1. Design & Comfort

Today's wireless earbuds are not just about function—they're fashion statements and long-wear tech. AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) maintain their iconic stem design with subtle refinements for a more secure and comfortable fit. The new silicone tips accommodate different ear shapes, reducing fatigue over long listening sessions.

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, on the other hand, have evolved with a sleeker, stemmed silhouette—departing from previous generations. Samsung continues to prioritize a lightweight, ergonomic structure, and offers multiple custom-fit tips. The exterior matte finish resists fingerprints and offers a minimalist look.

Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro focuses on hybrid comfort, featuring a slightly larger housing due to its advanced drivers but compensates with a soft, ergonomic fit and supportive ear hooks. For fitness enthusiasts, Soundcore includes multiple wings and ear tips to personalize the fit, ensuring stability during movement.

• Best for all-day wear: AirPods Pro (3rd Gen)
• Best for active lifestyles: Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
• Best for understated design: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

2. Sound Quality & Performance

For audiophiles, the evolution of sound is at the core of the 2025 models. AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) introduce custom dynamic drivers and advanced spatial audio that adapts in real time, producing an immersive soundstage especially when paired with an Apple device. The adaptive EQ tunes the music to the shape of your ear, and voice isolation is improved.

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro leverage Samsung’s collaboration with AKG, delivering punchy bass and well-balanced mids and highs. Their new 360 Audio with head-tracking creates a surround sound experience, ideal for movies and gaming. The improved codecs mean less latency and richer audio.

Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are famed for their customizable EQ presets via the Soundcore app, support for LDAC high-res audio, and dual dynamic drivers. If you crave deep bass and adjustable treble, Soundcore gives you studio-style control in your pocket.

• Best for immersive spatial audio: AirPods Pro (3rd Gen)
• Best for detailed, customizable sound: Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
• Best for balanced audio out-of-the-box: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

3. Active Noise Cancelling & Transparency Modes

All three models offer advanced ANC (Active Noise Cancelling), but there are subtle differences. AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) use next-gen adaptive ANC, automatically adjusting noise suppression based on your environment—whether you’re on a plane or in a bustling café. Their transparency mode is seamless, letting in outside voices without sacrificing audio clarity.

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro allow you to fine-tune noise cancellation and ambient modes from the app. With Voice Detect, the buds pause ANC and amplify voices when you speak. The upgrades in 2025 are notable, offering near-flagship performance.

Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro feature an impressive Multi-Mode ANC, with user-selectable presets suited for different situations (commute, indoor, outdoor). Their ambient mode is crystal clear, especially useful for runners or cyclists who need environmental awareness.

• Best for smart, adaptive ANC: AirPods Pro (3rd Gen)
• Best for user control over ANC: Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
• Best for voice-detect ambient mode: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

4. Battery Life

Battery performance can make or break your earbud experience. AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) step up with up to 8 hours on a single charge (ANC off), and 36 hours including the MagSafe charging case. Quick charge gives you 2 hours of playback from a 5-minute top-up.

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer around 7 hours per charge (ANC off), with a total of 30 hours using their sleek case. Fast charging gives an extra hour in just 5 minutes.

Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro claim a staggering 10 hours of playtime (ANC off), and up to 45 hours with the charging case. Even with ANC enabled, they outperform many rivals, and feature USB-C plus wireless charging.

• Best battery life: Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
• Best quick charging: AirPods Pro (3rd Gen)
• Reliable all-rounder: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

5. Connectivity & Smart Features

In 2025, seamless connectivity and smart integrations are core selling points. AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) are optimized for Apple’s ecosystem, with instant pairing, iCloud device flipping, “Find My” support, and hands-free Siri access. New UWB (Ultra-Wideband) chip tech makes finding lost buds easier than ever.

Galaxy Buds 3 Pro work flawlessly with Samsung devices, offering auto-switching between Galaxy phones, tablets, and watches. Bixby voice commands and SmartThings Find integration improve usability for Samsung fans.

Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro stand out with multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, letting you stay connected to two devices at once (great for work and play). Soundcore's advanced app gives access to hearing tests, sleep sounds, and touch customization, plus support for both Android and iOS.

• Best for Apple users: AirPods Pro (3rd Gen)
• Best for Samsung/Galaxy users: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
• Best for cross-platform versatility: Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro

6. Price & Value

Pricing in 2025 remains competitive but reflects brand value and feature set. AirPods Pro (3rd Gen) typically launch around $249 USD, positioning them at the higher end, but frequent deals can be found. Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are slightly less expensive, with a launch price around $209 USD and regular discounts. Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro offer the greatest value at $159 USD, often bundled with accessories or promotional offers.

• Best premium experience: AirPods Pro (3rd Gen)
• Best value for features: Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
• Affordable flagship option: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro