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What we think
The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you're seeking better overall sound quality and comfort for extended use, along with a true wireless experience, the Google Pixel Buds A Series would be the superior option. They also offer better performance for calls and meetings, a low latency mode for improved sync during videos and gaming, and are optimized for Android devices. However, they are more expensive. On the other hand, the Steelseries TUSQ, while wired and less costly, has a more durable build with a boom mic usually preferred by gamers, and despite having a lower overall sound score, they still offer a respectable music and gaming experience. If you're looking for a budget-friendly pair with a sturdy build and don't mind the wire, the TUSQ could be a solid choice. 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
- Good for exercise
- Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Steelseries TUSQ
- Good for music
Key differences
Music
6.4
7.6
The Steelseries TUSQ is good for music, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is only fair.
Phone Calls
8.5
5.2
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for phone calls, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.4
4.7
The Google Pixel Buds A Series is very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Steelseries TUSQ is poor.
Noise Reduction
4.6
6.0
The Steelseries TUSQ is only fair for noise reduction, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series is poor.
Battery
5.0 Hours
N/A
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has 5 hours of battery life. The Steelseries TUSQ does not have a battery.
Cost
$58
$40
$0
$20
$40
$60
$80
$100
The Google Pixel Buds A Series has a price of $58 and the Steelseries TUSQ costs $40.
Build Quality
7.4
8.0
The Steelseries TUSQ has very good build quality, while the Google Pixel Buds A Series has good build quality.
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Key similarities
Gaming
8.6
8.5
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Steelseries TUSQ are both very good for gaming.
TV and Video
7.8
7.3
The Google Pixel Buds A Series and Steelseries TUSQ are both good for TV and video.
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How the Google Pixel Buds A Series and the Steelseries TUSQ compare to other earbuds and headphones
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Google Pixel Buds A Series | Steelseries TUSQ |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$58 | $40 | ||
Brand | |||
Brand | Steelseries | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | June 1, 2021 | August 1, 2021 | |
Form Factor | |||
Form Factor | Earbuds | Earbuds | |
Connectivity | |||
Connectivity | Wireless | Wired | |
SOUND | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Music Score | |||
Music Score | 6.4/10 | 7.7/10 | |
Phone Calls Score | |||
Phone Calls Score | 8.5/10 | 5.3/10 | |
Gaming Score | |||
Gaming Score | 8.7/10 | 8.6/10 | |
TV and Video Score | |||
TV and Video Score | 7.8/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Exercise Score | |||
Exercise Score | 7.4/10 | 4.2/10 | |
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 | 6/10 | |
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 | 8.5/10 | |
BUILD AND DESIGN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality | |||
Build Quality | 7.4/10 | 8/10 | |
Comfort score | |||
Comfort score | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | |
Size | |||
Size | Medium | Large | |
Weight (headset or single earbud) | |||
Weight (headset or single earbud) | 5.1 Grams | 11 Grams | |
Microphone style | |||
Microphone style | Integrated | Boom | |
Shopping
Google Pixel Buds A Series
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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."
Steelseries TUSQ
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Can Buy or Not
Aloysius Low | March 2021
"The SteelSeries Arctis Tusq is a great headset for those on a more modest budget. You can use it for gaming or music, and I daresay it's also great for Zoom meetings when you don't want to be wearing on-ear or over-ear headphones."
Get a great deal on the Google Pixel Buds A Series or the Steelseries TUSQ
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 Steelseries
Steelseries is a Danish gaming products manufacturer founded in 2001 and owned by GN Store Nord. Beside a large variety of gaming peripherals like mice, keyboards, and mousemats, Steelseries markets the Arctis line of gaming headsets which feature integrated boom microphones and RGB lighting. Steelseries has partnered with several game publishers and studios for limited editions of their products like a line of Cyberpunk 2077 themed headsets in 2020.
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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
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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.
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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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