Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
The new Galaxy Buds family looks pretty familiar
For
Convenient (though familiar) designAdaptive EQ/ANCIndicator lights
Against
Plastic case lid looks flimsy5-hour battery lifeA bit heavier
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Bose takes immersive audio to the next level
For
Best-in-class ANC performanceImmersive audio is a game-changerComfortable and secure fitGreat customization via companion app
Against
Case doesn’t support wireless chargingNo multi-point BluetoothMixed call quality
This Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs. Bose QC Ultra Earbuds face-off compares Samsung’s new AI-powered buds with Bose’s elite true wireless noise-cancellers. These are two of the most coveted models in the category, and Samsung’s push for intelligible active noise cancellation makes their latest creation an ideal competitor for the market’s best noise-cancelling earbuds.
These entries have as many similarities as differences. They each have adaptive technologies that optimize sound based on your environment, as well as upscaled features like spatial audio and the same long-stem design as the AirPods Pro 2. Where they vary are durability, usability, and wireless capabilities. Read on to find out which buds best suit your needs.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs. Bose QC Ultra Earbuds: Specs compared
Header Cell – Column 0 | Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
---|---|---|
Price | €249 / €191 / €399 | €299 / €236 / €449 |
Wireless charging case | Yes | Optional (€49) |
Chip | Unknown | Unknown |
Battery life (rated) | 6 hours (ANC on), 7 hours (ANC off), 26 hours (with case and ANC on), 30 hours with ANC off | 24 hours (18 hours w/ Immersive Audio) |
Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, HiFi and SSC (Samsung Scalable Codec) | Bluetooth 5.3 with SBC, AAC, LE, and aptX Adaptive support |
Durability | IPX57 (buds only) | IPX4 (buds only) |
Size | 1.30 x 0.77 x 0.71 inches (per bud); 2.31 x 1.91 x 0.96 inches (charging case) | 1.23 x 0.96 x 0.79 inches (per bud); 2.61 x 2.34 x 1.05 inches (charging case) |
Weight | 0.31 ounces (buds and charging case) | 0.27 ounces (per bud); 2.1 ounces (charging case) |
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Price and availability
The newer Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro sell for €249 / €191 / €399 worldwide. Color options include silver and white. You can purchase them directly from Samsung or at online retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
Despite the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds being older (originally launched in October 2023), they carry a higher MSRP: €299 / €236 / €449. We’ve recently seen them for as low as €249 on Bose’s website and popular online retailers. These buds are available in black, white, and a special edition sky blue version.
A wide range of features and terrific performance in key areas make both models equally valuable.
Winner: Tie
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Design
Bose performed a copy and paste job with the QC Ultra Earbuds by giving them the same design as the QC Earbuds 2, which is inspired by the original AirPods Pro, and adding a metallic sheen to the touch panels. It’s still a gorgeous design wrapped in solid plastic with glossy and matte finishes. IPX4 certification provides sweat and water resistance. The pebble-shaped charging case is just as attractive.
(Image credit: Future)
The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro resemble the AirPods Pro most, though they aren’t as well built as the QC Ultra Earbuds. Details like the LED strip and sharply angled stems with “blades,” otherwise known as the force sensors, are striking. Everything else is generic. It’s surprising to see these buds carry a stronger IP rating (IP57) for dust- and water-resistant protection, considering their less-sturdy construction. The charging case with translucent lid is also a downgrade from the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro’s super-compact case.
Both sets of buds form a comfy and secure fit for lengthy listening sessions.
Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Controls
The QC Ultra Earbuds have the more reliable controls. Bose’s touch panels instantly respond to and execute input methods (single/multi-tap, long hold). Google Assistant and Siri perform well, to an advanced mic array that demonstrates remarkable speech recognition. The shortcut feature lets you cycle through listening modes or manually enable your phone’s native assistant. Features like Auto Transparency automatically place ANC at the lowest level when wearing one bud.
(Image credit: Future)
One of the major selling points for Samsung’s buds is AI functionality. This extends to the controls, though the voice-activated features don’t always impress. Call management and playback voice commands are spot-on. Bixby executes verbal inquiries with finesse…when it’s working. Samsung’s digital assistant consistently crashed or froze when speaking the wake-word phrase.
Ambient awareness features like Voice Detect worked well, but Siren Detect struggled to pick up high-frequency sounds. However, it’s not the finicky AI that diminishes the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro’s usability. It’s the force sensors. They can be difficult to locate and must be pressed firmly to initiate functions, which they often don’t execute anyway. It’s a shame, too, since they would have complemented the rear volume strip that seamlessly adjusts volume.
Winner: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 vs. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds: Sound quality
We prefer the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for audio consumption. The soundstage is nicely balanced with emphasized bass that’s deep and punchy. Expect a satisfying mix of lows, mids, and highs. Samsung built an adaptive EQ that tweaks the sonics based on your surroundings.
There are three ways to customize sound: Accessibility to adjust balance on each channel, Gaming Mode for less lag when playing mobile games, and the manual EQ with multiple presets. Samsung’s 360 Audio technology is compelling for immersive listens and has precise headtracking. Bluetooth playback is also exceptional through the Samsung Scalable Codec (SSC), which is only engineered on Galaxy devices. SSC dynamically scales bitrate (up to 512 kbps) and divulges more details in recordings with minimal latency.
(Image credit: Future)
The QC Ultra Earbuds don’t deliver the same audiophile-like results. Still, they’re a fantastic-sounding option with unbeatable spatial audio that works with all stereo content. You heard that correctly. These buds will