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For those that missed it, Google’s new Pixel Buds Pro 2 promise to give users great-sounding audio with a ton of improvements across the board, and the company seems pretty confident that its new features will be enough to win over potential buyers. With that said though, it faces competition from competing devices such as Apple’s Airpods Pro, which come some worthwhile features as well.
If you’re thinking of getting a new pair of wireless earbuds, then you might be considering these two – let’s take a look at what they offer!
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Let’s start with the Pixel Buds Pro 2 – Google has designed its new earbuds to look as minimal as possible (save for color accents on top), although they feature a specially-designed stabilizer. With this, users can adjust the earbuds’ fit by rotating the stabilizer accordingly for a better fit.
Google has also equipped the buds with what it refers to as the “Tensor A1” chip, which it says is built for advanced audio processing and AI functionality, and is able to process audio 90 times faster than the speed of sound, in addition to twice the noise cancelling power and clearer voice calls. For connectivity, there’s Bluetooth 5.4 onboard.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also come with Google’s “Silent Seal 2.0,” which further helps filter out unwanted noise. Inside you’ll find 11mm drivers which are responsible for deep bass sounds and a new high-frequency chamber for smoother-sounding treble. They can also last for up to a maximum of 48 hours of listening time with the charging case.
Other features include spatial audio support and clear calling, as well as new additions such as Conversation Detection, which uses AI to pause music and enable transparency mode when the earbuds sense that you’re talking to someone. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 will also come with support for Google’s Find My Device network, which also lets users to ring the earbuds/case when locating them.
AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
By comparison, the Airpods Pro also come with a lot of similar features such as active noise-cancelling, adaptive audio, conversation awareness, and they even feature adaptive EQ and spatial audio, a feature that Apple has marketed heavily. They also work with Apple’s Find My network, which is a bit more fleshed-out versus Google’s solution at the moment. The AirPods use Bluetooth 5.3 for connectivity.
In terms of design, they are very different from the Pixel Buds Pro 2 – there are no stabilizers on here, although you do get stems on the sides of the earbuds for a better fit. The AirPod Pro’s stems are shorter compared to Apple’s older models, although some people might find their design a bit awkward as they still stick out in general. The earbuds and case both feature IP54 water and dust resistance as well.
Inside the earbuds you get Apple’s H2 headphone chip, while the Apple U1 chip comes inside the MagSafe-equipped Charging Case. MagSafe is undoubtedly one of the best features that Apple has introduced with its products, and it’s nice to see it here on the company’s flagship earbuds as well. As for battery, Apple says that the earbuds can last for a maximum of 30 hours with the charging case.
Price Differences
In terms of price, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a bit more affordable at $229, versus the $245 price tag on the AirPods Pro. Of course both will work with either Android and iOS, but the AirPods Pro work better overall with a complete Apple-centric device ecosystem.
If you’re not too particular about that though, there’s a lot to love with the new Pixel Buds Pro 2, and the improved stabilizer feature, wallet-friendly price and longer battery life are factors to consider.
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