Google Pixel Buds vs Apple AirPods 2: comparison and differences

The first best-selling accessories with the iPhone, AirPods have democratized the concept oftrue wireless headphonesby simply becoming the most popular model on the planet, like theperformance of the Apple Watch Series 5 in the connected watch market. So much so that then, many other manufacturers also chose to keep up with the times, like Google with its Pixel Buds. And the least we can say is that they are up to the task. So let's move on to the comparison.

Comfort and design

In terms of their external appearance, it must be said, the AirPods 2 and the Google Pixel Buds are particularly different. Certainly, they both adopt the same white color which will therefore not serve as a reference criterion in this comparison, nevertheless Alphabet's wireless headphones arein-ear…Which is not the case for AirPods. Consequently, with their three sizes of interchangeable tips, the Pixel Buds fit easily in the ear, even while running, where the AirPods 2 slide far too easily to the point of making them unusable while moving.

On the other hand, if the Google Pixel Buds are relatively discreet (we will still regret a letterGinitial of Mountain View which makes you look like a walking billboard),Apple AirPods 2 are recognizablebetween a thousand. For what ? Quite simply because of their “tail”, which makes us wonder what it is doing there if not to recall the original format of the EarPods. Because if they actually needed to be tapered to hold the earphone cable, the AirPods are, we remind you, wireless…

Comparison (design):Google Pixel Buds > Apple AirPods 2

Features and compatibility

AirPods 2, like Google Pixel Buds, connect to all compatible devicesBluetooth. No difference on this side, therefore: whether you need to listen to music from a Mac, a Windows PC, an iPhone or even a Samsung smartphone, you will be able to. So of course, the AirPods 2 pair particularly well withiOS, and even have a dedicated menu in the Settings app, but the Pixel Buds are also entitled to very easy synchronization on Android: a notification appears on the screen as soon as you open the cover of the charging case without thread.

A small difference also remains in the device itself, allowing us to distinguish the Pixel Buds from the AirPods 2 in our comparison. It is theirtouchpad, used to control sound or playlists in addition to voice control via the Google Assistant. At Apple, only Siri is in the program, and you have to use the iPhone buttons for the rest. But this is a detail, because in everyday life we ​​will use the device's controls much more often, for example when watching videos or making a call with the camera on.

Feature comparison:Apple AirPods 2 = Google Pixel Buds

Pixel Buds sound better

Inour complete test of Google Pixel Buds, which you can find at this address, we were able to see that these lent themselves more to a winning comparison with the AirPods Pro than with the AirPods 2 in terms of sound. Indeed, the high-end version of Apple's Bluetooth headsets are equipped withactive noise reduction, which is not the case for classic AirPods or Pixel Buds.

We will nevertheless note a small advantage on Google's side in terms of sound, with a very balanced and more satisfactory result, even if of course not at the level of the big names in the sector that we currently find in Japan, with Sony's products.

Comparison (audio):Google Pixel Buds > Apple AirPods 2

More accessories with AirPods 2

If you like customization, then AirPods 2 are for you.There are indeed a plethora of accessories for these wireless headphones,silicone protective casesto the cords to keep them around the neck. To say, even an iPhone case with slot for AirPods has been marketed! Not to mention that you can also engrave the box for free, a service offered by Apple.

As the Google Pixel Buds are more recent, there are still very few dedicated accessories. With a smaller audience, it is even quite possible that this gap will not change in the future.

Comparison (accessories):Apple AirPods 2 > Google Pixel Buds

Autonomy: a little less good with AirPods 2

Now let's move on to battery endurance. If officially the AirPods 2 are capable of holding “until5 hourslistening time on a single charge” et “up to 3 hours of talk time” according to their seller, we were able to measure a little more with the Google Pixel Buds: allow thirty minutes more on average. With their box ofwireless charging(just place the headphones inside for the transfer of electricity to begin), our two adversaries can even last the day. Ideal for plane travel when you don't have a second external battery at your disposal.

AirPods 2 charge with a cableLightning, and are available in two versions: a classic one, and another, more expensive one, which is compatible with Qi-certified induction bases. The Pixel Buds, for their part, are automatically compatible with this technology. Finally, know that rechargingfastis available on each of the two models, allowing you to obtain two to three hours of listening time in ten to fifteen minutes of charging. Which does not pose a problem, especially when we know that it is very important to take breaks so as not to damage the ears with too loud or prolonged listening.

Battery comparison:Google Pixel Buds > Apple AirPods 2

Let's now move on to the conclusion of our comparisonGoogle Pixel Buds vs Apple AirPods 2. As you may have noticed, these two pairs of wireless headphones are actually very similar in many aspects: the absence of active noise reduction, the color, the charging mode and even compatibility with most devices. Bluetooth on the market. However, it must be said,opting for AirPods 2 will be the best possible option if you are already a fan of the Apple ecosystem, or if you make a point of making it a personalized gift. Promotions are also regularly organized, so keep an eye on our table of the best prices for AirPods 2 to try to save money when purchasing:

Otherwise, especially since their price is similar,the Google Pixel Buds are number 1 in our comparison, probably because they were released less long ago but also thanks to a slightly better sound, a more versatile and above all more stable design as well as a better battery without having to pay the 50 euros more that the transition to Qi case for AirPods 2. The price of Google Pixel Buds in France is 199 euros, compared to twenty euros less for AirPods 2 with wired charging case only. Check the prices right here in our comparison of the best sellers: