Google Pixel Buds 2a / Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)

Google Pixel Buds 2a: Pixel Buds 2a in-ear earbuds with a USB-C charging case; the Fog, Berry, Iris and Hazel colours share the same hardware. The Pixel Buds A-Series and Pixel Buds Pro 2 are separate models.

Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C): AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C); 2023 version. The 2022 Lightning-case version has the same earbuds but a different case; AirPods Pro 3 is a separate model.

SpecificationGoogle Pixel Buds 2aApple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C)
Release year20252023
TypeIn-ear true wireless; wing-tip stabiliser, four ear-tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) Google—
ProcessorGoogle Tensor A1 in each earbud Google—
Driver11 mm dynamic driver Google—
Noise cancellingActive noise cancellation (Silent Seal 1.5); transparency mode; active in-ear pressure relief

Pressure relief adjusts pressure in the ear canal to reduce the blocked feeling of a sealed in-ear design.

Google		—
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.4; pairs with Bluetooth 4.0+ devices

Full features need an Android 6.0+ phone and a Google account; on iPhone basic listening works but app settings are unavailable.

Google		Bluetooth 5.3

With non-Apple devices they work as basic Bluetooth earbuds; most settings need an Apple device.

Apple
CallsTwo microphones per earbud; Bluetooth super wideband; Clear Calling; wind-blocking mesh

Super wideband carries a wider audio range on calls with compatible Pixel phones.

Google		—
BatteryANC on: 7 hours (20 hours with case); ANC off: 10 hours (27 hours with case); 5 minutes of charging gives 1 hour Google—
Charging caseUSB-C charging; no wireless charging listed Google—
DurabilityEarbuds IP54, case IPX4

IP54 protects against dust and splashing water; the earbuds are not designed to be submerged.

Google		Earbuds and case rated IP54 for dust, sweat and water

IP54 protects against splashes and sweat but not immersion, and resistance can decrease over time.

Apple
SensorsCapacitive touch controls; IR proximity sensor for in-ear detection; Hall sensor in the case Google—
Size and weightEarbud 23.1 × 16.0 × 17.8 mm, 4.7 g; case 50.0 × 24.5 × 57.2 mm, 47.6 g with earbuds GoogleEarbud 30.9 × 21.8 × 24.0 mm, 5.3 g; case 45.2 × 60.6 × 21.7 mm, 50.8 g Apple
UpdatesAutomatic security updates for at least three years from first availability on the US Google Store Google—
ColoursFog, Berry, Iris, Hazel Google—
Chip—Apple H2 in the earbuds; Apple U1 in the case

The U1 chip lets Find My show the direction and distance of the case precisely.

Apple
Sound and noise control—Custom high-excursion Apple driver and amplifier; Active Noise Cancellation; Adaptive Audio; Transparency mode; Conversation Awareness; Voice Isolation

Adaptive Audio blends ANC and Transparency based on surrounding noise; Conversation Awareness lowers the music when you start speaking.

Apple
Spatial audio and EQ—Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; vent system for pressure equalisation Apple
Hearing health—Hearing Test; Loud Sound Reduction

The Hearing Test runs with a compatible iPhone; availability depends on country and software version.

Apple
Microphones and sensors—Dual beamforming microphones and an inward-facing microphone; skin-detect sensor; motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers; touch control Apple
Controls—Press once: play/pause, calls; twice: skip forward; three times: skip back; press and hold: switch modes; swipe: volume Apple
Battery life—Up to 6 hours per charge with ANC (5.5 hours with Spatial Audio); up to 30 hours total with the case; about 1 hour from 5 minutes of charging Apple
Case charging—MagSafe charger, Apple Watch charger, Qi-certified chargers or USB-C

The case has a speaker for Find My and a lanyard loop.

Apple
Ear tips—Silicone; XS, S, M, L Apple