Google Pixel Buds Pro vs Sony WF-C500
The Verdict
Google Pixel Buds Pro deliver premium active noise cancellation with Silent Seal technology and seamless Google ecosystem integration, featuring real-time translation and hands-free Assistant control via custom 11mm drivers. Sony WF-C500 prioritize value and battery longevity, offering 10 hours of playback without ANC, DSEE digital enhancement, and 360 Reality Audio at half the price. Sound quality leans toward the Pixels for balanced tuning, though Sony excels in raw battery endurance. Pixel Buds excel with multipoint Bluetooth and Google Assistant integration, while Sony targets budget-conscious listeners. Choose Pixel Buds Pro for comprehensive smart features and superior ANC, or WF-C500 if battery life and budget are priorities.
Who Should Buy
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
Buy the Sony WF-C500 if…
- →10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- →Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- →DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio quality
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
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
Sony WF-C500
Pros
- 10-hour battery life per charge is outstanding for the price
- Compact, lightweight design disappears in the ear
- DSEE upscaling improves compressed audio quality
- IPX4 sweat resistance handles workouts
- Reliable Sony sound quality at a budget-friendly price
Cons
- No ANC or ambient sound mode
- No multipoint Bluetooth connection
- No wireless charging case
- Basic microphone quality — not ideal for calls
- SBC/AAC only — no high-resolution codecs
Full Specifications
| Spec | Google Pixel Buds Pro | Sony WF-C500 |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | in-ear | in-ear |
| Weight | 6.2 g (each) | 5.5 g (each) |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 7 hrs (ANC on), 11 hrs (ANC off), 31 hrs total with case | 10 hrs (20 hrs total with case) |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless | USB-C |
| Drivers | Custom 11mm dynamic driver | 5.8mm driver |
| Features | 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 | DSEE digital sound enhancement, 360 Reality Audio, Sony Headphones Connect app, Fast Pair for Android |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| 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.
Explore more in headphones, see all Google products or all Sony products. View full details for the Google Pixel Buds Pro or the Sony WF-C500.