Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro Review: AirPods Pro for Android

The Galaxy Buds were always envisioned as Samsung’s answer to the AirPods: a stylish audio solution custom-made for people who like Samsung phones. Early on in their evolution, the buds brandished their own unique designs, including the delightfully egg-shaped Galaxy Buds2 and 2 Pro. More recent models have stripped all pretense of individuality, essentially conceding to the world (like so many brands) that Apple’s stem-like design is superior.

Like the latest Galaxy phones, Samsung’s flagship buds lean into Apple’s best traits, from slick and minimalist design to excellent noise canceling and a barrage of brand-first features. As you’d expect, they keep a few standout design cues, like a flashy compact charging case and Samsung’s dynamic dual-speaker audio system.

What was most striking in my two-week test as my daily headphones is how well the buds conjure up some of that Apple magic: They’re fun, comfy, and insanely convenient to use, especially when paired with a Samsung phone. A few drawbacks, like six hours of battery life, and controls that aren’t as responsive (or malleable) as I’d like, keep them from fully embodying the best earbuds for Apple phones. But even as an iPhone faithful, after testing these buds with a new Galaxy S26, it was hard not to consider an ecosystem switch.

S Pods Pro

It’s uncanny how similar the Buds4 Pro feel to the AirPods Pro 3, especially in the pearlescent white colorway I tested. (Unlike Apple’s monolithic Pods, these also come in black or pink gold). The oval-shaped ear tips, the black sensor dots and vents along the housings—it’s all very déjà vu. The metallic plastic strip along the stems almost feels like a last-minute addition to prove these are not, in fact, Apple buds.