The Pixel Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds2 Pro are currently two of the most popular premium-tier wireless earbuds on the market, and are Google’s and Samsung’s flagship premium products respectively – they both advertise top tier sound quality and a bevy of neat features.
But how do they actually measure up to each other? Is one actually decidedly better than the other? I have fully reviewed both and will answer those questions here.
Google Pixel Buds Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Side by Side at a Glance
Google Pixel Buds Pro vs Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Specs and Features
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro | Galaxy Buds2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| release date | July 2022 | August 2022 |
| price-tier ⓘbudget: around $30 or less value: around $30-$60 performance: around $60-$100 premium: around $100-$200 elite: more than $200 |
premium | premium |
| design style | single 11mm dynamic driver | dual 5.3mm/10mm dynamic drivers |
| earbuds battery life | 7h (ANC on) | 5h (ANC on) |
| total + case battery life | 20h (ANC on) | 18h (ANC on) |
| weatherproofing | IPX4 (moisture resistant) | IPX7 (fully immersible) |
| onboard controls | touch based | touch based |
| warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| active noise cancellation | yes | yes |
| transparency mode | yes | yes |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| EQ app compatibility | yes (android devices only) | yes (android devices only) |
| Multipoint 2+ device support | yes | no |
Does the Google Pixel Buds Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Have Better Fit and Comfort?
I was able to achieve a secure fit with both where there wasn’t any seal breaking issues. That said, the Pixel Buds Pro have kind of a weird housing shape that sits a bit shallow and awkwardly, whereas the Galaxy Buds2 Pro improved its case and tip design over its predecessor and sits quite well and comfortably.
Winner: Galaxy Buds2 Pro
Does the Google Pixel Buds Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Have Better External Noise Blocking?
Both the Pixel Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds2 Pro have excellent overall isolation and ANC, pretty much the best available at the moment, and they are very close in performance.
I think the Pixel Buds Pro does a slightly better job attenuating mid/high noises, but the Galaxy Buds2 Pro does a slightly better job attenuating low noises and feels a little more even. I would say the best choice is going to depend on the type of external noise you’re typically exposed to, and even then the difference in performance will be marginal.
Winner: Draw
Does the Google Pixel Buds Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Have Better Onboard Controls and Features?
The arguably major shortfall with both these earbuds is that their respective apps are only compatible with Android devices. Furthermore, some of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro features like spatial and hi-res audio are only accessible with a modern Samsung device.
If you do have a compatible device, the Galaxy Buds2 Pro also has access to a few EQ pre-sets while the Pixel Buds Pro does not, but you cannot customize the EQ with either.
Also, though the Pixel Buds Pro advertises that it has Bluetooth multipoint, I was not able to get it to work and I’m not sure why – I had to reconnect each time I wanted to switch devices. Some Googling led me to other users complaining about this same issue.
Assuming you don’t have a compatible device, which will be the majority of people I think, you are limited to a few basic onboard controls with the Pixel Buds Pro and even less with the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, which can only play/pause or switch between ANC/transparency modes.
Winner: Pixel Buds Pro
Does the Google Pixel Buds Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Have a Better Case?
Both the Pixel Buds Pro and Galaxy Buds2 Pro cases are very nice, sturdy, and compact with a pocket friendly shape. The Galaxy Buds2 Pro case is a little smaller, but its lid is a little more flimsy, whereas the Pixel Buds Pro lid can hardly budge out of position.
A note before the next section: this page describes how I evaluate the sound quality of headphones and earbuds.Does the Google Pixel Buds Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro Sound Better?
The Pixel Buds Pro sounds decent for its price point, but not as good as the Galaxy Buds2 Pro does. Samsung makes the best TWS sound quality currently that’s a level above the rest in my opinion, and the single 11mm driver of the Pixel Buds Pro simply cannot compete with the dual drivers of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro.
The accuracy and detail of the Pixel Buds Pro is just not there across the entire range like it is with the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, and the Pixel Buds Pro just sounds a little loose and boxy compared to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro’s crisp and natural sound.
Winner: Galaxy Buds Pro
Which Should You Choose Between the Google Pixel Buds Pro or Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro?
Being a music guy first and foremost, fidelity always takes priority, and for that reason I choose the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, even if I have to pay a slight premium.
Though I will say that, having both of them now, I still find myself using the Pixel Buds Pro for commuting because the ANC in the mids and highs is so good, and also the tracking commands work on an iPhone while they apparently don’t on the Galaxy Buds2 Pro.
Get the Pixel Buds Pro wireless earbuds on Amazon (affiliate link)
Get the Galaxy Buds2 Pro wireless earbuds on Amazon (affiliate link)
Relevant Articles
• Full Pixel Buds Pro review
• Full Galaxy Buds2 pro review
