Home Wireless Earbuds Google Pixel Buds Pro Vs. Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen)

Google Pixel Buds Pro Vs. Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Review

Last updated on Aug 18, 2024   16 minute read
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Google Pixel Buds Pro

Google Pixel Buds Pro

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Reasons why you might like the Google Pixel Buds Pro

Overall Score 8.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 11 hours
  • Has Usb Type-C
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only
  • Has Ambient Sound Mode
VS
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

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Reasons why you might like the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)

Overall Score 7.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.

  • Ingress Protection (Ip) Rating of IPX4
  • Has Active Noise Cancellation (Noise Control)
  • Battery Life of 6 hours
  • Number Of Microphones of 6 only

Google Pixel Buds Pro Vs. Apple Airpods (3Rd Gen) Review In Summary

Category Features Google Pixel Buds Pro Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)
DESIGN ingress protection (ip) rating IPX4 IPX4
weight 12.4g 8.56g
has no wires or cables
wingtips included
sweat resistance
has stereo speakers
SOUND QUALITY has active noise cancellation (noise control)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 11mm 11mm
lowest frequency 20Hz 10Hz
highest frequency 20,000Hz 20,000Hz
sound pressure level 75dB/mW
POWER battery life 11hours 6hours
battery life of charging case 20hours 30hours
charge time 1hours 0.3hours
has wireless charging
has a battery level indicator
CONNECTIVITY has usb type-c
bluetooth version v5 v5
maximum bluetooth range 10meters 10meters
has aac
has ldac
MICROPHONE number of microphones 6only 6only
has a noise-canceling microphone
EXTRAS has ambient sound mode
has in/on-ear detection
has find earbuds feature
supports fast charging
multipoint count 2only 2only
has a mute function
control panel placed on a device
warranty period 1Years
has voice prompts
travel bag is included
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Ingress protection ratings is the rank of protection given by a casing, against solids and liquids. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value means protection against solids say dust, while the second refers to protection against liquids (sweat).

Scoring IPX4, the Google Pixel Buds Pro's rating for solids indicates that no data available to specify a protection rating, and the second number of 4 means that they can withstand low pressure spray similar to that of a shower head when tilted at 180° for 10 minutes. In comparison to the Google Pixel Buds Pro, Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a rating of IPX4 meaning that we are not yet certain of their rating with solids (dust) and that of liquids is that, they both have the same rating against liquids Google Pixel Buds Pro have a weight of 12.4g . We prefer a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen), at 8.56g weigh less than the Google Pixel Buds Pro with a difference -3.84g True wireless devices have no cables connecting any part of the device together, Google Pixel Buds Pro are true wireless for this case since they have no cables. This is a key distinction since wireless earbuds have cables connecting the pair of earbuds . Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also is true wireless because it doesn't have wires connecting the two earbuds together. Google Pixel Buds Pro have wingtips, these are reserved for earbuds for workouts and are usually an optional add-on to the separate silicone ear tip for a more secure fit.

Google Pixel Buds Pro have sweat resistance Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal for use during long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc Google Pixel Buds Pro have stereo speakers, devices with stereo speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, this creates a richer sound and a better listening experience. Both Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) and Google Pixel Buds Pro have stereo speakers Active noise cancellation utilises advanced kind of tech to reduce unwanted ambient sounds. How it works, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and generates a mirror signal to cancel it out.

Simply put, it's like having +1 (noise) then producing -1 (counter sound by the device) to make zero which results in a reduced level of noise.

Google Pixel Buds Pro have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, causing less ear fatigue since you don't have to crank up the device volume to overcome background sounds. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have ANC making either of the earbuds ideal for flights and morning travels.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro and Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) work with different noise cancellation types, pick the setting that you prefer for commute or that suites your relaxation time. Google Pixel Buds Pro sit tightly in place, creating an acoustic covering that reduces your environment noise while preventing the earbuds sound from leaking out . Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this means that both tone down ambient noise without using technology to cancel it out. The Google Pixel Buds Pro driver unit is 11mm in diameter, bigger drivers are more powerful, and can produce better bass.

The driver unit is the component that produces sound in the earbuds, its size dictates the loudness of the earbuds. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) driver unit is 11mm in diameter, making both devices similar in how loud their sound can get , many people have a misconception that driver units of a bigger size automatically produce better sound quality.

However, large drivers find it difficult to produce high frequencies so yes, larger drivers are capable of generating louder sound, but this does not indicate that they produce better quality sound.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response inidcates how well a particular audio component generates low frequencies that can be heard, and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s lowest frequency is at 10Hz, this means that Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) make sound with a juicier bass than the Google Pixel Buds Pro Google Pixel Buds Pro's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well a particular audio component makes high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any changes to the signal on its way through. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, this means that both devices can produce equal treble SPL, is the level of pressure of sound, in decibels, dB, Google Pixel Buds Pro's measurement is 75dB/mW.

Devices with a higher sound pressure level are generally louder when supplied with any given audio source. Google Pixel Buds Pro's battery life is 11 hours, these last longer than 5 hours of listening which is considered average before recharge. A device's battery life is commonly given by the manufacturer, and with more battery hours, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s battery life is less than that of Google Pixel Buds Pro by 5 hours . Each time you recharge your earbuds, they get a little less listening time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over a few years, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time. The battery life of the charging case is given by the manufacturer, and the Google Pixel Buds Pro's case is said to have a charge of 20 hours.

A charging case with a longer battery life allows you to recharge your earbuds on the go many times before having to recharge the case itself. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen)'s charging case has a battery life of 30 hours, more than that of Google Pixel Buds Pro by 10 hours It takes 1 hours to fully charge the Google Pixel Buds Pro's battery. It is recommended to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been unused for long periods.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) takes 0.3 hours to fully charge the battery, less than that of Google Pixel Buds Pro by 0.7 hours The Google Pixel Buds Pro, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you simply put down on a supported charging pad. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also support wireless charging, take note of the charging standard of the earbuds.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a battery level indicator, an indicator notifies you when the device has a low battery. Its lights indicate the charging state of your device and case. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators allow you to determine the charging state of your device, whether fully charged, or the battery is running low.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro have USB TYPE-C, an industry-standard connector for transmitting both data and power through a single cable. The Google Pixel Buds Pro have Bluetooth version of 5, Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard that enables data movement between devices placed in range, using short-wavelength, ultra-high frequency radio waves. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) has a Bluetooth version of 5, equal to that of the Google Pixel Buds Pro . Newer versions provide faster data transfers.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Google Pixel Buds Pro Google Pixel Buds Pro support AAC, a codec that is used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps.

Since it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it can provide better results than other codecs at a similar bit rate.

Being the highest quality codec that any Bluetooth-supporting Apple product supports, the Google Pixel Buds Pro will work fine with your iPhone. If you intend on using these with Android , ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) support AAC as well. Designed to be the successor of the MP3 format, AAC generally achieves higher sound quality than MP3 encoders at the same bit rate. Google Pixel Buds Pro support LDAC, a codec developed by Sony which allows streaming high-resolution audio over Bluetooth connections at up to 990 kbps at 32 bit/96 kHz.

It is capable of a very high bitrate of 990kbps, providing high-resolution audio. Google Pixel Buds Pro have 6 microphones. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) microphones are 6, equal to that of the Google Pixel Buds Pro . More microphones record better sound quality and help the earbuds to filter out noise.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a noise-canceling type of microphone, these microphones are designed to filter out noise from the desired sound. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a noise-canceling type of microphone. This is useful in noisy environments.

Google Pixel Buds Pro support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient noises so that they can still be heard even while wearing them Google Pixel Buds Pro have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when they are removed from your ears . Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears saving battery life. If lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, the Google Pixel Buds Pro have a find earbuds feature. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have the find earbuds feature.

You can use the device app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your device to help you find them. The Google Pixel Buds Pro support fast charging. Commonly, technologies like Qualcomm’s Quick Charge, are used to lower the amount of time it takes to charge the earbuds.

Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, only that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in just 30 minutes.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you to link to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. Say, you can easily switch calls from one device to another without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) have a multipoint count of 2, equal to that of the Google Pixel Buds Pro . Bluetooth multipoint is useful because you can be on one call and not miss notifications from another connected device.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a mute function, they support the option to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds. The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have the mute function. It means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but you can still hear the other party's voice.

With the Google Pixel Buds Pro, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the device. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) too have a control panel on them. The Google Pixel Buds Pro have voice prompts.

With voice prompts, you receive information through audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have voice prompts meaning the earbuds notifies you when the battery is running low, and it's time to recharge them. The Google Pixel Buds Pro come with a special case.

Carrying earbuds without a case, or putting them in your bag without a casing may easily put them at risk of getting damaged. Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) also have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.

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