Galaxy Buds Pro vs Plus (2021): Comparing Samsung’s True Wireless Earbuds

The success of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus is no stroke of luck. From its sound quality to its case design, these true wireless earbuds are value-for-money tech. However, it lacks a feature that’s a staple in many of today’s headphones — active noise cancellation. This is what the Galaxy Buds Pro aims to address. Equipped with ANC, Samsung’s latest wireless earbuds are billed to be a more complete (and competitive) device. But does it mean the Buds Plus isn’t worth getting anymore? Below, we compare the two wireless earbuds to find out.

Galaxy Buds Pro vs Plus Wireless Earbuds Comparison Chart

Design

The Galaxy Buds Pro combines design features from both the Galaxy Buds Plus and Buds Live.

The Galaxy Buds Pro ditches the awkward bean-like silhouette of the Galaxy Buds Live. Instead, it largely follows the design blueprint as the Galaxy Buds Plus. Both the Buds Pro and Plus are stem-less earphones, sporting a rounded form that’s streamlined and, which nestles comfortably in your ear.

With the Buds Plus, removable silicone wings help latch the earphones securely to the ear. On the other hand, the Buds Pro has incorporated these wingtips directly into the earbuds’ housing. Not only are they less conspicuous, but they also make the Pro more comfortable to use. To seal the ear canal, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro and Plus both come with removable ear-tips available in three different sizes out of the box.

However, a closer look at both earphones shows additional changes in the form of the Buds Pro. Its touchpad, for instance, has a larger surface area compared to the Buds Plus. While it makes it more convenient to touch-control the earbuds, it’s also easier to activate them by accident. On the Buds Pro, the ear tips are more low-profile, too, compared to the flared appearance on the Buds Plus.

Just like the Buds Live, the Galaxy Buds Pro case is clam-shaped. The Buds Plus, on the other hand, comes with a pill-shaped case. Both are compatible with wireless charging. However, thanks to its IPX7 rating, the Pro is more workout and poolside-friendly than the Plus. The Galaxy Buds Pro colors are also glossier and more refined, although you do get more color variants with the Buds Plus.

Sound Quality

Apart from ANC, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro edges out the Buds Plus when it comes to sound quality.

Inside the Galaxy Buds Pro, you’ll find the same dual-driver set-up as in the Galaxy Buds Plus. There’s a two-way 11mm woofer and a 6.55mm tweeter on each earbud. Both are tuned by AKG as well. With the Buds Pro, however, you’ll find the bass is deeper and better defined compared to the Buds Plus. The treble on the Pro is richer and has a bit more sparkle, too.

Now, the Buds Plus does deliver a slight elevation in bass response and offers great isolation, provided you’ve achieved a good seal on your ear. However, busier songs will lack the detail you’ll get on the Buds Pro. For everyday use, the Plus is a capable and competent option. But those who are more discerning will gravitate towards the Buds Pro.

The biggest difference between the two is noise cancellation. The Buds Plus relies on a secure seal for passive isolation. It’s good enough in most situations, but in public spaces where background noise is hard to control, it’s a limited approach. With the Buds Pro, you’re getting ANC that Samsung claims can drown out 99% of unwanted noise. The noise cancellation feature is adjustable, too.

Thanks to the ANC, the Buds Pro is better for calls. Aside from the three-microphone setup, you also get a small mesh section on each earbud designed to minimize wind or gust noise. However, if you need to hear the outside world, there is an ambient mode available for both the Buds Pro and Plus.

Click here to read more headphones comparisons and reviews.

Controls and Compatibility

While both earbuds can connect to Android smartphones and iPhones, the Galaxy Buds Pro is no longer supported by the Galaxy Buds App for iOS.

Using Samsung’s wireless earbuds is fairly simple. Both the Galaxy Buds Pro and Buds Plus come with intuitive touch controls that make it easy to pause music, switch tracks, or toggle between modes. In addition, you can customize gestures for specific functions through the Galaxy Wear app. You can also control your earbuds through voice assistants or compatible Galaxy devices.

The Buds Pro does offer a bit more convenience. Where the Buds Plus requires the app or a touch gesture to activate the ambient mode, the Pro comes with Detect Conversation. The feature automatically lowers down your earbuds’ volume when you’re talking. This means less manual pausing and unpausing of your buds when you’re in a conversation.

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro and Buds Plus both connect via Bluetooth 5.0. Pairing the earbuds to a mobile device is easy and fast, too. For Android users, you can adjust settings or update the firmware through the Galaxy Wear app. On the other hand, if you have an iPhone, you can do the same with Samsung’s Galaxy Buds app.

However, the Galaxy Buds app only works for Buds Plus and Buds Live. For now, the Galaxy Buds Pro will only connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth. Unless you’re on a Samsung smartphone, you won’t be able to access some key features, including Detect Conversation.

Battery and Charging

The Galaxy Buds Plus has a better battery life compared to the Galaxy Buds Pro.

As mentioned in the design, both the Galaxy Buds Pro and Plus come with wireless-charging compatible cases. If you’re not using Qi wireless charging, a USB-C cable is included. In terms of battery life, however, the Buds Plus has the edge. It comes with an 85 mAh battery compared to the Buds Pro’s 61 mAh. Samsung’s best-selling wireless earbuds also last 11 hours on a single charge, with the charging case holding an additional 22 hours of charge.

When it comes to the Buds Pro, it really depends on whether you’re using ANC or not. If active noise cancellation is on, then you get about 5 hours of playtime and 4 hours of talk time from the buds. In both instances, the case will hold about 18 hours and 14.5 hours of charge, respectively. With the ANC off, you’ll get about 8 hours of playtime and 5 hours of talk time instead — still lower than what the Galaxy Buds Plus delivers.

Nonetheless, you do get a whopping 28 hours of charge from the Buds Pro case if the ANC is turned off. Of course, actual usage will vary, and so will the battery life. But with a larger battery and without a power-hungry ANC, you’ll find the Buds Plus will keep you company for much longer.

Verdict

The Galaxy Buds Pro wins in terms of design and sound quality, but the Galaxy Buds Plus has a better battery life and compatibility with iPhones.

The Galaxy Buds Pro strikes a balance when it comes to design, sound quality, and call quality. It also feels like a more complete earphone thanks to ANC, although this feature does compromise battery life quite a bit. However, the Buds Pro is no longer supported by the Galaxy Buds app for iOS, so some features are inaccessible if you’re on iPhone. It’s not a big deal considering most iPhone users are probably going with the Apple AirPods anyway

But if device compatibility and a better battery life important to you, then consider the Galaxy Buds Plus instead. While the Buds Plus’ sound quality isn’t revolutionary, it’s still a great earphone to get for everyday use. There is no ANC here, too, but the wireless earbuds will fit most ears comfortably, allowing for a secure seal and passive isolation.

FAQs