Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Google Pixel Buds A Series: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Apple AirPods Pro 3 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 86. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro 3 - Outstanding overall at around $179.

True Wireless

Apple AirPods Pro 3

86Outstanding

$180

Full review data

True Wireless

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 A Series

HearWiki score

Sound

8.6

6.4

Noise cancelling

9.3

0.0

Battery

7.3

4.9

Calls

7.4

6.4

Value

8.3

6.4

Price (USD)

$180

$92

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 A Series (2023). 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, Wireless charging, Transparency mode and Water resistance IP57 against IPX4.

AirPods Pro 320252 yr newer
Pixel Buds A Series2023

What differsAirPods Pro 3Pixel Buds A Series

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

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Pixel Buds A Series

Type: True Wireless; True Wireless
Price (USD): $180; $92
HearWiki score: 86; 63
Released: 2025; 2023
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 10.7 mm dynamic; 12 mm dynamic
Driver type: dynamic; dynamic
Driver size: 10.7 mm; 12 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 1
Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz; -
Sound signature: -; neutral
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: -; 15 min → 3 h
Wireless charging: Yes; No
Active noise cancelling: Yes; No
ANC type: adaptive; none
Transparency mode: Yes; No
Companion app: Yes; Yes
Custom EQ: -; Yes
Wear detection: Yes; Yes
Controls: touch; touch
Voice assistant: Siri; Google Assistant
Weight: 5.5 g; 5.1 g
Case weight: 44 g; 42.8 g
Water resistance: IP57; IPX4
USB-C: Yes; Yes
Pad material: -; silicone
Connector: -; USB-C
Model code: -; GA02213-US
Microphones: 3; 2
Microphone type: beamforming; beamforming
Call noise reduction: -; Yes
Call NR technology: -; beamforming

Specification comparison of Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Google Pixel Buds A Series
Spec	Apple AirPods Pro 3	Google Pixel Buds A Series
Type	True Wireless	True Wireless
Price (USD)	$180	$92
HearWiki score	86 / 100 Outstanding	63 / 100 Good
Released	2025	2023
Audio
Driver	10.7 mm dynamic	12 mm dynamic
Driver type	dynamic	dynamic
Driver size	10.7 mm	12 mm
Drivers per side	1	1
Frequency response	20 Hz - 20 kHz	-
Sound signature	-	neutral
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	-	15 min → 3 h
Wireless charging	Yes	No
Features
Active noise cancelling	Yes	No
ANC type	adaptive	none
Transparency mode	Yes	No
Companion app	Yes	Yes
Custom EQ	-	Yes
Wear detection	Yes	Yes
Controls	touch	touch
Voice assistant	Siri	Google Assistant
Design
Weight	5.5 g	5.1 g
Case weight	44 g	42.8 g
Water resistance	IP57	IPX4
USB-C	Yes	Yes
Pad material	-	silicone
Connector	-	USB-C
Model code	-	GA02213-US
Calls
Microphones	3	2
Microphone type	beamforming	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 A Series

The Google Pixel Buds A-Series are budget-friendly true wireless earbuds that deliver a balanced, neutral sound signature with a comfortable fit and reliable touch controls. While they lack active noise cancellation and premium features, they offer solid call quality, IPX4 splash resistance, and seamless integration with Android devices, making them a practical choice for everyday use.

Pro:Balanced, neutral sound profile
Pro:Excellent call quality with beamforming mics
Pro:Compact and pocketable charging case

Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
Con:Battery life is modest at around 5 hours per charge
Con:Lacks multipoint connection and wireless charging

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

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