Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Google Pixel Buds (2020): which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Google Pixel Buds (2020), side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

True Wireless

Apple AirPods Pro 3

86Outstanding

$180

Full review data

True Wireless

Google Pixel Buds (2020)

Not yet scored

$180

Full review data

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Apple AirPods Pro 3 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

Apple AirPods Pro 3
Google Pixel Buds (2020)

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

Noise cancelling

9.3

Battery

7.3

Calls

7.4

Value

8.3

Price (USD)

$180

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

New platform

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Google Pixel Buds (2020) (2020). The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.3 against 5.0 and ANC type Adaptive against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Transparency mode and Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

AirPods Pro 320255 yr newer
Pixel Buds (2020)2020

What differsAirPods Pro 3Pixel Buds (2020)

Bluetooth: 5.3; 5.0
ANC type: Adaptive; None
Multipoint pairing: Yes; No
Transparency mode: Yes; No
Water resistance: IP57; IPX4

Level on: Top codec, Wireless charging, USB-C, Wear detection, Companion app.

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Pixel Buds (2020)

Type: True Wireless; True Wireless
Price (USD): $180; $180
HearWiki score: 86; Not scored
Released: 2025; 2020
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 10.7 mm dynamic; 2× 12 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 10.7 mm; 12 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 2
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity: 110 dB/mW; -
Bluetooth: 5.3; 5.0
Codecs: SBC, AAC; SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing: Yes; No
Battery life: 8 h; 5 h
Battery life (ANC on): 8 h; -
Battery incl. case: -; 24 h
Quick charge: -; 10 min → 2 h
Wireless charging: Yes; Yes
Active noise cancelling: Yes; No
ANC type: adaptive; none
Transparency mode: Yes; No
Companion app: Yes; Yes
Custom EQ: -; No
Wear detection: Yes; Yes
Controls: touch; touch
Voice assistant: Siri; Google Assistant
Weight: 5.5 g; 5.3 g
Case weight: 44 g; 56.1 g
Water resistance: IP57; IPX4
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Model code: -; GA01470-US
Microphones: 3; 2
Microphone type: beamforming; -
Call noise reduction: -; Yes
Call NR technology: -; beamforming

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Google Pixel Buds (2020)
Spec	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Google Pixel Buds (2020)
Type	True Wireless	True Wireless
Price (USD)	$180	$180
HearWiki score	86 / 100 Outstanding	Not scored
Released	2025	2020
Audio
Driver	10.7 mm dynamic	2× 12 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	10.7 mm	12 mm
Drivers per side	1	2
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity	110 dB/mW	-
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.3	5.0
Codecs	SBC, AAC	SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing	Yes	No
Battery
Battery life	8 h	5 h
Battery life (ANC on)	8 h	-
Battery incl. case	-	24 h
Quick charge	-	10 min → 2 h
Wireless charging	Yes	Yes
Features
Active noise cancelling	Yes	No
ANC type	adaptive	none
Transparency mode	Yes	No
Companion app	Yes	Yes
Custom EQ	-	No
Wear detection	Yes	Yes
Controls	touch	touch
Voice assistant	Siri	Google Assistant
Design
Weight	5.5 g	5.3 g
Case weight	44 g	56.1 g
Water resistance	IP57	IPX4
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Model code	-	GA01470-US
Calls
Microphones	3	2
Microphone type	beamforming	-
Call noise reduction	-	Yes
Call NR technology	-	beamforming

What reviewers said

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium true wireless earbuds that combine adaptive active noise cancellation with a comfortable, secure fit. They deliver clear calls, robust battery life, and a balanced sound profile, all wrapped in an IP57-rated design that handles water and dust. With Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint connectivity, and wireless charging, they offer a polished experience for Apple and non-Apple users alike.

Pro:Excellent adaptive noise cancellation
Pro:Clear call quality with beamforming mics
Pro:Strong battery life of 8 hours with ANC on

Con:Fit may be tricky for some ears
Con:Premium price point
Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)

Google Pixel Buds (2020)

These true wireless earbuds from Google focus on seamless integration with Google Assistant and adaptive audio that adjusts to your surroundings. They offer a comfortable, secure fit with IPX4 sweat resistance and a pocketable case that supports wireless charging, though they lack any form of active noise cancellation. Battery life is decent for a single charge, but the total with the case is on the lower side for the price point.

Pro:Seamless Google Assistant integration with hands-free voice commands
Pro:Adaptive sound automatically adjusts volume based on environment
Pro:Comfortable and secure fit with IPX4 water resistance

Con:No active noise cancellation at this price
Con:Battery life is only average at 5 hours per charge
Con:No Bluetooth multipoint connectivity

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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