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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
When deciding between Apple AirPods (3rd generation) and Google Pixel Buds A-Series, consider if you are entrenched in the Apple ecosystem; the AirPods offer seamless integration with Apple devices, which may justify the higher price. The AirPods also typically provide better sound quality and more robust build quality. However, if the price is a major factor and you're looking for good value, the Pixel Buds A-Series are less expensive and still offer quality audio, along with Google Assistant integration for Android users. If you don't need the special features of the AirPods, the Pixel Buds A-Series can be a cost-effective alternative. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
- Good for music
- Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
7.1
6.4
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Gaming
5.4
8.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for gaming, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Phone Calls
7.6
8.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is good.
TV and Video
5.5
7.8
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is good for TV and video, while the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) is poor.
Noise Reduction
2.5
4.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Apple Airpods (3rd generation) are both poor for noise reduction, though the Google Pixel Buds A Series is somewhat better.
Battery
6.0 Hours
5.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has 6 hours of battery life. The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$179
$58
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has a price of $179 and the Google Pixel Buds A Series costs $58.
Build Quality
9.0
7.4
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) has excellent build quality, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.6
8.4
The Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and Google Pixel Buds A Series are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) and the Google Pixel Buds A Series compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Airpods (3rd generation) | Google Pixel Buds A Series |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$179 | $58 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | October 1, 2021 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.2/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 7.6/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 5.4/10 | 8.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 5.6/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.2/10 | 7.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 6 Hours | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | Yes | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.5 Hours | 1.3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 30 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 2.5/10 | 4.6/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | Yes | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | No | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | Yes | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 7/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 9/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 4.3 Grams | 5.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Airpods (3rd generation)
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Lily Katz, Christian Thomas | February 2023
"The Apple AirPods improves upon the 2019 model with its more ergonomic, yet unsealed, fit, water-resistant build, MagSafe charging case, and advanced software features. You can enjoy a wholly immersive movie experience with the new AirPods' spatial audio with head tracking, and enjoy HD audio during FaceTime calls. Of course, most of these features are limited to Apple hardware."
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Jasper Lastoria | October 2022
"For the person who doesn’t want to think about their earphones while using them, Google has created the Pixel Buds A-Series. For a reasonable price, Google packs in a bevy of features like touch controls and a good fit into this Android-friendly set of earbuds to make productivity and life easier."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (3rd generation) or the Google Pixel Buds A Series
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
About Google
Mainly known as the most popular search engine on the planet, Google is a multinational technology company that also offers a variety of audio-oriented products. Beside their smart speakers under the Nest product line, Google offers several models of true wireless earbuds under the Pixel line, some of which happen to be an affordable but very powerful option for those already in the Android ecosystem.
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Why trust us
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.
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