For less than the price of the AirPods Pro (usually), you get better battery life, a wireless charging case, and astonishing microphone quality. The Galaxy Buds Pro ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends) are Samsung's premium earbuds. You can save some cash on the Pro by sticking with the standard wireless charging case, though it's harder to find. Note: Apple is now selling a version of these buds with a MagSafe case, which you can pair with a MagSafe charger for a more secure connection when charging. My only gripe? Battery life, which stands at a paltry 4.5 hours (outside of the additional 19.5 hours you get from the charging case). The built-in vents mean the 'plugged-ear' feeling you get with some other buds isn't here, and an IPX4 rating makes them great at the gym. You'll rarely hear your kids squealing in the next room when you're trying to get some work done. We also love the active noise-canceling feature.
The ear tips create a better seal with your ears for dynamic bass response. For one thing, they're much more comfortable and secure, thanks to silicone ear tips that replace the standard AirPods' hard plastic. The AirPods Pro ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends) are easily worth the premium you'll pay over standard AirPods.
