Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Apple AirPods Pro 3

What published reviews say about each, where the two differ, and who each one suits.

Summed up from 16 published reviews

Google

Pixel Buds Pro 2

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer strong ANC, comfort, and long battery life for Android, but codec limits and underwhelming Gemini features.

Best for: Android and Pixel users prioritizing ANC, comfort, and seamless switching
Skip it if: You need higher-bitrate codecs or excellent iPhone ecosystem integration

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What reviewers say about the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Apple

AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 excel at noise cancellation and sound, but battery life, Android support, and fit experience vary.

Best for: Apple ecosystem users prioritizing excellent ANC, sound, and fitness features.
Skip it if: You need Android heart-rate support, customizable EQ, or longer battery life.

PriceToday's price on AmazonView on Amazon

What reviewers say about the Apple AirPods Pro 3

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Specs side by side

Spec	Google Pixel Buds Pro 2	Apple AirPods Pro 3
Best for	Music, Travel, Work & calls	Music, Travel, Work & calls, Sport
Fit	In-ear	In-ear
Connection	Wireless	Wireless
Noise cancelling	Yes	Yes
Microphone	Built-in mic	Built-in mic

Rows where the two differ come first.

What reviewers like, and what they don't

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Effective active noise cancellation, improved over the first generation 1 2 3 7
Comfortable, secure fit with multiple included ear-tip sizes 1 2 3 6
Up to eight hours with ANC on, twelve without it 1 2 7 8
Balanced sound with adjustable EQ and spatial audio 1 3 4 5
Reliable multipoint switching and strong call quality 1 2 3 6
AAC and SBC only, without AptX or LDAC 1 3 8
ANC remains below the very best premium rivals 1 5
Gemini features and wake-phrase integration can feel underwhelming 1 2
Fit and ear-tip sealing vary substantially between users 2 3 5 6

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Top-tier active noise cancellation performs strongly across demanding environments. 1 2 3 4
Improved sound quality offers clear vocals, solid bass, and spacious presentation. 2 3 4 5
Redesigned tips and comfortable fit suit many users. 1 2 3 4
IP57 water resistance and durable construction suit workouts. 1 2
Heart-rate tracking and fitness tools add practical value. 1 5 6 7
Reported real-world battery life ranges widely, sometimes below eight hours. 2 3 5
Android users lose heart-rate monitoring and other advanced features. 1 2 5 6
Some users experience shifting, looseness, or prolonged-fit discomfort. 1 2 4 6
Static, rushing, or whistling noises affect some units. 2 4 8

Ranked in our guides

Guide	Pixel Buds Pro 2	AirPods Pro 3
Best noise cancelling headphones	–	#8
Best noise cancelling earbuds	#10	#1
Best headphones for travel	–	#3
Best wireless earbuds	#8	#1

Sources

We don't test products ourselves. This page sums up 16 published reviews, read on October 21, 2026; each point above links to the reviews that make it.