Google Pixel Buds Pro
See price on AmazonOverall Score 8.3 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Sony LinkBuds S
See price on AmazonOverall Score 7 Represents average audio ecosystem compatibility score.
Category | Features | Google Pixel Buds Pro | Sony LinkBuds S |
---|---|---|---|
DESIGN | ingress protection (ip) rating | IPX4 | IPX4 |
weight | 12.4g | 9.6g | |
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 | 5mm | |
lowest frequency | 20Hz | 20Hz | |
highest frequency | 20,000Hz | 40,000Hz | |
sound pressure level | 75dB/mW | ✗ | |
POWER | battery life | 11hours | 6hours |
battery life of charging case | 20hours | 14hours | |
charge time | 1hours | 2hours | |
has wireless charging | ✓ | ✗ | |
has a battery level indicator | ✓ | ✓ | |
CONNECTIVITY | has usb type-c | ✓ | ✓ |
bluetooth version | v5 | v5.2 | |
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 | ✗ | |
has a mute function | ✓ | ✓ | |
control panel placed on a device | ✓ | ✓ | |
has voice prompts | ✓ | ✓ | |
travel bag is included | ✓ | ✓ | |
See price on Amazon | See price on Amazon |
Ingress protection ratings is the rating of protection offered by an enclosure, against solids and water. In the format of IPXX, 'X' represents a number The first value represents protection against solids such as dust, while the second refers to resistance against liquids (sweat).
Having a value of IPX4, the Google Pixel Buds Pro's rating is read as, the first number of X denotes that no data available to specify a protection rating, and of liquids 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, Sony LinkBuds S 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
The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a weight of 12.4g . We consider a lower weight better because lighter devices are more comfortable to move with.
Sony LinkBuds S, at 9.6g weigh less than the Google Pixel Buds Pro by -2.8g True wireless devices have no wires connecting any part of the device together, Google Pixel Buds Pro are true wireless for this case since they don't have cables. This is a key distinction as some wireless earbuds have wires connecting the two earbuds . Sony LinkBuds S also is true wireless because it doesn't have wires linking the 2 earbuds together. The Google Pixel Buds Pro come with wingtips, these are reserved for workout earbuds and come as an optional add-on to each silicone ear tip for a better fit.
Google Pixel Buds Pro have sweat resistance Sony LinkBuds S's resistance to sweat makes both devices ideal for use while doing sports such as long-distance running, marathons, training in workout bodysuits, etc Google Pixel Buds Pro have stereo speakers, what this means is that Google Pixel Buds Pro's speakers deliver sound from independent channels on both left and right sides, creating a richer sound and a better listening experience. Both Sony LinkBuds S and Google Pixel Buds Pro have stereo speakers Active noise cancellation makes use of advanced technology to reduce ambient sounds. How it works, it studies the sound pattern outside and inside the earbud and generates a mirror signal to counter it.
In simple terms, it's like having +1 (sound from your surrounding) then adding -1 (counter sound by the device) giving zero therefore "diluting" the noise.
Google Pixel Buds Pro have Active Noise Cancellation allowing you to listen at lower volume levels, good for your ears since you don't have to crank up the earbuds volume to overcome background noise. Sony LinkBuds S too have ANC making both earbuds ideal for plane rides and morning commutes.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro and Sony LinkBuds S operate with different noise cancellation types, pick the setting that suits your commute or that enhances your relaxation time. Google Pixel Buds Pro stay well in place, creating a sound covering that reduces your environment noise well as preventing the device music from leaking out at the same. Both of these devices have passive noise reduction this implies that both reduce 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. A driver unit is the component that produces sound in the device, its size determines the loudness of the device. Sony LinkBuds S driver unit is 5mm in diameter, which means that they have a smaller driver unit than that of Google Pixel Buds Pro by 6mm , 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 yeah, larger drivers can generate louder sound, but this does not mean that they produce better quality sound. Google Pixel Buds Pro's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, low-frequency response measures if and how well a particular audio component generates low recognizable frequencies and if it alters the signal while at it. Sony LinkBuds S's lowest frequency is at 20Hz, this means that
both devices can produce equal bass
Google Pixel Buds Pro's highest frequency is at 20,000Hz, high-frequency response indicates how well a particular audio device produces high recognizable frequencies and if it makes any adjustments to the signal on its way through.
Sony LinkBuds S's highest frequency is at 40,000Hz, this implies that Sony LinkBuds S can generate a clearer and crispier treble than the Google Pixel Buds Pro SPL, is the pressure level 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 for a single charge.
A device's battery life is given by the manufacturer, and with longer battery life, you get to use it for longer and requires fewer chargings. Sony LinkBuds S's battery life is less than that of Google Pixel Buds Pro by 5 hours . Every time you recharge your device, they get a little less playing time. The effect is not noticeable at first, but over time, your wireless earbuds will have shorter listening time.
This is given by the manufacturer, and Google Pixel Buds Pro's case has a charge of 20 hours. A charging case with more battery hours enables you to recharge your earbuds on the go multiple times before recharging the case itself. Sony LinkBuds S's charging case has a battery life of 14 hours, less than that of Google Pixel Buds Pro by 6 hours It requires 1 hours to fully charge the Google Pixel Buds Pro's battery.
It is highly adivsable to charge fully the battery before using the earbuds when they have been in storage for extended periods. Sony LinkBuds S takes 2 hours to fully charge the battery, more than that of Google Pixel Buds Pro by 1 hours The Google Pixel Buds Pro, the device supports wireless charging. To charge the device, you just put down on a compatible charging pad.
Google Pixel Buds Pro have a battery level indicator, an indicator alerts you when the device has a low battery. Its lights show the charging state of your earbuds and charging case. Sony LinkBuds S too have a battery level indicator, charging indicators enable you tell the charging state of your earbuds, whether fully charged, or having a low battery.
Google Pixel Buds Pro have USB TYPE-C, a standard connector for transmitting both data and power in a single cable. Sony LinkBuds S too support USB TYPE-C. This USB-C plug is part and parcel of most current electronics.
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. Sony LinkBuds S has a Bluetooth version of 5.2, newer than that of Google Pixel Buds Pro . Newer versions provide faster data transfers. The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a 10meters distance to connect via Bluetooth.
Sony LinkBuds S have a maximum range of 10meters, equal to that of the Google Pixel Buds Pro Google Pixel Buds Pro support AAC, a codec used for Bluetooth audio. It supports 24-bit audio at 250kbps. Because it uses psychoacoustic modeling, it provides 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 MacBook. If you intend on using these with Android you need to pay even closer attention to codec support for if they only have AAC they won't provide the best audio quality possible, ensure that they also support aptX HD, LDAC, or LHDC as well. The Sony LinkBuds S 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. The 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 can reach a high bitrate of 990kbps, which provides high-resolution audio.
Sony LinkBuds S support it as well, LDAC, can automatically change to a lower bitrate of 330kbps or 660kbps to increase stability. Google Pixel Buds Pro have 6 microphones. Sony LinkBuds S 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 background sounds.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a noise-canceling microphone, these microphones are intended to filter out noise from the earbuds' sound. The Google Pixel Buds Pro support ambient sound mode, which uses microphones to pass through ambient sound to still be heard even when wearing the earbuds The Sony LinkBuds S support ambient sound mode as well, helpful when you want to listen to music while being aware of your surrounding, for example when you’re having a run but would still want to be able to hear traffic. The Google Pixel Buds Pro have in/on-ear detection, the sensors in the device can detect when removed from your ears so that the music is paused.
Sony LinkBuds S too support in/on-ear detection, automatically pauses your music, or audiobook when you remove earbuds from your ears improving your listening experience. If lost in a room, or can't be found in your bag, Google Pixel Buds Pro have a find earbuds feature. Sony LinkBuds S too have the find earbuds feature.
Use the device app on your smartphone to play an alarm from your earbuds to locate 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.
Sony LinkBuds S support fast charging. It's very similar to regular charging, just that the battery is filling up much faster. Say, with Quick Charge 3.0, the battery is charged to 50% in 30 minutes.
Google Pixel Buds Pro support multipoint of 2 connections, the multipoint feature allows you connect to more than one Bluetooth device and switch between them. For example, you can switch calls from one device to another without manually disconnect and reconnect. The Google Pixel Buds Pro have a mute function, they support the feature to mute/unmute a conversation directly from the earbuds.
The Sony LinkBuds S too support the mute function. The mute function means that you are in position turn off the device's microphone, but still hear the other party talk. The Google Pixel Buds Pro, so you can access the volume control, pause, play, mute, etc whichever functions are supported on the earbuds.
The Sony LinkBuds S too have a control panel on them. The Google Pixel Buds Pro have voice prompts. With voice prompts, you receive information via audio messages, say if there is a problem with the connection.
The Sony LinkBuds S too support voice prompts .i.e the device will notify you if the battery is low, and you need to recharge the earbuds. The Google Pixel Buds Pro come with a special case. Carrying earbuds openly, or putting them in your bag without a cover can easily put them at risk of getting damaged.
Sony LinkBuds S too have a case included, which is useful for safe transportation.