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Samsung vs Sony

Too close to call: it comes down to the model.

The verdict in 10 seconds

The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro at work: noise cancelling headphones on a desk in a busy office

Best Samsung

Samsung Galaxy Buds4 ProSamsung Galaxy Buds4 ProExcellent sound and quiet, at their best with a Samsung phone

Suits you if

  • You use a recent Samsung Galaxy phone
  • You want rich sound and earbuds comfortable enough for long days
  • You commute, work out or deal with steady background rumble

Best Sony

Sony WF-1000XM5Sony WF-1000XM5Superb sound and strong quiet, as long as they fit you

Suits you if

  • You commute or fly often and want the drone of engines and traffic quieted
  • Sound quality matters most to you and you like adjusting the sound in an app
  • You use an Android phone and switch between two devices

Which brand wins?

Brand for brand, Samsung and Sony are closely matched. The best single model of the two is the Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro, which suits you if you use a recent Samsung Galaxy phone.

We researched 47 expert reviews, analyzed 78,988 owner ratings and comments across 25 sources for every Samsung and Sony model we cover, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.

Show me the receipts

Brand scoreboardAverage score 79 vs 77 · reliability 67 vs 68
SamsungSony
Product Review score7977
Experts8488
Owners7972
Reliability6768
Models scored13
Most reliable modelSamsung Galaxy Buds4 ProSony WF-1000XM5

Averages across scored models. ● marks the better number on each row.

Questions people actually ask

Which is better, Samsung or Sony?

Neither, clearly. Choose the model, not the brand.

Based on: Average Product Review score 79 for Samsung vs 77 for Sony.

Which brand is more reliable, Samsung or Sony?

Neither stands out. Their models have a similar record.

Based on: Average reliability 67 vs 68.

What is the best Samsung noise cancelling headphones?

The Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro. It suits you if you use a recent Samsung Galaxy phone.

Based on: Highest Product Review score among Samsung models (79).

What is the best Sony noise cancelling headphones?

The Sony WF-1000XM5. It suits you if you commute or fly often and want the drone of engines and traffic quieted.

Based on: Highest Product Review score among Sony models (79).