Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM5: Which Is Better?
The two best noise-cancelling wireless earbuds on the market. Sony wins on sound purity, Samsung on ecosystem and price.
When shopping for premium wireless earbuds, two names come up again and again: Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and Sony WF-1000XM5. Both pack active noise cancellation (ANC), hi-res audio and a compact charging case, yet they suit different buyers. Here is where they part ways.
Design and comfort
Samsung dropped the round «beans» for an angular «blade» design with stems you pinch to control playback and swipe to adjust volume. It looks striking and the controls are handy, but outdoors the sharp edges pick up wind noise. The Sony WF-1000XM5 keeps a classic shape, but it is lighter and, for many ears, comfier over long sessions. On durability Samsung leads — IP57 (dust and water) versus IPX4 on the Sony (splashes only).
Sound
Sony uses a new 8.4 mm Dynamic Driver X and delivers a balanced, natural sound with tight, undistorted bass — a great match for classical, jazz and instrumental tracks. Samsung runs a two-way system: a 10.5 mm dynamic driver paired with a 6.1 mm planar tweeter, tuned by AKG. The result is a wider, more energetic stage that suits pop, hip-hop and EDM. Which is better comes down to taste, but the benchmark for sound purity stays with Sony.
Noise cancellation
Both cancel noise brilliantly, but Sony ANC is steadier and less volume-dependent — you do not have to crank the music up to drown out your surroundings. Samsung trails only slightly and adds useful features such as siren detection and automatic speech detection.
Ecosystem and features
This is where the phone decides. Samsung SSC hi-res codec (24-bit / 96 kHz), 360 Audio and «Galaxy AI» live translation only work with newer Samsung phones. For Galaxy owners, the Buds 3 Pro reach their full potential. Sony takes the universal route: the LDAC codec delivers hi-res audio on any Android phone, so it does not matter what handset you carry.
Battery
Sony lasts up to 8 hours with ANC on and around 24 hours with the case. Samsung manages 6 hours with ANC and 26 hours with the case. The practical gap is small, but Sony wins on single-charge stamina.
Price
On PriceBee.lt the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro start at around 119 €, while the Sony WF-1000XM5 start at around 170 €. Samsung is noticeably cheaper today, especially given that both models already have successors (Galaxy Buds 4 Pro and Sony WF-1000XM6) — which makes each one a strong value pick.
Verdict
Pick the Sony WF-1000XM5 if you want the best all-round noise cancellation, cleaner sound and hi-res audio on any phone. Pick the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro if you own a newer Galaxy phone, enjoy an energetic sound, value dust and water resistance and want to spend less.
