Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 3: Which is Better?
Naila Syifa
Updated January 2025
The Pixel Buds Pro 2, retailing at US$229, is the flagship wireless earbuds from Google. The Galaxy Buds 3 is more affordable, retailing at US$179. With a $50 price difference, how does the performance and feature set compare between the two? Let's find out in this comparison of 4 important aspects!
Key Takeaways
Pixel Buds Pro 2 has an adjustable design catering to both active and sedentary lifestyles, while Galaxy Buds 3 is more prone to falling out during intense activities. In terms of features, Pixel wins in audio features while Galaxy wins in smart features like voice control and on-call translations. However, some features on the Galaxy Buds 3 are limited to certain Samsung devices, making the Pixel Buds Pro 2 a more versatile choice for all Android users.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Light Ears Ahead
✓ Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Conversation Detection
✓ Real-Time Translation
✓ 8-Hour Listening Time
Galaxy Buds 3
Enhanced Everyday Audio
✓ Active Noise Cancellation
✓ No-Wake Word Voice Control
✓ Galaxy AI
✓ 5-Hour Play Time
Design
Galaxy Buds 3
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has an in-ear design while the Galaxy Buds 3 has an open-ear design, so they're fundamentally different in the way they fit and seal in the user's ears. Generally, an in-ear design gives a more secure fit and better noise isolation, while an open-ear design is considered more comfortable for extended wear and better for ambient awareness.
This is not to say that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is not comfortable. In fact, it features an adjustable stabilizer, which can be twisted to lock the earbud more securely during active use and untwisted for a more comfortable fit during regular use. This makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 more versatile for different use cases, it is secure enough for workouts but also comfortable enough for all-day wear.
The Galaxy Buds 3 mainly relies on its stem design to stay in the user's ears and it doesn't even include ear tips. It risks falling out of the user's ears more easily, but the stem does offer a unique touch control where you can swipe or pinch to control various functions. Compared to the Pixel Buds Pro 2's tap controls, I think swipe/pinch controls are less prone to accidental touches.
In terms of appearance, the Galaxy Buds 3 also feels more luxurious with its glossy finish in silver or white color options. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has a matte finish and comes in 4 colorful options (porcelain, hazel, winter green, and peony), which gives a more casual and playful vibe than a classy look.
Another design aspect we need to consider is the dust and water resistance rating. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has IP54 while Galaxy Buds 3 has IP57 rating, which means both are equally dust-resistant but the Galaxy Buds 3 has better water resistance. It can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can only withstand water splashes.
However, the charging case of the Galaxy Buds 3 is not rated for dust or water resistance, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 charging case is also splash-resistant with an IPX4 rating.
Features
Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds 3 equally offer an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) feature, which you can enable to block out external noises when you want to focus on your music in noisy environments, such as cafes or public transports.
However, only the Pixel Buds Pro 2 comes with Transparency Mode and Conversation Detection. Transparency Mode lets in some external noises for ambient awareness, such as traffic sounds or announcements while commuting. Conversation Detection is a feature that automatically switches to Transparency Mode when you start speaking to someone, making it easier to have conversations without removing your earbuds.
Without these two features, the Galaxy Buds 3 requires you to manually toggle the ANC on and off every time you need to interact with your surroundings. It is less convenient in real-world usage.
However, when it comes to smart features, the Galaxy Buds 3 takes the lead. The Pixel Buds Pro 2, with its Google Assistant integration, requires the "Hey Google" wake word to enable voice commands.
Meanwhile, the Voice Control feature on the Galaxy Buds 3 means you can control the earbuds with voice commands without any wake word, simply by saying "next song" or "volume up". You can also access Bixby for more advanced voice commands, though this requires the "Hi Bixby" wake word.
The real-time translation feature on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is also limited to real-world conversation. When you speak, the translation will be played through your phone's speaker and when the other person speaks, the translation will be played through your earbuds.
The Galaxy AI-powered Live Translate feature on the Galaxy Buds 3 goes beyond real-world conversation to support real-time translation during phone calls and video chats, including when using apps like WhatsApp, Google Meet, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and more.
Compatibility
Galaxy Buds 3
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds 3 are equally compatible with Android and iOS devices. It's just that their companion apps are only available on Android, so iOS users have more limited access to advanced features and customization.
On top of that, for the Galaxy Buds 3, some features that require Galaxy AI, such as Live Translate and Adaptive Equalizer, are only supported on Samsung devices that support Galaxy AI, such as the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, and Galaxy Z Flip6. That means, compatibility is more limited for non-Samsung Android users.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers better feature parity across all Android devices, so it is the more universally compatible earbuds between the two.
Battery Life
Pixel Buds Pro 2
With Active Noise Cancellation enabled, the Galaxy Buds 3 can last for up to 5 hours just for the earbuds or up to 24 hours with the charging case. When the ANC is turned off, it lasts slightly longer at 6 hours for the earbuds and 30 hours with the case.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers much more impressive battery life with up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC on and 12 hours with ANC off, extending to 30 hours and 48 hours respectively when using the charging case.
Therefore, in terms of battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has the clear advantage.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 3
Final Thoughts
Galaxy Buds 3
After comparing these two earbuds across various aspects, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 emerges as the more versatile option with better battery life and broader Android compatibility. It also boasts more advanced audio features like transparency mode and conversation detection, which are very useful in everyday situations where you need to switch between immersive listening and ambient awareness.
However, Samsung users might still prefer the Galaxy Buds 3 for its tight integration with Samsung's ecosystem and exclusive Galaxy AI features. Its open-ear design may also appeal more to users who prioritize comfort and ambient awareness over noise isolation and secure fit.
If you like to read more about wireless earbuds, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Wireless Earbuds
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 2
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
Don't miss out on tech
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest tech trends and guides on the best gadgets around.
