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Bottom line: If you're in the Samsung ecosystem, these are the earbuds to get. The Galaxy AI integration and seamless multi-device switching make them significantly more useful than alternatives for Galaxy users.

I spent six months with AirPods Pro 2nd generation before switching to the Galaxy Buds3 Pro. Yes, I acknowledged in my own notes that the AirPods had marginally better ANC and slightly richer sound. I switched anyway.

Here's why: I use a Galaxy S25, Galaxy Tab S10+, Galaxy Watch, and Galaxy Book. The AirPods required manual Bluetooth switching every time I moved between devices. I was doing this 8-10 times per day. After six months, the friction was wearing me down more than I'd expected it to.

The Galaxy Ecosystem Integration Is the Differentiator

The feature I appreciate most is Auto Switch. Play music from your Galaxy phone, then open a video on your Galaxy Tab — the earbuds automatically switch to the Tab without any manual action. When a call comes in on your phone while you're watching a tablet video, the earbuds switch to the call and back again.

For anyone deeply embedded in the Samsung ecosystem, this is transformative in daily use.

Galaxy AI live translation works through the Buds3 Pro. When using Samsung's AI Live Translate feature on calls, the translation audio comes directly through the earbuds. This is genuinely useful in Korea — conversations with vendors or neighbors who prefer Korean come through translated in near-real-time.

The Galaxy Wearable app provides granular control over EQ settings, ANC intensity, and touch controls. The level of customization is significantly deeper than what most earbuds offer.

Check Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro price on Coupang →

ANC Performance — Honest Assessment

Better than most earbuds in this price range, not as good as AirPods Pro 2 or Sony WF-1000XM5.

For subway commutes and office environments, the Buds3 Pro ANC is adequate. Low-frequency noise (train rumble, HVAC hum) is well-controlled. High-frequency noise (voices, alarms) is attenuated but not eliminated.

The Ambient Sound mode is excellent. When I need to hear my surroundings briefly — ordering coffee, having a quick conversation — the ambient mode is natural and convincing. Much better than simply removing the earbuds.

Sound Quality

The dual-driver setup (10.5mm woofer + 5.6mm tweeter) is an unusual configuration for wireless earbuds at this price. The result is noticeably layered audio — bass impact from the woofer and detail/clarity from the tweeter working together.

K-pop, which is bass-forward with detailed vocals and production complexity, sounds particularly good on the Buds3 Pro. The low end is present without being muddy, and vocal clarity is strong.

IPX7 Water Resistance

IPX7 certification means 1-meter depth for 30 minutes. In daily use: completely worry-free in heavy rain, for sweaty workouts, or any outdoor activity in Seoul's occasionally unpredictable weather.

I've used these running in August (peak Korean summer humidity) and in light rain. Zero issues.

Who Should Buy These

Buy the Buds3 Pro if: You use Samsung Galaxy phone, tablet, or watch regularly; the Galaxy AI features appeal to you; you exercise and need reliable water resistance; you're budget-conscious compared to AirPods Pro.

Don't buy these if: You use iPhone (the ecosystem advantages disappear — just buy AirPods); or you prioritize absolute ANC performance over price (Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro 2 are better options).

For Samsung users in Korea, the Buds3 Pro at ₩188,100 represents the best earbuds investment in the Galaxy ecosystem.

Buy Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro on Coupang →

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