Galaxy Buds 3 vs Buds 4 (2026): Sound, ANC, Bluetooth 6.1 & Ambient Mode Compared

Two generations of Samsung's open-fit earbuds, honestly compared — sound, ANC, design, battery, features and price. Everything you need before spending your money.

Why Compare Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 vs Buds 4 in 2026?

Samsung's non-Pro earbuds have always offered something different — an open-fit, cable-free listening experience that doesn't block out the world. The Galaxy Buds 3, launched in July 2024, was a strong entry: crisp audio, decent ANC, and a comfortable open design that worked well for commuting and everyday use. In March 2026, Samsung launched the Galaxy Buds 4 alongside the Galaxy S26 series — bringing Bluetooth 6.1, head gesture controls, a proper Ambient Sound mode, improved microphones, and a refined aesthetic.

But are the improvements enough to justify buying the Buds 4 over the now-cheaper Buds 3? That depends on what you actually use earbuds for — and this Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 vs Buds 4 comparison breaks it all down with complete honesty.

According to SammyGuru, the Buds 4 represents a genuine but incremental improvement — not a reinvention. Let us see exactly where the differences matter. Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 are available brand new and sealed at HandySwap with full Samsung warranty.

Samsung Buds 3 vs Buds 4: Complete Specs Comparison

Every key specification side by side. Sources: SoundGuys · SammyGuru. Scroll right on mobile.

Design & Fit: Open-Fit Refined

This is the first thing to understand about the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 vs Buds 4 comparison: both earbuds share the same fundamental design philosophy. They are open-fit earbuds — no silicone tips, no ear fins, no sealing mechanism. They sit between the ear's cartilage ridges and rely entirely on the shape of your ear to stay in place.

Galaxy Buds 3 — Design

The Buds 3 introduced a clean stemmed design that felt modern and comfortable for most users. The case is functional, and the overall build quality is solid for the price point. The open design means you hear some ambient sound naturally — which many users prefer for commuting, running, or office use where they need some environmental awareness.

However, as noted by SoundGuys, the fit can become unstable over time — particularly during workouts or extended wear — because the open design has no anchoring mechanism beyond your ear geometry.

Galaxy Buds 4 — Design Improvements

The Buds 4 retains the same open-fit concept but refines it meaningfully. Samsung introduced a brushed-metal accent that elevates the premium feel. According to Earbuds Arena, the Buds 4 also sit more securely in the ear, with early users reporting improved stability compared to the Buds 3 — especially during physical activity.

The case redesign is notable: the Buds 4 uses a more compact clamshell case where the earbuds lie flat rather than vertically. This makes the case more pocket-friendly and easier to open one-handed. A small detail, but genuinely more convenient in daily use.

Colors: Buds 4 launches in Black and White (Pink Gold is exclusive to the Pro model).

Sound Quality: Buds 3 vs Buds 4

Both earbuds use a single dynamic driver, but Samsung has optimised the driver on the Buds 4 for what the company describes as a fuller and more refined audio experience.

Galaxy Buds 3 — Sound

The Buds 3 produces clear, well-balanced audio that works across music, podcasts, and calls. Bass is present but not overpowering — a reasonable tuning choice for an open-fit design where bass naturally leaks. The soundstage feels spacious, which is one of the benefits of an unsealed design. Hi-Fi audio support delivers decent detail on compatible Galaxy devices.

One inherent limitation of both earbuds: because there is no seal, you get natural ambient sound mixing in with your audio. This reduces perceived bass response compared to in-ear earbuds.

Galaxy Buds 4 — Sound Improvements

Samsung claims the optimised driver on the Buds 4 delivers "fuller and more refined audio." According to SammyGuru, the Buds 4 also support 24-bit / 96kHz Hi-Fi audio when paired with a compatible Galaxy device — an upgrade from the standard Hi-Fi on the Buds 3. The result is cleaner high-frequency detail and a more immersive soundstage.

For casual music, podcast listeners, and everyday use, both earbuds sound good. For audiophiles pairing with a Galaxy S26 or S25, the 24-bit Hi-Fi capability on the Buds 4 is a meaningful bonus.

ANC & Ambient Sound: The Most Important Difference

This section contains the single most important practical difference between the Buds 3 and Buds 4 — one that will genuinely affect how useful these earbuds are every day.

ANC on Galaxy Buds 3

The Buds 3 features Adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment. For open-fit earbuds, the ANC performance is reasonable — it reduces low-frequency noise like traffic and air conditioning. However, because there is no physical seal, the ANC cannot block as much noise as in-ear earbuds. It helps, but do not expect the isolation of sealed earbuds.

Crucially: the Galaxy Buds 3 does NOT have an Ambient Sound mode. This means you cannot manually amplify sounds around you when you want to be more aware of your surroundings. You either have ANC on, or you remove the earbuds. For its price, this is a notable omission.

ANC + Ambient Sound on Galaxy Buds 4

The Buds 4 improves ANC with better-tuned noise reduction that performs more consistently across different environments. According to SammyGuru, the stronger ANC on the Buds 4 is noticeable in everyday commuting scenarios.

More importantly, the Buds 4 adds a proper Ambient Sound mode — a feature the Buds 3 completely lacked. With Ambient Sound enabled, external sounds are amplified through the earbuds, letting you hear conversations, announcements, or traffic without removing them. This is a significant quality-of-life addition for commuters, cyclists, and anyone who regularly switches between focused listening and environmental awareness.

Battery Life & Charging

This is one category where the Buds 3 and Buds 4 are essentially identical — and that is by design.

According to SammyGuru, the Buds 4 actually has a slightly smaller battery than the Buds 3, yet Samsung claims the same overall endurance. This is because the Buds 4's Bluetooth 6.1 chip and optimised firmware are more power-efficient, offsetting the reduced capacity. The result is similar real-world battery life: approximately 5–6 hours with ANC enabled per earbud, and around 26 hours total with the charging case.

Both earbuds support wireless charging via the case. Neither includes a charger in the box — you will need a USB-C cable or wireless pad.

Bluetooth 5.4 vs 6.1: Connectivity & Auracast

The Buds 4's upgrade from Bluetooth 5.4 to Bluetooth 6.1 is a meaningful technical leap — even if most users will not notice it in normal use.

Bluetooth 6.1 on the Buds 4 provides more stable connections in crowded wireless environments like airports, offices, and public transport. Connection dropouts should be rarer, and latency is marginally lower — which benefits anyone who uses their earbuds for gaming or video calls.

The bigger addition is Auracast broadcast audio support. Auracast allows the Buds 4 to tap into public audio streams — such as announcements at airports, gym TVs, or cinema audio — directly through the earbuds, without a physical connection. This technology is still being deployed in public venues, but it is a forward-looking feature that the Buds 3 cannot access.

Both earbuds support Bluetooth multipoint connection — pairing simultaneously to two devices (e.g., your phone and laptop), with automatic audio switching between them.

Call Quality & Microphone Performance

Samsung upgraded the microphone system on the Buds 4 compared to the Buds 3. The Buds 4 benefits from improved mic placement and processing that more effectively captures your voice while reducing background noise — important for open-fit earbuds where ambient sound bleeds in naturally.

The Buds 4 also introduces Super Clear Call technology, delivering higher audio bandwidth for more natural-sounding voice calls. In practice, callers on the other end report clearer, more natural voice quality compared to the Buds 3.

Both earbuds use Galaxy AI-powered voice processing that separates your voice from background noise. The Buds 4's newer processing chip handles this more effectively.

Galaxy AI & Smart Features

Both earbuds support Galaxy AI features, but the Buds 4 integrates significantly more deeply with Samsung's 2026 AI ecosystem.

Compatibility: Samsung, iPhone & Android

Both earbuds connect to any Bluetooth device — iPhone, Android, PC, or tablet. But the full feature set requires a Samsung Galaxy phone.

Samsung Galaxy Users

Full feature access: Galaxy AI, Ambient Sound mode (Buds 4), head gestures (Buds 4), full EQ controls via Galaxy Wearable app, seamless auto-switching, and 24-bit Hi-Fi audio (Buds 4, requires compatible Galaxy device).

iPhone Users

Both earbuds connect and work for music and calls. ANC and Ambient Sound (Buds 4) function. Galaxy AI features and Galaxy Wearable app full controls are unavailable. For iPhone users, the practical difference between Buds 3 and Buds 4 narrows — the head gestures and Gemini integration do not work. However, Ambient Sound mode and improved ANC on the Buds 4 still function normally.

Non-Samsung Android

Same as iPhone — basic functionality works well, Galaxy AI is limited. The Galaxy Wearable app offers partial support on non-Samsung Android devices.

Who Should Buy Which?

Here is our honest, practical recommendation based on every category we compared.

Samsung Buds 3 vs Buds 4: Summary & Recommendation

Here is the complete category-by-category summary of the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 vs Buds 4 comparison: