00:00Welcome back to Tech Takedown, where today we're battling out which company makes the better wireless earbuds.
00:06Is it Apple AirPods Pro 2?
00:08Or the Google Pixel Buds Pro?
00:10We're about to find out. John, you have one minute on the clock.
00:13Well, the first reason someone should buy the Pixel Buds Pro versus the AirPods is that it's a lot cheaper.
00:19Normally, it's $200, but I just checked before this, and you can get it as low as $140.
00:24So right off the bat, it's cheaper, and for me, I like that because I'm not going to spend as much money.
00:29At the same time, it also has some of the same premium features as the AirPods.
00:33So you're going to get things like noise cancellation to drown out the noise around you.
00:37You have also the adaptive sound so that in the event you're wearing them, someone talks to you, you can still listen to your surroundings.
00:43Perfect for running, for jogging.
00:45And finally, you also have spatial audio, which is a feature that you wouldn't expect to find here, but it is available.
00:51So it gives you that head tracking movement to give you that spatial audio experience.
00:54And when factoring all those features for the price point, it definitely helps out in the budget more than the AirPods.
01:00I now get 30 seconds to counter John's point.
01:03Now, John, price is a very important aspect for customers.
01:07I know that, but there is a thing called the Apple tax, and you do get the benefit of buying into the Apple system just for paying a bit more.
01:13But I'll do you one better.
01:15The AirPods Pro, yes, they start at $250.
01:19But most days, you can find it for under $200.
01:22In fact, I literally bought a pair this morning for $189 for graduation.
01:28And I think that's a great score for the price, even when you look at those that are just a little bit cheaper.
01:33These are still cheaper, but tell me a real reason why the AirPods are better.
01:37So that's how it's going to be.
01:39All right, I got you.
01:40The AirPods Pro 2 beat the Pixel Buds Pro in the case department.
01:45A wireless charging case is so important.
01:47Now, both cases do have USB-C charging and wireless charging.
01:51But these are the only earbuds of these two that has a speaker built into the case.
01:55That means if I misplace them through the Find My system, I can actually have them ping an audible sound.
02:01If the earbuds are separated from the case, which, come on, that happens to all of us, I'll still be able to locate the case, not just the buds.
02:08But that's not all.
02:09The case also has this really handy little loop that you can put a little lanyard on and you can carry it on your wrist or put it on your keychain.
02:17Again, these types of convenience features are built with customers in mind.
02:21And they answer some of the most common complaints that do come with a pair of wireless earbuds.
02:25What say you to that?
02:27Well, that's a fair point.
02:28I will say that is probably a you problem with losing the earbuds.
02:32But for me, I always have it on me.
02:34I always keep track.
02:35And in the event I misplace it, let's say somewhere in the couch cushions, I can always use my phone to find it.
02:40It'll play sound on the earbuds themselves.
02:43Not so much the case, but at least I can find the earbuds.
02:46Well, John, I knew you were going to have a tough time countering that one.
02:49But let me know who you think is winning so far in the comments.
02:52And just a reminder that after this video, you should go check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds you can buy now rated and tested.
02:59We have a tech takedown to get back to.
03:01Time's on the clock for me starting out this round.
03:03Here we go.
03:04Those who care about the technical specs, and I know you're out there, will really appreciate my next point.
03:09The AirPods Pro 2 have Bluetooth 5.3, whereas the Pixel Buds Pro only have Bluetooth 5.0.
03:17That's an older Bluetooth standard, whereas the AirPods Pro have the newer Bluetooth standard.
03:22And in general, I'm a fan of getting the most future-proof tech, even if it's going to cost you a bit more.
03:28That way you're not investing as often when the technology ultimately becomes outdated and replaced.
03:33And now the benefit of Bluetooth 5.3 is that the Bluetooth connections are actually being split over greater bands,
03:39which means that when you're in an area that has far more Bluetooth devices in it, like an airport or busy office,
03:44your connection to your device will be far more reliable.
03:47You'll also be able to be farther away from the connected device and still get the experience of playback.
03:54But more importantly, Bluetooth 5.3 is more power efficient,
03:58meaning the AirPods Pro aren't going to drain as quickly due to the Bluetooth connection.
04:03Well, it's a big mistake you talk about battery life, because despite it not having 5.3,
04:07the Pixel Buds Pro actually have longer battery life, up to 11 hours versus 6 hours, roughly 6 hours with the AirPods Pro 2.
04:15The other reason why I think it doesn't really matter whether it uses 5.0 or 5.3 is that I always have my phone near me,
04:21so it doesn't matter if I'm close or somewhat far away, I'm always having that same connection to my music.
04:27There's no worries about it cutting off my cable. You see me every day at the desk. I'm always wearing this.
04:32I have yet to have any connection issues.
04:34I can verify that Jon in fact wears the Pixel Buds Pro every single day.
04:44But that makes me even more excited to hear your final point. Give it to me.
04:47It's pretty obvious. It's the design. Look at the AirPods. It looks like you're wearing a Q-tip on your ear.
04:52But with the Pixel Buds Pro, they look more discreet. Also available in six different colors,
04:57so you're not stuck with just white as the only option. You can choose from whatever one you want.
05:02And they fit better, in my opinion. Just look at the AirPods.
05:05When you try to work out with them, sometimes you get sweaty and, you know, this connection gets kind of loose.
05:10Versus the Pixel Buds Pro, they have that silicone tip that comes included. You don't have to buy that separately.
05:16So when you're working out, it stays in there. And overall, it just doesn't look as distracting as the AirPods.
05:23The nice thing, too, is that when I'm wearing it, you don't really notice it as much versus the AirPods.
05:28They just sit in your ear. They're kind of flush. You still have those touch controls, but it just looks discreet.
05:33The stems look stupid. And you think about everyone that's wearing the AirPods, they're kind of like this Apple cult.
05:40I want to look different, and that's what these offer.
05:43Give this video a thumbs up if you're in the Apple cult.
05:45John, I'm so sorry. You must not realize that the AirPods actually do come with silicone tips.
05:52Like, why did you think you have to buy them? I don't think that's ever been the case.
05:55Anyway, regardless of if you had to pay for them, the AirPods Pro come with four different ear tip sizes,
06:02which the Pixel Buds only come with three.
06:04You get an added extra small ear tip, which for someone like me, that's a game changer.
06:08It gives shoppers more options when they're getting their earbuds that they can actually find the right pair that fits for them.
06:14So I would say that's a huge perk that you just don't get with those.
06:18Still looks like a heated though.
06:19Fighting words were said today, but it's ultimately up to you to decide who won this episode of Tech Takedown.
06:25Let us know in the comments and let us know which devices you'd want to see in the next episode.
06:29You can find full reviews of the AirPods Pro 2 and Pixel Buds Pro on Tom's Guide.com.
06:35And you can find more of our fun content everywhere on social at Tom's Guide.
06:39Otherwise, we'll catch you here at the table for the next one.
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