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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're looking for superior sound quality and don't mind a larger, over-ear format, the EPOS PC38X should be your choice, especially if gaming or critical listening is a priority since they have excellent sound fidelity and an open-back design which provides a wider soundstage. However, they are bulkier, less portable, and significantly more expensive. On the other hand, if you prefer compact, portable earbuds that are great for on-the-go use without worrying about battery life, the Google Pixel Buds A Series might be more appropriate, being generally more affordable with good sound quality for casual listening. The Pixel Buds also come with features such as Adaptive Audio mode and integrated voice-assist capabilities, which are not available on the PC38X. Keep in mind that earbuds may not offer the same level of immersive sound experience as larger headphones do. 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 EPOS PC38X
- Best in class for music
- Best in class for phone calls
- Best in class for gaming
- Excellent for TV and video
Advantages of the Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Good for exercise
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
9.5
6.4
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Gaming
10.0
8.6
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for gaming, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good.
Phone Calls
10.0
8.5
The EPOS PC38X is best in class for phone calls, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good.
TV and Video
9.0
7.8
The EPOS PC38X is excellent for TV and video, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is good.
Noise Reduction
2.5
4.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and EPOS PC38X are both poor for noise reduction, though the Google Pixel Buds A Series is somewhat better.
Battery
N/A
5.0 Hours
The EPOS PC38X does not have a battery. The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life.
Cost
$139
$58
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The EPOS PC38X has a price of $139 and the Google Pixel Buds A Series costs $58.
Build Quality
8.5
7.4
The EPOS PC38X has very good build quality, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Podcasts and Audiobooks
7.9
8.4
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Google Pixel Buds A Series to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the EPOS PC38X is good.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the EPOS PC38X and the Google Pixel Buds A Series compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| EPOS PC38X | Google Pixel Buds A Series |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$139 | $58 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | EPOS | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | September 1, 2020 | June 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Headphones | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wired | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 9.6/10 | 6.4/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 10/10 | 8.7/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 9.1/10 | 7.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 4.5/10 | 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 | 10/10 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | N/A | Medium | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 249.4 Grams | 5.1 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Boom | Integrated | |
Shopping
EPOS PC38X
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Dig into reviews and images
Everyday Listening
Ryan Soo | November 2021
"Lightweight and comfortable design, Mic arm with mute, Excellent tuning, Highly natural midrange voicing, Clean and separated bass, Solid soundstage dimensions. Combining all day comfort and integrated coms with a balanced and spacious sound from essentially any source, it is hard to deny the versatility and value provided by the PC38X."
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 EPOS PC38X or the Google Pixel Buds A Series
About EPOS
EPOS is a relatively new company with a very long heritage. Previously known as Sennheiser Communications, EPOS is the result of the joint venture between the German headphone manufacturer Sennheiser and the Danish Demant that sought to develop premium audio communication solutions. They specialize in two main product groups, enterprise communications and gaming communication headsets and processing devices.
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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