Apple AirPods Pro (1st Gen) vs Google Pixel Buds Pro
The Verdict
Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen and Google Pixel Buds Pro represent distinct philosophies in premium earbuds. Apple's offering delivers refined sound through a custom driver and excellent spatial audio integration, though battery life falls short at 4.5 hours with ANC on compared to Google's impressive 7 hours. Google's Pixel Buds Pro edge ahead with multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, superior total battery endurance (31 hours vs 24 hours), and innovative real-time translation features. Both feature IPX4 water resistance and effective ANC implementations. AirPods Pro excel within Apple's ecosystem and offer tighter hardware integration, while Pixel Buds Pro provide practical advantages for Android users and multi-device switching. At $199 versus $249, Google delivers more practical features and battery longevity. Choose Pixel Buds Pro for versatility and endurance, or AirPods Pro if seamless Apple ecosystem integration justifies the premium and shorter battery life.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods Pro (1st Gen) if…
- →Excellent ANC for the compact size — blocks most ambient noise
- →Transparency mode sounds remarkably natural
- →Three ear tip sizes ensure a secure, comfortable fit
Buy the Google Pixel Buds Pro if…
- →Excellent ANC (Silent Seal) adapts to ear canal for effective noise blocking
- →Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices seamlessly
- →Google Assistant integration with hands-free voice commands
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Pro (1st Gen)
Pros
- Excellent ANC for the compact size — blocks most ambient noise
- Transparency mode sounds remarkably natural
- Three ear tip sizes ensure a secure, comfortable fit
- Spatial Audio support added via firmware update
- Seamless integration across Apple devices
Cons
- 4.5-hour ANC battery life is short compared to newer models
- Lightning charging port — no USB-C
- Ear tips are prone to degradation and cracking over time
- Force sensor on stems can be tricky to press without dislodging
- Superseded by AirPods Pro 2 with significantly better specs
Google Pixel Buds Pro
Pros
- Excellent ANC (Silent Seal) adapts to ear canal for effective noise blocking
- Multipoint Bluetooth connects to two devices seamlessly
- Google Assistant integration with hands-free voice commands
- 7-hour battery with ANC is strong — 31 hours total with case
- Comfortable secure fit with multiple ear tip sizes
Cons
- Limited to AAC and SBC codecs — no LDAC or aptX
- ANC can produce some wind noise in outdoor use
- Bluetooth 5.0 instead of newer 5.2 or 5.3
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive
- IPX4 is basic water resistance — not suitable for swimming
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Pro (1st Gen) | Google Pixel Buds Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 5.4 g (each) | 6.2 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 4.5 hrs ANC on (24 hrs total with case) | 7 hrs (ANC on), 11 hrs (ANC off), 31 hrs total with case |
| Charging | Lightning or Qi wireless charging | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Drivers | Apple-designed driver with custom amplifier | Custom 11mm dynamic driver |
| Features | Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ, Spatial Audio (added via software update), Three sizes of silicone ear tips, Ear tip fit test | Silent Seal active noise cancellation, Google Assistant with hands-free activation, Multipoint Bluetooth, Volume EQ for balanced sound at all levels, Real-time translation through Google Translate |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | IPX4 | IPX4 |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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