When you’re looking for wireless earbuds, you’ll find tons of choices at every price. Today, we’re putting two interesting options head-to-head: the pricey Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and the wallet-friendly CMF Buds Pro 2.
Let’s take a closer look at how these earbuds compare and which one might suit you better.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2: Specs Comparison
| Category | Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro | CMF Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 | $69 |
| Driver Size | 10.5mm woofer + 6.1mm tweeter | 11mm bass driver + 6mm tweeter |
| ANC | Advanced ANC with adaptive mode | Up to 50dB noise reduction |
| Battery Life (ANC on) | 6 hours (buds), 30 hours (with case) | 6.5 hours (buds), 26 hours (with case) |
| Water Resistance | IP57 | IP55 |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC, Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC) | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | No |
| Special Features | 360-degree audio, Voice Detect | Smart Dial on case, Low Latency mode |
| Weight (per bud) | 5.4g | 4.9g |
Design and Comfort
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro sport a sleek, premium design that’s reminiscent of the AirPods Pro. They feature a stem-style look with a prismatic shape, available in white, black, or silver. The earbuds are lightweight at 5.4g each and come with an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance.
In contrast, the CMF Buds Pro 2 offers a more standard earbud design with a bulbous main section and longer stems. They’re available in more vibrant color options, including a striking orange. While not as premium-looking as the Samsung offering, they’re comfortable for long listening sessions and include multiple ear tip sizes for a good fit.
The standout design feature of the CMF Buds Pro 2 is undoubtedly the “Smart Dial” on the charging case. This innovative control allows users to adjust volume, switch tracks, and toggle ANC modes with intuitive twists and clicks.
Sound Quality
Samsung has packed the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with impressive audio technology. They feature a two-way speaker system with both a woofer and tweeter, delivering a V-shaped sound signature that emphasizes both bass and treble. The sound quality is described as dynamic and energetic, with a wide soundstage that creates an immersive listening experience.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 also aim for an energetic sound profile, with a dual driver setup consisting of an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm tweeter. They tend to lean towards a bass-heavy sound out of the box, which may be too much for some listeners. However, the companion app offers EQ customization to tailor the sound to your preferences.
While both earbuds deliver good audio quality, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro edge out the competition with their more balanced and refined sound profile.
Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a key feature for many earbud users. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer impressive noise cancellation capabilities, effectively reducing low-frequency sounds like engine noise and general ambient chatter. They also feature an adaptive ANC mode that adjusts to your surroundings, though some users report inconsistent performance with this feature.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 surprise with their ANC performance, especially considering their budget price point. They claim to reduce noise by up to 50dB and handle a wide range of ambient sounds effectively. While not quite reaching the levels of top-tier noise-cancelling earbuds, they perform admirably for their price range.
Battery Life and Charging
When it comes to battery life, both earbuds offer solid performance. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro provide up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on, extending to 30 hours with the charging case. They also support wireless charging for added convenience.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 match the Samsung offering with 6.5 hours of playback (ANC on) and up to 26 hours total with the case. They also feature quick charging capabilities, providing 3 hours of use from just 10 minutes of charging.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Samsung has loaded the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro with a host of smart features, including 360-degree audio, voice detection for automatic transparency mode, and seamless device switching for Samsung users. They also support the new 24-bit Samsung Seamless Codec for high-quality audio on compatible devices.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 don’t skimp on features either. They offer Bluetooth multipoint for connecting to two devices simultaneously, a low-latency gaming mode, and in-ear detection for automatic pause/play. The companion app provides extensive customization options for sound and controls.
Price and Availability
Here’s where the comparison gets interesting. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro come with a premium price tag of around $250, putting them in direct competition with high-end offerings from Apple, Sony, and Bose.
In contrast, the CMF Buds Pro 2 are priced at a much more affordable $69, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers who still want premium features.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2: Pros and Cons
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro:
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with balanced audio profile
- Impressive active noise cancellation
- Premium, sleek design
- IP57 water and dust resistance
- Seamless integration with Samsung devices
- Wireless charging support
- Advanced features like 360-degree audio
Cons:
- Expensive price point
- Some features exclusive to Samsung devices
- Inconsistent adaptive ANC performance
- Difficulty in replacing ear tips
CMF Buds Pro 2:
Pros:
- Very affordable price
- Innovative Smart Dial on the charging case
- Surprisingly effective ANC for the price
- Good sound quality with powerful bass
- Customizable EQ and controls via companion app
- Bluetooth multipoint support
- Quick charging capability
Cons:
- Bass-heavy default sound profile may not suit all
- Build quality not as premium as high-end options
- Touch controls on earbuds less reliable than the dial
- Battery life reduces significantly with high-quality codecs
- No wireless charging
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2: Which Should You Buy?
The choice between these two earbuds ultimately comes down to your priorities and budget.
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro if:
- You want top-tier sound quality and refined ANC performance
- You’re already in the Samsung ecosystem and can take advantage of their exclusive features
- You’re willing to pay a premium for a polished, high-end product
Opt for the CMF Buds Pro 2 if:
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want impressive features
- You’re intrigued by the innovative Smart Dial control on the case
- You prefer a more bass-heavy sound profile (which can be adjusted)
- You want capable ANC at a fraction of the price of premium options
Both earbuds have impressive features and sound quality. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro stand out for their overall performance and refinement, but they do come with a higher price tag. In contrast, the CMF Buds Pro 2 deliver exceptional value, offering features typically found in much pricier options.
For the average user, the CMF Buds Pro 2 likely deliver more than enough quality and features at a competitive price. However, if you’re an audio enthusiast or deeply integrated into the Samsung ecosystem, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro could be worth the investment for their superior sound quality and seamless compatibility with Samsung devices.
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Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
