Key Points
- The Galaxy Buds Pro offers active noise cancellation and voice detection, while the Buds Plus does not.
- The Buds Pro has a water-resistance rating of IPX7, while the Buds Plus has a lower rating of IPX2.
- The Buds Plus offers up to 11 hours of playtime, while the Buds Pro provides 8 hours with ANC off and 5 hours with ANC on.
Samsung provides excellent battery life, sound quality, support, and comfort, making it a key player in the smartphone and wireless earbuds industry. So, if you are considering purchasing earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Pro and the Galaxy Buds Plus are good options from Samsung’s wide portfolio, competing with Sony and Bose, to mention a couple of leading brands. Which, then, should you go for?
Released in 2021, the Buds Pro has improved the previous year’s Galaxy Buds Plus. While they are both fantastic, they differ in several aspects that may influence your pick, including design, battery life, noise cancellation, water resistance, and color variants. We have compiled a list of key differences you should consider to make the choice easier.
Let’s turn your attention to the complete comparison of the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro and the Galaxy Buds Plus.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro vs. Galaxy Buds Plus: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Galaxy Buds Pro | 3 mics (one inner and two outers) | |
|---|---|---|
| Date First Available | January 14, 2021 | February 11, 2020 |
| Price | Around $139 | About $135 |
| Speaker | 2-way 11mm woofer and 6.5mm tweeter | 2-way dynamic woofer and tweeter |
| Mic | 3 mics (one inner and two outers) | 3 mics (one inner and two outer) |
| Playtime | 8 hours with ANC off (20 hours with case), 5 hours with ANC on | 11 hours and 22 hours with the case |
| Water Resistance | IPX7 | IPX2 |
| Battery Capacity | 61 / 472mAh | 85 / 270 mAh |
| Available Colors | White, Phantom Black | White, Black, Red, Cloud Blue |
| Dimensions | 0.81 x 0.77 x 0.82 inches | 0.69 x 0.76 x 0.88 inches |
| Weight | 0.22 oz (0.00624 kg) | 0.2 oz (0.0056699 kg) |
| Compatibility | Android, iOS | Android, iOS |
| Bluetooth? | Yes | Yes |
| Active Noise Cancellation? | Yes | No |
| Fast Charging? | Yes | Yes |
- Active Noise Cancellation technology
- IPX7 water-resistance rating is perfect for the outdoors
- Touch-sensitive controls
- Wireless charging case extends battery life
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Wireless charging case included
- Black
- 22 hours of battery (11 hours on a single charge and another 11 hours in the case)
- Fast charging time
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro vs. Galaxy Buds Plus: What’s the Difference?
You will notice significant distinctions between the Buds Pro and the Galaxy Buds Plus because of the case and earbuds design. Additionally, under-the-hood differences set the two apart and may influence your choice. They currently retail at different prices, with the Buds Pro having a slightly higher price tag.
However, considering the company’s reputation for quality products, you should expect quality sound from both. Below are the key differences you need to know between the two Samsung Buds.
Battery Life and Charging
AudioReputation ranked the Galaxy Buds among the best true wireless earbuds with long battery life, regardless of the model. You’ll get the best whichever you pick between the Galaxy Buds Pro and the Buds Plus. Despite this, battery life is one of the main differences between the earbuds, and it is hard to say which lasts longer.
The Buds Plus should give you up to 11 hours of playtime on a full charge, and the case will give you an extra 11 hours’ worth of battery life. Its counterpart, the Buds Pro, will provide 8 hours of playtime with the ANC feature off, and the case will give you an additional 20 hours. With the ANC on, the same earbuds will run you through 5 hours without the case, and the case will provide you with an additional 13 hours of playback time.
Both devices have wireless charging, but 3 minutes on the Buds Plus will give you about an hour of playtime while 3 minutes on the Galaxy Buds Pro will deliver 30 minutes.
Price
Price is often the first thing users consider before purchasing a product, and when comparing two products in the same category, it becomes a vital consideration. Although the Samsung Buds Pro comes with a higher price tag, the difference can be insignificant, considering they differ by only a few dollars.
It is also possible to find sales. So, when you do, take advantage and explore the advanced features of the Galaxy Buds Pro, like ANC and voice detection, which are lacking in the Buds Plus.
Design
Samsung reprised the design of the Galaxy Buds Plus in the later iteration, the Galaxy Buds Pro, which makes sense because the round housing on each bud and silicone ear tips make them comfortable and great for workouts. It is worth noting that the 2021 earbuds do not have rubber ear fins to secure them when exercising or running. While this can be a problem, they compensate with three ear tip sizes.
While working out, you’ll love the Buds Pro for its water-resistance rating of IPX7, more than the meager IPX2 of the Buds Plus. Exercising will be worry-free as rain or sweat can’t damage your earbuds. You’re also spoiled for choice with the many colors from the Buds Plus, with Red, Black, White, and Cloud Blue, which correspond with the color of the case. The Buds Pro has fewer color options, including White and Phantom Black.
©Jack Skeens/Shutterstock.com
Features
The Galaxy Buds Pro is a refinement of the Galaxy Buds Plus as they come with active noise cancellation and support for Bixby. The ANC comes in handy to filter out constant high-pitch background noise, and you’ll enjoy uninterrupted music. During calls, voice detection enables the Buds Pro to switch from ANC to Ambient Mode, allowing a seamless conversation to flow.
Both devices, however, are compatible with several devices, such as smartwatches, smartphones, and tablets. The Android and iOS compatibility facilitates the connection of the earbuds to your iPhone or iPad. Again, they’re Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to listen to your favorite music. Thanks to the touch controls, you can play music, pick calls, and skip tracks.
Audio and Call Quality
Besides the dual-driver feature in both earbuds, the Galaxy Buds Pro shakes things up with its noise cancellation feature, which filters unwanted sound when you are on a call or listening to music. Both devices feature 3 microphones (one inner and two outers on each bud), making them great for capturing your voice during calls. Further, they have the Ambient Mode option that allows the sound from outside to enter your earbuds, keeping you aware of what is happening around you, like traffic.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro vs. Galaxy Buds Plus: 9 Must-Know Facts
- The Galaxy Buds Pro was released in 2021, the year after the Galaxy Buds Plus was released.
- The Buds Pro boasts active noise cancellation features that filter out unwanted sound, making the device ideal for voice calls and watching music.
- Both earbuds have the Ambient Mode option that allows the sound from the surroundings to enter your ear, keeping you aware of what is happening around you.
- The Galaxy Buds Plus should last you up to 11 hours on a single charge, and the case should give you an extra 11 hours of charge. On the other hand, the Buds Pro runs for 8 hours with the ANC feature off, and the case will give you an extra 20 hours of battery life. With the ANC feature turned on, the earbuds can run for 5 hours and 13 more with the case.
- The Galaxy Buds Pro comes in fewer color options, including Phantom Black and White. At the same time, its counterpart, the Galaxy Buds Plus, is available in White, Black, Red, and Cloud Blue.
- The Galaxy Buds Plus and Buds Pro are priced nearly the same, with a few dollar difference.
- Both earbuds are compatible with Android and iOS, meaning you can use them with Android Devices like your Samsung phone or iPhone.
- While the Buds Pro has a water-resistance rating of IPX7, the Buds Plus is IPX2.
- The Galaxy Buds Plus fits snuggly in the ear because of the ear fins, making them perfect for exercising and running.
- Active Noise Cancellation technology
- IPX7 water-resistance rating is perfect for the outdoors
- Touch-sensitive controls
- Wireless charging case extends battery life
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Wireless charging case included
- Black
- 22 hours of battery (11 hours on a single charge and another 11 hours in the case)
- Fast charging time
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro vs. Galaxy Buds Plus: Which Brand is Right for You?
One thing is sure, the Samsung Earbuds are great for everyday use, like voice calls and music. Whether you pick the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro or the Galaxy Buds Plus, you’ll get a great audio experience.
While they might be the same in particular aspects, the Galaxy Buds Pro shakes things up with additional features such as active noise cancellations, Ambient Mode, and voice detection. These earbuds also have a higher water-resistance rating of IPX7, surpassing the Galaxy Buds Plus. If you want earbuds you can exercise with, consider the Galaxy Buds Plus because of the rubber ear fins that keep them in place. The Buds Pro does not have ear fins, which can raise issues when running or exercising.
Summary Table
| Feature | Galaxy Buds Pro | Galaxy Buds Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | 8 hours with ANC off (20 hours with case), 5 hours with ANC on | 11 hours and 22 hours with the case |
| Price | Around $139 | About $135 |
| Design | No rubber ear fins, IPX7 water resistance | Rubber ear fins, IPX2 water resistance |
| Color Options | White, Phantom Black | White, Black, Red, Cloud Blue |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes | No |
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