QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones
Over-ear · ANC · 24h · aptX Adaptive · BT 5.3
MSRP
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds
In-ear TWS · ANC · 7.5h/30h · BT 5.4
MSRP
Our verdict
The QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones takes the performance lead with a 7% 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 QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones's $430 price tag, it costs 87% less while delivering performance that's only 7% 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 QC Ultra 2nd Gen 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
QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones
7% faster overall
Best value for money
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds
14% better value per dollar
QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones best for
Raw performance
7% faster overall
Audio
Battery
Comfort
Connectivity
Noise Cancellation
Frequently asked questions
Is the QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones worth $200 more than the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds?
It depends on your needs. The QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones scores 92 overall vs 86 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 QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones or Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds?
The QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.
Can the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds handle 4K gaming?
The Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds 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 QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.
Which should I buy, the QC Ultra 2nd Gen 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 QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.
Related comparisons
QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones VS WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Score 92 VS 94
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds VS WH-1000XM6 Headphones
Score 86 VS 94
QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones VS WH-1000XM5 Headphones
Score 92 VS 90
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds VS WH-1000XM5 Headphones
Score 86 VS 90
QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones VS AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds
Score 92 VS 90
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds VS AirPods Pro 3 Earbuds
Score 86 VS 90
QC Ultra 2nd Gen Headphones VS HDB 630 Headphones
Score 92 VS 88
Galaxy Buds 4 Pro Earbuds VS HDB 630 Headphones
Score 86 VS 88