Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: Which is the More Premium Earbuds?
Naila Syifa
Updated January 2025
The 'Pro' branding on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro signifies their premium standing in both brands' wireless earbuds lineup, offering advanced features and high-quality audio performance. However, they are not created equal, with each offering its own unique set of strengths and weaknesses. So, which one could be considered the more premium earbuds?
Key Takeaways
While the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro boasts more advanced features like adaptive noise control and siren detect, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 boasts a longer battery life and is more universally compatible across Android devices. Meanwhile, some features of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are limited to select Samsung Galaxy devices.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Light Ears Ahead
✓ Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Conversation Detection
✓ Real-Time Translation
✓ 8-Hour Listening Time
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Premium & Personalized Audio
✓ Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Adaptive Noise Control
✓ Galaxy AI
✓ 6-Hour Play Time
Design
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 boasts a pebble-like rounded design with a matte finish, while the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro has a stem design with a glossy appearance. Coming in 4 color options — Porcelain, Hazel, Winter Green, and Peony — the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has a more casual and fun vibe while the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro looks more premium and classy.
Both earbuds feature touch controls on the device, but they work differently. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 uses tap gestures, while the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro requires you to pinch or swipe on the stem to control various functions.
Both ways are easy and intuitive, but the pinch/swipe control on the Galaxy seems to be less prone to accidental touches compared to the tap gestures on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, so I think the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro has a slight edge in this regard.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro also boasts a higher IP57 rating compared to IP54 on the Pixel Buds Pro 2. That means the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro can withstand water immersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is only splash-resistant.
However, the charging case of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro doesn't have an IP rating, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 charging case is also splash-resistant with an IPX4 rating.
Features
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Both earbuds share many similar key features, including active noise cancellation (ANC) for blocking out external noises, transparency or ambient sound mode for being aware of your surroundings, and similar EQ customization options with six EQ presets and custom EQ settings.
The Conversation Detection on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can automatically switch between ANC and transparency mode when it detects you're speaking, making it easier to have conversations without removing the earbuds.
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro goes beyond that with Voice Detect and Siren Detect. So, instead of just switching to ambient sound mode when you're speaking, it will also do so when it hears a siren or alarm nearby. That's a step above the Pixel Buds Pro 2's Conversation Detection feature.
On top of that, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offers Adaptive Noise Control. It sits between ANC and ambient sound mode, providing balanced noise cancellation and ambient awareness based on your surroundings. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has no similar third mode. You can only choose between ANC, transparency mode, or turn them off altogether.
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The superiority of the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is also visible when we look at the smart features it has, like voice control. You can talk to Bixby with the "Hi Bixby" hands-free command, but you can also just say the command directly without any wake word needed. Meanwhile, to activate the Google Assistant on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, you need to say "Hey Google" or press and hold the touch controls.
Both earbuds offer real-time translation features, but the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro again shines with its more advanced capabilities. Powered by Galaxy AI, the real-time interpreter feature on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro comes in two modes — Listening Mode for one-way translation and Conversation Mode for two-way translation. It can even translate in real-time during phone calls with the Live Translate feature.
Meanwhile, the real-time translation feature on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 doesn't work on calls. It is most suitable for translating two-way conversations, where your translated sentences are played on your phone while the other person's translated responses are played through the earbuds.
Compatibility
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Both the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds 3 Pro can connect to Android and iOS devices, but their companion apps are exclusive to Android systems, so iOS users will miss out on some advanced features and customization options.
For the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, compatibility is even more limited to certain Samsung Galaxy devices, as some features like Interpreter and Live Translate require select Samsung devices that support Galaxy AI, such as the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, and Galaxy Z Flip6.
Therefore, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the more universally compatible option between the two, offering a full set of features across Android devices regardless of the brand.
Battery Life
Pixel Buds Pro 2
In terms of battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is taking the lead. With ANC off, it can provide up to 12 hours of listening time on a single charge or up to 48 hours with the charging case. With ANC on, it can still deliver up to 8 hours of continuous playback or up to 30 hours with the charging case.
It is still considerably longer than the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, which offers up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge or up to 26 hours with the charging case with ANC turned on or up to 7 hours of listening time on a single charge or up to 30 hours with the charging case with ANC turned off.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Final Thoughts
Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro seems to be the more premium wireless earbuds overall, offering advanced features like adaptive noise control, siren detect, and more capable real-time translation capabilities compared to the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Its design also looks more premium and classy, with sophisticated touch controls and a higher water-resistance rating.
However, when it comes to universal compatibility and battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 comes out on top. Some features on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are limited to just select Samsung Galaxy devices, limiting its overall usability across different Android devices. So, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 may still be the more solid choice for a wider audience.
If you like to read more about wireless earbuds, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Wireless Earbuds
Pixel Buds A-Series vs Pixel Buds 2 Pro
Pixel Buds A-Series vs Galaxy Buds FE
Pixel Buds A-Series vs AirPods 4
Pixel Buds A-Series vs Beats Studio Buds
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 2
Pixel Buds 2 Pro 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.
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