Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 vs AirPods 4: Which Is Better for Your Ears in 2026?
Samsung just dropped its latest audio lineup — the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro — and the tech world is buzzing. Meanwhile, Apple's AirPods 4 continue to hold their ground as the gold standard for iPhone users. But what if you're sitting on the fence, credit card in hand, asking yourself: which earbuds are actually worth your money in 2026?
We've broken down everything — from sound quality and active noise cancellation to battery life, price, and ecosystem fit — so you can make the smartest choice for your lifestyle.
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What's New: Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 at a Glance
Samsung's announcement of the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro marks a significant step forward in the company's audio ambitions. According to The Verge, these are essentially Samsung's answer to AirPods — compact, wireless, and deeply integrated into the Galaxy ecosystem.
Here's what Samsung is bringing to the table with the Buds 4 lineup:
- Open-type design (Buds 4 standard) — no ear tips, similar to AirPods 4
- In-ear design with ANC (Buds 4 Pro) — for serious noise isolation
- Galaxy AI integration — real-time translation, Interpreter mode, and adaptive EQ
- WearFit Pro health sensors on select models
- Bluetooth 5.4 for improved stability and range
- Seamless switching between Galaxy devices
The Galaxy Buds 4 are clearly designed to court users who are tempted by AirPods but are already living in Samsung's ecosystem.
AirPods 4: Apple's Refined Benchmark
Apple's AirPods 4, released in late 2024, remain one of the most refined wireless earbuds on the market heading into 2026. With Active Noise Cancellation added to the standard model (a first for the non-Pro AirPods line), Apple raised the stakes considerably.
Key AirPods 4 highlights include:
- H2 chip for computational audio and adaptive EQ
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode on the ANC model
- Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking
- USB-C charging case (finally catching up with the modern standard)
- Deep Siri and iOS integration
- Up to 30 hours total battery (with case)
If you're an iPhone user, the AirPods 4 experience is seamless in a way that's hard to replicate — instant pairing, automatic device switching, and Siri always a breath away.
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Head-to-Head Comparison: Galaxy Buds 4 vs AirPods 4
🔊 Sound Quality
Both earbuds deliver excellent audio for everyday listening. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro lean toward a more bass-forward, dynamic sound profile — ideal for hip-hop, EDM, and podcasts. The AirPods 4 offer a more balanced, neutral tuning that works beautifully across genres and benefits heavily from Apple's Adaptive Audio technology.
Winner: Tie — it depends on your preference. Bass lovers favor Samsung; balanced listeners prefer Apple.
🚫 Active Noise Cancellation
ANC is now available on both standard and Pro models across both brands. Samsung's Buds 4 Pro ANC is competitive, but Apple's H2 chip-driven ANC on the AirPods 4 (ANC model) remains a benchmark in the open-style earbud category.
Winner: AirPods 4 (ANC model) — slightly better environmental noise filtering in real-world use.
🔋 Battery Life
| Model | Earbud | With Case |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy Buds 4 | ~6 hours | ~24 hours |
| Galaxy Buds 4 Pro | ~7 hours | ~30 hours |
| AirPods 4 | ~5 hours | ~30 hours |
| AirPods 4 (ANC) | ~4 hours ANC on | ~20 hours |
Winner: Galaxy Buds 4 Pro — slightly longer per-session battery life with ANC enabled.
📱 Ecosystem & Compatibility
This is where the choice often becomes clear:
- Galaxy Buds 4 work with Android and iOS, but offer full features only on Samsung Galaxy devices. Galaxy AI features like real-time translation and Interpreter mode require a compatible Galaxy phone.
- AirPods 4 work with Android via Bluetooth, but the full magic only happens on Apple devices — seamless pairing, Spatial Audio, Siri, and automatic switching.
Winner: Depends entirely on your phone. iPhone user? Get AirPods. Galaxy user? Get Buds 4.
💰 Price
- Galaxy Buds 4: Starting around $149–$179
- Galaxy Buds 4 Pro: Around $229–$249
- AirPods 4 (standard): $129
- AirPods 4 (with ANC): $179
Winner: AirPods 4 standard — the most affordable entry point with strong overall performance.
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Who Should Buy the Galaxy Buds 4?
The Galaxy Buds 4 are the right choice if:
- You own a Samsung Galaxy S26, S25, or another recent Galaxy device
- You want access to Galaxy AI audio features like real-time translation
- You prefer a more bass-heavy, energetic sound signature
- You use Samsung's MagFit or Galaxy ecosystem accessories
- You value longer earbud battery life on Pro-tier models
Who Should Buy the AirPods 4?
The AirPods 4 are your best bet if:
- You're an iPhone or Mac user who wants effortless Apple ecosystem integration
- You prefer a lightweight, open-ear design without silicone tips
- You use Siri frequently or rely on hands-free voice commands
- You want a polished, balanced sound for a reasonable price
- You care about Personalized Spatial Audio for music and movies
The Verdict: It's Really About Your Phone
Here's the honest truth that most tech reviewers dance around: both the Galaxy Buds 4 and AirPods 4 are excellent earbuds. The real decision isn't about which is objectively better — it's about which ecosystem you live in.
If your world revolves around a Samsung Galaxy phone, the Buds 4 (especially the Pro) will unlock features and integrations that AirPods simply can't touch on Android. If your life runs on an iPhone, AirPods 4 offer a seamless, premium experience that no Android-first earbud can fully replicate.
For cross-platform users or Android fans without a Samsung device, the AirPods 4 standard model at $129 offers excellent value — just without the deepest feature set.
Bottom line: Match your earbuds to your phone, not just the spec sheet. Both Samsung and Apple have raised the bar in 2026, and you really can't go wrong either way — as long as you're picking the right pair for your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 compatible with iPhone?
Yes, the Galaxy Buds 4 work with iPhone via standard Bluetooth. However, most of the advanced features — including Galaxy AI, real-time translation, and seamless device switching — are only available when paired with a compatible Samsung Galaxy device.
What's the difference between Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro?
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro features an in-ear design with silicone tips and stronger active noise cancellation, while the standard Buds 4 uses an open-type design similar to AirPods. The Pro model also typically offers longer battery life and more advanced audio features.
Do AirPods 4 work with Android phones?
AirPods 4 can connect to Android phones via Bluetooth for basic audio playback. However, features like Personalized Spatial Audio, seamless device switching, Siri integration, and automatic ear detection require an Apple device to function properly.
Which earbuds have better noise cancellation — Galaxy Buds 4 Pro or AirPods 4?
Both offer strong ANC, but the AirPods 4 (with ANC) powered by Apple's H2 chip generally performs slightly better for open-style earbuds. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro's in-ear design provides better passive noise isolation, which complements its ANC system effectively.
How much do the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 cost compared to AirPods 4?
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 start around $149–$179, with the Buds 4 Pro priced around $229–$249. Apple's AirPods 4 start at $129 for the standard model and $179 for the ANC version, making Apple's entry-level option the most affordable of the bunch.
