Name: Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro
Brand: Samsung

Our verdict

The Galaxy Buds4 Pro are noise-cancelling earbuds with two speakers in each bud: an 11mm woofer for bass and a smaller tweeter for treble. With a recent Galaxy phone, they can play higher-quality sound through Samsung’s SSC UHQ codec, a way of sending audio over Bluetooth at up to 24-bit/96kHz. What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar and SoundGuys all praised the sound, but disagreed about noise cancelling and fit. SoundGuys measured about six hours from one charge. The buds are rated IP57 for water, but the case is not. Their UK RRP is £219. We have not tested them ourselves: this review draws on Samsung’s specifications and those three reviews.

Buy it if

You have a Galaxy S23 or newer, or a recent Galaxy Fold or Flip
Sound clarity and detail matter more to you than the strongest noise cancelling
You want to switch automatically between Samsung devices, such as a phone and tablet

Skip it if

You use an iPhone
You want earbuds to wear while running or at the gym
You need to switch between a laptop and a non-Samsung phone often

How it would fit your home

Commuting with a Galaxy phone

Adaptive noise cancelling adjusts to your surroundings, and the higher-quality SSC UHQ sound only works with a compatible Galaxy phone.

Travelling abroad

Interpreter can translate conversations through the earbuds, but only with a Galaxy AI phone running One UI 6.1.1 or later.

Long listening sessions

SoundGuys found them comfortable for long periods. TechRadar disagreed on fit, so try them where returns are easy.

The details, in plain English

Sound

Each bud has a two-way speaker: an 11mm woofer handles bass and a separate tweeter handles treble. What Hi-Fi? described them as “clear, well-organised and snappy”, and found SSC UHQ made the sound more precise. It judged AirPods Pro 3 slightly more rhythmic and the Sony WF-1000XM6 better for dynamics. TechRadar called the sound “absolutely fantastic”, and better on a Galaxy phone than other Android phones. SoundGuys found it “decent” once adjusted with the EQ.

Noise cancelling

Active noise cancelling (ANC) uses microphones to cancel outside sound, and these adjust it automatically. Reviewers disagreed on how well it works. TechRadar called it “still incredible”. What Hi-Fi? found it “effective enough in daily use”, but not as strong as Sony’s WF-1000XM6. SoundGuys measured an average 84% reduction in noise, with weaker cancelling in the middle frequencies where voices sit.

Battery and charging

SoundGuys measured 6 hours 1 minute in its standard test. TechRadar estimated four to five hours with noise cancelling on and called that “not particularly competitive”. Samsung’s launch page quotes up to six hours with noise cancelling on, or 26 hours including the case, but its footnote refers to the standard Buds4, so treat that figure with caution. The case can be charged on a wireless charging pad, sold separately.

Fit, controls and water resistance

Each bud weighs 5.1g. SoundGuys scored comfort highly, but TechRadar found they “didn’t stay in my ears very well” when running, and What Hi-Fi? found the grip loosened in the gym. Only three ear-tip sizes are supplied, and Samsung’s tip design makes third-party tips hard to fit. The pinch control needs a “rather forceful squeeze”. The earbuds are rated IP57, which covers immersion in fresh water up to 1m for 30 minutes. The case has no water resistance, and Samsung advises against beach or pool use.

Which phone you need

Pairing, noise cancelling, calls and standard AAC and SBC sound work with any phone. SSC UHQ needs a Galaxy S23 or newer, a Galaxy Z Fold5 or Flip5 or newer, or a Galaxy Tab S9, running One UI 6.1.1 or later. Head gestures, Interpreter, AI assistants, Super Clear Call and automatic switching between Samsung devices are also Galaxy-only. iPhones have no Samsung app, and SoundGuys found no true multipoint connection.

Strengths and drawbacks

What it does well

Clear, detailed sound praised by What Hi-Fi?, TechRadar and SoundGuys
Two speakers per bud: an 11mm woofer and a separate tweeter
SSC UHQ higher-quality sound with compatible Galaxy phones
IP57 water resistance on the earbuds, and a case that charges wirelessly

What to watch out for

Many features need a recent Galaxy phone, including head gestures and live translation
No multipoint, so they cannot stay connected to two devices from different brands at once
The pinch control needs a firm squeeze, and only three ear-tip sizes come in the box
TechRadar found they did not stay in well when running
No aptX or LDAC support for other Android phones

For iPhone owners, Apple’s AirPods Pro 3 cost the same £219 and SoundGuys recommends them instead. What Hi-Fi? found Sony’s WF-1000XM6 (£249 RRP) “a cut above” for dynamics, noise cancelling and call clarity. Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the natural rival for Pixel owners. We have not tested these earbuds side by side.

Alternatives we have reviewed

Product	Our verdict	Price	Buy
Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro (this one)	A strong choice for owners of a recent Galaxy phone who want clear, detailed sound.	£219RRP · black SM-R640NZKAEUB, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026	Check price
Apple AirPods Pro 3	The most convenient high-end earbuds for iPhone owners who want strong noise cancelling, instant pairing and Find My built in.	£219RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026	Check price
Sony WF-1000XM6	Among the best-sounding earbuds you can buy, with long battery life and strong noise cancelling.	£249RRP · silver WF1000XM6S.CE7, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026	Check price
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2	Worth considering as secure-fitting workout earbuds with noise cancelling, if you accept a large case and a limited heart-rate feature.	£249.99RRP, RRP recorded 12 Oct 2026	Check price

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Where our findings come from

This review is based on Samsung’s UK newsroom launch details and buy page, the Currys listing, and hands-on reviews by What Hi-Fi? (Harry McKerrell with Ketan Bharadia, 25 February 2026, tested with Galaxy, iPhone and Sony phones), SoundGuys (Christian Thomas, February 2026, including lab measurements) and TechRadar (Tom Bedford, just under three weeks, 9 March 2026). Their findings are credited to them in the text, and where they disagree, as on noise cancelling and fit, we say so. Prices were checked on 12 October 2026.

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro review