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I put the newest Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Professional in opposition to Bose’s flagship earbuds, the QuietComfort Extremely 2, and the rivalry was nearer than anticipated.
Each fashions are light-weight, comfy to put on, provide related lively noise cancellation efficiency, and last as long as (roughly) 5.5 hours on a cost. I am glad Bose improved its slot in 2025, and Samsung is now interesting to extra folks by deviating from its one-off LED-equipped design from final 12 months.
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Each the Galaxy Buds 4 Professional and QuietComfort Extremely 2 earbuds have a well-rounded characteristic set. However rather a lot is determined by the gadget you are pairing them with and the sound profile you favor. Should you’re confused about which sub-$300 earbuds to get, let me aid you select.
Specs
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 ProfessionalBose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds (2nd Gen)Battery life7 hours (ANC off); 30 hours with charging case6 hours (ANC on); 24 hours with charging caseIP ratingIP57 (mud protected and waterproof; earbuds solely)IPX4Codec supportSBC, AAC, Samsung Seamless CodecSBC, AAC, AptX Extra featuresReal-Time Interpreter, Bluetooth Tremendous Wideband; voice instructions, Siren Detect; LE AudioSpeechClarity; ActiveSense; CustomTuneAudio modesNoise cancellation; Ambient modeQuiet, Conscious, Cinema, ImmersivePrice$250$299
You should purchase the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Professional if…
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1. You personal a Samsung cellphone
The Galaxy Buds 4 Professional carry out finest throughout the Samsung ecosystem, like AirPods with Apple units. Like Apple, Samsung would not help Bluetooth multipoint, and as a substitute gives seamless auto-switch between Samsung units. Equally, help for options similar to Gaming mode, 24-bit/96kHz ultra-high-quality (UHQ) audio, and Head Gestures is restricted to Galaxy units operating a suitable model of One UI.
These are high-end options that improve the consumer expertise in day-to-day life, so pairing with a Samsung cellphone or pill gives you the most effective expertise. Nevertheless, you may nonetheless get nice sound, top-notch ANC, customizable EQ, and different settings on different Android units with the Samsung Wearable app.
2. You favor tonal steadiness in sound
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Professional use Bluetooth 6.1 and help SBC, AAC, and Samsung Seamless Codec for sound, whereas the QC Extremely Earbuds 2 join by way of Bluetooth 5.3 and help SBC, AAC, and aptX Lossless codecs. Each earbuds provide good sound high quality, however every has its personal traits.
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The Galaxy Buds 4 Professional are extra balanced as compared. They sound balanced throughout bass, midrange, and treble, which does not sound too sharp at excessive volumes. I appreciated listening to vocal-heavy tracks on the Samsung earbuds greater than the QC Extremely Earbuds 2.
3. You desire a extra compact and sturdy pair of earbuds
The Bose QuietComfort Extremely 2 are extra compact than their predecessor, however they’re nonetheless fairly massive in comparison with the Galaxy Buds 4 Professional. Their circumstances and earbuds are each formed in another way. The Samsung earbuds are smaller and lighter than Bose’s pair and sit absolutely contained in the ear, giving them a much less cumbersome look general. Against this, Bose is extra sporty with its stability bands, which lock the earbuds in place.
Samsung’s new product is IP57-rated for stronger mud and sweat resistance, in comparison with the QC Extremely 2’s IPX4 score. And should you carry your earbuds in your denims pockets, the Galaxy Buds 4 Professional are simpler to hold, because of a smaller case.
You should purchase the Bose QuietComfort Extremely 2 if…
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1. You need extra pronounced bass and higher ANC
The Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2 sound extra aggressive than their Samsung counterpart. You get a thumping bass response and a V-shaped sound with brighter highs. Should you get pleasure from an emphasis on each low- and high-end frequencies, the QC Extremely Earbuds 2 will go well with you higher.
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Individually, a decent seal is important for lively noise cancellation, and I discovered that the Bose earbuds match my ears higher. Consequently, their ANC expertise was barely higher than Samsung’s. It won’t be true for all ear shapes, however the QC Extremely Earbuds 2 are the most effective ANC earbuds for me. I fee them above the Apple AirPods Professional 3.
2. You want true multipoint Bluetooth connectivity
You probably have units from a number of manufacturers as a substitute of, say, simply utilizing Samsung for each cellphone and laptop computer, the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2 gives you a greater expertise. They help multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, so you possibly can pair each units concurrently and change between them with out reconnecting every time.
When utilizing two telephones, you simply want to put in the Bose app on each units to arrange the system. Bose’s broader platform compatibility with out limiting sure options to a specific model would possibly enchantment to extra folks. Plus, you get wi-fi charging, so you possibly can put it in your desk charger and neglect about it.
Author’s alternative
I really like the match and luxury of each these earbuds, however I want the Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds 2 extra as a result of Bose’s software program options are ecosystem-agnostic, and I can entry the earbuds’ full suite of options on any of my units.
Bluetooth multipoint connectivity is important in my day-to-day; I change telephones ceaselessly, and I do not need to lose out on sure options on the Galaxy Buds 4 Professional simply because I am not utilizing a Samsung cellphone. Additionally, Bose’s noise cancellation dampens airplane engine noise higher and delivers related battery life.
