Sound Quality: Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) vs. Google Pixel Buds Pro
The Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) provide their characteristic balanced sound with spatial audio capabilities and excellent vocal clarity optimized for speech and general listening. The Google Pixel Buds Pro offers a more neutral, reference-like sound signature with custom 11mm drivers that deliver accurate frequency response across the spectrum, providing better bass extension and more detailed treble than the AirPods. While AirPods excel in spatial audio processing and integration with Apple’s computational audio features, the Pixel Buds Pro delivers more accurate sound reproduction and better noise isolation through active noise cancellation, making them superior for critical listening and use in noisy environments.
Verdict: What should you buy?
Choose the Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) if you’re committed to the Apple ecosystem and want seamless integration, spatial audio features, and the convenience of automatic device switching with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Select the Google Pixel Buds Pro if you use Android devices, particularly Google Pixel phones, want excellent active noise cancellation, and prefer more accurate sound reproduction. The Pixel Buds Pro also offer better call quality in windy conditions, Google Assistant integration, and work well across both Android and iOS platforms, while AirPods provide superior spatial audio and work best within Apple’s ecosystem.