Short answer: the Shuoer S12 Pro, if you are buying new. The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 measures as well as it (#20 vs #21 of 68 in-ear headphones, 4.0/5 vs 4.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Shuoer S12 Pro is still sold new at $169.
Why pick the Samsung Galaxy Buds2: Bass and low mids sit slightly above target, about 0.9 dB at 60 to 200 Hz, which gives a warm, easy tonal balance for a preference score of 74. The tradeoff: Treble is uneven, with a 5.8 dB peak near 8 kHz, a 4.8 dB dip across 3 to 6 kHz, and the air band 6.5 dB low, which blurs vocal detail and makes cymbals sound splashy and then rolled off.
Why pick the Shuoer S12 Pro: A 14.8mm planar magnetic driver delivers a gentle bass lift, about 2 dB above target from 60 to 200 Hz, with sub-bass nearly on target, for a preference score of 74. The tradeoff: Treble from 6 to 16 kHz runs 3 dB or more above target, with a 6 dB peak near 8.2 kHz, so cymbals and sibilance can sound bright at volume.
Buy the Shuoer S12 Pro, since the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Samsung Galaxy Buds2 | Shuoer S12 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 Discontinued | $169.00 |
| Ranked | #20 of 68 in In-Ear Headphones | #21 of 68 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 74 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 74 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.18 dB standard deviation | 2.18 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.24 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.19 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | True wireless | Wired |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 11mm dynamic woofer + 1 x 6.3mm dynamic tweeter | 1 x 14.8mm planar magnetic |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5 g) per earbud | - |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | - |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (20 with case, ANC on; 7.5 hours, 29 with case, ANC off, Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, Scalable | - |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | - |
| IP Rating | IPX2 | - |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Impedance | - | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | - | 102 dB |
| Frequency Response | - | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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How Samsung Galaxy Buds2 compares with other leading options:
- AUNE Jasper vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2
- Beats Powerbeats Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2
- 7Hz x Crinacle Zero 2 vs KZ ZSN Pro
- KZ ZSN Pro X vs KZ ZSN Pro
- 7Hz Salnotes Zero vs KZ ZSN Pro X
Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Samsung Galaxy Buds2: $199.00 Discontinued Amazon eBay
Pros: Bass and low mids sit slightly above target, about 0.9 dB at 60 to 200 Hz, which gives a warm, easy tonal balance for a preference score of 74. The set offers active noise cancelling, Bluetooth 5.2, a microphone, and SBC, AAC and Scalable codec support. Each bud weighs 5 g, and a dual driver layout pairs an 11mm woofer with a 6.3mm tweeter.
Cons: Treble is uneven, with a 5.8 dB peak near 8 kHz, a 4.8 dB dip across 3 to 6 kHz, and the air band 6.5 dB low, which blurs vocal detail and makes cymbals sound splashy and then rolled off. Battery lasts about 5 hours with noise cancelling on. The IPX2 rating gives only basic splash protection, and the AUNE Jasper has a higher rating. Discontinued.
Full Samsung Galaxy Buds2 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 5 hours (20 with case, ANC on; 7.5 hours, 29 with case, ANC off, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, Scalable |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.2 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 2.18 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 11mm dynamic woofer + 1 x 6.3mm dynamic tweeter |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 74 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IPX2 |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.24 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5 g) per earbud |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.6 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +1.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 4,739 Hz | +4.8 dB | 1.27 |
| Peak | 88 Hz | -1.9 dB | 0.26 |
| Peak | 6,935 Hz | -3.8 dB | 4.18 |
| Peak | 827 Hz | +0.9 dB | 2.57 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +3.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,484 Hz | -1.0 dB | 2.64 |
| Peak | 7,930 Hz | -1.3 dB | 5.82 |
| Peak | 1,026 Hz | +0.5 dB | 4.03 |
| Peak | 41 Hz | -0.2 dB | 1.94 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Shuoer S12 Pro: $169.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: A 14.8mm planar magnetic driver delivers a gentle bass lift, about 2 dB above target from 60 to 200 Hz, with sub-bass nearly on target, for a preference score of 74. At 16 ohms and 102 dB sensitivity it runs fine from a phone. The wired design suits warm and v-shaped tastes, with extra treble sparkle.
Cons: Treble from 6 to 16 kHz runs 3 dB or more above target, with a 6 dB peak near 8.2 kHz, so cymbals and sibilance can sound bright at volume. A 5.5 dB dip near 3.7 kHz pulls back vocal presence. The Beats Powerbeats Pro and AUNE Jasper carry higher ratings.
Full Shuoer S12 Pro review and specifications →
| Released | 2022 (4 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.18 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 14.8mm planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 74 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.19 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.6 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +0.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 3,538 Hz | +5.0 dB | 2.19 |
| Peak | 163 Hz | -2.5 dB | 0.79 |
| Peak | 679 Hz | +2.1 dB | 0.90 |
| Peak | 1,695 Hz | -2.2 dB | 2.26 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -7.4 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 7,429 Hz | -1.6 dB | 4.48 |
| Peak | 4,686 Hz | +0.9 dB | 3.26 |
| Peak | 3,610 Hz | -0.5 dB | 6.00 |
| Peak | 4,104 Hz | +0.5 dB | 4.93 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples