Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Noise-Canceling Wireless Review
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 offer top-notch build and comfort for Galaxy users, but their average battery life keeps them from being true all-day champions.
The 30-Second Version
Great Samsung earbuds held back by mediocre battery. Build quality and comfort scores are top-tier (98th and 86th percentile). Worth it for Galaxy users, but others can find better all-rounders.
Overview
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 are the latest in Samsung's wireless earbud lineup, packing 11mm drivers, active noise cancellation, and a solid IP57 rating for dust and water. They're built to integrate seamlessly with the Samsung ecosystem, thanks to features like Adaptive EQ with Galaxy AI and Samsung Seamless codec support.
Our data shows these buds are built like tanks, scoring in the 98th percentile for durability. They're also strong on connectivity and comfort. But the battery life is a clear weak spot, landing in a much lower percentile and putting a cap on their all-day potential.
Performance
Sound quality is solid, landing in the 85th percentile, and the ANC is effective at blocking out a good chunk of background noise. The six microphones per earbud do a decent job for calls, though the mic score is a bit behind the pack. The real letdown is battery life. Five hours with ANC on is just okay in 2024, and it's the main reason the overall 'music' score drags behind other categories. For short commutes or workouts, it's fine. For a long flight? You'll be reaching for the case.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incredible build quality and IP57 rating. 99th
- Very comfortable fit for most ears. 92th
- Strong, reliable Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. 89th
- Effective noise cancellation for the price. 89th
Cons
- Battery life is merely average.
- Microphone quality is just okay.
- Sound profile might be too bass-heavy for some.
- Best features are locked into the Samsung ecosystem.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Wearing Style | Dual Ear True Wireless Earbud |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.0 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 11 |
| Drivers | 1 |
| Codecs | AAC, Samsung Seamless, SBC |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, PBP, TMAP |
| Multipoint | Yes |
Earbud Battery
| Battery Life | 5 |
| Charge Time | 2 |
| Charging | USB-C |
Case Battery
| Case Battery | 20 |
| Case Charging | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | No |
| Capacity | 48 |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 3 |
| NC Mic | No |
Features
| Touch Controls | No |
| App | iOS, Android |
| Volume Limiting | No |
| Water Resistance | IP57 |
Value & Pricing
At $178, the Buds3 sit in a crowded mid-tier. You're paying for that Samsung integration and robust build. If you're deep in the Samsung world with a Galaxy phone or tablet, that value goes up. If you're not, you're missing out on key features like the seamless codec, and you might find better pure audio or battery performance elsewhere for similar money.
vs Competition
Stacked up, the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Ultras have better ANC and sound, but they cost more. The Apple AirPods Pro are the obvious pick for iPhone users. The real question is for Android users: do you want the tight Samsung integration, or are you willing to sacrifice that for the Technics EAH-AZ80's stellar sound or the Jabra Evolve2 Buds' superior mic for calls? The Buds3 are a great 'team player' for Samsung devices, but they're not the standalone champions in any one area.
| Spec | Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Noise-Canceling Wireless | Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancellation Apple - AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation - | Sony Sony - WF-1000XM6 Best Truly Wireless Noise | Technics Technics EAH-AZ80 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-C MS Earbuds with USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | True Wireless | True Wireless | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | 5 | 5 | 12 | 7 | 6 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | 20 | 25 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | IP57 | Water-Resistant | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
Common Questions
Q: How is the call quality?
With six mics per bud, call clarity is decent but not class-leading. Our mic score puts it in the 73rd percentile, so it's fine for everyday use but might struggle in very noisy environments.
Q: Do they work well with iPhones?
They'll connect via basic Bluetooth (SBC/AAC), but you lose key features like Samsung Seamless codec and Adaptive EQ with Galaxy AI. For iPhone users, AirPods Pro are a much more integrated experience.
Q: Is the 5-hour battery real?
With ANC on, yes, that's about right based on our testing. It's the product's main weakness, scoring in the 41st percentile. The case gives you about 24 hours total, so you'll be charging it often.
Who Should Skip This
Skip the Buds3 if you need all-day battery life without a case recharge. Also, if you're an audiophile seeking neutral, detailed sound, the bass-heavy tuning here might disappoint. And if you don't own a Samsung phone, you're paying for features you can't fully use.
Verdict
Buy the Galaxy Buds3 if you're a Samsung phone user who prioritizes ecosystem synergy, build quality, and comfort above all-day battery life. They fit great, block noise well, and will feel like a natural extension of your Galaxy device. Just keep a charger handy.