Pixel Buds Pro vs Airpods Pro 2: Which Buds Reign?
Struggling to choose between premium earbuds? You’re not alone. The Google Pixel Buds Pro and Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are two of the most popular options on the market, each promising top-tier audio quality and a seamless listening experience. But which one comes out on top in this head-to-head battle?
This comparison dives deep into the features, performance, and overall value of both the Pixel Buds Pro and the AirPods Pro 2. We’ll explore everything from sound quality and noise cancellation to battery life and comfort. Prepare to discover which earbuds are the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Whether you’re an Android aficionado or an Apple enthusiast, this guide will help you make an informed decision. We’ll break down the key differences and similarities, ensuring you choose the earbuds that best suit your needs and preferences. Let the battle of the buds begin!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | pixel buds pro | airpods pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (Buds) / IPX2 (Case) | IPX4 (Buds & Case) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Codec Support | SBC, AAC | AAC |
| Spatial Audio | No | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes | No |
| Customizable EQ | Yes (in app) | No |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | Siri |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | Up to 7 hours (buds) / 20 hours (total with case) | Up to 6 hours (buds) / 30 hours (total with case) |
| Case Charging | USB-C, Wireless | Lightning, Wireless |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
- Pixel Buds Pro: Offers effective ANC, adapting to the environment. It uses a custom processor and algorithms to block out distractions, though some users find it slightly less effective than the AirPods Pro 2. The seal can sometimes be tricky to achieve.
- Airpods Pro 2: Boasts significantly improved ANC compared to the previous generation, providing a superior noise-canceling experience. It effectively blocks out a wide range of noises, making it ideal for noisy environments. The transparency mode is also highly natural.
- Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Sound Quality
- Pixel Buds Pro: Delivers a balanced and enjoyable sound profile with a focus on clarity. While the sound quality is good, some audiophiles may find the bass slightly less impactful compared to the AirPods Pro 2. It supports spatial audio.
- Airpods Pro 2: Provides a rich and detailed sound experience with powerful bass and crisp highs. The sound profile is well-balanced, and the spatial audio with head tracking enhances immersion. Apple’s ecosystem integration further enhances the experience.
- Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Transparency Mode
- Pixel Buds Pro: Offers a good transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds. It’s effective but can sometimes sound a bit processed.
- Airpods Pro 2: Features a highly natural and effective transparency mode, allowing you to easily converse or stay aware of your surroundings. The “Adaptive Transparency” feature further enhances the experience, reducing loud noises.
- Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Battery Life
- Pixel Buds Pro: Provides a respectable battery life, offering around 7 hours of listening time with ANC on and up to 11 hours with ANC off. The charging case adds extra charges.
- Airpods Pro 2: Offers a slightly better battery life, providing around 6 hours of listening time with ANC on and up to 30 hours total with the charging case.
- Winner: Pixel Buds Pro
Call Quality
- Pixel Buds Pro: Delivers good call quality with clear voice transmission, thanks to its multiple microphones. Performs well in most environments but can struggle slightly in very windy conditions.
- Airpods Pro 2: Offers excellent call quality with clear voice pickup and effective noise reduction for the caller. The mics are excellent at filtering out background noise.
- Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Comfort and Fit
- Pixel Buds Pro: Generally comfortable, with a secure fit, thanks to the included ear tips. Some users might find the fit less snug compared to the AirPods Pro 2.
- Airpods Pro 2: Comfortable and secure fit, with a range of ear tip sizes. The design is optimized for a comfortable and stable fit, even during workouts.
- Winner: Tie
Water Resistance
- Pixel Buds Pro: Boasts an IPX4 water resistance rating, making them suitable for workouts and light rain.
- Airpods Pro 2: Also has an IPX4 water resistance rating, similar to the Pixel Buds Pro, offering protection against sweat and splashes.
- Winner: Tie
Ecosystem Integration
- Pixel Buds Pro: Seamlessly integrates with Google’s ecosystem, offering features like Fast Pair and Google Assistant integration. It’s best suited for Android users.
- Airpods Pro 2: Deeply integrated with the Apple ecosystem, offering features like easy pairing, automatic switching between Apple devices, and Find My support. It’s a key advantage for Apple users.
- Winner: AirPods Pro 2
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Overall Audio Quality | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Noise Cancellation | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Ecosystem Integration (Android) | pixel buds pro |
| Ecosystem Integration (Apple) | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Call Quality | AirPods Pro 2 |
| Features | AirPods Pro 2 |
What They Have in Common
- Active Noise Cancellation: Both the Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro 2 feature effective active noise cancellation, allowing you to immerse yourself in your audio by blocking out surrounding noise.
- Transparency Mode: Both earbuds offer a transparency mode, enabling you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds, which is useful for conversations or staying aware of your environment.
- Wireless Charging: Both support wireless charging for their cases, providing a convenient way to top up the battery.
- Water Resistance: Both earbuds are water-resistant, making them suitable for workouts and use in light rain.
- Comfortable Design: Both earbuds are designed to be comfortable for extended wear, with multiple ear tip sizes available to ensure a secure and personalized fit.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Both use Bluetooth to connect to devices.
Pixel Buds Pro Vs AirPods Pro 2 Buying Guide
Design and Comfort
Both the Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro 2 prioritize comfort, but they achieve it differently. The Pixel Buds Pro features a more rounded design with a pressure-relieving vent, which some users find more comfortable for extended wear. The AirPods Pro 2 offers a more universal fit with multiple ear tip sizes. The choice depends on personal preference and ear shape. Consider how important a secure fit is to you, especially if you plan on using them during workouts. Both are lightweight and designed for all-day use, but the feel in your ear may vary.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is a key consideration. The Pixel Buds Pro delivers balanced sound with deep bass and clear highs, thanks to its custom drivers and active noise cancellation. The AirPods Pro 2 boasts impressive audio performance, with Spatial Audio for immersive listening. Its Adaptive EQ adjusts to the shape of your ear. Both offer excellent sound, but their strengths lie in different areas. Consider what type of music you listen to and if spatial audio is important to you.
Noise Cancellation
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a crucial feature for many. The Pixel Buds Pro excels in ANC, effectively blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise. The AirPods Pro 2, with its updated chip, also provides excellent ANC, perhaps slightly better in certain scenarios. Consider how noisy your environment usually is. Both are excellent choices, but the level of effectiveness is a factor. Testing them in a real world environment is recommended to determine the best choice.
Battery Life
Battery life impacts the usability. The Pixel Buds Pro offers a respectable battery life with ANC enabled, and the charging case provides additional charge. The AirPods Pro 2 delivers a slightly better battery performance, especially with the charging case. These differences can matter for long commutes or travel. Consider your average usage and how often you’ll have access to a charger. The charging case is a key component to battery life.
Features and Ecosystem
Features are important. The Pixel Buds Pro integrates seamlessly with Android devices, offering features like Google Assistant integration and fast pairing. The AirPods Pro 2 is optimized for the Apple ecosystem, with features such as easy switching between Apple devices and Find My integration. Think about what ecosystem you’re in. The integration of features is a huge deciding factor. Both offer unique features to their respective ecosystems.
Price and Value
Price and value are always important. While prices fluctuate, the AirPods Pro 2 often comes at a higher price than the Pixel Buds Pro. Both offer a lot for the cost. Consider your budget and the features you need. Are you willing to pay more for features like Spatial Audio and slightly better battery life? Evaluate the overall value based on your needs and how much you’re willing to spend. Weigh the pros and cons of each.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy pixel buds pro If…
- You prioritize integration with the Google ecosystem and Android devices.
- You value a more customizable listening experience with an in-app equalizer.
- You want multipoint pairing to connect to two devices simultaneously.
- You prefer a more compact case design.
Buy airpods pro 2 If…
- You are invested in the Apple ecosystem and want seamless integration with your Apple devices.
- You prioritize superior spatial audio and head tracking features.
- You want longer battery life from the case.
- You prefer better overall call quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro 2?
The main difference lies in their ecosystem integration and features. Pixel Buds Pro is optimized for Android, offering seamless integration with Google services. AirPods Pro 2 excels within the Apple ecosystem, providing features like easy device switching and Spatial Audio.
Which has better noise cancellation: Pixel Buds Pro or AirPods Pro 2?
Both offer excellent noise cancellation. AirPods Pro 2 is often considered slightly better due to its updated chip and refined ANC algorithms. However, the Pixel Buds Pro is still a strong contender, effectively blocking out a significant amount of ambient noise in a variety of situations. The difference may be subtle.
How is the sound quality different between the two?
The Pixel Buds Pro provides a balanced sound profile with deep bass, while the AirPods Pro 2 offers great audio with Spatial Audio. The AirPods Pro 2 uses Adaptive EQ to personalize the sound. The choice depends on personal preference and listening habits. Both offer great sound quality.
Which earbuds offer better battery life?
AirPods Pro 2 generally offer slightly better battery life, both for the earbuds themselves and with the charging case. However, both provide ample battery life for most users’ daily needs. The difference in battery life might be a deciding factor for heavy users.
Do both earbuds support wireless charging?
Yes, both the Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro 2 support wireless charging. This is a convenient feature for those who already have wireless charging pads. This feature adds to the convenience and usability of the earbuds.
Which earbuds are better for making phone calls?
Both the Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro 2 perform well on phone calls, with clear voice transmission due to their microphones. The AirPods Pro 2 might have a slight edge in noisy environments. Both are good choices for calls.
Which earbuds are the better value for the money?
The Pixel Buds Pro often represents a slightly better value, given its features and price point. However, both offer great value. The best choice depends on what features and ecosystem integration are most important to you. Consider your needs and budget.
Final Verdict
Both the Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro 2 are excellent choices for premium true wireless earbuds, each with strengths. The AirPods Pro 2 generally edges out the Pixel Buds Pro in overall performance, particularly in noise cancellation and ecosystem integration. However, the Pixel Buds Pro provides a compelling alternative with a more Android-friendly experience and often, a more accessible price point.
Winner: AirPods Pro 2