Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 / Apple AirPods (3rd generation)

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: GA12449-series in-ear earbuds; Porcelain, Hazel, Peony, Moonstone, Olive and other colours. The original Pixel Buds Pro and Pixel Buds 2a are separate models.

Apple AirPods (3rd generation): AirPods (3rd generation) launched in 2021 with the MagSafe Charging Case; from 2022 a version with the Lightning Charging Case was also sold. The earbuds are the same with either case. AirPods 4, AirPods 2 and AirPods Pro are separate models.

Specification	Google Pixel Buds Pro 2	Apple AirPods (3rd generation)
Release year	2024	2021
Chip	Google Tensor A1 in each earbud Google says Tensor A1 adapts audio to the environment up to 3 million times per second and runs noise cancellation twice as strong as the original Pixel Buds Pro; music and noise-cancellation processing run on separate paths. Google	—
Noise control	Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 2.0; Transparency mode; active in-ear pressure relief; Conversation Detection Pressure relief reduces the plugged-ear feeling of sealed earbuds. Conversation Detection pauses music and switches to transparency when you start talking. Google	—
Driver	Custom-designed 11 mm dynamic driver per earbud Google	—
Microphones	Three mics per earbud; voice accelerometer; wind-blocking mesh covers The voice accelerometer picks up jaw vibration while you speak to help separate your voice from ambient noise. Google’s Clear Calling and Super Wideband calling require compatible Pixel phones. Google	—
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.4 with Super Wideband; works with Bluetooth 4.0+ devices Full features need an Android 6.0 or newer phone, a Google Account and an internet connection; basic listening works with an iPhone. Google	—
Battery	ANC off 12 hours (48 hours with case); ANC on 8 hours (30 hours with case); 5 minutes charge gives 1.5 hours (ANC off) Google’s blog footnote says figures were measured on pre-production hardware with other features disabled; real-world time may be shorter. Google	Up to 6 hours of listening per charge (5 hours with Personalised Spatial Audio on); up to 30 hours with the case; 5 minutes in the case ≈ 1 hour of listening Apple
Charging case	USB-C and Qi-certified wireless charging; ringtone speaker for Find Hub; Hall effect sensor for open/close The case speaker lets you ring a lost case through Find Hub. Google	MagSafe Charging Case (MagSafe, Qi and Lightning) or Lightning Charging Case The included cable is Lightning to USB-C; there is no adapter. Apple
Sensors	Capacitive touch (tap and swipe); IR proximity sensor; accelerometer and gyroscope The proximity sensor pauses music automatically when you take an earbud out; swiping adjusts volume. Google	—
Durability	Earbuds IP54; case IPX4 IP54 limits dust ingress and resists splashing water from any direction; the earbuds should not be submerged. The case has no dust rating. Google	—
Size and weight	Earbud (medium tip) 22.74 × 23.08 × 17.03 mm, 4.7 g; case 49.9 × 63.3 × 25 mm, 65 g with earbuds Google says the earbuds are 27% smaller and 24% lighter than the original Pixel Buds Pro. Google	Earbud (each): 30.79 × 18.26 × 19.21 mm, 4.28 g; case: 46.40 × 54.40 × 21.38 mm, 37.91 g Apple
Software support	Automatic security updates for at least three years from first availability on the US Google Store Google	—
Design and fit	—	Open-fit in-ear design without silicone tips; short stem Because the earbud does not seal the canal, ambient sound is heard; fit depends on ear shape and there are no interchangeable tips. Apple
Audio technology	—	Custom high-excursion Apple driver; custom high dynamic range amplifier; Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ Adaptive EQ measures what is heard in the ear with the inward-facing microphone and adjusts the tuning to the fit in real time. Head tracking anchors sound to the Apple device’s screen. There is no active noise cancellation or transparency mode. Apple
Chip and connectivity	—	H1 headphone chip; Bluetooth 5.0 Automatic device switching, “Hey Siri” and one-tap pairing work with Apple devices. Apple
Sensors and microphones	—	Dual beamforming microphones, inward-facing microphone, skin-detect sensor, motion and speech-detecting accelerometers, force sensor The skin-detect sensor pauses playback when an earbud is removed. Apple
Controls	—	Press the stem once to play/pause or answer a call; twice to skip forward or end a call; three times to skip back; press and hold for Siri There is no on-bud volume control. Apple
Sweat and water resistance	—	IPX4: earbuds and charging case IPX4 protects against splashes; it is not for submersion. Apple