Galaxy Buds4 Pro review: Samsung refines the design and ANC, but key features still hinge on Galaxy devices

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds4 Pro arrive as the company’s latest premium true wireless earbuds, aiming to build on the Buds3 Pro with a friendlier design and stronger day-to-day usability. They also underline Samsung’s broader bet that most users want earbuds rather than over-ear headphones.

Pricing starts around $250 in the US, with regional MSRPs near £220 and €250, and the box is notably sparse. Buyers get the earbuds, a charging case, extra ear tips and paperwork, while USB-C charging depends on a cable you already own.

Design shifts back to practical

The Buds4 Pro keep stems, but swap the previous generation’s more polarizing look for flatter sides with a brushed-metal style finish. Color options include Black and White, plus a Pink Gold variant sold through Samsung’s own store in some markets.

Samsung also returns to a lay-flat case layout, making the earbuds easier to remove and reseat correctly. The case keeps a transparent lid and supports USB-C and Qi wireless charging, though the case itself is not water-resistant.

Controls, calls and connectivity limits

Controls rely on pinch and swipe gestures on the stems, with configurable press-and-hold actions for features such as voice assistants and live translation modes. A new head-gesture option can accept or reject calls with a nod or shake, designed for moments when hands are busy.

Call quality is improved in part due to microphone placement on the stem, but some advanced calling features require compatible recent Galaxy phones. Connectivity includes Bluetooth 6.1 and Auracast support, yet codec and multipoint options remain more restrictive outside Samsung’s ecosystem.

Sound and ANC improvements

Samsung continues with a two-driver setup, and the Buds4 Pro deliver a punchier, more consumer-tuned balance with extra bass and crisp highs. The companion app adds EQ controls and presets, but some features are tied to Samsung devices and software.

Active noise cancellation can be adjusted across several levels and performs best against steady noise such as engines, while also reducing nearby speech effectively. Ambient and adaptive modes aim to keep awareness natural, including options that react to voices or sirens.

Battery claims land around 6 hours with ANC on and up to 26 hours including the case, and real-world listening can vary with settings and volume. Overall, the Buds4 Pro look like Samsung’s most polished earbuds yet, but their full value still depends heavily on pairing with Galaxy hardware.