Galaxy Buds Pro FULL review: Worth the upgrade?

Samsung's new $200 noise-canceling earbuds feature excellent sound and call quality, but their fit could affect their noise-canceling performance. CNET's David Carnoy discusses whether they're right for you. Plus, how they stack up against the Galaxy Buds Plus and competing noise-canceling true-wireless earbuds.

[NickVetter]

No fins on the buds pro? Hopefully they fit me well because I ordered them already

Update: I just received them and they fit and stay in great!

[hawk]

Great review! I bought the Galaxy Buds Plus over a year ago and absolutely loved them. Unfortunately I lost one of my buds recently and the "Find my Buds" feature on the Wear app could not locate it as if was Disconnected. So I decided to upgrade and buy the Buds Pro and got them a few days ago as they were on sale. Right off the bat the first thing I noticed was how they fit in my ear. They didn't feel as secure as the Plus model and like this review stated, I felt the same way. So I jammed on some tunes and rocked out, bopping my head like a wacked out rocker lol trying to dislodge them and they stayed in place! Second thing I noticed was how much better they sounded vs the Plus. Definitely better lows and mids, and crispier high frequencies. I am experimenting with the EQ and noise cancellation features, as well as different size tips, but so far I am impressed. Just have to get use to how they feel. Currently trying to figure out how to tap the Buds to manipulate volume, and switch from Ambient to Noise cancellation. All in all I think it was worth the price jump. But I do want to add one negative thing though. Later in the day I was out doing yardwork in the sun here in sunny California and I was sweating. I was racking leaves and the sweat was starting to get into my ears, and then it happened! One of the earbuds popped out! So, I would go as far to say that you shouldn't do aggressive things when wearing the buds that induces sweat, like mountain biking, or I would even be concerned by jogging. The sweat in the ears will loosen the grip, but then again, larger tips might help, but still, look how much they cost. Good luck!

[fredlee]

Although iOS support through the Galaxy Buds app is unavailable, you can set up all the features on andriod, After that, you can CONTINUE to use almost all of them on an iOS device. It’s something to note.

[ambi]

I purchased the buds pro kept them for 1wk I loved everything about them but for the fact of when I went to the gym once my ears began to sweat a bit I had to keep adjusting them to keep them from falling out when id chew as well they would loosen off, I was adjusting them so much to stay in the charging prons on them ended up slightly cutting the inside of my ear. I tried changing the bud heads used all 3 and I couldn't keep them in. So I switched them out for the buds + the fit is way better I just think if samsung can consider putting the same fins on the buds pro they would've made them a perfect buy..

[mkorenhof]

Got mine free when preordered Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra

[progressivelibertarianview]

ATTN: Samsung
Right bud double tap- Skip
Left bud double tap- Reverse
Would be perfect across all Buds. Hate triple tapping.

[Blackwt]

The Plus model has a kind of passive noise cancelling because its gets such a good seal. The Pros, you have to find the right tip fit, then you have to kind of twist them into the canal to get a passive seal. The ANC though its pretty nice I think. So I would say if you don't mind the passive noise muting of the Plus', don't upgrade. If you want the ANC, definitely upgrade. It is worth it.

[GinaZalner]

I'm currently using the Buds + and that wing tip is what gives me a great fit. I swapped it out to the smaller wing and fit is fantastic. I think they're a great value for the everyday user. Not likely to purchase the Buds Pro. Thabks for the in depth review!

[joelcrow]

Fit is absolutely EVERYTHING when it comes to these dumb little ear buds and after trying tons of cheap amazon versions, expensive apple versions (both 2 and 3 and pro) I keep coming back to my Buds Plus as being the best fitting, sounding (due to good fit) and performance on conference calls. They are the best.

[ColtonGuindon]

This video gets a like from me. This guy was honest, thorough & on point with everything he said. I bought 2 Samsung S20 FE 5G's today & recieved $700 of instore credit alongside them.. so I grabbed these, some wireless chargers, cases & glass screen protectors.. these earbuds are fantastic. They fit well (I guess I have the ears they were modeled for lol) super crisp highs, immensely clean lows, and the perfect level for mids you can ask for in ear bids. I have owned many truly wireless earbuds, these are the winners over all of the previous ones. Battery life with noise canceling on is half decent, I have not tested them yet without (I will update once I have)

I highly recommend these to anyone on the fence about them. FYI - the 360 Audio feature works on S10 & up. (I confirmed this on my old S10 that I upgraded from 🙂)

[howardhdavidson]

Have six different pairs and the Galaxy live have a really good sound and are my favourites.I like that they don’t go into your ear cannel.The sound is excellent if you play with the combinations.They sound better with my iPad Pro than my Samsung phone.

[doomgoblin]

Something I have noticed is that the Buds Pro case charges the individual earbuds VERY quickly compared to the other models. I HAVE owned each and upgraded each time. Not disappointed with the Buds Pro @ all. I will say the seal is definitely essential to getting the best out of each feature.

[kevinb]

That was a great review. I was always interested in the Samsung buds. This review has giving me something to think about.

[gheata]

Sadly they do not stay in my ears. I'm very active and I regret returning my bud plus for the pro. I don't agree with the removal of the fins on the pro. I start sweating at the gym or running and they fall out because of no fins. Only thing I enjoy is the great sound quality that is a good improvement from the plus.

[Zen-]

have the buds pro. they are awesome. will never need headphones again to get better quality sound. buds are perfect

[tofu_golem]

I have the Buds+, and I won't be upgrading. No way will I give up this stellar battery life.

[kpnitrl]

Good review, as always. I prefer the Buds Live. Once you 'realize', it's not natural to have things jammed in ur ear canal, you will really come to appreciate the Buds Live.

[dougnulton]

They definitely should not be double the cost of the buds+, maybe people who don’t have galaxy buds at all might entertain these, but I don’t see any convincing “upgrade” reasons since I already have the buds+. I love the fins especially

[markle]

just got them with my s21 ultra promo, reall nice and the case is smaller then i thought it would be.

[kellimatthews]

I have small ears so the Live are too big for me but the Pro fit better because they go into the ear canal...and they sound amazing. At the end of the day there's no such thing as one of these Samsung buds being better, it's really a matter of which works best for your body and your listening needs.