Samsung Galaxy Buds SM-R530NZAAXAC

The Galaxy Buds 3 ace build quality and call performance but come with annoyingly short battery life and mediocre music. Top-tier build (99th percentile) can't make up for a battery that ranks among the worst we've tested. Worth a look only if you find them under $100 and care more about calls than tunes.

Samsung gave the Galaxy Buds 3 a much-needed stem redesign that not only looks sleeker but actually stays put during workouts and commutes. The IP57 rating adds real toughness, and call quality is a clear step up from the last generation. But there's a catch: the battery life is painfully short, and some of the flashiest AI features only work with a Galaxy phone.

The Buds 3 absolutely nail build quality and wireless stability, with Bluetooth 5.4 that held on like glue in our testing. ANC is solid, blocking out mid-range hum reasonably well, though it won't rival Sony's top-tier silence. Call quality is a standout, thanks to those stem mics, but music playback is just okay—fine for podcasts or background listening, but the muddy bass and recessed treble leave it trailing behind the Sennheiser and Technics competition. And that 16th-percentile battery life? It's a real buzzkill, struggling to hit 5 hours with ANC on in our real-world drain test.

Pricing for these buds is all over the map, from $80 to over $1,900. That spread alone tells you to shop carefully. At the low end, around $80, they're a decent buy for call-heavy users who don't mind charging often. But if you're seeing anything north of $120, you're better off with a more rounded competitor like the EarFun Air Pro 4+ that delivers far better battery and music performance for similar money.

Stacked against rivals, the Galaxy Buds 3 shine for build and call quality but stumble everywhere else. The Sony WF-1000XM5 and Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 wipe the floor with them on music and battery life, while the Technics EAH-AZ80 offer a richer feature set on any phone. For fitness, the JBL Endurance Peak 4 holds a better charge and more rugged fit. Even the budget EarFun Air Pro 4+ beats the Buds 3 on overall balance unless you absolutely need the Galaxy-specific AI tricks.

Skip the Buds 3 if you need all-day battery or immersive music, because they'll die mid-commute and the sound leaves much to be desired. iPhone users especially should look at the AirPods Pro 2 or Technics EAH-AZ80 for a more complete experience without feature lockouts.

If you live on calls and own a recent Samsung phone, the Buds 3 are a solid, durable pick—provided you snag them at a bargain price. Everyone else will find better sound, longer battery, and fewer software lock-ins elsewhere.