Engadget has reviewed consumer technology products since 2004. Some articles contain affiliate links, and purchases made through them may generate a commission for us. For details on our product evaluation process, see our full disclosure.
Samsung faced criticism for the Galaxy Buds 3 due to their evident resemblance to Apple's AirPods, particularly the adoption of a stem-like 'blade' design following years of touch controls on the earbud bodies. The Galaxy Buds 4 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro build on this approach by incorporating features that closely mirror those in AirPods. Fortunately, both new versions show enhancements in multiple areas without increasing costs.
For users with Samsung smartphones, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro stand out as the top choice, thanks to tailored functionalities, excellent audio fidelity, and effective noise cancellation.
The Galaxy Buds 4 provide reliable sound and the advantages of an open-ear design, though their noise cancellation requires improvement. They remain an attractive, budget-friendly alternative for Galaxy device owners compared to the Pro variant.
Samsung debuted the 'blade' design and forms inspired by Apple on the prior year's Galaxy Buds lineup. The Galaxy Buds 4 series retains these elements but includes subtle updates for a sleeker appearance.
Both the open-design Galaxy Buds 4 and the tip-equipped Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have eliminated the sharp 'blade' stem, replacing it with a smooth, flat surface covered in thin metal—though Samsung still refers to it as the blade. The LED lights from the previous Pro model have been removed, which is a welcome change. Each model features a recessed zone for controls that responds to swipes and taps, allowing easy location by feel. Otherwise, the general form and dimensions of the Galaxy Buds 4 lineup are largely unchanged.
A significant update for the Galaxy Buds 4 series is the charging case. With the earbuds now positioned flat inside rather than upright as in the prior version, Samsung has reverted to a compact, rounded square form reminiscent of earlier models. The transparent lid persists, enabling a quick visual check of the earbuds' presence without flipping it open.
Beyond their fit differences—the Buds 4 being open-ear and the Pro using silicone tips—the models vary in durability ratings. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro achieve an IP57 rating, offering dust resistance and submersion tolerance up to one meter for half an hour. In contrast, the Galaxy Buds 4 hold an IP54 rating, protecting against dust entry and water sprays but not immersion.
Samsung once provided iPhone owners with full feature access matching that for Galaxy devices, but this is no longer the case. Similar to Apple's AirPods and Google's Pixel Buds, the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro unlock their full potential only when paired with a Galaxy phone. Choosing the open-fit Buds 4 means forgoing certain capabilities.
Both models share several core functions, including Adaptive EQ 2.0, 360-degree audio with head-tracking, Auracast support, seamless device switching, head-gesture controls, and touch/swipe interactions. They also integrate AI support through Bixby or Gemini.
Differences emerge mainly in voice-related tools. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro include voice sensing that reduces volume and enables transparency mode upon detecting speech. This premium option further allows touch-free AI assistant activation without interacting with the earbuds or phone.
Most advanced capabilities demand a Samsung phone. Basic functions like noise cancellation, controls, and ambient mode work with devices such as iPhones or Macs. However, features like voice sensing, head gestures, and auto-switching are absent there. Non-Galaxy Android users can access an app, but elements such as UHD audio and enhanced call quality are unavailable. On Galaxy phones, all controls integrate directly into the Bluetooth settings, akin to AirPods on iOS.
Samsung's Galaxy Buds series consistently delivers strong audio, with even the most basic models meeting expectations. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and standard last year exceeded norms, a trend that persists with the new releases. For audiophiles, though, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro edges ahead.
Building on the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, the 4 Pro employs a dual-driver system: an 11mm wide-range woofer paired with a 6.1mm planar tweeter— the woofer expanded from before, while the tweeter shrank slightly. This setup yields exceptional audio from Samsung earbuds, far surpassing my initial expectations. During testing with aya's electronic-infused album hexed!, the pulsating bass in 'off the ESSO' felt vibrant and layered, vocals rang sharp and distinct, and synths along with rhythms cut cleanly through. The Buds 4 Pro managed diverse genres adeptly, from Spiritbox's intense metal to the gentle acoustics of Muscadine Bloodline's forthcoming 2025 album.
The Galaxy Buds 4 hold their own audio-wise. While they trail the Pro in bass depth, clarity, and nuance, open-fit enthusiasts won't suffer major losses. They deliver impactful lows, crisp highs, and sufficient mids to round out the soundstage. The gap was most evident on aya's track, where bass lacked depth and the overall energy felt less vivid than on the Pro.
Both Galaxy Buds 4 variants include active noise cancellation, but the Pro features an upgraded Adaptive ANC 2.0, compared to the standard Adaptive ANC on the base model. Samsung notes the Pro's superior blocking without elaborating further, justifying the version bump.
Noise cancellation plagued the Galaxy Buds 3 and persists as a weakness in the Galaxy Buds 4. Samsung struggles to match Apple's open-ear ANC success with standard AirPods. The effect here is so subtle that many might opt to disable it for better battery or value. I activated it only for testing; otherwise, it functioned more as mild reduction than true isolation.
On the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, noise cancellation performs far better, though it doesn't rival the elite blocking of Bose's QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2. It proves practical for everyday use, excelling against steady moderate sounds like dryers, fans, or white noise. Sudden loud bursts challenge it more, but it handles voices reasonably well, much to my household's chagrin.
Samsung promotes its microphone tech—featuring 16kHz wideband audio, DNN noise suppression, and adaptive beamforming—as delivering remarkably clear calls. This requires a Galaxy S25 series phone alongside the buds.
In calm settings, both models transmit voices with impressive clarity and detail, exceeding my hopes. In louder environments, they suppress ambient noise effectively, though the voice may sound somewhat processed to listeners. This digitization appears more pronounced on the Buds 4 but affects both due to the intensive noise processing.
Additionally, the Pro's transparency mode sounds remarkably lifelike, allowing natural self-hearing during conversations without raising your voice.
For optimal pairing with Samsung phones, the Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro top the list, providing exclusive perks like Apple's AirPods for iOS or Google's Pixel Buds for Android. Without needing such integration, I recommend the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds Gen 2 for their superior sound and unmatched ANC. They lack flashy extras but connect easily to multiple devices, such as a Galaxy S25 and MacBook, via multipoint Bluetooth.
Year by year, Samsung inches toward a genuine AirPods competitor for Galaxy users. It trails mainly in health monitoring: voice amplification exists, but not Apple's hearing assessments or safeguards. The AirPods Pro's latest major addition, heart rate detection, could inspire a fitness-oriented Galaxy Buds variant.
Otherwise, refinements enhance the established blueprint. Audio and ANC improve overall, despite the Buds 4's ongoing ANC limitations. Design tweaks lend a more upscale feel, and additions like head gestures align with rivals. Both models are solid, yet Samsung must innovate bolder features to elevate its buds to essential status for Galaxy owners, as AirPods are for iPhone users.