Ready to commit to a new pair of wireless earbuds, but aren't sure whether to go with Apple or Microsoft? There are several differences between AirPods Pro and the uniquely-shaped Surface Earbuds, but one of the major ones is how both pairs fit in the ear, and how they look when worn. The Surface Earbuds don't have a snug, in-ear fit, while the AirPods Pro fit comfortably within the ear canal, despite their somewhat lengthier stems. The AirPods Pro also block out the sounds of the outside world much more efficiently than the Surface Earbuds, thanks to their Active Noise Canceling feature.
In terms of technical specs, both the AirPods Pro and Surface Earbuds are quite similar, though the Surface Earbuds have a leg up on Apple's earphones when it comes to battery life. AirPods Pro users can expect up to five hours of listening time per charge, and Surface Buds users will get around eight. It's quicker to juice up the AirPods Pro and get up to three hours of battery with fifteen minutes of charging, as the Surface Earbuds only get about one hour of battery, based on a ten-minute charge. While the AirPods Pro support wireless charging, the Surface Earbuds don't. If long-term use is a factor in this particular buying decision, the AirPods Pro certainly win out.
The AirPods Pro and Surface Earbuds may be similar in many respects, but there are also areas where they can't truly compete with one another. The current AirPods Pro, for example, do not support the same variety of gestures as the Surface Earbuds. While they do offer a limited set of gestures, like double tapping, it is nothing compared to the distinct, disc-shaped Surface Earbuds build that caters to taps and swipes to control calls, music playback, and even dictate emails for both iOS and Android users. Although their shape might make them uncomfortable for long periods of wear, in comparison to the AirPods' svelte form and comfortable in-ear design. Another notable difference is the price with the AirPods Pro costing $249, compared to the $199 Microsoft charges for the Surface Earbuds.
Is It Worth Going Apple-Picking?
Overall, the AirPods Pro offer a more well-rounded set of niceties that the Surface Earbuds are missing. They are the more expensive of the two products, but they also deliver for the price. AirPods Pro users will appreciate how simplistic and reliable these buds really are, as they provide clear, excellent sound and functionality no matter where they're being used. They're a bit less sluggish than the Surface Earbuds in terms of triggering gestures, and even include in-ear detection to preserve battery. There's also the recognition factor, if that means something: everyone knows what AirPods look like, and for some buyers, being seen wearing a pair is an important part of the Team Apple experience.
The Surface Earbuds are no slouch either, but they do tend to be a bit more awkward and less friendly to the general consumer base. They have an odd shape and fit (though there are more gesture controls) and provide less clarity when it comes to voice calls and music. There is one huge boon here with the Surface Earbuds and that's their fantastic battery life per charge. In the end, users will find that while the two sets of buds are comparable, there's also a clear-cut winner here, and for many, Apple's AirPods Pro will be it.
Considering The Earbuds Alternatives
If you aren't married to the idea of having either an Apple or Microsoft product, there are great alternatives on the market with comparable performance and features, and at a similar price point. These include the Samsung Galaxy Buds, which offer a lightweight, comfortable fit, an 11-hour battery life, and decent passive noise isolation. The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air earbuds are a great option for anyone on a budget as well, as they're considerably cheaper and even somewhat resemble the AirPods Pro, except they come in a glossy black instead of white.