Two of the most hotly anticipated earbuds of 2026 are finally here — and they happen to land at the same price in Canada. Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 launched in September 2025, bringing headline-grabbing ANC improvements, heart rate sensing, and Live Translation. Now Samsung has fired back at Galaxy Unpacked 2026 with the brand-new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, promising Hi-Fi audio, a redesigned blade body, and its own AI-powered smarts.
If you’re a Canadian shopper staring at a $329 CAD decision, this guide is for you. We’ve broken down every key category so you can make the right call — whether you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, living on Android, or just want the best-sounding earbuds money can buy right now.
Quick Answer: Choose the AirPods Pro 3 if you own an iPhone. Choose the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro if you have a Samsung Galaxy phone and want Hi-Fi audio with a sleeker design.
Table of Contents
- Quick Specs Comparison
- Design & Fit
- Sound Quality
- Active Noise Cancellation
- Battery Life
- AI & Smart Features
- Call Quality
- Ecosystem Compatibility
- Price in Canada (CAD)
- Final Verdict
Quick Specs Comparison
| Feature | AirPods Pro 3 | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Released | September 19, 2025 | March 11, 2026 |
| Price (CAD) | $329 | $329 |
| Chip | Apple H2 | Samsung proprietary |
| Driver Setup | Single custom driver + amplifier | 2-way speaker (woofer + tweeter) + Dual Amp |
| Audio Quality | Personalized Spatial Audio, Adaptive EQ | 24-bit / 96 kHz Hi-Fi (Samsung devices only) |
| ANC | World’s best in-ear ANC (2x better than Pro 2) | Adaptive ANC 2.0 |
| Transparency Mode | Adaptive Transparency | Ambient Sound |
| Battery (ANC on) | Up to 8 hours / 30 hrs with case | Up to 6 hours / 26 hrs with case |
| Battery (ANC off) | Up to 9–10 hours (est.) / 36 hrs with case | Up to 7 hours / 30 hrs with case |
| Water Resistance | IP57 (earbuds & case) | IP57 (earbuds) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 6.1 |
| Ear Tips | 5 sizes (XS–XXL) silicone + foam layer | Standard silicone tips |
| Microphones | 3 mics per bud (incl. inward-facing) | 3 SNR mics + VPU per bud |
| Head Gestures | ✅ Nod/shake to answer/decline calls | ✅ Nod/shake to answer/decline calls |
| Live Translation | ✅ Apple Intelligence (iPhone required) | ✅ Interpreter (Samsung Galaxy optimized) |
| Heart Rate Sensing | ✅ Yes (workouts, 50+ types) | ❌ No |
| Hearing Aid Feature | ⚠️ Not available in Canada (regulatory) | ❌ No |
| Charging | USB-C + MagSafe + Qi + Apple Watch charger | USB-C + Wireless Qi |
| Find My / Find My Device | ✅ Find My (with speaker) | ✅ Find My Device (Google / Samsung) |
| Best For | iPhone users | Samsung Galaxy users |
Design & Fit
Both earbuds sport a stem design in 2026, but they feel quite different in hand and in ear. The AirPods Pro 3 are smaller and lighter than ever — Apple redesigned them using data from over 10,000 ear scans and more than 100,000 hours of user research. They now come in five ear tip sizes (including a new XXS option), each fusing a thin layer of soft foam to the silicone shell for improved passive isolation and a snugger seal. For Canadians who run outside in winter gear, this matters a lot.
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro take a notably different approach to style. The stem is now crafted from real aluminum — Samsung calls it the “blade design” — giving them a premium, almost jewellery-like appearance. The body was shaped via over 10,000 computational simulations to improve wearability and long-term comfort. The bulb portion is also smaller than the Buds 3 Pro, helping them sit more flush in the ear.
Both carry an IP57 rating, meaning they can handle sweaty gym sessions, rain, and accidental splashes without breaking a sweat (pun intended). The AirPods Pro 3 go a step further — their charging case is also IP57-rated, a first for Apple.
Winner: Tie
Personal preference rules here. The AirPods Pro 3 prioritize seal and stability for workouts. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro win on pure aesthetics with their metallic finish.
Sound Quality
This is where the two earbuds diverge most dramatically in philosophy.
Apple takes a computational approach with the AirPods Pro 3. The H2 chip powers a completely redesigned multiport acoustic architecture with an inward-facing mic pointing directly into the ear canal. The result is deeper bass, vivid vocal clarity, a wider soundstage, and superlow distortion. Personalized Spatial Audio uses your iPhone’s TrueDepth camera to map your head geometry and create a custom 3D sound profile. Add Adaptive EQ that tunes to your ear in real-time, and you have a remarkably immersive, personalized listening experience.
Samsung counters with raw hardware on the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro. For the first time, these earbuds sport a true 2-way speaker system: a wider woofer with a diaphragm nearly 20% larger than the Buds 3 Pro, paired with a precision tweeter, each with its own dedicated amplifier. This Dual Amp setup reduces distortion and interference, delivering a full-spectrum soundstage — from deep sub-bass to extended highs. The headline spec is 24-bit / 96 kHz Hi-Fi audio, though that ultra-high-quality mode is currently locked to select Samsung Galaxy phones running One UI 6.1.1 or later.
Reviewers who’ve compared both say the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro deliver “AirPods-level sound quality” — which is high praise, but also tells you neither dominates the other outright. Tom’s Guide noted the Buds 4 Pro sound quality is genuinely on par with the AirPods Pro 3, making both top-tier performers.
Winner: Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro (for Samsung users) / AirPods Pro 3 (for iPhone users)
If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, the Buds 4 Pro’s Hi-Fi hardware advantage is real. If you’re on iPhone, the AirPods’ personalization pipeline is unmatched.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
ANC is where Apple staked its biggest claim. The AirPods Pro 3 deliver what Apple calls the world’s best in-ear Active Noise Cancellation — removing up to 2x more unwanted noise than AirPods Pro 2, and 4x more than the original AirPods Pro. This was independently tested against commercially available earbuds as of July 2025 under IEC 60268-24 standards. The improved fit with foam-tipped silicone sleeves also helps dramatically with passive isolation.
Samsung’s response is Adaptive ANC 2.0 on the Buds 4 Pro. The algorithm is now smarter — it analyzes your ear shape and wearing conditions in real time, adjusting on the fly. Samsung specifically highlights performance on transit (buses, trains, and planes), where low-frequency engine noise is effectively reduced while maintaining balanced sound.
Tom’s Guide testing found the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro blocked out 99.9% of external noise in their measurement, putting them on level footing with the AirPods Pro 3. SoundGuys’ lab data showed the Buds 4 Pro attenuation averages 84% across the audible spectrum, with some weakness in the 500Hz–1.1kHz range — where voices and certain ambient sounds can occasionally sneak through.
Note that Samsung’s ANC improvement for the Buds 4 Pro over Buds 3 Pro is algorithmic rather than a hardware mic upgrade — which means real-world results may vary by fit and environment.
Winner: AirPods Pro 3
Apple’s ANC lead is modest but real, particularly in the mid-frequency range and in varied environments. For commuters and frequent flyers in Canada, this edge matters.
Battery Life
| Scenario | AirPods Pro 3 | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Earbuds alone (ANC on) | Up to 8 hours | Up to 6 hours |
| Total with case (ANC on) | Up to 30 hours | Up to 26 hours |
| Earbuds alone (ANC off) | ~9–10 hours | Up to 7 hours |
| Total with case (ANC off) | ~36 hours | Up to 30 hours |
| Transparency / Hearing Aid mode | Up to 10 hours | N/A |
The AirPods Pro 3 win the battery race clearly. With ANC on, you get up to 8 hours per charge — a meaningful improvement over the Buds 4 Pro’s 6 hours. For long-haul flights from Toronto to Vancouver (or across the Atlantic), that extra two hours of ANC listening time is genuinely useful.
A word of caution about Samsung: as SoundGuys noted, Samsung’s historical battery claims tend to run higher than what labs measure in standardized tests — the Buds 3 Pro was rated 7 hours but measured 4.5 hours. Real-world Buds 4 Pro results may land somewhat below the advertised 6 hours with ANC on.
Winner: AirPods Pro 3
Better battery life on a single charge and with the case — no contest.
AI & Smart Features
Both earbuds are leaning hard into AI in 2026, and both bring head gesture controls to the table — a feature Apple launched first on AirPods Pro 3 in September 2025 and Samsung has now added to the Buds 4 Pro. Nod to answer a call. Shake your head to decline. It works on both.
AirPods Pro 3 AI highlights:
- Live Translation — powered by Apple Intelligence, enabling real-time in-person conversation across languages (English, French, Mandarin, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese) when paired with an Apple Intelligence-capable iPhone
- Heart Rate Sensing — tracks heart rate and calories burned for over 50 workout types via the Fitness app
- Conversation Awareness — automatically lowers volume when you start talking
- Personalized Volume — machine learning adapts playback volume to your habits over time
- Siri Interactions — hands-free Siri with head nods for yes/no responses
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro AI highlights:
- Interpreter (Live Translation) — instant language translation with a pinch of the stem; supports 20+ languages including French Canadian
- Adaptive ANC 2.0 & Adaptive EQ — real-time analysis of ear geometry and environment for personalized sound
- HD Voice — audio up to ~16kHz for clearer calls (requires both parties and carriers to support it)
- Head Gestures — nod to answer, shake to decline calls
- Gemini / Bixby voice access — seamless AI assistant access via voice command
- Super Clear Call — AI-powered noise reduction during calls
The heart rate sensor on AirPods Pro 3 is a genuine differentiator — no other premium earbuds at this price offer it. For Canadians tracking fitness or looking to reduce their wearable count, being able to ditch a fitness tracker is a compelling argument.
Samsung’s Interpreter supports more languages (20+) than Apple’s Live Translation (10 languages at launch), which could matter for multilingual households or travelers.
Winner: AirPods Pro 3
Heart rate sensing alone makes this a win, plus tighter Apple Intelligence integration for iPhone users.
Call Quality
Both earbuds invest heavily in call quality. The AirPods Pro 3 carry three microphones per bud — including a unique inward-facing mic — plus Voice Isolation powered by the H2 chip. Apple’s wind noise reduction is notably strong, which is especially relevant in Canada where outdoor calls in winter wind are a reality.
Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 4 Pro use a 3 SNR mic + VPU (Voice Pickup Unit) array with new “Super Clear Call” AI processing. The addition of HD Voice (up to ~16kHz) could mean noticeably clearer calls — but only when your network and the other person’s device also support it, limiting its real-world benefit right now.
Both are excellent for calls. Apple has a slight edge in wind rejection based on previous-generation data, though the Buds 4 Pro’s hardware array is competitive.
Winner: AirPods Pro 3 (narrowly)
Ecosystem Compatibility
| AirPods Pro 3 | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone | ✅ Full features, seamless pairing | ⚠️ Connects but no Galaxy Wearable app; limited control |
| Samsung Galaxy (Android) | ✅ Works (limited vs. iPhone) | ✅ Full features, Hi-Fi audio, instant pair |
| Non-Samsung Android | ✅ Works (some features limited) | ⚠️ Requires Wearables app; some features locked to Samsung |
| iPad / Mac | ✅ Automatic Switching, Audio Sharing | ⚠️ Basic Bluetooth only |
| Apple Watch charger | ✅ Yes (case) | ❌ No |
| Multi-device pairing | ✅ Auto-switching across Apple devices | ⚠️ Requires Samsung Wear app per device; no true multipoint |
This is the biggest factor in your decision. Both earbuds work with any Bluetooth device, but the best experience is squarely within their own ecosystems. AirPods Pro 3 are borderline magical on iPhone — one-tap pairing, instant switching between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and full access to every feature. On a Samsung Galaxy phone, they’re merely good Bluetooth earbuds.
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro’s Hi-Fi 24-bit/96kHz audio mode is exclusive to Samsung devices. The Samsung Wearable app for full control is a Samsung-first experience. On iPhone, you can connect them, but you lose the Wearable app entirely.
Winner: Depends entirely on your phone
Price in Canada (CAD)
Both earbuds are priced identically at $329 CAD in Canada. That’s a meaningful coincidence — it makes the comparison purely about features and ecosystem fit, not budget.
- AirPods Pro 3 Canada Price: $329 CAD — Check price on Amazon.ca
- Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Canada Price: $329 CAD — Check price on Amazon.ca
If you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy S26 series, Samsung Canada is offering the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro for only $74 with a device trade-in — making them an exceptional value bundle for Galaxy upgraders.
Head-to-Head Summary Table
| Category | AirPods Pro 3 | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design & Comfort | Refined, 5 tip sizes, foam layer | Premium aluminum blade, sleek | 🤝 Tie |
| Sound Quality | Personalized Spatial Audio | 2-way driver, 24-bit Hi-Fi | 🤝 Tie (ecosystem-dependent) |
| ANC | World’s best in-ear ANC (2x vs Pro 2) | Adaptive ANC 2.0 | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Battery Life | 8 hrs ANC on / 30 hrs total | 6 hrs ANC on / 26 hrs total | AirPods Pro 3 |
| AI Features | Heart rate, Live Translation, Siri | Interpreter, Head Gestures, Gemini/Bixby | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Call Quality | Excellent, strong wind rejection | Excellent, HD Voice option | AirPods Pro 3 (narrowly) |
| Ecosystem (iPhone) | Seamless, full features | Basic Bluetooth only | AirPods Pro 3 |
| Ecosystem (Samsung Galaxy) | Good, some limits | Seamless, full Hi-Fi features | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 6.1 | Galaxy Buds 4 Pro |
| Price (CAD) | $329 | $329 | 🤝 Tie |
Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Buy the AirPods Pro 3 if you:
- Own an iPhone (any recent model) — the ecosystem integration alone is worth it
- Want the best ANC money can buy in in-ear earbuds right now
- Care about battery life, especially during long commutes or flights
- Want heart rate monitoring during workouts without a separate device
- Use multiple Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac) and want seamless switching
👉 Buy AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon.ca — $329 CAD
Buy the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro if you:
- Own a Samsung Galaxy smartphone (S24, S25, S26 or recent Z Fold/Flip)
- Are an audiophile who wants Hi-Fi 24-bit/96kHz audio
- Love the premium look of an aluminum blade design
- Want broader Live Translation language support (20+ languages)
- Are upgrading from Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and want a meaningful improvement
👉 Buy Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro on Amazon.ca — $329 CAD
The Bottom Line
At exactly the same price of $329 CAD, both the AirPods Pro 3 and Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are outstanding earbuds. In objective categories like ANC, battery life, and cross-device convenience, the AirPods Pro 3 pull ahead. In terms of raw audio hardware and sleek design, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro impress — especially for Samsung Galaxy owners who can unlock the full 24-bit Hi-Fi experience.
For most Canadians — who statistically are more likely to be on iPhone than Samsung — the AirPods Pro 3 are the safer, more feature-rich choice. But if you’re in the Galaxy ecosystem, Samsung has finally produced earbuds that genuinely challenge Apple on sound quality.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. At $329 CAD, the AirPods Pro 3 offer the best ANC of any in-ear earbuds, improved battery life, heart rate monitoring, and seamless iPhone integration. They’re especially worth it if you’re upgrading from AirPods Pro 2 or older.
They connect via Bluetooth, but you won’t have access to the Galaxy Wearable app on iPhone. Core controls like touch gestures and EQ customization will be unavailable, and the Hi-Fi audio mode is locked to Samsung Galaxy devices.
The AirPods Pro 3 are priced at $329 CAD at Apple Canada and authorized retailers including Amazon.ca.
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are priced at $329 CAD in Canada, available from Samsung Canada and Amazon.ca starting March 11, 2026.
The AirPods Pro 3 have a slight edge in ANC performance, particularly in mid-frequency noise rejection. Both perform at an extremely high level, but Apple’s ANC currently holds the title of world’s best in-ear ANC per independent testing.
No. Apple has confirmed that due to regulatory restrictions, the Hearing Aid feature is not available in Canada at this time.
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