StoreDeal.ai store
Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • Use in AI assistants
  • Contact
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.·2222 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Miami, FL 33134·support@deal.ai
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE

The Galaxy Buds 3 FE is the safer pick for most shoppers: active noise cancellation, IP54, Bluetooth 5.4 and a longer rated battery make it the more complete everyday earbud. The Apple set is the better fit if you live in Apple's ecosystem, want hands-free Siri and Adaptive EQ, and prefer the open-fit AirPods shape. Owners rate the Apple set higher, but the Buds 3 FE wins on features for the money.

  • Choose the Apple AirPods with MagSafe Charging Case if you use an iPhone or Mac daily and want seamless pairing, Siri and Adaptive EQ in a light open-fit design.
  • Choose the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE if you want active noise cancellation, a secure wingtip fit for workouts and longer rated battery life.

Prices

  • Apple AirPods 3rd Generation: $41.00 at vipoutlet.com (last seen Nov 11)
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: $69.95 at eBay (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Apple AirPods 3rd Generation is $28.95 cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE at the latest prices (Nov 10 and Nov 11)
Apple
Apple AirPods with MagSafe Charging Case

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation

Apple AirPods with MagSafe Charging Case

5(1,400 ratings)
$41.00at vipoutlet.comChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit vipoutlet.com
Pros
  • Tight integration with iPhone, iPad and Mac
  • Adaptive EQ tunes sound to your ears
  • Light, comfortable open fit for all-day wear
  • Strong owner ratings
Cons
  • No active noise cancellation
  • Shorter rated battery life
  • Open fit leaks sound and lets noise in
  • Limited features on Android
Samsung
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE

4.1(72 ratings)
$69.95at eBayChecked Nov 10
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Active noise cancellation
  • IP54 dust and water resistance
  • Longer rated battery life
  • Bluetooth 5.4 with Auto Switch and 360 Audio
Cons
  • Fewer ratings and a lower average score
  • Alexa rather than Siri or Google Assistant
  • Best features locked to Galaxy phones
  • In-ear seal may not suit everyone

What separates them

Apple AirPods 3rd GenerationSamsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE
Noise cancellationNo active noise cancellation; open-fit design lets in ambient soundActive noise cancellation with adjustable levels
Battery lifeUp to 6 hours listening per chargeUp to 8.5 hours listening per charge
Water resistanceRated water-resistant for sweat and light rainIP54 dust and water resistance
AssistantSiri hands-freeAmazon Alexa support
BluetoothBluetooth 5.0Bluetooth 5.4 with Auto Switch
FitOpen-fit in-ear; sits loosely, comfortable for long wearIn-ear with wingtip options for a secure seal
Sound tuningAdaptive EQ adjusts output to your ear shape11 mm drivers, 360 Audio spatial sound
Owner ratings5 out of 5 from about 1,400 ratings4.1 out of 5 from 72 ratings

Price history

$128.70$38.00
Oct 28Nov 12
  • Apple AirPods 3rd Generation: lowest $38.00 on Oct 28 at vipoutlet.com; $41.00 on Nov 12.
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: lowest $64.00 on Nov 3 at Walmart; $128.70 on Nov 11.

Prices at every store

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation

  • vipoutlet.comNew

    In stock

    $41.00Checked 1 h ago
    Visit vipoutlet.com
  • MercariNew

    In stock

    $100.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Mercari
  • PayMore BothellNew

    Availability unknown

    $64.99Checked 3 h ago
    Visit PayMore Bothell
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by wood_4344 (100% positive, 1 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $105.00+ $6.07 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 13 stores and price history →

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Omega Distributions FloridaReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $107.59Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by sellscells (99.9% positive, 18,900 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $69.95Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit eBay
  • Dressinn.comNew

    Availability unknownShips from abroad · duties may apply

    $113.99Checked Nov 4
    Visit Dressinn.com
  • TargetNew

    Availability unknown

    $117.97Checked Nov 9
    Visit Target

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 17 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple AirPods 3rd GenerationSamsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE
With MicrophoneYesYes
ColorWhiteBlack
With Charging CaseYesYes
StyleIn-earIn-ear
Wireless TypeBluetoothBluetooth
Assistant SupportSiriAmazon Alexa
Water-ResistantYesYes
Max Battery Life6 hours6 hours (with ANC on)
UseSports—
With Adaptive EQYes—
Height1.2″ tall—
Width0.7″ wide—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple AirPods 3rd GenerationSamsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE
Depth0.8″ deep—
Quantity1 Pack—
actual_color—Black
With Touch Controls—Yes
Battery life—8.5 hours
Headphone Cup Type—In-ear
Body Part Use—Ear
Noise Cancellation Type—Active
Driver Size—11 mm
Frequency Response

What reviewers say

Apple AirPods 3rd Generation

  • 5 / 51,400 ratings

Owners rate these highly for comfort, easy pairing with Apple devices and Spatial Audio, and many call them the most comfortable AirPods for all-day wear. The most common complaints are the open fit letting in noise and the lack of active noise cancellation.

What people mention
  • FitMixedMany find the tip-free shape comfortable, but some ears hold it loosely and it can slip during runs.
  • SoundMixedAdaptive EQ and Spatial Audio impress, yet bass is light and sound leaks out at higher volumes.
  • NoiseCriticisedWithout a seal or ANC, traffic and office chatter come through clearly.
  • BatteryPraisedAbout six hours per charge and roughly 30 hours with the case cover a full day.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE

  • 4.1 / 572 ratings

Owners rate the Buds 3 FE 4.1 out of 5 across 72 ratings. Noise cancelling gets credit for doing more than expected at this price, while battery life is the most common letdown.

What people mention
  • Noise cancellingPraisedOwners say ANC blocks more noise than they expected from budget earbuds.
  • BatteryCriticisedReal-world playtime falls short of the rated 8.5 hours for many users.
  • FitPraisedThe wingtip options keep the buds in place and comfortable for long wear.
  • SoundPraisedBuyers call the sound good for the price, with 360 Audio adding width.
Reviews
  • Best Earbuds of 2026: Wireless, Noise Canceling, In-Ear
  • Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds for 2026 - CNET
  • I've tested hundreds of earbuds, and these are the best ones under $200 in 2026 - Browse earbuds

Questions and answers

Which is better for the gym?
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE. It has IP54 dust and water resistance and wingtips that hold the bud in place. The AirPods resist sweat but sit loosely and let in more noise.
Which has better noise cancellation?
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE. It has active noise cancellation; the AirPods have none, so engine and gym noise come through.
Do the AirPods work well with Android?
They pair over Bluetooth but lose Siri, Adaptive EQ and quick pairing. The Buds 3 FE is the better match for Android, though Auto Switch needs a Galaxy phone.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
The Galaxy Buds 3 FE, rated at up to 8.5 hours against 6 hours for the AirPods. Real-world battery is usually lower than the rating on both.
Is the Galaxy Buds 3 FE worth stepping up to over the AirPods?
If you want noise cancellation, a secure fit and longer battery, yes. If you use Apple devices and prefer an open fit, the AirPods are the better choice.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

More comparisons

  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE vs Beats Studio Buds +
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE vs Apple AirPods 4
  • soundcore Space A40 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE vs Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE vs Google Pixel Buds Pro

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best wireless noise-cancelling earbuds under $200
  • Best wireless earbuds under $200
—
20 Hz-20 KHz
Headphone Impedance—32 Ohm
Sound Output—Spatial audio
Audio Highlights—360 Audio
Recharge Time—Rapid charging capabilities, Quick recharge
Rechargeable Battery—Yes
Standby Time—20 days
Connectivity Technology—Wireless
Bluetooth Version—5.4
Compatible Devices—Galaxy devices
Ports And Interfaces—USB Type-C charging port
Radio Frequency Range—UHF band
Water Protection—IP54
Waterproof—No
Microphone Highlights—With Microphone
Noise Cancelling Microphone—Yes
Wireless—Yes
Microphone—Yes
Bluetooth—Yes