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Apple AirPods 5 vs Pixel Buds Pro 2

Specs, price and the one trade-off that actually decides it — Apple AirPods 5 against Pixel Buds Pro 2, side by side.

Cheaper to start

Tie

Both start at a similar price.

Best ecosystem

Tie

Neither lists native integrations.

Standout

Apple AirPods 5

Custom high-excursion Apple driver

Apple AirPods 5

Apple's first open-ear earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation, alongside a redesigned Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness.

Where it wins, where it doesn't

Pros

  • Custom high-excursion driver and high dynamic range amplifier for high-quality audio
  • Improved Transparency mode and Conversation Awareness for better situational awareness
  • Up to 22 hours of total battery life with the charging case
  • Dust, sweat, and water-resistant (IP57)

Cons

  • Battery life is relatively short at up to 4 hours with ANC enabled
  • Compatibility is limited to Apple devices only

Specifications

  • Spatial audioPersonalized Spatial Audio (requires iPhone with TrueDepth camera)
  • AccessibilityLive Listen audio Headphone levels Headphone Accommodations
  • Active Noise Cancellation—
  • Audio / Adaptive AudioBlends Transparency and ANC dynamically
  • Audio / Adaptive EQNext-generation Adaptive EQ
  • Audio / ArchitectureNew multiport acoustic architecture
  • Audio / Conversation AwarenessAuto-lowers volume when you start speaking
  • Audio / Transparency ModeImproved Transparency mode
  • Battery / With ANCUp to 4 hours per charge (vs 3 hours on AirPods 4)
  • Battery / With Wireless Charging Case + ANCUp to 22 hours total
  • Case / ChargingWireless charging (Apple Watch chargers, Qi, USB-C)
  • Charging CaseAirPods 5: Works with USB-C connector AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case: Works with USB-C connector, Apple Watch charger, or Qi-certified chargers
  • ChipH2 headphone chip
  • Comfort and fit—
  • ConnectivityBluetooth 5.3 wireless technology
  • ControlsPress once to play or pause media Press once to answer a call or mute or unmute Press once for camera remote Press twice to end a call Press twice to skip forward Press three times to skip back Press and hold to switch between listening modes Swipe up or down to adjust volume (AirPods 5 with Wireless Charging Case) Say “Hey Siri” or just “Siri” to do things like play a song, make a call, or get directions With Siri Interactions, nod your head yes or gently shake your head no when Siri asks if you want to answer an incoming call, hear a text message, manage notifications, and more
  • DesignOpen-ear form factor; improved dust, sweat, and water resistance (no IP rating published)
  • Dust, Sweat, and Water ResistantDust, sweat, and water resistant (IP57)
  • Listening time—
  • MaterialsAirPods 5 are made with 40% recycled content, including: 100% recycled aluminum in the hinge of the case 100% recycled cobalt in the battery
  • Noise CancellationActive Noise Cancellation in an open-ear design; removes up to 50% more external noise than AirPods 4
  • Performance—
  • SensorsDual beamforming microphones Inward-facing microphone Optical in-ear sensor Motion-detecting accelerometer Speech-detecting accelerometer Force sensor
  • Siri / Head GesturesNod or shake your head to respond to Siri
  • Size and Weight (Each)Height: 1.19 inches (30.2 mm) Width: 0.72 inch (18.3 mm) Depth: 0.71 inch (18.1 mm) Weight: 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams)
  • System RequirementsiPhone models with the latest version of iOS iPad models with the latest version of iPadOS Apple Watch models with the latest version of watchOS Mac models with the latest version of macOS Apple TV models with the latest version of tvOS Apple Vision Pro with the latest version of visionOS
  • Talk to Gemini—
  • Talk to Gemini Live—
  • Wireless charging—

Pixel Buds Pro 2

Wireless earbuds with up to 30 hours of listening time and Active Noise Cancellation.

Where it wins, where it doesn't

Pros

  • Up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC
  • Twist-to-adjust stabilizer for secure fit
  • Hands-free assistance with Talk to Gemini Live

Cons

  • No spatial audio

Specifications

  • Spatial audio—
  • Accessibility—
  • Active Noise Cancellationwith Silent Seal 1.5
  • Audio / Adaptive Audio—
  • Audio / Adaptive EQ—
  • Audio / Architecture—
  • Audio / Conversation Awareness—
  • Audio / Transparency Mode—
  • Battery / With ANC—
  • Battery / With Wireless Charging Case + ANC—
  • Case / Charging—
  • Charging Case—
  • Chip—
  • Comfort and fitTwist-to-adjust stabilizer
  • Connectivity—
  • Controls—
  • Design—
  • Dust, Sweat, and Water Resistant—
  • Listening timeUp to 30 hours of listening time with charging case and ANC
  • Materials—
  • Noise Cancellation—
  • PerformanceGemini
  • Sensors—
  • Siri / Head Gestures—
  • Size and Weight (Each)—
  • System Requirements—
  • Talk to Geminifor hands-free help
  • Talk to Gemini Livein noisy spaces
  • Wireless chargingUp to 20 hours of listening time with charging case and ANC