Consumer Reports says Samsung's Galaxy Buds beat Apple's AirPods Pro in sound quality test

Authored by techspot.com and submitted by ATWindsor

A hot potato: Samsung or Apple? It’s a question that consumers have argued over for years—and it’s not just about their phones. The companies make other competing products, including wireless earphones. And according to Consumer Reports, the Korean company’s offering is better.

Apple unveiled its $249 AirPods Pro, which come with noise-canceling technology, back in October. They’ve gained many excellent reviews, with critics praising the audio quality and the transparency mode, which allows users to listen to music while being able to simultaneously hear the outside environment.

Consumer Reports also had plenty of good things to say about Apple’s earphones, calling the sound “really good,” and a significant improvement over the first- and second-generation AirPods. It also mentioned the “superb audio blocking performance.”

While the battery lasts about the same as the previous generation AirPods, it’s noted that users are getting more features without sacrificing battery life.

The AirPods Pro got a score of 75, which is above the much cheaper ($130) Amazon Echo Buds. But when it comes to sound quality, Consumer Reports believes Samsung’s Galaxy Buds are better.

"The Echo Buds, Amazon's new noise-canceling true wireless headphones, didn't score quite as well in our tests, but they're solid performers and far cheaper at $130," writes CR. "And while the AirPods Pro sound far better than Apple's earlier models, they still don't meet the audio quality of our top pick for true wireless sound, the Samsung Galaxy Buds, which also sell for around $130."

There are still plenty of things to like about the AirPods Pro, especially for those tied into Apple’s ecosystem of products, but audiophiles looking for the best truly wireless earbuds might want to opt for Samsung’s Galaxy Buds instead.

sreyaNotfilc on November 22nd, 2019 at 13:30 UTC »

Small review of the Galaxy Buds (if you're interested)...

I was researching this a couple of days actually. I was on the fence between getting some ear pods to replace my Powerbeats 3. I ultimately had to pick between the Galaxy Buds, Airpods Pro, or the Powerbeats Pro. I even looked at the Echo Buds. All are great buds, but I didn't want to pay more than $200.

I ultimately settled on the Galaxy Buds because of the price, and I've been tracking on them since earlier this year.

I will say this, the sound is very good. I'm not sure how much different it is than the other buds, but for the money you will not be dissapointed.

One quirk though, these buds don't have noise-cancelling technology. That said, it doesn't need them. I can barely hear the "outside world" when I have these on. Even when the volumn turned down/off I have to take my earbuds out if I really want to hear a conversation.

Also, my ears sometimes get tired of the buds if I have it in my ear more than a hour or so. Especially when I'm just sitting around. But, I think my ears have issues with buds with without the external support hook. That said, I simply take them out for a few minutes to rest my ears and I'm fine.

For $110, this is a great purchase.

illusum on November 22nd, 2019 at 13:17 UTC »

Galaxy Buds

Bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good impact and goes deep, but is a touch prominent. The midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is even, but is slightly grainy, a touch hazy, and is slightly etched (a bit more sharply outlined then it should be). The treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is fairly extended but is a slightly prominent and sizzly (sounds that should have a delicate shimmer have a sound reminiscent of bacon frying).

Air Pod Pro

The overall sound can be summarized as slightly bassy and a bit soft overall. Bass (as in bass drums, bass guitars, stand-up bass, etc.) has good impact and goes deep, but is slightly prominent and boomy. The midrange (voices, guitars, horns, etc.) is fairly even, but is somewhat hazy and grainy, and a slightly soft. The treble (cymbals, the upper range of violins, etc.) is fairly extended, but is a bit soft.

Yeah, the data clearly points to a winner.

Axxxem on November 22nd, 2019 at 12:52 UTC »

To be fair: if sound quality is that important to you then you don’t buy either, you just buy galaxy buds for a convenient Samsung experience and AirPods for a convenient iPhone experience

Edit: you guys spoil me with these rewards <3