The original Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro launched as Samsung's first true flagship earbuds — and it still appears in the lineup as a budget-friendly Galaxy option. We tested the Buds Pro against modern competition to see if it's worth choosing over newer alternatives.

Design & Build

The Galaxy Buds Pro's glossy, pebble-like design remains attractive. Three wing tip sizes ensure a secure in-ear seal. IPX7 water resistance — matching the Buds2 Pro and exceeding many competitors — makes it suitable for gym use and outdoor activities in all weather.

The compact case charges via USB-C and supports wireless charging — features that were premium at launch and remain competitive today.

Sound Quality

The Buds Pro features an 11mm woofer and 6.5mm tweeter in a two-way driver configuration. Sound is full and rich with Samsung's tuning — elevated bass, forward mids, and clear highs. 360 Audio with head tracking is supported on Samsung Galaxy devices, adding spatial dimension to compatible content.

Active Noise Cancellation

ANC was class-leading at launch. In 2026, newer models from Samsung (Buds2 Pro, Buds3 Pro) and Sony have surpassed the Buds Pro's suppression capability — but for everyday commuting, the Buds Pro still performs creditably. Intelligient ANC adjusts suppression level based on ambient noise detection.

Voice Detect

A signature Buds Pro feature: Voice Detect automatically switches to Ambient Sound mode when it detects you speaking. This hands-free switch between modes is genuinely useful in conversations — and remains a well-implemented feature that some newer models have inherited.

Battery Life

5 hours with ANC on, 8 hours without. Case adds 13.5–23.5 hours depending on ANC use. By 2026 standards, battery life is below the competitive average for premium earbuds — a notable age-related limitation.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• IPX7 — excellent water resistance
• Voice Detect for automatic ambient mode switching
• 360 Audio spatial sound on Galaxy devices
• Two-way driver — quality audio heritage
• Now available at reduced price vs flagship alternatives

Cons

• ANC surpassed by Buds2 Pro and Buds3 Pro
• Battery life below 2026 competitive average
• Older Bluetooth version — some latency in gaming vs newer models

Verdict

At its current reduced street price, the Galaxy Buds Pro represents good value for Samsung ecosystem users who want IPX7 protection and 360 Audio. However, for buyers comparing at similar price points, the offers a meaningful upgrade in audio quality and ANC. The Buds Pro earns its place only as a budget entry point into Samsung's premium audio ecosystem.

Rating: 7.6/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Galaxy Buds Pro better than Galaxy Buds2 Pro?

In most measurable ways, no. The Buds2 Pro improves on ANC quality, audio tuning (Hi-Fi coaxial driver), battery life, and device weight. The Buds Pro holds its ground on IPX7 water resistance (shared with Buds2 Pro) and Voice Detect. At similar prices, the Buds2 Pro is the better buy.

Does Galaxy Buds Pro support LDAC or Hi-Res Audio?

No — the Galaxy Buds Pro uses Samsung's Scalable Codec on Galaxy devices but does not support LDAC. Hi-Res Audio designation is not applied to this model. The Buds2 Pro introduced Samsung's Hi-Fi certification in the lineup.

Is Galaxy Buds Pro worth buying in 2026?

At a sufficiently reduced price, yes — particularly if IPX7 protection and Samsung ecosystem integration are priorities. However, with Buds2 Pro and Buds3 Pro offering meaningful improvements at modest price premiums, the Buds Pro is only compelling at significant discounts.

How does Voice Detect work on Galaxy Buds Pro?

Voice Detect listens for your voice and automatically switches from ANC to Ambient Sound mode when you begin speaking — allowing you to hear your surroundings and hold conversations without manually adjusting settings. It reverts to ANC after a configurable timeout (5, 10, or 15 seconds of silence).