Apple's AirPods Pro and Google's Pixel Buds 2 are some of the most advanced true wireless earbuds available, but which is a better fit for someone looking to buy a new pair? The Pixel Buds 2 came out this past April, while the AirPods were released in October of last year. Both sets of earbuds offer a multitude of features and a minimalist design.
Both the AirPods Pro and the Pixel Buds 2 have a very similar wireless design, fit within an oval-ish case that can both charge the headphones while on the go, and also keep them protected. AirPods Pro are rated to last up to 4.5 hours on a single charge, without the charging case. In contrast, the Pixel Buds 2 are rated to last up to 5 hours in the same situation. With periodic charging from their cases, each can last a full 24 hours without any help from an outlet.
Of the two sets, the AirPods Pro are the only wireless headphones that have noise-canceling capabilities. According to Apple, there is a noise detector for both the sound outside the ear, as well as the sound inside the ear, so that it can correct for any unwanted noise getting through. Pixel Buds 2 may not have noise-canceling technology, but they do have “audio that adapts," according to Google. The Pixel Buds 2 senses the sound around the wearer and then changes the volume to appropriately compensate when going from louder or quieter locations. The Pixel Buds 2’s mics also work to focus specifically on the wearer’s voice amidst other sounds, so that calls can be heard easily despite outside noise.
Apple Or Google? Which Earbuds Are Superior?
One of the most unique features of the Pixel Buds 2 is their ability to translate what others are saying in real-time. This feature is great for anyone traveling to a foreign country. The Pixel Buds 2 also have a shape that is apparently designed to fit perfectly in an ear. The AirPods Pro come with three different sized inner earpieces to choose from, to create a more personalized fit. Both the AirPods Pro and the Pixel Buds 2 are water and sweat-resistant. They each also have the ability to use Siri or Google Assistant, respectively. The Pixel Buds 2 can also be found using Find My Device with Google, even if they are outside their case. In contrast, the AirPods can be located at the last place the case was opened with the AirPods inside, making the tracking feature a little less helpful. The AirPods Pro come in their iconic white color, and the Pixel Buds 2 can be purchased in Clearly White, Oh So Orange, Quite Mint, or Almost Black.
Both sets of earbuds are very comparable, and either will be a good choice for those looking to buy a new pair of wireless headphones. The AirPods Pro, despite being released earlier, are almost $90 more expensive than the Pixel Buds 2 and while the noise-canceling is a good feature to have, is it worth the extra money? Other than noise-canceling, the Pixel Buds 2 have almost all of the same features as Apple's AirPods, plus some additional ones.