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Samsung’s Galaxy Buds have grown from basic wireless earbuds into a key part of the Galaxy experience. This year’s Buds4 and Buds4 Pro add improved sound, smarter noise cancellation, hands-free controls, and more Galaxy AI features.
This time, the choice between Buds4 and Buds4 Pro is surprisingly straightforward. In the past, it was harder to tell what separated the base and Pro models, but now they’re built on different ideas.
One uses an open, unsealed fit, while the other uses a snug in-ear design that blocks out the world and focuses on sound. So the real question isn’t price; it’s what you want your earbuds to do.
Let’s break down how they stack up, using the actual numbers instead of Samsung’s marketing talk.
The Short Answer
If you’re using a Galaxy phone, the Buds4 Pro is probably the one to get. It sounds better, blocks out more noise, fits more securely, lasts about an hour longer on a charge, and can handle a bit more rough and tumble. That extra $70 is worth it for most people. But if you already know you like an open fit and care more about hearing what’s going on around you than shutting it all out, the regular Buds4 is still a solid pick.
Quick heads up before you buy: both of these really shine when you’re using them with a Samsung phone. If you’re on an iPhone or another Android, you’ll miss out on a lot of the cool features that make them worth the price. In that case, you might be happier with something like Sony’s WF-1000XM6 or AirPods Pro, since the Samsung-only features won’t carry over.
Prices
| USD | $179.99 | $249.99 |
| GBP | £159 | £199 |
| EUR | €179 | €249 |
| AED | AED 649 | AED 899 |
There’s about a $70 or £40 difference between them, depending on where you live. Samsung sets prices by region, so it’s not just a straight currency swap. If you’re hunting for deals or trade-ins, check out our Samsung deals hub for the latest offers.
At a Glance
| Fit | Open-type (unsealed) | Sealed in-ear, 3 tip sizes |
| Driver | 11mm dynamic | 11mm woofer + 5.5mm planar tweeter, dual amp |
| ANC | Adaptive ANC | Adaptive ANC 2.0 (stronger) |
| Hi-Res audio | 24-bit | 24-bit/96kHz UHQ (Galaxy devices) |
| Battery (ANC on) | ~5 hrs | ~6 hrs |
| Battery + case | ~26 hrs | up to 30 hrs |
| Durability | IP54 | IP57 |
| Bluetooth | 6.1, Auracast | 6.1, Auracast |
| 360 / Head Gestures / AI | Yes | Yes |
It’s pretty clear: the Pro model comes out ahead in almost every hardware category, while the regular Buds4 is more about comfort and saving a bit of cash. The real question is which trade-off matters more to you day to day.
Design and Fit: The Real Decision
The biggest thing to think about isn’t even the sound—it’s how these buds actually feel in your ears. That’s what should really guide your choice, more than any spec sheet.
The Buds4 goes for an open design that doesn’t plug up your ear canal. Samsung actually used a ton of ear-shape data to get this right, and if you’re someone who hates that stuffed-up feeling from silicone tips, these will probably feel way more comfortable, especially if you wear them for hours.
The flip side is that you’ll hear more of what’s going on around you, so you don’t get that same bubble of quiet you’d get from a sealed bud.
The Buds4 Pro, on the other hand, goes with the classic in-ear, sealed design and comes with three different tip sizes. That snug fit blocks out a lot more noise and gives the noise cancellation tech a real chance to shine. If you’re commuting, traveling, or just find yourself in noisy spots a lot, this is probably the better fit for you.
Both models have the new flat-stem look, a shiny metal finish, and a square case with a see-through lid. One thing to watch out for: the Pro’s ear tips can be a pain to swap out and are pretty easy to tear, which is something Samsung still hasn’t fixed from the last version.
So here’s the choice: if you want an open fit and like being aware of your surroundings, go for the Buds4. If you want to block out the world, the Pro is the way to go.
Sound Quality
This is where you start to see where your money goes. The Buds4 uses a single 11mm driver, supports 24-bit Hi-Res audio, has a 9-band EQ, and even tweaks the sound based on your ear shape. Honestly, it sounds good—clear, balanced, and totally enjoyable for everyday stuff.
The Buds4 Pro is a different class of hardware: an 11mm Super Wide Woofer paired with a 5.5mm planar tweeter and dual amplifiers. That planar tweeter is the actual reason it sounds better, it delivers cleaner, more detailed highs while the larger woofer handles deeper, controlled bass. Reviewers describe it as Samsung’s most advanced acoustic engineering to date.
Bottom line: the Buds4 Pro definitely sounds better, but if you’re mostly listening to Spotify, YouTube, or podcasts, the regular Buds4 will be enough for most people.
Hi-Res and Lossless Audio
Both buds can handle 24-bit Hi-Res audio, but the Pro takes it up a notch with 24-bit/96kHz UHQ through Samsung’s Seamless Codec. That’s about as close to lossless as you’ll get wirelessly. The catch? You only get that on newer Galaxy phones (think Galaxy S23 or later). If you’re using an iPhone or an older Android, you’re back to regular Bluetooth, so there’s no point paying extra for a feature you can’t use.
Noise Cancellation
Both models come with adaptive noise cancellation that tries to adjust to whatever’s going on around you, but the Pro’s version is a real step up. Thanks to its sealed fit and upgraded ANC, it can block out about 80–85% of airplane noise and does a solid job with city sounds and crowds.
It’s not the absolute best out there—Sony’s WF-1000XM6 still wins for pure noise cancelling, especially with things like air conditioning hum, but for most people, the Pro is good enough that you probably won’t need big over-ear headphones on a flight.
The Buds4 has adaptive ANC too, but because of its open design, it just can’t block out as much noise—no software can change the laws of physics. It’ll take the edge off some sounds, but it’s not trying to shut out the world completely, so that’s the trade-off for the open fit.
So if you’re commuting, flying, or working somewhere noisy, the Buds4 Pro is the obvious pick. If you want to hear what’s happening around you, the open Buds4 makes that the point.
Battery Life
Here’s something the spec sheet doesn’t always make obvious: battery life can really matter. The Buds4 Pro gives you up to 6 hours with ANC on (7 if you turn it off), and up to 26 hours with the case. The regular Buds4 falls behind by about an hour, so you’re looking at around 5 hours with ANC on.
That extra hour really does matter, especially since 5 hours is on the short side these days. If you listen for long stretches, the Pro’s extra hour could be worth the upgrade. If you use them for quick commutes, it probably won’t make a difference.
Durability
Durability doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it can really matter. The Buds4 Pro is rated IP57, which means it can handle dust and even being dunked in water for a bit. The regular Buds4 is IP54, so it’s just splash-resistant. If you like to work out, run in the rain, or want to worry less about sweat, the Pro’s tougher rating is a real plus. Just don’t try swimming with either, Bluetooth and water don’t mix.
Smart Features: Shared, and Ecosystem-Dependent
Most of the clever stuff is identical across both models, and most of it needs a compatible Galaxy device to work fully:
- Head Gestures: nod to answer a call, shake to decline; hands-free and genuinely useful when you’re carrying shopping, cooking or exercising.
- Galaxy AI / Gemini: talk to an assistant through the buds without reaching for your phone, which pairs neatly with a Galaxy S26.
- 360 Audio: head-tracked spatial sound for movies and video.
- Super-wideband calling: clearer calls via multiple voice-isolating mics, on compatible Galaxy phones.
- Live Translation and Auracast: real-time translation and Bluetooth broadcast audio.
Since both models share these smart features, they’re not really a reason to pick one over the other. They mainly reinforce Samsung’s ecosystem, which is the real point here.
Which Is Better Value?
The Buds4 Pro is the better earbud on paper, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the better buy for you. Here’s how I’d break it down:
- Go for the regular Buds4 if you like an open fit, care most about comfort, want to hear what’s happening around you, mostly listen to podcasts or music at a normal volume, or just want most of the Galaxy features for less money.
- Pick the Buds4 Pro if sound quality is a big deal for you, you want stronger noise cancelling and a snug fit, you travel or commute a lot, you listen for hours at a time, you want that extra durability, or you have a newer Galaxy phone and want the best wireless audio.
It’s not really about which one is better overall, it’s about which features you’ll actually use. For most Galaxy users who care about sound and blocking out noise, the Pro’s extra $70 is money well spent.
Galaxy Buds4 vs AirPods and Sony
If you’re choosing between these and something from Apple or Sony, start with your phone. The Galaxy Buds4 work best with Samsung devices, AirPods are the go-to for iPhone users, and Sony’s WF-1000XM6 is still the one to beat if noise cancelling is all you care about. So: Galaxy phone, get Buds4 or Buds4 Pro; iPhone, go AirPods; want the best noise-cancelling, pick Sony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Buds4 and Buds4 Pro?
Fit and audio hardware. The Buds4 is open-fit with a single 11mm driver; the Buds4 Pro is sealed in-ear with an 11mm woofer plus a 5.5mm planar tweeter, stronger ANC, longer battery life, IP57 durability, and UHQ audio on Galaxy devices.
How much do buds 4 cost?
Buds4 are $179.99 / £159; Buds4 Pro are $249.99 / £199 — a $70 gap.
Is the Buds4 Pro worth the extra money?
For most Galaxy users, yes — better sound, more noise cancellation, longer battery and higher durability. For iPhone or non-Samsung users, the value case is much weaker.
Which is better for commuting and flying?
The Buds4 Pro. Its sealed fit and Adaptive ANC 2.0 isolate far better than the open Buds4.
Do the smart features differ between them?
No. Head Gestures, Gemini, 360 Audio and translation are shared, and most require a compatible Galaxy device on either model.
Do they work with iPhone?
As basic Bluetooth earbuds, yes, but you lose UHQ audio, Galaxy AI, and most advanced features. On iPhone, AirPods make more sense.
The Bottom Line
Samsung has made things clear this year. The Buds4 is all about comfort, openness, and value, it’s the right choice if you like an open fit and want to stay aware of what’s happening around you. The Buds4 Pro focuses on sound, noise blocking, and durability, it’s the better earbud overall, and for most Galaxy users who care about audio, that extra $70 is worth it.
Just keep in mind, the real difference isn’t the price, it’s which ecosystem you’re in. Both of these buds really shine with a Galaxy phone, and they lose a lot of their magic elsewhere. Pair them with a Galaxy S26 and a Galaxy Watch9, and they just become another smooth part of your setup.
For the full picture, see our Galaxy Buds complete guide, the individual Buds4 review and Buds4 Pro review, our best Buds settings guide, and the microphone test if you take a lot of calls.
