Samsung's Galaxy Buds 4 and 4 Pro continue the company's AirPods-inspired design with improved audio performance and refined aesthetics. The open-fit Galaxy Buds 4 and silicone-tipped Galaxy Buds 4 Pro both ditch the angular "blade" stem for a flatter panel design, while maintaining the same $180 and $230 price points respectively.

Sound quality represents the biggest upgrade, with the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro featuring an 11mm woofer and 5.5mm planar tweeter that deliver surprisingly rich audio across genres. The Galaxy Buds 4 also sound good for an open-fit model, though the Pro version offers noticeably deeper bass and more detail. Both models suffer from underwhelming ANC, with the open-fit Buds 4 providing minimal noise reduction and the Pro version struggling with sudden noises despite better performance on constant sounds.

Samsung continues its strategy of Galaxy phone exclusivity, requiring Samsung devices to access advanced features like voice detection, head gestures, and automatic switching. While basic functions work with iPhones and other devices, the full experience remains locked to Samsung's ecosystem. The refined design and solid audio make these compelling options for Galaxy owners, but the lack of innovation and persistent ANC issues prevent them from truly challenging Apple's dominance.