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Marques Brownlee's Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Review

Samsung · Reviewed by Marques Brownlee · Published 2026-02-28

Rating 5/5Source quality 75/100Evidence 15Claims 10Q&A 6Pros 12Cons 3

Based on a review by Marques Brownlee (accessed 2026-02-28).

What they actually found

  • Loved — Incredible sound quality with new dual drivers and customizable EQ
  • Annoyed by — Charging case is not IP57 rated

Based on this review alone: buy it if you care about incredible sound quality with new dual drivers and customizable eq — just accept charging case is not ip57 rated.

This source's evidence 🎬

Source verdict

Marques Brownlee concludes that the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are "incredible" and "better than AirPods Pros" as a performance benchmark for the Android universe. He crowns them his "favorite wireless earbuds 2026" for Android phones, calling them "sneaky winners."

About this source

This review provides an in-depth look at the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, covering their design, comfort, audio quality, active noise cancellation, and smart features. The reviewer also offers comparisons to AirPods Pro and Sony WF-1000XM6s, detailing their performance in various usage scenarios.

Review notes

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are incredible, outperforming even AirPods Pro as a performance benchmark for wireless earbuds. They offer exceptional sound quality with new dual drivers and a customizable EQ, alongside powerful active noise cancellation that rivals or exceeds AirPods Pro. The redesigned earbuds also provide a secure fit, staying in the reviewer's ears even with default tips, and the compact, wireless-charging case is highly pocketable. If you are an Android or Samsung ecosystem user looking for versatile, high-quality earbuds for everyday use, workouts, or travel, these are the ones to beat. However, iPhone users will miss out on many advanced features due to app limitations.

What the reviewer liked

  • Incredible sound quality with new dual drivers and customizable EQ
  • Very strong active noise cancellation (equal to or stronger than AirPods Pro)
  • Effective ambient sound mode (transparency mode)
  • Secure and comfortable fit (stay in ears well)
  • Redesigned, compact, wireless charging case with USB-C
  • Easy to use pinch and swipe controls
  • IP57 dust and water resistance for earbuds
  • Seamless device switching within Samsung ecosystem
  • 360° head-tracking spatial audio
  • Gaming mode to minimize audio delay
  • Available in multiple colors
  • Automatic ambient mode switch for sirens or conversations

What the reviewer criticised

  • Charging case is not IP57 rated
  • Limited functionality and customization when paired with an iPhone
  • Five levels of ANC/ambient mode are excessive and not clearly distinct

Structured claims

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer an overall incredible performance benchmark, potentially surpassing AirPods Pro for Android users.

reviewer_claimstrong

The case features a new, compact, and functional design with wireless charging and a USB-C port.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The earbuds have a redesigned, secure fit that stays in the ears well, alongside intuitive controls facilitated by the new stem design.

reviewer_claimstrong

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer excellent sound quality with updated drivers and customizable EQ settings, comparable to high-end competitors.

reviewer_claimstrong

The active noise cancellation (ANC) is very strong, comparable to or better than AirPods Pro, with adjustable levels.

reviewer_claimstrong

The ambient sound mode is highly effective, close to AirPods Pro transparency, and superior to many other earbuds.

reviewer_claimstrong

The earbuds include advanced smart features like automatic mode switching based on environmental cues or conversation detection.

reviewer_claimstrong

Battery life is around the industry standard, providing 6-7 hours of listening time.

specification_claimmoderate

Microphone quality is decent but "nothing special," comparable to other earbuds in the market.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The Buds 4 Pro offer several features superior to AirPods, especially for Android users, including a gaming mode, full EQ, and multiple color options.

comparison_claimstrong

Evidence items

Overall Performance Compared to AirPods Pro

reviewer_claimpositivet=0:13–0:20

The reviewer states that the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are "incredible" and believes they are "better than AirPods Pros" as a performance benchmark, particularly for the Android universe.

Case Design and Features

visual_inspectionpositivet=0:42–0:58

The new cube case design features a tinted clear lid and a satisfying magnetic slap. It's slightly taller than AirPods but remains pocketable, supporting wireless charging and featuring a USB-C port.

Earbud Design and Secure Fit

reviewer_claimpositivet=1:03–1:10

The earbuds themselves also received a redesign, and the reviewer highlights that they "stay in my ears" very well, even with the default ear tips, expressing strong satisfaction with the fit.

Redesigned Stem and Controls

visual_inspectionpositivet=1:19–1:29

The new design features a more square stem with a brushed metal back. The reviewer finds this square stem makes pinching and swiping controls easier and more intuitive.

Intuitive Touch and Pinch Controls

hands_on_demopositivet=1:30–1:40

Users can swipe up or down on either bud for volume control, pinch and hold to switch between active noise cancellation and ambient sound, single squeeze for play/pause, and double squeeze for the next track.

IP57 Rating and Case Flaw

specification_claimmixedt=1:40–1:44

The earbuds are IP57 dust and water resistant, matching AirPods Pros, which is a positive. However, the reviewer notes that the case is not resistant, identifying this as a flaw.

Sound Quality with New Drivers

reviewer_claimpositivet=1:50–2:10

With new drivers, including a larger subwoofer and a tweeter with an amp for each, the earbuds deliver "really, really good" sound quality. The reviewer found the quality to be great across all frequencies and listening situations.

Customizable EQ Settings

hands_on_demopositivet=2:10–2:22

The Samsung settings include an equalizer. The reviewer personally favored the 'dynamic' setting, which boosts bass and treble for a 'punchy and fun' sound, but highlights the extensive customization options available.

Sound Quality Comparison to Sony WF-1000XM6s

comparisonpositivet=2:42–2:48

The reviewer states that the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro sound "every bit as good" as the Sony WF-1000XM6s, but in a more portable package, implying superior overall value due to fewer compromises.

Strong Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

reviewer_claimpositivet=3:07–3:24

The adjustable strength active noise cancellation is "really strong" at maximum setting, with five available levels. The reviewer considers it "easily as strong as AirPods Pro," and possibly even stronger, suitable for flying.

Effective Ambient Sound Mode

reviewer_claimpositivet=3:30–3:47

The ambient mode, also with five levels, is described as "really, really good," just shy of AirPods transparency mode, and superior to most other earbuds. It produces natural sounds, allowing the user to hear their own voice and conversations clearly.

Automatic Mode Switching Features

hands_on_demopositivet=3:47–4:24

The earbuds can automatically switch to ambient mode if microphones detect a siren or emergency vehicle sound. They also switch to ambient mode when the user starts talking, reverting to ANC 5-10 seconds after conversation ends, ideal for quick chats.

Battery Life Rating

specification_claimneutralt=4:27–4:35

The battery life is rated at 6 hours with ANC on and 7 hours with ANC off. The reviewer notes this is "right around the industry standard" and sufficient for continuous wear.

Microphone Sound Quality

measurement_testneutralt=4:35–4:54

The built-in microphone sound, tested with a voice recorder app, is described as "nothing special," and similar to many other earbuds. It features six mics, the same as the previous generation.

Unique Features Compared to AirPods

comparisonpositivet=5:35–6:07

Unlike AirPods, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer a gaming mode for minimal audio delay, a full nine-band equalizer with presets for massive sound customization, and are available in multiple colors (three options).

Quick answers

  • How do the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro compare to AirPods Pro? The reviewer believes the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are "better than AirPods Pros" in terms of overall performance, particularly for the Android ecosystem.
  • What is the sound quality like on the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro? The earbuds feature new drivers, including a larger subwoofer and a tweeter with an amp for each.
  • How effective are the active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient mode? The active noise cancellation at maximum strength is very strong, featuring five adjustable levels, and is considered by the reviewer to be easily as strong as, if not stronger than, AirPods Pro ANC.
  • Do the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have a secure and comfortable fit? The reviewer was "very impressed at how well they stay in my ears" with the new design, finding them comfortable even with the default ear tips.

Buyer questions answered

How do the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro compare to AirPods Pro?

The reviewer believes the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are "better than AirPods Pros" in terms of overall performance, particularly for the Android ecosystem. They match AirPods Pro in price, ANC, transparency mode, sound quality, and quick pairing, but also offer better features like a more secure fit, improved ANC, and additional unique functionalities like gaming mode and a full equalizer. They are highlighted as the AirPods Pro equivalent for Android.

What is the sound quality like on the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro?

The earbuds feature new drivers, including a larger subwoofer and a tweeter with an amp for each. The reviewer found the sound quality to be great across all frequencies and listening situations. A customizable EQ in the Samsung settings allows users to dial in their preferred sound, with the "dynamic" preset boosting bass and treble for a "punchy and fun" experience. The reviewer rates them as good as the Sony WF-1000XM6s.

How effective are the active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient mode?

The active noise cancellation at maximum strength is very strong, featuring five adjustable levels, and is considered by the reviewer to be easily as strong as, if not stronger than, AirPods Pro ANC. The ambient mode also has five levels and is highly effective, allowing natural hearing of one's own voice and conversations, performing better than most other earbuds.

Do the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro have a secure and comfortable fit?

The reviewer was "very impressed at how well they stay in my ears" with the new design, finding them comfortable even with the default ear tips. The new square stem design also contributes to easier pinching and swiping controls, making the overall user experience more pleasant.

What smart features do the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro offer, especially for everyday use?

The earbuds include quick pairing and automatic switching between Samsung devices, 360° head-tracking spatial audio, and in-ear detection for auto play/pause. Notably, they can automatically switch to ambient mode if a siren is detected for safety, or when the user starts talking, then revert to ANC after 5-10 seconds, which is ideal for quick conversations without removing the buds.

How is the battery life and microphone quality?

The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro are rated for 6 hours of battery life with ANC on and 7 hours with ANC off, which the reviewer notes is "right around the industry standard" and sufficient for most users. The built-in six microphones provide "nothing special" call quality, sounding similar to many other earbuds in the market.

Specs mentioned in this review

IP57 Rating and Case Flaw
The earbuds are IP57 dust and water resistant, matching AirPods Pros, which is a positive
Battery Life Rating
The battery life is rated at 6 hours with ANC on and 7 hours with ANC off
Microphone Sound Quality
The built-in microphone sound, tested with a voice recorder app, is described as "nothing special," and similar to many other earbuds

Not covered in depth by this source

  • Not covered: Ride Feel
  • Not covered: Traction
  • Not covered: Weight
  • Not covered: Breathability

Why this source is included

75/100 source quality

  • • Independent of the brand
  • ✓ Hands-on demonstration
  • ✓ Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

Marques Brownlee reviews the new Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, praising their overall performance and positioning them as a top contender for Android users. He highlights their redesigned case and buds, noting a secure and comfortable fit, along with intuitive controls. The review emphasizes their excellent sound quality, powerful active noise cancellation, effective ambient mode, and a suite of smart features designed for seamless everyday use. While acknowledging limitations for iPhone users, he highly recommends them for the Android ecosystem.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

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About this page

This page converts Marques Brownlee's review of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Sponsorship & disclosure

Brand relationship disclosed as: gifted

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