing these should look elsewhere. The fit issues aren't a minor quirk. They're the defining negative theme across user feedback, and when earbuds can't stay in your ears, nothing else about them matters. Look at the Soundcore P31i for a budget option with a more secure fit, or step up to the Sony WF-1000XM6 if you want premium sound and ANC with a design that stays put. Side sleepers should also skip these entirely. The bulbous shape makes them uncomfortable for anyone who rests their head on a pillow. If you need buds for sleep, consider something with a lower profile design. And if battery life is a top priority, the 18-hour total with the case is going to feel limiting. Heavy users who don't want to charge daily should look at the Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Sony's offerings, both of which deliver significantly longer battery life.

If you're a Samsung phone owner who mostly uses earbuds at a desk, on public transit, or for casual walks, and you find these at that $90 sweet spot, they're a steal. The ANC alone is worth the price of admission, and the sound quality will make you smile. The IPX7 rating means you don't have to panic if you get caught in the rain, which is more peace of mind than most buds offer. Just make sure you buy from a seller with a good return policy because you need to test the fit before committing.

For anyone who plans to work out in these, run, or even just walk briskly, we can't recommend them. The fit issues aren't just a few isolated complaints. They're the dominant theme in user feedback, and when earbuds can't stay in your ears, none of the other features matter. Runners should look at something with wing tips or a more secure design. Side sleepers should look elsewhere entirely. And if battery life is a dealbreaker, the 18-hour total with the case is going to frustrate you. These are fantastic buds for the right person in the right situation, but that person is more specific than Samsung probably intended.