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Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3: Sealed or unsealed?
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 represent the latest standard offerings from the two audio giants. Both aim to deliver quality sound and features at a more accessible price point than their premium flagship counterparts. But how do these earbuds stack up against each other? Let’s dive into a detailed comparison of these wireless earbuds to help you decide which pair is right for you.
Editor’s note: this article was published on October 2, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.
What’s it like to use the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) compared to the Samsung Galaxy Buds3?
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 take different design approaches, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) feature a more traditional in-ear design with silicone ear tips and stability fins. This design aims to provide a secure fit and better passive noise isolation. The earbuds are relatively large, which may cause discomfort for those with smaller ears. The charging case is also on the bulky side and might not fit in smaller pockets.
In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 adopts an unsealed, stem-style design similar to Apple’s AirPods. This “lollipop” design doesn’t have ear tips to create a seal in the ear canal, which can be more comfortable for some users but may also lead to fit issues. The earbuds rely on the stem to stay in place, which can be problematic during movement or when affected by sweat and skin oils. The Galaxy Buds3 charging case is more compact and pocket-friendly and has a clear lid.
Both earbuds offer touch controls but with different implementations:
| Input | Left earbud | Right earbud |
|---|---|---|
| Input Single tap | Left earbud Play/pause, answer call | Right earbud Play/pause, answer call |
| Input Double tap | Left earbud Skip, end call | Right earbud Skip, end call |
| Input Triple tap | Left earbud Previous track | Right earbud Previous track |
| Input Tap and hold | Left earbud Decrease volume | Right earbud Increase volume |
| Input | Left earbud | Right earbud |
|---|---|---|
| Input Slide up / down | Left earbud Volume | Right earbud Volume |
| Input Pinch once | Left earbud Play / pause | Right earbud Play / pause |
| Input Pinch twice | Left earbud Track forward | Right earbud Track forward |
| Input Pinch three times | Left earbud Track backward | Right earbud Track backward |
| Input Long pinch | Left earbud ANC | Right earbud ANC |
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds use touch-sensitive surfaces, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 employs a pinch gesture on the stems. Both control schemes are intuitive, but the Galaxy Buds3’s stem pinching might be more prone to dislodging the earbuds during use.
In terms of durability, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have an IPX4 rating, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 boast a higher IP57 rating, offering better protection against water and dust.
Do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 have more features?
Both earbuds come packed with features, but they cater to slightly different user needs.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) offer:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Transparency mode
- Custom EQ with 5-band adjustment
- Voice controls with “Hey headphones” wake word
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- Low-latency gaming mode
- Wireless charging
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 provide:
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Transparency mode (called “Aware Mode”)
- EQ presets
- AI-powered features (for Samsung devices)
- Wireless charging
- Spatial Audio support
Both earbuds offer companion apps for customization. The Bose QC Earbuds app provides more granular EQ control with its 5-band adjustment. In contrast, the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app focuses on preset EQ options and AI features for Samsung device users.
The Galaxy Buds3 has an edge with its AI capabilities, including live translation and interpretation, but these are limited to the latest Samsung phones. They also offer Spatial Audio, which might appeal to users who enjoy a more immersive listening experience.
Bose’s implementation of voice controls with the “Hey headphones” wake word is a unique feature that can be handy for hands-free operation.
How do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 connect?
Both earbuds use Bluetooth 5.3 for connection, ensuring stable and efficient wireless performance.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) support SBC and AAC codecs. They also feature Bluetooth Multipoint, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously. A low-latency mode is available for gaming or video watching.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 support SBC, AAC, and the Samsung Seamless Codec. The latter offers near-lossless audio quality but is limited to the latest Samsung phones. They also support Bluetooth Multipoint.
We experienced some connectivity issues with both earbuds. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds had a problem with one earbud dropping out during testing, especially when using Bluetooth Multipoint. We also had some issues with the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 fit sensor falsely detecting removal, leading to ANC disabling unexpectedly.
Is battery life better on the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) or Samsung Galaxy Buds3?
Hold up!
We are still conducting our battery test for the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024). Once it is completed, we will update this article with the results.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) are estimated to offer slightly better battery life:
- 8.5 hours on a single charge
- Up to 31.5 hours total with the charging case (2.5 additional charges)
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 provided the following battery life results in our testing:
- 6 hours 20 minutes with ANC off
- 4 hours 56 minutes with ANC on
Do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 block noise better?
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) significantly outperform the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 in noise isolation and cancellation.
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The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) excel in noise cancelation, reducing most noises by over 80%. Their in-ear design with silicone tips provides good passive isolation, complementing the ANC performance.
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The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 struggles with isolation due to its open-ear design. Their ANC performance is inconsistent and highly dependent on fit. The lack of a seal in the ear canal limits both passive isolation and ANC effectiveness.
Do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) sound better than the Samsung Galaxy Buds3?
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) generally offer better and more consistent sound quality compared to the Samsung Galaxy Buds3.
The Bose earbuds provide a balanced sound profile with a slight U-shaped signature, offering enhanced bass and treble. They maintain good clarity and detail across various genres. The 5-band EQ allows for further sound customization.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 can deliver good sound quality when properly fitted, but their open-ear design leads to inconsistent performance. Bass response, in particular, can vary significantly depending on the fit. They offer EQ presets for sound adjustment.
Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) consistently score higher across all MDAQS metrics, indicating better overall sound quality. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 can approach the Bose performance in ideal conditions but suffer significantly with a typical fit.
- Timbre (MOS-T) represents how faithfully the headphones reproduce the frequency spectrum and temporal resolution (timing information).
- Distortion (MOS-D) represents non-linearities and added noise: higher scores mean cleaner reproduction.
- Immersiveness (MOS-I) represents perceived source width and positioning: how well virtual sound sources are defined in three-dimensional space.
Objective Measurements
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The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) have a relatively balanced frequency response and a slight U-shaped signature when compared to our industry-validated house curve. There’s a boost in the sub-bass and lower bass regions, a slight dip in the mids, and an elevated treble. This results in punchy bass and crisp highs without significantly compromising midrange clarity.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 frequency response varies greatly depending on fit:
- Ideal fit: Slightly elevated bass and low mids, with some peaks in the high frequencies.
- Typical fit: Significant bass roll-off, over-emphasized treble, leading to a thin sound.
The Bose earbuds maintain a more consistent frequency response, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 are highly dependent on achieving and maintaining an ideal fit.
Do the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) or Samsung Galaxy Buds3 have a better microphone?
Both earbuds offer decent microphone performance, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) provide good overall microphone quality with effective background noise reduction. They perform well in various environments, including office settings and outdoor locations.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 offer good microphone clarity in ideal conditions but struggle more with background noise rejection. Their performance seems to benefit from Samsung’s proprietary processing when used with Samsung devices.
QuietComfort Earbuds microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
Galaxy Buds3 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
QuietComfort Earbuds microphone demo (Street conditions):
Galaxy Buds3 microphone demo (Street conditions):
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds generally maintain better clarity and noise reduction across different environments, making them more versatile for calls in various settings. The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 performs well in quiet environments but may struggle more in noisy conditions.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3: Price and availability
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) are priced at $179 at Amazon, positioning them as a mid-range option in Bose’s lineup.
The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 are also priced at $179.99 at Amazon, putting them in direct competition with the Bose offering.
Both earbuds are widely available through their respective manufacturers’ websites, major electronics retailers, and online marketplaces.
Should you get the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) or Samsung Galaxy Buds3?
When looking at the best wireless earbuds under $200, your choice between the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) and Samsung Galaxy Buds3 largely depends on your priorities.
Choose the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds if you:
- Prioritize excellent noise cancelation
- Prefer a secure in-ear fit
- Want consistent sound quality
- Value having a custom EQ
Choose the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 if you:
- Prefer an open-ear design for comfort and awareness
- Own a Samsung phone and want to use AI features
- Prioritize a compact charging case
- Enjoy spatial audio for immersive listening
- Need higher water/dust resistance (IP57)
Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) offer more consistent performance in sound quality, noise cancelation, and fit stability. They’re a better choice for those who prioritize audio performance and noise isolation.
While offering some unique features, the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 suffers from fit inconsistencies that affect its overall performance. They might appeal to users who prefer an open-ear design or those deeply integrated into the Samsung ecosystem.
For general use and reliability, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) are the stronger overall choice, especially considering both are priced similarly.
Noise canceling
App with 5-band custom EQ
AI features
Wireless charging
Spatial Audio
Advanced processing
Alternative options
If neither the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) nor the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Apple AirPods 4 with ANC ($179.99 at Amazon): For iOS users who prefer an open-ear design with seamless Apple device integration.
- Nothing Ear (Open) ($149 at Amazon): Another open-ear option with a unique design and surprisingly good sound quality.
- Creative Aurvana Ace 2 ($149.99 at Amazon): Offers exceptional sound quality with xMEMS silicon drivers and supports aptX Lossless.
- Samsung Galaxy Buds FE ($99 at Amazon): A more affordable option at $99 with better fit and noise cancelation compared to the Galaxy Buds3.
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds ($299 at Amazon): For those willing to spend more for premium features and Bose’s top-tier sound quality and ANC.
Frequently asked questions
Both earbuds work with iPhones, but some features may be limited. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) are more universally compatible, while the Galaxy Buds3’s advanced features, like AI capabilities, are optimized for Samsung devices.
The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) with their IPX4 rating and secure fit are suitable for workouts. The Galaxy Buds3, despite a higher IP57 rating, may not be ideal due to their less secure fit and tendency to dislodge during movement.
Yes, both earbuds support Bluetooth Multipoint, allowing connection to multiple devices simultaneously. However, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds (2024) have reported some connectivity issues when using this feature.
Yes, both earbuds support wireless charging.