Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Apple AirPods Pro 2: Is newer better?

Battle of the Pro 2’s! The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is Google’s latest true wireless earbuds offering, with several improvements over their predecessor. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 (2nd Generation) received a few tweaks in 2023, like an updated H2 chip, but they still rely on their design from 2022. While your decision will most likely come down to your device, let’s compare these two pairs of flagship earbuds in this Pixel Buds Pro 2 Vs. AirPods Pro 2 article.

Editor’s note: This is the first version of this article, which was published on September 26th, 2024. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Pixel Buds Pro 2 compared to the AirPods Pro 2?

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 have different designs. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are much smaller than their predecessor, but still lean into the “bud” shaped design, operate via touch controls, and use a taller, oval-shaped charging case. The AirPods Pro 2 use a lollipop and stem design with a more rectangular charging case and operates via pinch controls, one on each earbud stem. While both pairs offer a selection of ear tips to assist with fit, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 features a soft rubber fin on the rear of each earbud. Acting as a stabilizer, this fin will help keep them in place when engaging in any physical activity with the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Speaking of physical activity, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 2 offer the same IP54 protection rating from the elements. This means they are protected from dust and splashes of water and sweat. However, it’s worth noting that while the IP54 rating applies to the AirPods Pro 2’s earbuds and charging case, the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s charging case is only IPX4. You could be in trouble if you drop your Pixel Buds Pro 2 in the sand before your morning beach run.

Should you use the software features of either Pixel Buds Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2?

Downloading and installing the Pixel Buds app will allow Android users to get the most out of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and offer system-level integration for Pixel phone owners. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 app provides advanced features, including a full 5-band equalizer with custom presets, and supports spatial audio with head tracking on compatible Pixel phones. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also offers Gemini. Formerly known as Bard, Gemini is an AI chatbot developed by Google in direct response to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. It operates similarly; you can use Gemini to summarize a web page or ask it questions about what’s currently on your screen. Lastly, new to the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the Tensor A1 chip, to not only improve ANC, but sound processing as well.

The AirPods Pro 2 integrates seamlessly with any iOS device without an app. You’ll find your available listening modes, settings, and controls within your iOS Settings. That said, there are still no custom EQ options, something the Pixel Buds app does offer. If you misplace your earbuds or charging case, you can also locate them in the Find My app. The AirPods Pro 2 also support Spatial Audio, and they have the unique ability to function as a hearing aid.

How do the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 connect?

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 use Bluetooth 5.4 and offers SBC and AAC codec support, with the possibility of LC3 in a future update. They also provide Fast Pair for Android and multipoint connectivity, allowing seamless device switching.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 pair seamlessly with an iOS device and use Bluetooth 5.3. They also support SBC and AAC codecs. The H2 chip inside the earbuds supports what Apple calls “high bandwidth connectivity,” suggesting that the sound quality is getting closer to lossless but isn’t quite there yet. Like the Pixel Buds Pro 2, the AirPods Pro 2 also offer multipoint. Connecting to one Apple device will instantly connect the AirPods Pro 2 to all your other Apple devices.

Is battery life better on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2?

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 take this round, surviving our rigorous, standardized battery tests for 7 hours and 55 minutes with the ANC on, which is above average in the true wireless earbuds with ANC category. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 only last 5 hours and 43 minutes of playback according to our tests. Still, that’s plenty of life for a daily commute.

The charging case of either device can be topped up via USB-C or any Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. You can also power up the AirPods Pro 2 case with a MagSafe or Apple Watch charger.

Do the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2 block noise better?

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 do a decent job of canceling noise. With good isolation and top-tier noise cancelation, you can expect about 79% of outside noise to be attenuated. —assuming you’ve got a good fit, of course. Combined with its above-average battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 would make a great travel companion if you’re a frequent flyer.

In the chart below, you’ll see the AirPods Pro 2 also block out noise across the entire audible spectrum. Whether you’re commuting or working away in a coffee shop, chances are you’ll notice how effective the ANC is. Our testing shows they reduce the loudness of noise by an average of 83%, which is a notable feat. By this measure, the AirPods Pro 2 are among the best noise canceling earbuds you can buy.

Do the Pixel Buds Pro 2 sound better than the AirPods Pro 2?

Both the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 2 will provide you with a quality listening experience. These are flagship products for a reason. That said, the majority of listeners might prefer the sound of the AirPods Pro 2. Let’s take a look at the MDAQS results for each.

Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)

Regarding a simulated panel of listeners, a lower Distortion score of 3.5 ultimately brings the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s overall score to 4.2, making the AirPods Pro 2 the winner here. Still, a Distortion score of 3.5 is well within the realm of positive ratings. The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 just straddles the lower end of “good performance.”

Objective Measurements

Comparing the measured frequency response of both units to our house curve, while we see a bump in low-end frequencies from the AirPods Pro 2, we see a reduction in low-end from the Pixel Buds Pro 2. We see this again in the mids, although not as drastic. There are also a few exaggerated treble spikes around the 4.5kHz and 6.5kHz range. You’ll essentially hear less bass and more treble from your music with the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and more bass and less treble from the AirPods Pro 2. Fortunately, you have the option of diving into the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s EQ options to personalize your sound if you’re an Android user, of course.

While the AirPods Pro 2 don’t have native equalizer support, they have a feature that Apple calls Adaptive EQ. This measures the fit of the earbuds each time you put them on and then adjusts the frequency response accordingly for a more consistent listening experience.

Do the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2 have a better microphone?

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the AirPods Pro 2 both have decent microphones and are capable of taking on any phone calls, FaceTime, or Zoom meetings. However, as you can hear in our demonstration below, the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s microphone does better at rejecting wind noise. Something to keep in mind if you’re a big fan of the outdoor walk and talk.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

AirPods Pro 2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Pixel Buds Pro 2 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

AirPods Pro 2 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 2: Price and availability

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available as of Sept 25th, 2024, and priced at $229. $30 more than the price of the original Pixel Buds Pro sold for at launch.

The AirPods Pro 2’s MSRP is $249, but since they are a couple of years old now, you can often find them on sale. At the time of this article, the AirPods Pro 2 can be purchased for $189.99 at Amazon.

Should you get the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 2?

To recap, both are excellent earbuds with good sound and quality ANC, not to mention great transparency modes. You can’t go wrong with either — unless you have the wrong phone. You’ll want to stick with the AirPods if you have an iPhone. Android users should snag the new Pixel Buds Pro 2. It’s as simple as that. There is no Pixel Buds app available for iOS, so there’s no point in spending all your hard-earned cash on a pair of earbuds and then being unable to use all its tech and functions.

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