Short answer: the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. It ranks #358 of 467 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.6/5, at $189; the Apple AirPods Pro 3 ranks #364, rated 3.5/5, and costs $199, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 is the tougher option. Sub-bass sits about 3 dB above the Harman target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link and still reaches 30 Hz with a slight lift, so bass lines and electronic drops carry real rumble. It is rated IP57 against IP54 for the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. Watch for: A 6.4 dB dip near 3.4 kHz pulls vocals and guitars back, while a 6.3 dB peak near 8 kHz and about 6 dB of extra air above 10 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound splashy.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the longer-running pick. Battery life is strong at 12 hours per charge and 48 with the case, and the earbuds weigh only 0 lbs (4.7 g) each. It is rated for 12 hours of battery against 8 for the Apple AirPods Pro 3. Watch for: A 9.4 dB dip near 4 kHz pushes vocal presence back, and a 7.6 dB peak near 7.9 kHz can make sibilance and hi hats sound edgy.
Buy the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Apple AirPods Pro 3 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.00 | $189.00 |
| Ranked | #364 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones | #358 of 467 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 69 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.43 dB standard deviation | 2.42 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.58 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.52 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.7 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | True wireless | True wireless |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5.55 g) per earbud | 0 lbs (4.7 g) per earbud |
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (24 with case, ANC on, Manufacturer specified) | 12 hours (48 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes | Yes |
| IP Rating | IP57 | IP54 |
| Drivers | - | 1 x 11mm dynamic |
Related Headphone Comparisons
How Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 compares with other leading options:
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM6
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
- Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro
- Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Sony WF-1000XM5
- Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
Apple AirPods Pro 3: $199.00 TWS Amazon $199.00 eBay
Pros: Sub-bass sits about 3 dB above the Harman target in hobbyist measurements on squig.link and still reaches 30 Hz with a slight lift, so bass lines and electronic drops carry real rumble. The response stays fairly even overall, with a 2.4 dB standard deviation from target and a gently warm tilt that suits warm and bassy tastes. Active noise cancelling, an IP57 rating that covers dust and immersion, and 8 hours per charge (24 with the case, ANC on) make it an easy everyday pair.
Cons: A 6.4 dB dip near 3.4 kHz pulls vocals and guitars back, while a 6.3 dB peak near 8 kHz and about 6 dB of extra air above 10 kHz can make cymbals and sibilance sound splashy. Codecs stop at SBC and AAC, and the Beats Fit Pro earns a slightly higher rating for less money.
Full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2025 (1 year ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 8 hours (24 with case, ANC on, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 2.43 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 68 (median of 5 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IP57 |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.7 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.58 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (5.55 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: $189.00 TWS Amazon $189.00 eBay
Pros: Battery life is strong at 12 hours per charge and 48 with the case, and the earbuds weigh only 4.7 g each. Active noise cancelling, Bluetooth 5.4 and an IP54 dust and splash rating round out the feature list. In hobbyist measurements on squig.link the midrange from 200 Hz to 3 kHz stays within about 1 dB of target, so vocals sound natural.
Cons: A 9.4 dB dip near 4 kHz pushes vocal presence back, and a 7.6 dB peak near 7.9 kHz can make sibilance and hi hats sound edgy. Sub-bass sits about 4 dB under target below 60 Hz, so the deepest bass lacks weight. The Beats Fit Pro earns the same rating for noticeably less money.
Full Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | Yes |
| Back | Closed |
| Battery Life | 12 hours (48 with case, Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Connection | True wireless |
| Deviation From Target | 2.42 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 11mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | In-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 69 (median of 1 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| IP Rating | IP54 |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-3.6 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | +0.52 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (4.7 g) per earbud |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons