Review Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro (2026): Full Review

At 5.1 g per earbud, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro sit in the lower average of the premium category. The comparison with the Sony WF-1000XM5 (5.9 g) is noticeable from the first hour: intra-auricular pressure remains moderate, and the silicone retention fin ensures correct hold without pinching the pinna. The charging case itself has a compact size with a firm, satisfying magnetic closure to the touch.

Samsung supplies three sizes of silicone tips (S, M, L). The editorial team tested the three sizes on different ear morphologies. Size M suits the majority of ear canals, but L tips can generate slight fatigue after 3 to 4 hours of continuous wear, as seal pressure increases with diameter. After 6 hours of uninterrupted wear in size M, discomfort remains acceptable, without sharp pain, which is a notable performance for an active ANC in-ear model.

• 2 h of wear: no perceptible discomfort, stable hold during brisk walking
• 4 h of wear: slight pressure sensation in the canal, disappears within 5 minutes after removal
• 6 h of wear: mild auditory fatigue linked to ANC, not to the tip mechanics

During light sport (moderate-pace running, 30 minutes), the fins keep the earbuds in place without adjustment. However, during more intense efforts with heavy perspiration, the silicone surface becomes slightly slippery and repositioning is required after 20 to 25 minutes. This is not a deal-breaker for occasional fitness use, but regular athletes will prefer models with reinforced ear hooks.

The frequency response of the Buds4 Pro deviates measurably from the Harman 2019 reference: bass is slightly boosted between 60 and 150 Hz (approximately +3 dB relative to the Harman target), mids remain relatively neutral between 300 and 1 500 Hz, and treble shows a presence peak around 8 kHz that can accentuate sibilance on certain vocal recordings. The stereo scene is wide but separation of planes lacks precision on dense orchestrations.

The SSC-UHQ codec (Samsung Scalable Codec Ultra High Quality) activates automatically when the source is a recent Samsung smartphone (Galaxy S25 or S26 series) streaming 24-bit audio. On Tidal HiRes and Apple Music Lossless, the editorial team observed more detailed restitution in high-frequency transients compared with standard SSC, with a slightly delayed sub-bass roll-off. On an iPhone or non-Samsung Windows PC, the codec switches to AAC or LC3 depending on the operating system, and the SSC-UHQ benefit disappears entirely.

The noise reduction of the Buds4 Pro operates in adaptive mode: the algorithm adjusts the attenuation level in real time according to the detected environment. The editorial team evaluated performance in three distinct contexts, using the AirPods Pro 2 and the Sony WF-1000XM5 as comparison references.

• RER/metro (impulse noise, 70-85 dB SPL, dominant frequencies 100-400 Hz): the Buds4 Pro effectively attenuate the rolling rumble, with a perceived reduction of approximately 22 to 25 dB on low frequencies. Impulse noises (doors, announcements) pass partially. The WF-1000XM5 remain superior by about 3 to 4 dB perceived on this range.
• Open-space (human voices, 300-3 000 Hz): attenuation is less pronounced on vocal frequencies. Nearby conversations (less than 1,5 m) remain partially audible. The AirPods Pro 2 prove slightly more effective on this range.
• Simulated airplane (continuous engine noise, 200-800 Hz): this is the context where the Buds4 Pro perform best, with perceived attenuation close to the WF-1000XM5 and superior to the AirPods Pro 2 on continuous low frequencies.

The adaptation speed of the adaptive ANC mode is satisfactory: switching between a calm environment and a noisy environment occurs in less than 2 seconds without audible artifact. No pumping or residual whistling was detected during tests in open-space or in transit, which constitutes a strong point compared to certain competing models that generate a slight background noise at high frequency (6-8 kHz) in maximum ANC mode.

The transparency mode of the Buds4 Pro reproduces the sound environment with a slightly perceptible metallic coloration on high frequencies (beyond 6 kHz), a common flaw in the majority of active ANC in-ear headphones. The perceived latency between the real sound and the reproduced sound is less than 15 ms, which avoids the lip-sync effect during face-to-face conversations. On this criterion, the AirPods Pro 2 remain the reference with an almost natural transparency.

Auracast, the Bluetooth LE Audio audio broadcasting feature based on the LC3 codec, is technically supported by the Buds4 Pro. In 2026, deployment in France remains very limited: a few airports and stations are experimenting with Auracast beacons, but public use is not yet widespread. The editorial team was unable to test Auracast in a functional context in Brittany or in Île-de-France. This feature remains a promise for the future rather than an immediate purchase argument.

The Buds4 Pro incorporate aluminum stems fitted with directional microphones. The editorial team conducted reference calls in three environments: quiet interior (remote-work office), open-space at 65 dB SPL ambient, and windy exterior (seaside, wind around 40 km/h).

• Quiet interior: the voice is reproduced with good intelligibility on the interlocutor side, slightly nasal but without audible compression artifact. Sidetone (voice feedback in the ear) is activatable in the application and calibrated to a neutral level.
• Noisy open-space: background-noise suppression is effective on competing vocal frequencies. Tested interlocutors reported a residual background noise that was perceptible but not bothersome, evaluated at approximately 15 dB below the main voice.
• Windy exterior: this is the weak point. Head-on wind generates audible breath artifacts on the interlocutor side from 30 km/h onward. The AirPods Pro 2 handle this case better thanks to their denser microphone array.

We measured the battery life at a fixed volume calibrated to 75 dB SPL, ANC enabled in adaptive mode, SSC-UHQ codec, Bluetooth 6.1, on a Galaxy S26 source. The result obtained is 5 h 52 min, slightly below the manufacturer's announcement of 6 hours, which is within the usual margin for real-world tests. With ANC disabled, the battery life reaches 6 h 58 min, close to the announced 7 hours.

Fast charging works: 10 minutes in the case provide about 1 hour of playback, which is useful before an unplanned trip. Wireless charging (Qi) is available on the case, at 5 W power. The case itself offers about two additional full charges, bringing the total battery life to about 18 hours with ANC enabled, including the case.

Compared to direct competitors, the Buds4 Pro fall behind on this criterion:

• AirPods Pro 2 : 7 h 30 ANC enabled (measured by us on iOS 18)
• Sony WF-1000XM5 : 8 h ANC enabled (measured at 75 dB SPL, LDAC codec disabled)
• Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro : 5 h 52 ANC enabled (measured, SSC-UHQ, 75 dB SPL)

The 2-hour gap with the WF-1000XM5 is significant on a long-haul flight such as Paris-Tokyo (about 12 hours of flight). With the case, the Buds4 Pro cover the trip in two charge cycles, which requires keeping the case accessible in the cabin.

The Galaxy Wearable app offers a 5-band equalizer with presets (Bass Boost, Soft, Dynamic, Clear, Treble Boost) and a manual customization option. It is functional but limited compared to the 10 parametric bands available on some competitors. The Adapt Sound fitting test (customization of the curve according to the user's audiogram) is available and produces relevant results on mid-high frequencies.

Multipoint works on two devices simultaneously. We tested the combination of MacBook Pro M4 and Galaxy S26: the audio switch during a notification on the phone while listening on the Mac occurs in about 1.2 seconds, without disconnection. On the iPhone 16 and MacBook combination, the switch is less smooth and may require a manual reconnection in 20 to 30 percent of cases.

• Gaming mode : the latency measured in Gaming mode is 48 ms in SSC on Galaxy S26. Outside Gaming mode, latency rises to 160-180 ms in AAC on iOS, which is prohibitive for mobile gaming.
• Samsung-only features : 360 Audio mode, automatic ANC level adaptation according to detected activity (walking, running, transport) and full Adapt Sound customization require a Samsung smartphone. On iPhone or Windows PC, the app is absent and only basic touch controls remain operational.

The comparison across three measurable axes allows us to position the Buds4 Pro with precision. ANC depth, ANC-enabled battery life and high-resolution codec quality constitute the most differentiating criteria at this price level. Belonging to a software ecosystem is the fourth decisive criterion.

The table reveals a clear positioning: the Buds4 Pro win on weight, IP certification and Gaming latency in the Samsung ecosystem, but are outpaced on battery life and ANC depth by the two references. The LDAC codec of the WF-1000XM5 remains more universal than SSC-UHQ, which requires a Samsung device to deliver its full potential.

For the Apple user, the AirPods Pro 2 offer software integration without equivalent on iOS and a more natural transparency. For the non-Samsung Android user, the WF-1000XM5 offer superior battery life and deeper ANC with universal LDAC. The Buds4 Pro stand out only in the Galaxy ecosystem, where SSC-UHQ and the complete application make the difference.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro are a technically coherent product whose real value depends almost entirely on the usage context. In the Galaxy ecosystem (S24 or higher), they offer a complete experience: functional SSC-UHQ, adaptive ANC without artifacts, Gaming latency at 48 ms, and a rich application. Outside this ecosystem, they lose most of their differentiating arguments compared to better-positioned competitors.

Two structural limitations deserve to be clearly named: the 5 h 52 battery life with ANC activated is insufficient for long trips without access to the case, and the microphone capture in windy outdoor conditions is below the level of the AirPods Pro 2. At 249 euros, these points are not insignificant.

Alternatives to consider under 200 euros include the Sony WF-C700N (correct ANC, LDAC, 130 euros) and the reconditioned Jabra Evolve2 Buds for intensive call usage. For the same budget, the WF-1000XM5 remain more versatile outside the Samsung ecosystem.