The Samsung remains in Samsung's lineup as a more affordable alternative to the Buds3 Pro — but how does it hold up in 2026? We tested it against newer competition to find out.
Design & Comfort
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The Galaxy Buds2 Pro has a compact, rounded form factor with angled ear tips and a small stem. The fit is secure for most ear shapes, with three tip sizes included. The 2.7g weight makes them exceptionally comfortable for extended wear — lighter than almost any competitor in the premium tier.
IPX7 water resistance makes the Buds2 Pro one of the most water-resistant Samsung earbuds — suitable for gym use and caught in rain.
Sound Quality
Samsung built the Buds2 Pro for Hi-Fi audio, and it shows. The 10mm two-way coaxial speaker delivers wide soundstage and clear separation across frequencies. Bass is controlled and detailed rather than bloated. The Buds2 Pro is one of the few earbuds under $200 that audiophiles might actually enjoy without heavy EQ adjustment.
360 Audio with head tracking is supported on Samsung Galaxy phones — an immersive spatial audio mode that genuinely adds depth to film and music content.
Active Noise Cancellation
ANC is very good — the Buds2 Pro suppresses low-frequency noise effectively, and the Intelligent ANC adjusts to ambient levels automatically. Compared to the Buds3 Pro, the 2 Pro shows marginally less effectiveness against mid-range frequencies, but the real-world difference is minor for most use cases.
Battery Life
5 hours with ANC on, 8 hours without. Combined with the case: approximately 18 hours with ANC, 29 hours without. The shorter-than-average battery with ANC enabled is the main trade-off against newer competitors. USB-C charging, with wireless charging case support.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- IPX7 — best water resistance in this Samsung tier
- Hi-Fi two-way coaxial driver — audiophile-grade tuning
- 360 Audio with head tracking on Samsung Galaxy devices
- Extremely lightweight (2.7g per earbud)
- Strong Intelligent ANC
Cons
- ANC battery life (5h) trails newer competitors
- Full feature set requires Samsung Galaxy device
- Buds3 Pro available at modest premium with meaningful improvements
Verdict
The Galaxy Buds2 Pro remains an excellent purchase in 2026 — particularly at its current street price. IPX7 protection, Hi-Fi audio quality, and strong Intelligent ANC make it the best value Samsung earbuds for audiophile listeners. The primary caveat: if budget allows, the Buds3 Pro's improved ANC and battery life justify the upgrade.
Rating: 8.8/10
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Galaxy Buds2 Pro still worth buying in 2026?
Yes — particularly if you find it at a discount versus the Buds3 Pro. Audio quality and IPX7 resistance remain class-leading. The main areas where the Buds3 Pro improves are ANC depth and battery life with ANC active. For audiophile listeners on a Samsung device, the Buds2 Pro is still a top pick.
What is the sound quality difference between Buds2 Pro and Buds3 Pro?
The Buds2 Pro's two-way coaxial driver is considered by many audio reviewers to offer a more natural, audiophile-tuned sound. The Buds3 Pro moves to a dual-driver architecture with slightly more bass emphasis. Purist listeners may actually prefer the Buds2 Pro's more linear sound profile.
Does Galaxy Buds2 Pro support Hi-Res Audio?
Yes — the Galaxy Buds2 Pro supports Samsung's Scalable Codec at up to 2.3Mbps over a Samsung Galaxy Bluetooth connection, which Samsung classifies as Hi-Fi quality. This is a Samsung-proprietary solution, not LDAC, and requires a Samsung source device.
How waterproof is Galaxy Buds2 Pro?
IPX7 — the earbuds can withstand immersion in up to 1 metre of water for up to 30 minutes. This is among the highest water resistance ratings in the premium earbuds category. The case is not waterproof, so keep it dry.
How does battery life compare between Buds2 Pro and Buds3 Pro?
The Buds3 Pro improves battery life meaningfully: 6 hours ANC-on vs the Buds2 Pro's 5 hours, and 27 hours total vs 18 hours (ANC on). For heavy ANC users, this is a significant real-world improvement. Without ANC, the gap is smaller.
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