Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs JBL Tour Pro 3
Two brands, one target. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 from Google and the JBL Tour Pro 3 from JBL compete head to head for premium wireless earbuds shoppers. Expect a close race. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the JBL Tour Pro 3 trade small edges rather than knockout blows. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 launched $71 lower than the JBL Tour Pro 3, so every advantage on the pricier side has to earn its keep.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging Tie
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price Pixel Buds Pro 2 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging5.8
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging6.5
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has a 0.03 oz lighter build
At 0.17 oz versus 0.20 oz, this is a decisive lead for the Pixel Buds Pro 2, the kind of difference you notice without looking for it. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 puts less weight on your ears or head, which adds up over a full day.
Design & Size
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is 0.03 oz lighter, making the JBL Tour Pro 3 the heftier of the two.
Fit & Build
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear (stemless) with twist-to-adjust stabilizer | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP55 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.17 oz (winner) Lightest in class | 0.20 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 2.53 oz Heaviest case in class |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to sound & noise cancelling. So sound & noise cancelling is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Driver size
Pixel Buds Pro 2: 0.43 in JBL Tour Pro 3: 0.39 in Treat driver size as a design detail rather than a verdict on how each pair sounds.
Battery & Charging
Too close to call
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the JBL Tour Pro 3 match each other closely in this area. The battery & charging verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On features & connectivity, both deliver about the same. Neither pair gives you a reason to choose it on features & connectivity.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | 0.43 in | 0.39 in |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth codecs | N/A (not specified) | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 8 h | 8 h |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 30 h | 32 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | N/A (not specified) |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 (LE Audio), Tensor A1 chip | Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio) |
| Multipoint | Yes | N/A (not specified) |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Capacitive touch (tap and swipe) | Touch on earbuds + touchscreen on case |
Fit & Build
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear (stemless) with twist-to-adjust stabilizer | In-ear with stem |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP55 |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.17 oz (winner) Lightest in class | 0.20 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 2.53 oz Heaviest case in class |
Price
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | JBL Tour Pro 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $229 (winner) | $300 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
You pay $71 extra for the JBL Tour Pro 3 at launch prices, a difference of 31%. Both have their wins, which makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s $71 lower launch price more meaningful.
Launch prices (US) as of September 2024. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pixel Buds Pro 2 if…
- you want the lighter fit (0.17 oz vs 0.20 oz)
- you’d put the $71 saving toward something else
- you trust Google and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or the JBL Tour Pro 3?
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers better value, saving $71 compared with the JBL Tour Pro 3.
Which has better battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or the JBL Tour Pro 3?
The official battery figures don’t separate them; the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the JBL Tour Pro 3 land in almost the same place.
Is the Pixel Buds Pro 2 cheaper than the JBL Tour Pro 3?
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the cheaper option, launching at $71 less than the JBL Tour Pro 3 (launch prices as of September 2024).
Which weighs less, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or the JBL Tour Pro 3?
Going by the official figures, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 weighs 0.03 oz less than the JBL Tour Pro 3.
Executive Summary
On paper, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the JBL Tour Pro 3 chase the same buyer. In the details, Google and JBL made different calls. What tips it for me is that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has a 0.03 oz lighter build.
A quick self-test: do you care more about comfort or the things a spec sheet can’t capture? The first answer means the Pixel Buds Pro 2, the second means the JBL Tour Pro 3.
My pick: the Pixel Buds Pro 2, because value matters and $71 is real money.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.