Best Wireless Earbuds For Workouts Compared

Choosing the right wireless earbuds for workouts involves balancing sound quality, fit, durability, and price. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) and Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro are two leading options that appeal to different user priorities. The AirPods Pro excels in active noise cancellation and integration with Apple devices, making it ideal for iPhone users seeking premium performance. Conversely, the Galaxy Buds Pro offers strong features at a lower price, with better compatibility for Android users. Understanding these differences helps fitness enthusiasts determine which earbuds meet their workout needs and personal preferences.

At a Glance

Criteria	Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)	Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro	Winner
Fit and Comfort	Secure fit with customizable silicone tips, comfortable for extended wear	Ergonomic design with multiple ear tip sizes, comfortable for most users	A
Durability and Sweat Resistance	IPX4 sweat and water resistance, suitable for intense workouts	IPX7 water resistance, more resistant to sweat and rain	A
Sound Quality	Rich, detailed sound with effective noise cancellation	Balanced sound with decent bass, active noise cancellation effective but slightly less refined	A
Battery Life	Up to 6 hours of playback, 30 hours with case	Up to 5 hours of playback, 20 hours with case	A
Active Noise Cancellation	Industry-leading ANC that blocks out ambient noise	Good ANC with ambient mode, slightly less effective than AirPods Pro	A
Price	Premium pricing, around $249	More affordable, around $199	B
Compatibility	Optimized for Apple devices, seamless integration	Excellent for Android, compatible with all Bluetooth devices	B
Additional Features	Wireless charging case, transparency mode	Wireless charging, ambient sound mode	B

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Key Differences

The primary distinction between these two earbuds lies in their noise cancellation capabilities and ecosystem integration. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) leads with superior active noise cancellation, making it more effective at blocking out environmental noise during workouts, especially in noisy gyms or outdoor settings. Additionally, their seamless integration with Apple devices enhances usability, allowing quick pairing, automatic device switching, and access to Siri. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro offers a more budget-friendly option with IPX7 water resistance, which provides better sweat and water protection for intense or rainy workouts. While their noise cancellation is still effective, it is slightly less refined, and their compatibility shines with Android devices, providing easier setup and controls for Android users. Battery life favors the AirPods Pro slightly, but the Galaxy Buds Pro still offers enough for most workout routines. Overall, the choice depends on whether users prioritize premium features and Apple ecosystem synergy or durability and affordability with Android compatibility.

Detailed Comparison

Fit and Comfort (Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) wins — Major)

The AirPods Pro features customizable silicone tips for a snug, secure fit, which most users find comfortable even during vigorous activity. The ergonomic design ensures they stay in place, especially with the ear tips providing a good seal. The Galaxy Buds Pro also offers multiple ear tip sizes, fitting a broad range of ear shapes comfortably, but some users report that during high-impact workouts, they may feel slightly loose or less secure than the AirPods Pro. Overall, the AirPods Pro has a slight edge for active users who need a truly secure fit, while the Galaxy Buds Pro provides comfort for casual to moderate workouts.

Durability and Sweat Resistance (Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro wins — Major)

The Galaxy Buds Pro boasts an IPX7 rating, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making it highly resistant to sweat, rain, and intense workouts. The AirPods Pro has an IPX4 rating, offering some sweat and water resistance but less robust than the Galaxy Buds Pro. For users engaging in high-sweat activities or outdoor running in rain, the Galaxy Buds Pro’s higher water resistance provides greater peace of mind. The tradeoff is that the higher durability often comes with a slightly bulkier design, but overall, Galaxy Buds Pro is better suited for rugged workout environments.

Sound Quality (Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) wins — Moderate)

Both earbuds deliver high-quality audio suitable for workouts, but there are differences. The AirPods Pro emphasizes a richer, more detailed sound profile with better bass and clarity, thanks to computational audio enhancements. The Galaxy Buds Pro offers a balanced sound with decent bass and clear mids, but some audiophiles might find it less immersive. Active noise cancellation further improves the listening experience for both, but the AirPods Pro’s ANC is generally considered more effective at filtering out ambient noise, which can be advantageous in noisy environments or outdoor settings.

Battery Life (Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) wins — Minor)

The AirPods Pro provides up to 6 hours of listening time per charge, with a total of 30 hours including the charging case. The Galaxy Buds Pro offers approximately 5 hours of playback, with 20 hours total with the case. Although the AirPods Pro slightly outperforms in total battery life, both are sufficient to last through multiple workout sessions without frequent recharging. The type of charging case also matters; both support wireless charging, adding convenience.

Active Noise Cancellation (Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) wins — Major)

The AirPods Pro’s ANC is considered industry-leading, effectively isolating ambient noise in busy gyms or outdoor environments. The Galaxy Buds Pro also features good ANC and ambient modes, but the ANC’s effectiveness is marginally less refined, allowing some background noise to seep through during high-intensity activities. For users who rely heavily on noise cancellation during workouts, the AirPods Pro offers a clearer advantage.

Price (Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro wins — Major)

Pricing reflects a significant difference: the AirPods Pro sells around $249, positioning it as a premium option. The Galaxy Buds Pro, at roughly $199, offers many comparable features at a lower cost. For budget-conscious users or those who do not need the absolute best noise cancellation or seamless Apple ecosystem integration, the Galaxy Buds Pro delivers excellent value. Conversely, paying more for the AirPods Pro might be justified for users who prioritize top-tier ANC and Apple device compatibility.

Compatibility (Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro wins — Major)

The AirPods Pro is optimized for Apple devices, supporting instant pairing, automatic device switching, and Siri access. Android users can use basic functions but lose some seamless features. The Galaxy Buds Pro is fully compatible with all Bluetooth devices, with easy setup on Android and Windows, and features like touch controls and Bixby integration. For Android users, the Galaxy Buds Pro offers a more straightforward, feature-rich experience, while iPhone users benefit more from the AirPods Pro’s deep integration.

Additional Features (Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro wins — Moderate)

Both earbuds include features like wireless charging cases and touch controls. The AirPods Pro offers transparency mode and seamless device switching within the Apple ecosystem. The Galaxy Buds Pro includes ambient sound modes, customizable touch controls, and Bixby voice assistant support. The choice depends on whether users value ecosystem-specific features or a broader compatibility with customizable controls.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen): Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Superior active noise cancellation
• Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
• Excellent sound quality with rich bass
• Comfortable fit with customizable tips
• Good battery life

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Less water resistance (IPX4)
• Limited compatibility with non-Apple devices

Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• More affordable price
• IPX7 water resistance for sweat and rain
• Good sound quality and ambient modes
• Full Android compatibility
• Extra features like customizable controls

Cons:

• Slightly inferior noise cancellation
• Less seamless ecosystem integration
• Battery life marginally shorter

Who Should Choose What

Choose Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) if:

• You own an iPhone or Apple ecosystem devices and prioritize top-tier noise cancellation and seamless integration.

Choose Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro if:

• You primarily use Android devices, need higher water resistance, or want a more affordable, feature-rich option.

Value for Money

The AirPods Pro justifies its higher price through superior noise cancellation and seamless Apple integration, making it worth the investment for Apple users seeking premium quality. The Galaxy Buds Pro offers excellent features at a lower cost, making it better value for Android users or those who prioritize durability and affordability. Paying more makes sense if premium sound and ANC are critical, but for most casual or budget-conscious users, the Galaxy Buds Pro provides strong value.

Final Verdict

The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) is the clear choice for iPhone users who want the best noise cancellation and seamless Apple features. The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro suits Android users or those seeking water resistance and value. If you need rugged durability and affordability, choose Galaxy Buds Pro; if you want top-tier ANC and Apple ecosystem integration, opt for the AirPods Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which earbuds are better for running?

Both earbuds are suitable for running, but the Galaxy Buds Pro’s IPX7 water resistance and more secure fit make it slightly better for intense outdoor activities. The AirPods Pro also stay secure but are less water-resistant.

Can I use these earbuds for phone calls during workouts?

Yes, both offer good microphone quality, but the AirPods Pro’s microphone system is slightly better for noisy environments, making it more suitable for clear calls.

Do I need an iPhone to get the most out of the AirPods Pro?

While the AirPods Pro works with Android devices, its seamless features and automatic switching are optimized for Apple devices. Android users will have basic functionality but miss out on some features.

Which earbuds last longer on a single charge?

The AirPods Pro offers about 6 hours of playback, slightly longer than the Galaxy Buds Pro’s 5 hours, but both support wireless charging and quick recharging.

Are both earbuds suitable for high-intensity workouts?

Yes, both are designed for workouts, but the Galaxy Buds Pro’s higher water resistance makes it more resilient in sweaty or rainy conditions.