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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Apple Earpods are significantly less expensive and offer a solid comfort and microphone quality, which make them a good choice for calls and general use; however, they're open-back, providing minimal noise isolation, meaning they might not be ideal for noisy environments. The Google Pixel Buds A Series, while more expensive, offer better overall sound quality, a closed-back design for improved noise isolation, and features like low latency mode for watching videos or gaming, and sweatproof certification for use during exercise. Additionally, the Pixel Buds support AAC codec, which may provide better sound quality with Apple devices, and have a longer battery life in the charging case, making them versatile for various activities, especially if you use Android devices. 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 Earpods
- Good for music
Advantages of the Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Good for exercise
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
7.8
6.4
The Apple Earpods is good for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.0
8.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Apple Earpods are both very good for phone calls, though the Google Pixel Buds A Series is somewhat better.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.4
8.4
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Apple Earpods is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
4.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Apple Earpods are both poor for noise reduction, though the Google Pixel Buds A Series is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The Apple Earpods does not have a battery. The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$20
$58
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Apple Earpods has a price of $20 and the Google Pixel Buds A Series costs $58.
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Key similarities
Gaming
8.3
8.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Apple Earpods are both very good for gaming.
TV and Video
7.4
7.8
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Apple Earpods are both good for TV and video.
Build Quality
7.6
7.4
The Apple Earpods and Google Pixel Buds A Series both have good build quality.
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How the Apple Earpods and the Google Pixel Buds A Series compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Apple Earpods | Google Pixel Buds A Series |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$20 | $58 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Apple | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2012 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 7.9/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.4/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.1/10 | 7.4/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | N/A | 5 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | N/A | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | N/A | 1.3 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | N/A | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | N/A | 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 | N/A | No | |
Android App | |||
Android App | N/A | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | N/A | No | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 7/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Small | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 6.5 Grams | 5.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | In-Line | Integrated | |
Shopping
Apple Earpods
See more
Dig into reviews and images
CNN Underscored
Michael Andronico | May 2023
"Apple’s wired buds sound just fine for the price, and their handy inline controls and clear microphone give them an edge on wireless earbuds that are much more expensive. Plus, you never have to worry about running out of battery — or worse, a stray earbud going missing."
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 Earpods 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.
By the numbers
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Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
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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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