AirPods Max USB-C Headphones
Over-ear · ANC · 20h · AAC · BT 5.3
MSRP
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds
In-ear TWS · ANC · 7.5h/30h · BT 5.4
MSRP
Our verdict
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds takes the performance lead with a 2% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 0% more frames per second across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.
However, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds tells a compelling value story. At $230 versus the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones's $550 price tag, it costs 139% less while delivering performance that's only 2% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.
Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds is the smarter purchase. The AirPods Max USB-C Headphones only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.
Performance winner
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds
2% faster overall
Best value for money
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds
58% better value per dollar
AirPods Max USB-C Headphones best for
Raw performance
58% better value per dollar
Audio
Battery
Comfort
Connectivity
Noise Cancellation
Frequently asked questions
Is the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones worth $320 more than the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds?
It depends on your needs. The AirPods Max USB-C Headphones scores 86 overall vs 84 for the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds offers better value.
Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones or Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds?
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.
Can the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones handle 4K gaming?
The AirPods Max USB-C Headphones can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.
Which should I buy, the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones or Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds?
Choose the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the AirPods Max USB-C Headphones if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
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