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Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: 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.

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 Pro 2
HearWiki score
86
76
Sound
8.6
7.5
Noise cancelling
9.3
8.3
Battery
7.3
8.2
Calls
7.4
6.6
Value
8.3
6.9
Price (USD)
$180
$230

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?

Half a step newer

Apple AirPods Pro 3 (2025) against Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 (2024). The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.3. The Apple AirPods Pro 3 answers on convenience features: it adds Water resistance IP57 against IP54.

  • AirPods Pro 320251 yr newer
  • Pixel Buds Pro 22024
What differsAirPods Pro 3Pixel Buds Pro 2

Platform

Bluetooth
5.3
5.4

Everyday features

Water resistance
IP57
IP54

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

Specifications

AirPods Pro 3Pixel Buds Pro 2
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$180
$230
HearWiki score
86
76
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
10.7 mm dynamic
11 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
10.7 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sound signature
-
warm
Sensitivity
110 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.3
5.4
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Battery life
8 h
12 h
Battery life (ANC on)
8 h
8 h
Battery incl. case
-
48 h
Quick charge
-
5 min → 1.5 h
Wireless charging
Yes
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
adaptive
-
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
both
Voice assistant
Siri
Google Assistant
Weight
5.5 g
4.7 g
Case weight
44 g
65 g
Water resistance
IP57
IP54
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
3
3
Microphone type
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 Pro 2

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are compact true wireless earbuds with active noise cancellation, a secure fit, and IP54 dust/water resistance. They offer up to 8 hours of playback with ANC enabled, 12 hours without, and a total of 48 hours with the charging case. Designed for Android users, they feature Bluetooth 5.4, multipoint connectivity, and a custom EQ via the companion app.

  • Pro:Strong ANC performance in bass and mids
  • Pro:Comfortable and secure fit for workouts
  • Pro:Long battery life with case (48 hours)
  • Con:Limited codec support (SBC, AAC only)
  • Con:Not class-leading overall for the price
  • Con:Sound may not suit all listeners

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

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