Galaxy Buds 3 Pro Review: Six Months Later – Are They Worth It?

It’s been six months since I picked up the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, and while they may look like a cross between AirPods Pro and a Cybertruck, they’ve proven to be much more than just a bold design statement. So, how have they held up after half a year, and do they live up to the hype?

Impressive Sound Quality with Customizable EQ

One of the biggest highlights of the Buds 3 Pro is their sound quality. They hold their own against competitors like Apple and Google, and unlike the AirPods, you can actually tweak the EQ settings to match your personal taste. Thanks to Samsung’s SSC codec (similar to Sony’s LDAC), you can unlock even better sound performance.

When using Dolby Atmos (or Spatial Audio if you’re in the Apple Music app), the audio can sound slightly compressed compared to Apple’s own hardware. Interestingly, non-Atmos tracks played through Apple Music on Android sound great, which makes you wonder if the Atmos issue is more about the app than the buds.

If you’re chasing that spacious audio feel, skip Spatial Audio in Apple Music and turn on 360 Audio in the Buds 3 Pro settings—it makes a noticeable difference.

Noise Cancellation: Good, But Not Perfect

The active noise cancellation (ANC) is solid and on par with the AirPods Pro. However, it struggles with high-pitched sounds like nail clipping or clinking silverware, which get through more than they should. Compared to the Sony WF-1000XM5, which use foam tips for better passive noise blocking, the Buds 3 Pro are slightly behind in noisy environments.

That said, the ANC is a clear improvement over the Buds 2 Pro.

Cool Features: Voice Controls, Auracast, and Transparency Mode

The voice controls on these buds are surprisingly reliable. Simple commands like “stop music” or “play music” work well, making them great for hands-free use.

Another standout feature is Auracast, which lets you connect multiple pairs of buds to a compatible TV or phone—something rare in today’s earbuds.

The transparency mode is among the best I’ve used, rivaling Apple’s implementation. With transparency on, you’ll almost forget you’re wearing earbuds unless you’re speaking, where you’ll still feel the presence of the buds.

Advanced Audio and Mic Performance

Samsung added ultra-high quality audio and super wideband speech (16 kHz) for phone calls. In mic tests, the Buds 3 Pro performed impressively against rivals like the Sony WF-1000XM5, AirPods Pro 2, and Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Easy Setup, Clever Design, and Fun Lights

Pairing the Buds 3 Pro is effortless, and software updates install quickly. A small but thoughtful touch is the blue and orange blade markings, making it easy to tell left from right. The charging case lights are also fun, signaling battery and pairing status with a playful light show.

Features You May Not Use

While the buds come packed with features like voice and siren detection and 360 sound recording, I found little use for them. The blade lights are more of a gimmick and can flicker due to low hertz LEDs, but they do help set these buds apart.

Battery Life and Design Quirks

Here’s where the Buds 3 Pro fall short:

• Battery life with ANC: 6 hours per charge, 26 hours with the case.

  • That’s lower than the Pixel Buds Pro 2 (8 hours) and slightly behind the AirPods Pro 2 (30 hours total).

• Case design: The buds face the “wrong” direction in the case, meaning you have to rotate them every time you insert or remove them.

• Tip durability: Early tip designs were prone to tearing, but Samsung quickly replaced defective units.

• No replaceable batteries: Like most earbuds, they have a fixed battery lifespan, but Samsung’s trade-in and recycling programs are a plus.

Software Limitations and Ecosystem Lock-in

Samsung defaults to Bixby for voice commands, and while you can remap some controls, you can’t easily wake Google Assistant with just a voice command. Also, many premium features like Samsung Seamless Codec, gaming mode, and real-time translation are locked to Samsung phones, so non-Samsung users won’t get the full experience.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?

The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are an excellent choice, especially if you’re in the Samsung ecosystem. They sound great, offer useful features like Auracast and voice control, and have one of the best transparency modes on the market.

But if you’re using an Apple or non-Samsung Android phone, you might miss out on some key features that make these buds shine.