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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
The Google Pixel Buds A Series are less expensive and more suited for use during exercise, as they are sweatproof and have a secure fit with silicone fins. They also offer features like low-latency mode and are optimized for both Android and Apple, making them versatile for calls, meetings, music, and gaming. The HifiMan Sundara, on the other hand, delivers superior overall sound quality and soundstage, perfect for an immersive listening experience. However, they are open-back, not portable, not suitable for exercise or noise isolation, lacking microphone, and are significantly more expensive. If budget is a concern and you need versatility, go for Pixel Buds; if audio quality and an open soundstage are priorities and cost is less of a concern, choose the Sundara. 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 Google Pixel Buds A Series
- Very good for phone calls
- Very good for gaming
- Good for exercise
- Good for air travel
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the HifiMan Sundara
- Excellent for music
- Very good for TV and video
Key differences
Music
6.4
9.3
The HifiMan Sundara is excellent for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Gaming
8.6
7.2
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for gaming, while the HifiMan Sundara is good.
Phone Calls
8.5
4.9
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the HifiMan Sundara is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
7.8
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the HifiMan Sundara is good.
TV and Video
7.8
8.8
The HifiMan Sundara is very good for TV and video, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is good.
Noise Reduction
4.6
2.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and HifiMan Sundara are both poor for noise reduction, though the Google Pixel Buds A Series is somewhat better.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life. The HifiMan Sundara does not have a battery.
Cost
$58
$279
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has a price of $58 and the HifiMan Sundara costs $279.
Build Quality
7.4
8.2
The HifiMan Sundara has very good build quality, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality.
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How the Google Pixel Buds A Series and the HifiMan Sundara compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel Buds A Series | HifiMan Sundara |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$58 | $279 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | HifiMan | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | May 1, 2020 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Headphones | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 9.3/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.5/10 | 5/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 8.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.4/10 | 4.5/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | N/A | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | N/A | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | N/A | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | N/A | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | N/A | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | No | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 2.5/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | N/A | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | N/A | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | N/A | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | N/A | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.4/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.2/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | N/A | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.1 Grams | 394.6 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | N/A | |
Shopping
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."
HifiMan Sundara
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Dig into reviews and images
Sound Guys
Christian Thomas | July 2023
"The HiFiMan Sundara is the set of headphones to get if you want high-end audio, but don't want to shell out a king's ransom for it. These planar magnetic headphones are comfortable, straightforward, and excellent performers."
Get a great deal on the Google Pixel Buds A Series or the HifiMan Sundara
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.
About HifiMan
HiFiMAN is a Chinese, high-end, audio product manufacturer, with 20 years of experience, that specializes in amplifiers, digital audio players and planar magnetic headphones, some of which have become a staple in the audiophile community such as the entry-level Sundara, the midrange Edition X, and the very well-regarded, high-end, Arya.
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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.
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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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