Comparison

AirPods Pro 3 vs Galaxy Buds4 Pro

Both list at $249. Pick AirPods inside Apple; pick Buds4 Pro if you live on Galaxy AI phones.

By PickedTech Editorial TeamLast updated Prices & specs checked Oct 2026

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How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from manufacturer spec pages, official prices and published lab measurements from the outlets we name and link. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and we don’t invent scores. Our methodology.

Quick answer

Choose AirPods Pro 3 for iPhone seamless pairing, H2 ANC and Apple’s spatial audio stack. Choose Galaxy Buds4 Pro for Galaxy phones: Super Wide Woofer storytelling, enhanced Adaptive EQ/ANC and deeper Galaxy AI controls. Cross-platform users should compare codecs and app support carefully — neither is “best” on the other OS.

Last updated Prices checked Oct 2026

Check Apple AirPods Pro 3 price (opens in a new tab)Check Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro price (opens in a new tab)

Key facts at a glance

Key facts (prices checked Oct 2026)
Apple AirPods Pro 3Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
US list price$249$249 (launch)
Launch window2025 generation (still current)Feb/Mar 2026 with S26
Best phone homeiPhone / Apple WatchGalaxy S26 & Galaxy AI
ANC storyH2 adaptive ANCEnhanced ANC + Adaptive EQ
Audio highlightApple spatial / USB-C caseWider woofer; 24-bit/96 kHz UHQ claim

Samsung launched Galaxy Buds4 Pro alongside the Galaxy S26 series (pre-order late February 2026, general availability March 11, 2026) at $249. AirPods Pro 3 also list at $249.

Apple AirPods Pro 3
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro

Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro: side-by-side

AirPods Pro 3 vs Buds4 Pro (Oct 2026)
AirPods Pro 3Galaxy Buds4 Pro
US list price$249$249 (launch)
Launch window2025 generation (still current)Feb/Mar 2026 with S26
Best phone homeiPhone / Apple WatchGalaxy S26 & Galaxy AI
ANC storyH2 adaptive ANCEnhanced ANC + Adaptive EQ
Audio highlightApple spatial / USB-C caseWider woofer; 24-bit/96 kHz UHQ claim
Android fitBasic BluetoothFirst-class Galaxy features

How much do they cost?

Apple AirPods Pro 3 plans

AirPods Pro 3
ItemDetail
List$249
StreetOften ~$190–$220 on sale

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro plans

Galaxy Buds4 Pro
ItemDetail
Launch list$249
AvailabilityAmazon, Best Buy, Samsung.com, carriers from Mar 11, 2026

What are the pros and cons?

Apple AirPods Pro 3: pros

  • Best iPhone integration
  • Mature Find My + Audio Sharing
  • Frequent sale prices

Apple AirPods Pro 3: cons

  • Weaker feature set on Android
  • Still Apple tip-fit dependent

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro: pros

  • Built for Galaxy AI phones
  • Hi-fi / woofer marketing for Samsung fans
  • Competitive $249 launch

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro: cons

  • Fewer perks on iPhone
  • Newer model — long-term firmware TBD

Which should you choose: Apple AirPods Pro 3 or Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro?

This is an ecosystem choice more than a pure audio bake-off. Stay in Apple if you already own AirPods habits; buy Buds4 Pro with a Galaxy S26. For Android-wide ANC earbuds see best noise cancelling earbuds and AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM5.

Choose Apple AirPods Pro 3 if…

  • You use iPhone daily
  • You want the deepest Apple Watch integration
  • You hunt frequent AirPods sales
Check Apple AirPods Pro 3 price (opens in a new tab)

Choose Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro if…

  • You use a Galaxy S26 / Samsung phone
  • You want Galaxy AI earbud features
  • You prefer Samsung’s fit/tuning
Check Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro price (opens in a new tab)

Frequently asked questions

Do Galaxy Buds4 Pro exist?
Yes. Samsung unveiled Buds4 and Buds4 Pro in February 2026 and began general sales March 11, 2026 alongside Galaxy S26.
Which is cheaper?
Both launch/list at $249. AirPods Pro 3 often discount harder mid-cycle; Buds4 Pro street prices will move with Samsung promos.
Can I use Buds4 Pro with iPhone?
Yes over Bluetooth for music/calls, but you lose most Galaxy AI and seamless Samsung switching features.

Sources

Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.

  1. Samsung US — Galaxy Buds4 series announcement (news.samsung.com)
  2. Samsung Global Newsroom — Buds4 (news.samsung.com)
  3. Apple AirPods Pro (apple.com)
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