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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize bang-for-the-buck, the Google Pixel Buds A Series are less expensive and offer good overall quality, comfort, and are well-suited for calls, meetings, and exercising. However, if you want superior noise isolation for air travel or quieter environments, the Sony WF1000XM3 with active noise cancelling might be worth the extra cost. Sony provides virtual surround and app customization features, enhancing the listening experience for specific use cases like music and video. Both have similar battery life, but Google's buds have a low latency mode which could be better for gaming and watching videos. Sony's model has higher build quality and soundstage which means a more immersive listening experience. 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 gaming
- Good for TV and video
- Good for exercise
Advantages of the Sony WF1000XM3
- Good for music
- Very good for air travel
Key differences
Music
6.4
7.5
The Sony WF1000XM3 is good for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Gaming
8.6
5.6
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for gaming, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
TV and Video
7.8
5.7
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is good for TV and video, while the Sony WF1000XM3 is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
8.3
The Sony WF1000XM3 is very good for noise reduction, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life. The Sony WF1000XM3 has 6 hours of battery life.
Cost
$58
$180
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has a price of $58 and the Sony WF1000XM3 costs $180.
Build Quality
7.4
9.0
The Sony WF1000XM3 has excellent build quality, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Phone Calls
8.5
8.2
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Sony WF1000XM3 are both very good for phone calls.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
8.7
The Sony WF1000XM3 and Google Pixel Buds A Series are both very good for podcasts and audiobooks.
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How the Google Pixel Buds A Series and the Sony WF1000XM3 compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel Buds A Series | Sony WF1000XM3 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$58 | $180 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Sony | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | August 1, 2019 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wireless | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 5.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 5.8/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.4/10 | 6/10 | |
PERFORMANCE | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery life | |||
Battery life | 5 Hours | 6 Hours | |
Wireless charging | |||
Wireless charging | No | No | |
Charging time | |||
Charging time | 1.3 Hours | 3.5 Hours | |
Bluetooth version | |||
Bluetooth version | 5 | 5 | |
Case Battery Life | |||
Case Battery Life | 24 | 24 | |
FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Active Noise Cancelling | |||
Active Noise Cancelling | No | Yes | |
Noise Reduction Score | |||
Noise Reduction Score | 4.6/10 | 8.4/10 | |
Virtual Surround | |||
Virtual Surround | No | Yes | |
Android App | |||
Android App | Yes | Yes | |
iOS App | |||
iOS App | No | Yes | |
Mic Quality | |||
Mic Quality | 8.5/10 | 8/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.4/10 | 9/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.1 Grams | 9 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Integrated | |
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."
Sony WF1000XM3
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Sound Guys
Lily Katz | November 2022
"Wireless earbuds are a dime a dozen, and the Sony WF-1000XM3 makes it easy to justify the cost. The design and comfort are good, and the connection strength is consistent. While the lack of aptX or LDAC support is a big drawback, DSEE HX processing improves low-quality audio files. If you want stylish active noise canceling (ANC) earbuds, the WF-1000XM3 needs to be at the top of your list."
Get a great deal on the Google Pixel Buds A Series or the Sony WF1000XM3
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 Sony
Sony is a multinational corporation, based out of Japan, with over 75 years of experience in the consumer electronics industry. In the audio market, Sony has been a trendsetter several times throughout its history. In 1979 they released the first-ever portable music player, the Sony Walkman, followed by the Discman 20 years later. Today, Sony is one of the leaders in the wireless headphone and earbud market, especially in terms of Active Noise Cancellation technology.
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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
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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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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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