Thinking of buying a new set of earbuds? Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series and Apple’s AirPods 3 are two great choices, but which is the best? Here’s what we think.
Audio can be a tricky subject, especially when you’re considering a new set of earbuds. Whether you’re a constant commuter or occasional podcast listener, a great set of wireless earbuds should be comfortable, snug, and provide excellent sound quality regardless of the environment you’re sitting or standing in. If you’ve been perusing the shelves of digital and brick-and-mortar establishments for a new set of buds, two brands you’ve probably come across are Google and Apple. While both companies may not be the best of the best when it comes to wearable audio gear, the many generations of Apple’s AirPods and Google’s Pixel Buds mean that people keep buying them — and for many great reasons. Today, we’ll be comparing Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series with Apple’s AirPods 3 to weigh in on the differences and similarities between both brands. Here’s hoping this makes your next earbud purchase an easier one. Compared to Google’s Pixel Buds 2, the Pixel Buds A-Series brings a lighter design to the table, making for an easier and more comfortable fit for longer listening sessions and phone calls. Released in June 2021, Google claims to have re-engineered the non-removable stabilizer arcs, making them softer and less bulky. Aside from these small changes, the A-Series looks and feels almost exactly like 2019’s now-discontinued Pixel Buds 2. The A-Series buds and charging case are sleek, lightweight, and totally ergonomic. When it comes time to charge your buds, the case is easy to open and close, and the buds snap into the case. While the $179 Pixel Buds 2 were capable of wireless charging, the Pixel Buds A-Series loses this capability — although the case does include a magnet for attaching it to the sides of filing cabinets and similar surfaces. In-ear, the A-Series buds have a relatively flush look and, most importantly, fit snugly — an improvement over the Pixel Buds 2. Thanks to a spatial vent for alleviating inner-ear pressure, the buds feel cozier, even when worn for long periods of time, and the semi-open design allows some outside noise in. This is especially convenient for commuters contending with city traffic, emergency vehicles, and general passersby — although we wish there was a true “transparency” mode. IPX4-rated, the Pixel Buds A-Series can stand up to sweat and water, but not direct submergence. As far as color options, Google currently offers the buds in Clearly White and Dark Olive. Read our full review of the Google Pixel Buds A-Series In terms of the overall design, Apple’s AirPods 3 are perfectly nestled between the original AirPods and AirPods Pro when it comes to things like size, shape, and fit. Many original gen-one AirPods owners enjoyed the way the buds felt in their ears but also felt that they moved around a little too much. This, along with an official weather rating, deterred a handful of users from using the AirPods for working out. These frustrations were mostly corrected with the redesign of the AirPods 3. Apple’s latest buds are slightly more curved and bulbous and feature shorter stems, making for a tighter in-ear fit. While the AirPods Pro offers the most secure fit, thanks to the inclusion of multiple eartips, the AirPods 3 are the perfect middle ground between the AirPods 2 and Apple’s flagship buds — although you may need to adjust them from time to time. Read our full review of the AirPods 3 We also love that the AirPods 3 charging case offers Qi and MagSafe wireless charging options — a feature completely missing from the Pixel Buds A-Series.
