A side-by-side comparison of the Prixel Buds Pro and Apple AirPods Pro.

Pixel Buds Pro vs. AirPods Pro: How do these wireless earbuds compare?

Updated on June 13, 2024

If you use Androids and love bass, Pixel Buds Pro rock with powerful sound and seamless connection. Prefer Apple products? AirPods Pro offers top-notch noise cancellation with balanced sound. Battery life and water resistance are similar for both, so pick what matches your listening style and devices.

Gone are the days of tangled wires and frustration as you try to untangle your headphones from your bag (don't we all hate that?). Wireless earbuds have become a must-have tech accessory, offering freedom of movement and crystal-clear audio for music, calls, and even workouts.

But with so many options, choosing the right pair feels like picking a soundtrack—you want something that perfectly complements your sonic mood.

Enter the 2 titans of the earbud arena: Google Pixel Buds Pro and Apple AirPods Pro. Both boast portability and impressive sound but cater to different preferences.

Whether you're a music lover seeking the perfect soundscape or a productivity guru prioritizing seamless device integration, this Pixel Buds Pro vs. AirPods Pro showdown equips you to make the right choice for your listening needs.

Keep reading to discover everything from sound quality and features to battery life and price, helping you make an informed decision and select the perfect audio companion for your tech lifestyle and budget.

Pixel Buds Pro vs. AirPods Pro: Key differences

Choosing between Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro is like picking between your favorite artists on a music streaming service—it all depends on what you’re looking for. However, understanding their strengths and weaknesses can simplify your decision. Here's a quick comparison to help you see how they stack up:

Google Pixel Buds Pro

Apple AirPods Pro

Pros

Rich bass sound (ideal for bass-heavy music) Integration with Android devices Real-time translation feature

Balanced sound (great for wider music range) Streamlined experience with Apple devices Superior noise cancellation

Cons

Less balanced sound for some music genres Slightly less intuitive controls for non-Android users Microphone quality might pick up more background noise

Not as bass-heavy (might not be ideal for all music) More expensive than other wireless earbuds Battery life falls short compared to competitors

Specs

From how long you can rock out to how much it hits your wallet, here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro specifications, or specs for short.

Google Pixel Buds Pro

Apple AirPods Pro

Battery

Up to 11 hours of listening with a single charge (up to 31 hours with charging case)

Up to 6 hours of listening with a single charge (up to 30 hours with charging case)

Connectivity

Bluetooth 5.0

Bluetooth 5.3

Durability

Earbuds: IPX4; Case: IPX2

Earbuds and case: IP54

Sound Features

ANC, Conversation Detection, Spatial Audio, and Transparency Mode

Adaptive Audio, ANC, Conversation Awareness, Personalized Spatial Audio, and Transparency Mode

Price (New)

$150 to $250

$200 to $300

Bottom line: The winner for this category depends on your priorities. While both offer noise cancellation, AirPods Pro take the lead. Pixel Buds Pro counter with unique features like Google Translate, while AirPods Pro boasts personalized spatial audio for an immersive listening experience.

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Sound quality

Pixel Buds Pro cater to those who crave a rich and powerful listening experience. Their sound signature leans heavily toward the bass end of the spectrum. This is a plus for listeners who enjoy rich, low-end tones, especially for genres like hip-hop and electronic music, where low-end tones are king. 

AirPods Pro are known for their well-balanced sound profile, offering clear highs, mids, and lows. This makes them a versatile choice for a wider variety of music genres and audio content, like podcasts or audiobooks. While some users might find the bass response a little less pronounced than Pixel Buds Pro, the overall sound signature is more neutral and analytical.

Bottom line: With their balanced sound, making them ideal for listeners who enjoy a wider range of audio content, AirPods Pro wins this round.

Performance

Pixel Buds Pro offer a strong and stable connection with Android devices, making them a trustworthy companion for music, calls, and lag-free gaming or video watching. Thanks to frequent software updates from Google, Pixel Buds Pro stay compatible and may even unlock new features over time.

AirPods Pro are known for their seamless pairing experience with Apple products. Pairing is effortless, and updates arrive alongside iOS updates, allowing for optimized performance for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. They also boast a stable connection with minimal delay.

Bottom line: Performance is a close call, but Pixel Buds Pro have a slight edge for Android users due to optimized integration and frequent updates.

Features

Pixel Buds Pro pack a punch when it comes to features, especially for Android users. They offer intuitive touch controls for music playback, calls, and Google Assistant activation. But the real star of the show is the built-in Google Translate, which enables real-time translation of conversations on the go. Plus, Pixel Buds Pro have passive noise isolation and a limited form of active noise cancellation to reduce ambient noise.

AirPods Pro focus on a streamlined Apple experience. They feature touch controls for music, calls, and Siri activation. Integration with Apple devices is smooth, with features like automatic ear detection that pauses playback when you remove an earbud. AirPods Pro also offer superior active noise cancellation technology, effectively blocking out the world for a more immersive listening experience.

Bottom line: Feature-wise, it depends on your priorities. But if peace and quiet are your top priorities, AirPods Pro, for their noise cancellation abilities, are the clear winner. However, if features like Google Translate and a strong integration with Google Pixel devices are your priorities, then Pixel Buds Pro might be a better match.

A graphic highlighting how the Google Pixel Buds Pro and Apple AirPods Pro compare.

Battery life

Pixel Buds Pro battery life typically lasts around 11 hours on a single charge. The charging case provides additional charges, extending the total listening time to around 31 hours. As an added benefit, Pixel Buds Pro support fast charging, providing up to an hour of listening time with a 15-minute charge.

AirPods Pro also have a battery life of around 6 hours on a single charge. The charging case bumps up the total listening time to roughly 30 hours. Plus, the AirPods will chime once at 10% and again just before shutting off, so you'll never be caught off guard by a dead battery.

Bottom Line: Both Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro offer similar battery life with their charging cases. But Pixel Buds Pro pull slightly ahead with their fast charging capability, allowing you to quickly top up the battery in a pinch.

Price

If you’re on a tight budget or looking to use a student discount, Pixel Buds Pro are a more affordable option that come with a wide range of features.

AirPods Pro are priced slightly higher than their Pixel Bud counterparts, making them a less budget-friendly option.

Bottom line: Pixel Buds Pro are the winner here, especially if you're looking for the most budget-friendly option.

Pixel Buds Pro vs. AirPods Pro FAQ

Still torn between Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro? Check out these frequently asked questions to help you pick the perfect earbuds for your ears.

Can I use Pixel Buds Pro with iPhone or AirPods Pro with Android?

Yes, you can use both Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro with devices outside their native ecosystems. But the experience won't be as seamless. Pixel Buds Pro function with iPhones, but features like Google Assistant integration and automatic updates might be limited. Similarly, AirPods Pro will work with Android devices, but features like automatic ear detection and spatial audio may not be available.

Which has a better microphone?

AirPods Pro generally have a clearer mic than Pixel Buds Pro. Think of them like tiny voice recorders—AirPods Pro will capture your voice clearly during calls, even if there's some background noise. Pixel Buds Pro mics seem to pick up more of the surrounding sounds, making calls a little less crystal-clear.

Are Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro water-resistant?

Both Pixel Buds Pro and AirPods Pro can handle a little sweat or a surprise splash, but the level of protection varies. Pixel Buds Pro are IPX4 rated, meaning they can shrug off light workouts or getting caught in a drizzle. AirPods Pro have an edge with their IP54 rating. So, no worries about getting caught in a downpour, but maybe don't go for a deep-sea dive with either.

With all this information at your fingertips, you're ready to select the earbuds that best suit your needs. Lucky for you, Back Market has you covered.

Explore our selection of Pixel Buds and AirPods to find the ideal audio companion for you. Whether you crave deep bass or a balanced soundscape, we have the perfect fit for your ears and devices.

Miguel G.

Written by Miguel G.Sr. Tech Copywriter (US)

Miguel is always looking for new ways to provide unique perspective on popular tech and has taken his writing to the refurbished industry to promote sustainability. Outside of creating content, you might find him travelling the globe, coaching a fitness class, or cheering on his favorite sports teams (Go Dolphins!)

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