Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
For premium wireless earbuds shoppers, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 from Google and the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro from Samsung are two of the obvious candidates. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 wins more of the areas that we compared (1 of 3), and its most convincing lead is in battery & charging.
At a glance
- Sound & Noise Cancelling Tie
- Battery & Charging Pixel Buds Pro 2 wins
- Features & Connectivity Tie
- Price Pixel Buds Pro 2 wins
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging6.5
- Sound & Noise Cancelling10.0
- Battery & Charging3.6
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
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The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has 2 h more listening per charge
For battery (single charge), the Pixel Buds Pro 2 leads by a wide margin: 8 h versus 6 h. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 runs longer before needing a break, so you’re less likely to be interrupted mid-podcast.
-
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has 4 h more total battery with the case
A modest but measurable lead goes to the Pixel Buds Pro 2: 30 h compared with 26 h. A bigger total means fewer case charges per week, a small but real convenience.
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The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has a 0.02 oz lighter build
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is slightly stronger on weight (per earbud / headset). The gap, 0.17 oz versus 0.19 oz, won’t change your life, but it isn’t nothing. Fit and pressure matter as much as weight, but a lighter build is a good starting point for comfort.
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The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro has a tougher IP57 rating
If everything else were equal, this small edge would favor the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: IP57 against IP54. The Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is better protected, which matters if you run in all weather.
Design & Size
By weight, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has the edge: 0.02 oz less than the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
Fit & Build
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear (stemless) with twist-to-adjust stabilizer | In-ear with blade stem |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP57 (winner) |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.17 oz (winner) Lightest in class | 0.19 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 1.64 oz |
Sound & Noise Cancelling
Too close to call
Call the sound & noise cancelling round a draw. In short, sound & noise cancelling is a draw; the decision lies elsewhere.
Battery & Charging
Pixel Buds Pro 2 leads
No contest in battery & charging: the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the stronger of the two. Here the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers 2 h more listening per charge. Ratings usually assume moderate volume and specific settings, so real results vary. For battery & charging, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the one to beat.
Battery (single charge)
Pixel Buds Pro 2: 8 h Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: 6 h Longer listening per charge matters on long flights, workdays and road trips.
Battery (with case)
Pixel Buds Pro 2: 30 h Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: 26 h Total battery with the case tells you how long you can go before plugging anything in.
Features & Connectivity
Too close to call
This is a tie in all but name. On features & connectivity, both deliver about the same. Either pair will serve you equally well on features & connectivity.
Full Specifications
Sound & Noise Cancelling
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Driver size | 0.43 in | 0.41 in |
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | Yes |
| Transparency mode | Yes | Yes |
| Spatial audio | N/A (not specified) | 360 Audio (head tracking) |
| Bluetooth codecs | N/A (not specified) | SSC (incl. UHQ 24-bit/96 kHz), AAC, SBC, LC3 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Battery (single charge)Manufacturer rating, ANC on where available | 8 h (winner) | 6 h |
| Battery (with case)Manufacturer rating | 30 h (winner) | 26 h |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Charging port | USB-C | USB-C |
Features & Connectivity
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 (LE Audio), Tensor A1 chip | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Multipoint | Yes | N/A (not specified) |
| Heart-rate sensing | No | No |
| Controls | Capacitive touch (tap and swipe) | Pinch and swipe on stem |
Fit & Build
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | In-ear (stemless) with twist-to-adjust stabilizer | In-ear with blade stem |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP57 (winner) |
| Weight (per earbud / headset) | 0.17 oz (winner) Lightest in class | 0.19 oz |
| Case weight | N/A (not specified) | 1.64 oz |
Price
| Spec | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | Galaxy Buds 3 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $229 (winner) | $250 |
“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
The launch prices are close, with the Pixel Buds Pro 2 just $21 below the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Save $21 and get the stronger spec sheet? That’s the deal the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers.
These are US launch prices, recorded August 2024; what you pay today may be higher or lower.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Pixel Buds Pro 2 if…
- you listen for hours at a stretch (8 h vs 6 h per charge)
- you travel a lot and rarely want to charge the case (30 h vs 26 h)
- you wear them for hours and want less weight on your ears (0.17 oz vs 0.19 oz)
- you’d rather keep $21 in your pocket
Choose the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro if…
- you want the tougher water resistance rating (IP57 vs IP54)
- you already know your way around Samsung’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
For most people, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the stronger choice, unless your top priority is a tougher IP57 rating.
Which has better battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
Going by the official figures, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 leads: 8 h versus 6 h for battery (single charge). Screen use, settings and efficiency will shape your own results.
Is the Pixel Buds Pro 2 cheaper than the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the cheaper option, launching at $21 less than the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro (launch prices as of August 2024).
Which weighs less, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro?
Going by the official figures, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 weighs 0.02 oz less than the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro.
Executive Summary
I love a proper cross-brand matchup, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 against the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro is exactly that. Start with the headline difference (the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has 2 h more listening per charge), and a lot of the decision falls into place. I’d also count a 0.02 oz lighter build in the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s favor. Fairness check: the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro does come with a tougher IP57 rating.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 suits buyers focused on battery & charging; the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro suits those focused on durability.
My pick: the Pixel Buds Pro 2, unless you specifically want a tougher IP57 rating, where the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro has the edge.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.