Apple AirPods 3rd Generation vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 FE

Buy the Galaxy Buds3 FE if you want active noise cancellation, a longer feature list and a lower-risk purchase backed by 25,000 ratings. Buy the AirPods if you are in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless Siri, Adaptive EQ and hands-free switching between iPhone, iPad and Mac. The AirPods' 5-out-of-5 rating comes from only 1,400 ratings, so treat it as thin evidence; the Buds3 FE's 4.4 from 25,000 is a more reliable signal. On build, both are plastic in-ear buds with water resistance, but the Buds3 FE adds IP54 and USB-C, while the AirPods rely on Lightning or MagSafe.

• Choose the AirPods if you use an iPhone or Mac daily and want Siri, Adaptive EQ and effortless pairing more than noise cancellation.
• Choose the Galaxy Buds3 FE if you want active noise cancellation, spatial audio and a proven track record across tens of thousands of owners.