Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro launched at $379. You can get them now for around $232 at JB Hi-Fi. At that price, they're punching well above their weight, and the dual-driver system is the reason.

Samsung fitted a dynamic driver and a planar magnetic driver in each bud. That's unusual at any price, and at $232 it's borderline absurd. The result: detailed, layered sound with genuine bass depth and treble clarity that makes most single-driver competitors sound flat. SSC HiFi codec support (Samsung's proprietary hi-res option) adds another layer if you're using a Samsung phone.

Adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) powered by Galaxy AI adjusts in real-time based on your environment. On the 400-series bus, it handled engine noise well and adapted smoothly when I stepped off into the quieter street. Not Sony XM5 levels of silence, but competent and responsive. The IP57 rating is the joint-best water and dust resistance in our lineup, tied with the Jabra.

For the all-day calls test: mixed results. The buds are comfortable at 5.4g, and call quality is decent, but the fit is the Achilles' heel. Reports of the stem design causing buds to work loose during jaw movement are consistent across Whirlpool and ProductReview threads. I found them stable during desk work but less secure during active movement. The lawn mowing test confirmed this: they shifted twice in an hour and needed reseating.

The case is the other weak point. For a $379 recommended retail price (RRP) product, the plastic case feels like it belongs on a $99 earbud. It's light, creaky, and doesn't inspire confidence about long-term durability.

Galaxy AI features (live translation, voice detection, ambient sound passthrough) work well within the Samsung ecosystem. Like the Pixel Buds, these are optimised for their own platform. Android only, no iOS app.

Battery is 5-8 hours depending on ANC settings. The case adds 18 hours total. Mid-pack numbers.

Available at JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, and Samsung Australia.

Your rights under Australian Consumer Law: At $232, these sit in the mid-range tier, and a reasonable consumer would expect 2 to 3 years of reliable use. Samsung's manufacturer warranty is 1 year. Consumer guarantees extend beyond that. If the drivers fail, the case breaks (given the build quality concerns, not unlikely), or the ANC module dies within that period, you have a claim. Start with the retailer. Samsung Australian support is decent, but your legal right is against the retailer who sold it to you. Don't be redirected.