I recently bought the much-desired Galaxy Buds 3 Pro for my S23 Ultra (note: I'm not a demanding user or an audio expert, just an average consumer) and I was very excited about the purchase. This would be my first top-of-the-line headphones, in the R$1,200 range. Until then, I used the QCY HT05 MeloBuds, which always served me very well and, for me, already represented the pinnacle of sound quality.

Even so, I had high expectations for the Buds 3 Pro, since they cost more than double my R$150 QCY. I expected even better sound and amazing noise cancellation, but I was totally disappointed by the headphones.

The sound was tinny. Compared to my QCY, the QCY sounded clearer; in some places, they even seemed the same. The sound from the Buds 3 Pro was bland, muffled, as if I were listening to everything from inside a can — only without those crackling sounds, just a closed-off sound.

I tried all the available settings and equalizations, but nothing helped (I use Tidal and Apple Music). The noise cancellation was also noticeably worse on the Buds 3 Pro. I could hear everything, but it was kind of muffled: I could hold a long conversation normally with ANC on, I could hear all the sounds on the bus and, in the mall, practically all the noises. Some noises were even amplified. Not even the air conditioning — which was one of the purposes of ANC — was being properly inhibited. I believe it wasn't a fitting problem, as the larger ear tips fit perfectly, which disappointed me even more.

I don't know if it was a defect in my unit, but I was very disappointed with the experience. I expected much more from headphones at this price. I've already returned the product, but I'm still thinking about buying it again because I simply can't believe that's the actual quality of these headphones. I'm also thinking about switching to other brands, but I haven't decided which one to choose yet.

My experience with Galaxy Buds 3 Pro