Google Pixel Buds Pro vs. Apple AirPods (3rd Generation)
In the wireless earbuds arena, Google's Pixel Buds Pro battle Apple's AirPods (3rd Gen) for supremacy. Pixels dominate with ANC, 11-hour battery, and Android perks, while AirPods charm iOS users with spatial audio and featherlight fit. No ANC on AirPods? Pixels win for commuters.
In the ever-competitive world of true wireless earbuds, Google's Pixel Buds Pro (launched in 2022) and Apple's AirPods (3rd Generation, released in 2021) stand out as premium options tailored to their respective ecosystems—Android for Google and iOS for Apple. While both deliver solid everyday performance, they cater to different priorities: the Pixel Buds Pro emphasize noise cancellation and battery life, whereas the AirPods shine in seamless Apple integration and spatial audio. As of October 2025, these models remain popular despite newer releases like the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3, thanks to their mature software updates and value pricing.
In this head-to-head comparison, we'll break down key features side-by-side, drawing from specs and user insights to help you decide which pair fits your lifestyle. Let's dive in.
Design and Comfort
Both earbuds adopt a stemless, true wireless design without cables, making them easy to pocket and forget you're wearing them. However, their fits differ significantly.
| Feature | Google Pixel Buds Pro | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit Style | In-ear (with silicone tips for seal) | Earbud (open-fit, no tips) | Pixel Buds Pro (better seal for noise isolation) |
| Weight (per bud) | 6.2g | 4.28g | AirPods (lighter for all-day wear) |
| Dimensions (per bud) | 22.82 x 22.03 x 23.72 mm | 30.79 x 18.26 x 19.21 mm | AirPods (more compact stem) |
| Colors | Charcoal, Bay, Fog, Lemongrass, Coral | White only | Pixel Buds Pro (more options) |
| User Comfort Rating | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 | Pixel Buds Pro |
The Pixel Buds Pro's in-ear design with customizable eartips provides a more secure fit during workouts, earning higher comfort scores from users. AirPods, on the other hand, prioritize a loose, airy feel that's ideal for those who dislike pressure in the ear canal but may slip during intense activity.
Sound Quality
Audio performance is subjective, but both pairs punch above their weight with balanced drivers. The AirPods edge out in user-rated sound (9.3/10 vs. 8.7/10), thanks to Apple's Adaptive EQ that tunes sound based on ear shape.
| Feature | Google Pixel Buds Pro | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 11mm dynamic | 11mm high-excursion | Tie |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz | 20Hz - 20kHz | Tie |
| Spatial Audio | Yes (head-tracked) | Yes (Personalized with dynamic head tracking) | AirPods (more immersive for Apple users) |
| Dolby Atmos Support | No | Yes | AirPods |
| EQ Customization | Yes (via Google app) | No (but Adaptive EQ auto-adjusts) | Pixel Buds Pro |
Pixel Buds Pro offer a warmer bass response out of the box, while AirPods deliver crisp highs and mids, enhanced by Dolby Atmos for movies. If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPods' spatial audio feels magical; Android fans will appreciate the Pixel's tweakable EQ.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
This is where the Pixel Buds Pro pull ahead decisively—the AirPods (3rd Gen) lack ANC entirely, a feature reserved for Apple's Pro models.
| Feature | Google Pixel Buds Pro | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancellation | Yes (adaptive, blocks low-frequency rumble) | No | Pixel Buds Pro |
| Passive Noise Isolation | Yes (via eartips) | No | Pixel Buds Pro |
| Transparency/Ambient Mode | Yes (Conversation Detection auto-switches) | No | Pixel Buds Pro |
For commuters or office workers, the Pixel's ANC is a game-changer, reducing airplane hum by up to 30dB. AirPods rely on their open design for natural awareness, which is great for casual listening but poor for noisy environments.
Battery Life
Battery endurance varies by usage, but the Pixel Buds Pro dominate single-charge playback.
| Feature | Google Pixel Buds Pro | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earbuds Only (Music) | Up to 11 hours | Up to 6 hours | Pixel Buds Pro |
| With ANC On | Up to 7 hours | N/A | Pixel Buds Pro |
| Total with Case | Up to 31 hours | Up to 30 hours | Pixel Buds Pro (slight edge) |
| Charging Options | USB-C, wireless (Qi) | Lightning, wireless (MagSafe/Qi) | Pixel Buds Pro (modern USB-C) |
| Quick Charge | 5 min = 1 hour playback | 5 min = 1 hour playback | Tie |
Both support wireless charging, but the Pixel's longer earbud life means fewer case dips. User ratings give a slight nod to Pixel (9.0/10 vs. 8.7/10).
Connectivity and Compatibility
Seamless pairing is a hallmark of both, but ecosystem lock-in is real.
| Feature | Google Pixel Buds Pro | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 | 5.0 | Tie |
| Multipoint Pairing | Yes (2 devices) | No (but auto-switches with Apple devices) | Pixel Buds Pro |
| Fast Pair | Yes (Google Fast Pair) | No | Pixel Buds Pro |
| Codecs Supported | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC | Tie |
| Range | Up to 10m | Up to 10m | Tie |
AirPods excel with iPhones via H1 chip for instant setup and Siri integration, while Pixel Buds Pro shine on Android with Google Assistant and multi-device switching. Cross-platform? Pixels are more versatile.
Controls and Smart Features
Touch and voice controls are intuitive on both, but mics tell the call quality story.
| Feature | Google Pixel Buds Pro | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controls | Touch (tap/swipe for volume) | Force sensor stem (tap/squeeze) | Pixel Buds Pro (volume swipe) |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | Siri | Tie (ecosystem-dependent) |
| Microphones | 6 (with beamforming) | 4 | Pixel Buds Pro (clearer calls) |
| Notification Reading | No | Yes (via Siri) | AirPods |
| Find My | Yes (via app) | Yes (Find My network) | AirPods (global network) |
Pixel's extra mics and wind noise reduction make calls crisper in breezy conditions. AirPods' notification readout is a handy iOS perk.
Water and Dust Resistance
Both are gym-ready but not submersible.
| Feature | Google Pixel Buds Pro | Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| IP Rating (Earbuds) | IPX4 (sweat/water resistant) | IPX4 (sweat/water resistant) | Tie |
| IP Rating (Case) | IPX2 | IPX4 | AirPods |
They're both fine for runs or showers (buds only), but dry them post-exposure to maintain ratings.
If you're an Android user craving noise cancellation, longer battery, and customization, go for the Google Pixel Buds Pro—they're the more feature-packed all-rounder. iPhone loyalists will love the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) for effortless integration, spatial audio magic, and lightweight comfort, even without ANC.
