One of the devices Google announced yesterday at its annual developer event, the Google I/O, are wireless headphones called Pixel Buds Pro. The name itself already tells us that they’re looking to directly compete the AirPods Pro, mixing sound quality with some features we don’t find in the standard Pixel Buds.
Are there any similarities between these Pixel Buds Pro and the AirPods Pro? Well, nothing better than putting them side by side to see the similarities and differences.
AirPods Pro and Pixel Buds Pro: comparison table
|
pixel buds pro |
airpod pro |
|
|---|---|---|
|
dimensions |
Ear cada: 22.33 x 22.03 x 23.72 mm Loading strap: 25 x 50 x 63.2 mm |
Ear cada: 30.9 x 21.8 x 24 mm Loading sling: 45.2 x 60.6 x 21.7 mm |
|
mass |
Each earbud: 6.2g (with medium pad) Charging case: 62.4g (with earbuds) |
Ear cada: 5.4g Cargo Strap: 45.6g |
|
Link |
Bluetooth 5.0 |
Bluetooth 5.0 |
|
compatibility |
iOS (standard) and Android (enhanced) |
iOS (enhanced) and Android (standard) |
|
autonomy |
NO NOISE CANCELLATION until 11 a.m. Up to 31 hours with charging case WITH NOISE CANCELLATION until 7 a.m. Up to 20 hours with charging case |
NO NOISE CANCELLATION up to 5 hours Up to 24 hours with the charging case WITH NOISE CANCELLATION Up to 4.5 hours Up to 24 hours with the charging case |
|
case load |
USB-C |
Flash |
|
price |
219 dollars |
217.99 dollars in Amazon |
Each case’s connectivity is very similar, although each earbud connects much better on its corresponding brand’s devices. Where we appreciate a big difference is in the autonomy: 11 hours for Pixel Buds Pro versus 5 hours for AirPods Pro. Here you can see that the AirPods Pro are already old (launched in 2019) while the Pixel Buds Pro are recent. Maybe Apple can offer similar battery life in its future AirPods Pro 2.
We can also mention the weight of the charging case, the Pixel Buds Pro are a bit heavier. Anyway, we’re talking about a difference of less than 20 grams that should not be noticed even while carrying it in your pocket. Another thing the EU will love is that this case is charged via USB-C.
In both cases we have active noise cancellation and spatial audio with the possibility of being able to use an ambient sound mode, which requires a high-end helmet. In terms of what’s included, the Pixel Buds Pro won’t include a charging cable while the AirPods Pro will (the world upside down).
Android users are expected to prefer Pixel Buds Pro and iPhone users are expected to opt for AirPods, for integration and affinity with the platform. It doesn’t make much sense for you to use headphones with Siri if you prefer a Pixel 6, for example. But still, if that happens for some reason, both headphones can connect to any device via Bluetooth.
