With regard to smartphones, you are likely to fall into one of two camps: fans of Apple's iPhone iOS operating system or those dedicated to the Android operating system used by Samsung (among others).
However, in the world of true wireless headphones, these distinctions are not that clear cut and you may be thinking of buying a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds even if you have an iPhone, and vice versa.
The launch of the Apple AirPods (2019) earlier this year, along with an optional wireless charging case, makes it even more difficult to choose the best wireless headphone model for you, without considering the recently introduced AirPods. turn on. Pro.
If you don't know how to choose between Apple AirPods (2019) and Samsung Galaxy Buds, you are in the right place. We've reviewed the pros and cons of the two true wireless earbuds to help you choose the ones that work best for you.
What you need to know about Black Friday 2019
It's no secret that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are among the best times to find great deals on wireless headphones. Typically, you will find that mid-range brands like Jabra benefit from the biggest discounts at retailers like Amazon, but it should be noted that Sony, Apple, and Beats have recently released new models, which means that older models could be updated.
The Apple AirPods (2019) (Image credit: LaComparacion)
Apple AirPods (2019) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds preview
There is no denying that the original AirPods have paved the way for the creation of true wireless earbuds. Despite their launch in 2016, they were still among the best real buttons you can buy in 2019, that is, until the new AirPod (2019). ) came with.
Apple says new technologies offer "faster connection times, more talk time and the convenience of hands-free Siri." One can question the actual changes that have occurred since the originals were published and these are certainly not the supposed AirPods 2 we expected; We do not expect them to be commercialized before 2020 at least.
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Buds were launched in February and are therefore not as ubiquitous as the AirPods. However, they represent a significant improvement over Samsung's original wireless heads, the Gear IconX.
Appearing alongside the new Galaxy S10, Galaxy S10 Plus, and Galaxy S10e, the Galaxy Buds are optimized to work with these phones, just like the Apple AirPods (2019) are optimized for the iPhone, depending heavily on Siri or Dedicated Bixby, for example: However, the two sets of true wireless heads can be used with any smartphone.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds (Image credit: LaComparacion)
Apple AirPods (2019) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: price and availability
The new Apple AirPods (2019) cost € 159 / € 159 / AU € 249 with the standard charging box and € 199 / € 199 / AU € 319 with the new supplied wireless charging box.
It's the same price as the originals, which Apple no longer sells, but should be available in retail stores while supplies last. If you're not interested in the new wireless charging box or slightly faster pairing times, the AirPods deals are worth keeping an eye on because we've seen decent discounts since the updated models launched.
You can also buy the wireless charging box separately for € 79 / € 79 / € 129, which is good news if you own the original AirPods, but want to upgrade your case to a model that supports wireless charging, even if you think the price is high. pay for convenience
Samsung doesn't charge you extra for this convenience, because the Galaxy Buds wireless charging case comes standard.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds raised the price of the AirPods (2019) slightly to € 149 (€ 139/249 AU).
So unless you go for the AirPods (2019) with the wireless charging box, the price isn't too much, and comparing the two probably won't help you make up your mind (unless you worry about the $ 10 difference). .
You can get some of the best true wireless headphones at a lower cost; The Optoma NuForce BE Free5 wireless headphones show how affordable headphones are today, priced at € 100 (around € 75, around € 134 AU).
The Apple AirPods (2019) (Image credit: LaComparacion)
Apple AirPods (2019) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: design
The Apple AirPods (2019) have a very distinctive style, which you will like or probably hate, essentially taking the classic design of the EarPod cut cables, leaving the stem of the button hanging from the ear.
It is interesting to note that Apple has not changed the design of the tips in 2019; After all, these shank-like bumps have been widely ridiculed when they first came out in 2016, and they don't focus on the helmet in 2019.
Like its predecessors, the AirPods (2019) draw their battery from a charging box similar to a pill box, which features a small LED indicator on the front, which allows you to check the charge status of the buttons.
True to this rigid Apple design, you won't find the use of replaceable silicone tips, and while they feel relatively comfortable when we tested them, we'd think hard before using them. .
As they say, it's a "love or hate" design, and if you're a fan of pure Apple aesthetics, you're sure to love the AirPods (2019).
The Samsung Galaxy Buds, on the other hand, have a more classic design than genuine wireless earbuds (if any), with all the technology incorporated into their beaded case, unlike the AirPods (2019), which incorporate all of their tech. on the stems. .
Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Buds are quite delicate and feel secure thanks to the addition of rubber wings. In our opinion, these are the two most aesthetic models, but it really depends on your personal taste.
Both earbuds have touch controls, which means you can use the voice assistant on your phone (AirPods can call Siri on an iPhone, while Galaxy Buds call Bixby on compatible Samsung phones), read / pause your music, and take calls. .
The Samsung Galaxy Buds (Image credit: LaComparacion)
Apple AirPods (2019) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: features
Connectivity has always been a stumbling block for true wireless earbuds, but the Apple AirPods (2019) and Samsung Galaxy Buds pair perfectly, as long as you use a smartphone from the same family.
The AirPods (2019) dock even faster than their predecessors, thanks to the new H1 chip specially designed by Apple for headphones. If you're using an iPhone, an AirPod Pairing Option (2019) will appear on your phone's screen as soon as you open the charging box, as well as the AirPod battery status and charging box.
Although Galaxy Buds generally connect very well to Samsung phones, their connectivity seems to vary from user to user; Several editors on the LaComparacion team have tried outbreaks and, while some have not experienced loss of connection, others have experienced it regularly.
Most connectivity issues appear to have been resolved by a software update shipped by Samsung, but like most true wireless devices, you can lose connection if you use them near other devices. Bluetooth.
Although Apple AirPods doesn't come with its own app, Samsung's Galaxy Galaxy has the Galaxy Wearables app, which allows you to change EQ settings and enable features like "ambient sound."
This allows some ambient noise to pass through the headphones, which is convenient if you are cycling or running and need to be aware of traffic.
This app is only available on Android phones, so if you want features like this and you have an iPhone, you will be disappointed; In addition to easier connectivity, this could be an additional reason to stay true to the AirPods. if you have an iPhone and vice versa if you have an Android phone.
The Apple AirPods (2019) (Image credit: LaComparacion)
Apple AirPods (2019) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: battery life
Apple AirPods contain five hours of battery life, and the charging case offers an additional 20 hours of battery life. Apple adds that the second-generation model offers "3 hours of talk time on a single charge," compared to two hours provided by the originals.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds have at least beaten the AirPods (2019) in this regard, with six hours built into the buds themselves, but the charging box only provides an additional seven hours of battery life, a negligible amount compared to the 20 AirPods.
If you own the original AirPods, you can still buy the case separately and enjoy the benefits of wireless charging.
Of course, if you get the AirPods 2 with the wireless charging case, it will cost you around € 40 more than if you bought them with the standard charging case.
Samsung doesn't give such a premium to its own wireless charging box, which comes with the Galaxy Buds, at no additional cost.
The two wireless charging cases can be used with a Qi-compatible charging mat, but the Samsung Galaxy Buds have another tip: If you have the Galaxy S10 phone, you can set up two-way wireless charging and place your earbuds on the back of the device to charge them too. It's smart, and we found that it worked perfectly.
Charging Case for Samsung Galaxy Buds (Image Credit: TheComparison)
Apple AirPods (2019) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds: audio performance
True wireless earbuds get a bad rap for audio performance, but they're constantly improving, and the AirPods (2019) and Galaxy Buds are good examples.
In terms of audio quality, the AirPods (2019) have a powerful and vivid presentation, although they can sound slightly harsh when it comes to high-frequency sounds and are not the lowest earphones on the market.
If you are a true bassist, you may prefer the Galaxy Buds, which have a warmer and generally more serious soundstage.
Neither of these heads will offer the same kind of audio prowess as a good pair of headphones, but enjoy the freedom of wireless connectivity in exchange for slightly less powerful sound.
The Apple AirPods (2019) (Image credit: LaComparacion)
Apple AirPods (2019) vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds: verdict
It is difficult to give a definitive answer to the question of which is the best wireless headset. Apple AirPods (2019) and Samsung Galaxy Buds offer a lot of features (and not so great), and at the same price, there isn't much.
Rather than focusing too much on the material (unless you really like the look of AirPods with a hanging rod), it's probably better to ask yourself "which ecosystem is best for me?"
If you have an iPhone or iPad, the AirPods (2019) will likely suit you better than the Galaxy Buds, with hands-free Siri access and fast connectivity.
Likewise, if you consider yourself a Samsung fan, the extra features that the Galaxy Wearables app offers mean that the Galaxy Buds are probably the smartest choice.
This does not mean that you cannot use either model with the smartphone of your choice; you can, but you may find that the buttons don't connect as well as if you use them with a device of your choice. same ecosystem
It should also be noted that many other brands that make true wireless headphones may be more suitable than the Apple or Samsung offerings.
In fact, our most popular pair of wireless headphones is the RHA True Wireless TrueConnect True Wireless headphones, at the same price as the Galaxy Buds, offering balanced, detailed sound and a reliable Bluetooth connection.