Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: which should you buy?
Pick by your phone
- On an iPhone, get AirPods Pro 3.
- On a Pixel phone, get Pixel Buds Pro 2.
- On other Android phones, get Pixel Buds Pro 2: it is lighter (per earbud) and lasts longer on a charge (with case, ANC on).
$179.99
Get it if
- You use an iPhone.
- You want heart rate tracking from your earbuds during workouts.
- You want the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features.
- You sweat hard or train in dusty places and want the IP57 rating.
Checked Nov 15, 2026 · We may earn a commission.
$210.99
Get it if
- You use an Android phone.
- You want the lighter earbuds of the two.
- You want more listening time in the case before you plug in.
Checked Nov 15, 2026 · We may earn a commission.
Get the AirPods Pro 3 if you use an iPhone and want a heart rate sensor for workouts, the Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features, an IP57 rating on the earbuds and the case, and a case that charges on MagSafe. Get the Pixel Buds Pro 2 if you use an Android phone and want lighter earbuds and a case that holds more listening time.
What's different
Only the AirPods Pro 3 track your heart rate
The AirPods Pro 3 have a heart rate sensor for workouts, so you can leave the watch at home on a run and still log it. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have no heart rate sensor; their sensors handle touch controls, in-ear detection and head tracking.
Hearing features on the AirPods Pro 3
The AirPods Pro 3 include Apple's Hearing Test and Hearing Aid features, with Automatic Conversation Boost when the Hearing Aid is on. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have neither.
The AirPods Pro 3 are better sealed
The AirPods Pro 3 and their case are rated IP57 for dust, sweat and water. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds are rated IP54 and their case IPX4.
More listening time in the Pixel case
With noise cancellation on, Google rates the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for up to 30 hours of listening with the case, against 24 hours for the AirPods Pro 3.
Weight (each earbud)
AirPods Pro 35.55 g (0.20 oz)Pixel Buds Pro 2 (leads)4.7 g (0.17 oz)Each Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbud weighs 4.7 g (0.17 oz) to the AirPods Pro 3's 5.55 g (0.20 oz). The AirPods Pro 3 come with ear tips in five sizes, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in four.
More ways to charge the AirPods case
The AirPods Pro 3 case charges on a MagSafe charger, an Apple Watch charger, any Qi-certified charger or over USB-C. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 case charges on a Qi-certified charger or over USB-C.
Each pair is built for its own phone
The AirPods Pro 3 get their full feature set on an iPhone; on an Android phone they work as a Bluetooth headset, without Siri. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are built for Android 6.0 or newer.
What's the same
- Noise cancellation with up to 8 hours per charge with it on, plus Transparency mode
- Spatial audio with head tracking
- A wireless charging case with a USB-C port and a speaker to help you find it
- Audio that pauses or turns down when you start talking, so you can hear the other person
Tale of the Tape
AirPods Pro 3
Pixel Buds Pro 2
- AirPods Pro 3: Yes âś“ Heart rate sensorPixel Buds Pro 2: No
- AirPods Pro 3: Yes âś“ Hearing Test and Hearing AidPixel Buds Pro 2: No
- AirPods Pro 3: IP57, earbuds and case âś“ Dust, sweat and water ratingPixel Buds Pro 2: IP54 earbuds, IPX4 case
- AirPods Pro 3: Up to 24 hrs Battery with case (noise cancellation on)Pixel Buds Pro 2: Up to 30 hrs âś“
- AirPods Pro 3: MagSafe, Apple Watch, Qi or USB-C âś“ Case chargingPixel Buds Pro 2: Qi or USB-C
- AirPods Pro 3: Five Ear tip sizesPixel Buds Pro 2: Four
- AirPods Pro 3: 5.55 g (0.20 oz) Weight (each earbud)Pixel Buds Pro 2: 4.7 g (0.17 oz) âś“
- AirPods Pro 3: iPhone and iOS Software (full features)Pixel Buds Pro 2: Android
