Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM5
AirPods Pro 3, Galaxy Buds4 Pro, or Sony WF-1000XM5? We compare the top premium earbuds on ANC, sound quality, fit, and value to find the definitive winner.
Ethan Mercer
Editor-in-Chief
Choosing between the Apple AirPods Pro 3, Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro, and Sony WF-1000XM5 isn't just about picking earbuds. It's about deciding which compromises you're willing to accept at the $250-$300 price point where every manufacturer claims perfection but delivers different strengths.
All three offer active noise cancellation, premium sound, and the features you'd expect from flagship earbuds. But the AirPods Pro 3 deliver 90% noise reduction with seamless Apple integration, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro bring excellent call quality with a loose fit that worries reviewers, and the Sony WF-1000XM5 offer class-leading sound detail with a fit that requires constant adjustment. The question isn't which is good, it's which combination of strengths and weaknesses matches what you actually need.
We've analyzed reviews from RTINGS, Tom's Guide, CNET, and more to cut through the marketing and find the real winner. Spoiler: the AirPods Pro 3 take the crown, but not for the reasons Apple's ads suggest.
★ Quick Navigation
- 1
AppleGood TimingGood Time to Buy — Early in the product cycle
- 2
Samsung
- 3
SonyNew Model SoonNew model coming in a few months
AirPods Pro 3
AppleGood TimingGood Time to Buy — Early in the product cycle
Galaxy Buds4 Pro
Samsung
WF-1000XM5 True Wireless Earbuds
SonyNew Model SoonNew model coming in a few months
How We Review
Every product on this list was evaluated by aggregating expert reviews from trusted, independent sources. We don't accept pay-for-placement — our rankings are based entirely on review consensus, real-world testing data, and measurable performance.
Products are scored on a 10-point scale using a weighted formula that factors in expert ratings, price-to-value ratio, and recency. Newer products with strong reviews get a meaningful boost because we believe our readers deserve current recommendations.
Sources analyzed for this article: 3 products across multiple expert reviews.
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