Looking for an honest Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless comparison in 2026? We scored both earbuds on the same six-dimension framework — performance, battery, display, camera, design and value — using identical methodology, so the numbers below are directly comparable. In our overall scoring the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless comes out ahead 58/100 to 71/100 — a 13-point gap. The widest gap is in performance, where the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless pulls noticeably ahead. On price the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation undercuts the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless by 77% ($90 vs $159), which materially changes the value calculus for budget-conscious buyers.
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Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless edges out the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation in the earbuds category, especially in performance, scoring 71 vs 58. If you want the better overall earbuds, Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless is the recommended choice.
Picking Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless over Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation means trading these off.
Apple
$90
Scores are relative within the earbudscategory. Percentages show each dimension's weight in the overall score. A difference of less than 0.5 points is considered a tie.
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
✓ Pros
✗ Cons
| Spec | Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation | Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True WirelessW |
|---|---|---|
| Type | In-ear (TWS) | In-ear (TWS) |
| Driver Type | Dynamic 11mm | Dynamic 12mm |
| Driver Size | 11mm | 12mm✓ |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz | 20 Hz - 20,000 Hz |
| ANC | Active Noise Cancelling (-36dB) | Active Noise Cancelling |
| Transparency Mode | Yes (Transparency mode) | Yes (Ambient Sound) |
| Spatial Audio | Yes (Dolby Atmos) | true |
| EQ App | AirPods app | Samsung Galaxy Wearable app |
| Touch Controls | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Assistant | Siri | Siri, Google |
| Battery Life | 5hrs | 8hrs✓ |
| Case Battery | 24hrs | 28hrs✓ |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe) | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint | Yes (2 devices) | true |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX2 |
| Fit | In-ear | In-ear |
| Weight | 5.3g | 5g✓ |
| Colors | White | Black, White, Olive, Lavender |
| Price | 90$✓ | 159$ |
Buy Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation if…
Choose the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless if…
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless edges out the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation in the earbuds category, especially in performance, scoring 71 vs 58. If you want the better overall earbuds, Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless is the recommended choice.
No, Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless scores higher (71 vs 83).
Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation is cheaper at $90 vs $159 for the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless.
Choose the Apple AirPods Active Noise Cancellation if budget is your top priority — it offers competitive specs at a lower price point.
Buy the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless if you want the best performance in this comparison. It scores higher overall and is the recommended choice for most buyers.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 - AI True Wireless lasts longer with 8 hours vs 5 hours for the other.
Reviewed by VersusMatrix Editorial Team
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Methodology: AI-powered analysis of technical specifications from manufacturer data. Scores are calculated by comparing products across multiple dimensions and normalized relative to the full category database. Our editorial process is independent and not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
