Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Which wireless earbuds win Tom's Guide Skip to main content Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Which wireless earbuds win By Alex Bracetti published 19 August 2022 The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro go head-to-head with the Google Pixel Buds Pro - which are the winning Android companion? (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) A Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 vs. Google Pixel Buds Pro comparison is essential if you're searching for the best noise-cancelling earbuds to pair with your Android device. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro replaces the Tom's Guide award-winning Galaxy Buds Pro and welcomes several upgrades in term of design, sound, and wireless performance. On the other end, you have the Google Pixel Buds Pro, an excellent representation of Google's true wireless lineup and an easy match for Pixel smartphone owners. Both models share many of the same features, including active noise cancellation (ANC), customizable sound settings, voice activation, and wireless charging, just to name a few. They also come with their own set of exclusive perks. As for the better investment – let's find out. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Specs compared Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 ProGoogle Pixel Buds ProPrice$229$199Wireless charging caseYesYesChipUnknownGoogle six-core processorBattery life (rated)5 hours (ANC on); 8 hours (ANC off); 20 hours (charging case with ANC on); 30 hours (charging case with ANC off)7 hours (ANC on), 11 hours (ANC off), 20 hours (charging case with ANC on), 31 hours (charging case with ANC off)Water resistanceIPX7IPX4Size0.19 (per bud); 1.53 ounces (charging case)0.88 x 0.87 x 0.93 inches (per bud); 0.98 x 1.97 x 2.49 inches (charging case)Weight0.7 x 0.85 x 0.7 inches (per bud); 1.97 x 1.97 x 1.1 inches (charging case)0.22 ounces (per bud); 2.2 ounces (charging case)Special featuresActive noise cancellation, ambient sound, 24-bit Hi-Fi sound, 360 audio, auto switching, Auto Voice Detect, Bixby voice activation, Gaming Mode, SmartThings Find compatibility, Samsung TV connectivity, Wireless PowerShare supportActive noise cancellation, transparency mode, Volume EQ, spatial audio, audio switching, Google Assistant voice activation, Google Translate, Notifications, Eartip Seal, Check, Find My Device, Bluetooth multipoint Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Price The Galaxy Buds Pro 2 are set to go on sale on August 26 at $229 and can be pre-ordered via the Samsung store (opens in new tab). Samsung is offering an exclusive $75 credit when you trade-in any Galaxy Buds (opens in new tab) in any condition, along with $30 Samsung credit and a free Wireless Charger with your purchase. You'll want to take advantage of this deal since a price drop isn't likely to be available until the holidays at the earliest. Meanwhile, Google launched the Pixel Buds Pro at $199. There are no special deals right now. These buds do not come with a USB-C charging cable either. Based on features and supplied charging solutions, the advantage in value goes to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. Make sure to bookmark our best headphones deals page to know about the latest wireless earbuds sales. Winner: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Design (Image credit: Future) The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro and Pixel Buds Pro are equally attractive and comfortable, though the former provide a more secure fit. Build quality is sturdy between the two models, composed entirely of durable plastic and furnished with a nice soft-rubberized finish on the front. The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have a higher than most waterproofing certification rated at IPX7 (which means they can submerged to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes). The Pixel Buds Pro offer sweat and water resistance for the buds to IPX4 to protect against water splashes, while the charging case is rated at IPX2. Speaking of which, Samsung and Google's cases are two of the most attractive in the category: compact, chic, and carry friendly. (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) Each set of buds boasts a traditional oval-shape design that rests pleasantly on the concha to enjoy music for lengthy sessions. Samsung's design creates effective airflow and enhances on-ear stability. Quite why Google removed the Pixel Buds 2's built-in wings when it launched the Pixel Buds Pro was a big mistake, plus their Ear Tip Fit test isn't as accurate as Samsung's. Winner: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Controls (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) The Pixel Buds Pro have terrific touch controls. Taps and long-hold gestures execute assigned functions as intended. Motion detection is reliable for auto-pausing music when removing the buds and resuming playback when placing back on your ears. However, it's all about Google Assistant integration. Google programmed these buds to do more than just pull up calendar invites or jump into your favorite playlists. You can fire off hundreds of other Google Assistant commands, while also utilizing Google Translate and Notifications in real time. (Image credit: Alex Bracett/Future) Samsung gave the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro their own extensive control scheme consisting of motion, touch, and voice functionality. Unfortunately, two out of three don't work as well as they should. You won't have any issues with tap input. Wear detection is finicky and enables auto-pause after a 2-second delay. Google Assistant, Siri, and Bixby are all compatible, though Samsung's AI bot is the least reliable of the trio, misinterpreting simple commands and not always complying with the "Hi Bixby" voice activation. Winner: Google Pixel Buds Pro Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Sound quality (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) There's too much sonic firepower underneath the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro's hood for their Android rival to match. We're talking 360 Audio, 24-bit Hi-Fi Sound (with compatible streaming services such as Tidal and Qobuz), Bluetooth 5.3 (LE Audio-Ready), along with an EQ, low-latency Game Mode, and coaxial 2-way (tweeter + woofer) speaker driver tuned by Samsung-owned audio specialist AKG. Samsung's soundstage is wide and detailed with noticeably enhanced audio quality when playing music on Galaxy smartphones that support Samsung's Scalable Codec. 3D sound is also immersive on these buds. (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) Despite lacking 3D and hi-fi audio capabilities, the Pixel Buds Pro remain great-sounding wireless earbuds. Google introduced a new 6-core audio processor with 11mm driver that pumps out dynamic, well-balanced sound. Bass is emphasized and impactful, and you get a nice feel for mids and highs. Other additions like Volume EQ are clutch for boosting bass and treble frequencies when listening at low volumes. There are plans for the Pixel Buds Pro to receive a five-band EQ and spatial audio sometime later this year. Winner: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Active noise cancellation (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) It took a few tries, but Samsung finally got ANC right with the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. The three high-quality mics help block out up to 90% of ambient noise. Low- and mid-frequency sounds go unheard, while high-frequency sounds are minimized well enough not to break one's concentration. Ambient Sound amplifies external sounds to get a better feel for what's happening around you. We also love the Accessibility feature that adjusts sound or noise cancellation on either bud based on your hearing preference. (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) Google's first attempt at true wireless noise cancellation is a success. The Pixel Buds Pro's mic array silences low- and mid-frequencies exceptionally well, and wind resistance is effective, thanks to the wind-blocking mesh covers. Transparency mode is just as reliable for hearing your surroundings clearly. High-pitched sounds are more audible on these buds, but they aren't as distracting as what you would hear from other sub-$200 noise-cancelling earbuds. Winner: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Special features and apps (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro's feature set is much bigger than the Pixel Buds Pro. We already discussed the heavy hitters, including 360 Audio, Accessibility, Bixby voice wake-up, control customization, earbuds fit test, Equalizer, Gaming Mode, Noise Controls (ANC/Ambient), 24-bit Hi-Fi Sound, and Voice Detect. However, there are other features outside of the Galaxy Wearable app. You have one-tap Easy Pair (Galaxy devices only) and Auto Switch to automatically jump from one device to another. Bluetooth 5.3 provides lengthy wireless range and comes with LE Audio support, which Samsung claims will arrive "later this year." Samsung TV connectivity (2022 models) comes part of the package as well. (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) Google didn't go crazy with features, but the gave the Pixel Buds Pro enough to justify the price. ANC, Eartip Seal Check, Google Assistant, Google Translate, Notifications, spatial audio (coming this fall), and Volume EQ are already accounted for. Other notables are one-tap Google Fast Pair for all Android devices, audio switching to seamlessly transition between audio sources, and Bluetooth multipoint (pair to two devices simultaneously). The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro might not have launched with multipoint technology, but Samsung could always look to add it in a future update. Winner: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Call quality (Image credit: Alex Bracetti/Future) One of these is worthy of inclusion on our best headphones with a mic for voice and video calls list. That would be the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. Samsung's three-mic array and effective wind resistance help create loud, clear-sounding calls in both indoor and outdoor settings. The Pixel Buds Pro are a serviceable calling headset, but they have a more muffled sound than the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. Not to mention the volume level during calls is very low. Winner: Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Battery life (Image credit: Alex Bracettii/Future) Longer playtimes go to the Pixel Buds Pro and charging benefits go to the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. A full charge from Google's buds equates to 7 to 11 hours, with the charging case holding between 20 to 31 hours. That's better than average. As for the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, they disappoint with 5 to 8 hours per charge. Samsung's charging case holds between 18 to 29 hours, depending how you use the buds. Both models support quick and wireless charging, but the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has reverse wireless charging and comes with a USB-C charging cable. Winner: Tie Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro vs Google Pixel Buds Pro Verdict We've got the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro winning by a fair margin. Those who own a Galaxy smartphone will receive the full Samsung treatment (e.g., 360 Audio, PowerShare, Scalable Codec), while other Android users can still enjoy premium sound and noise cancellation. Not everything is a hit (Bixby voice activation and battery life in particular could do with improving), but the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are the winning option and offer the greater value overall. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 ProGoogle Pixel Buds ProPrice and value (5)43Design (15)1312Controls (10)810Audio quality (20)1917Active noise cancellation(20)1817Special features and apps (15)1311Call quality (5)43Battery life (10)66Total score (100)8579 That doesn't mean to completely dismiss the Pixel Buds Pro as a potential Android companion. Google has designed their best wireless earbuds to date, combining robust ANC with striking sound and Google smarts. Improvements in battery life and touch controls are also greatly appreciated. If only the Pixel Buds Pro came with more features and a secure fit. Next: Check out the best noise-cancelling earbuds to find out where each ranks compared to the rest of the models we've reviewed. Be In the Know Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Alex Bracetti A lifestyle journalist with an affinity for consumer products, Alex has over a decade of experience and has worked with popular publications such as Complex, Thrillist, Men's Health, Gear Patrol, AskMen, and Hoop Magazine. He currently focuses on audio, reviewing the most coveted headphones in the market for both Tom's Guide and Laptop Magazine. Topics Audio Headphones See all comments (1) 1 Comment Comment from the forums JLangstone Hey Alex, I generally like your reviews and style, but on this one the Verge found completely the opposite regarding call quality, and they have audio samples. Scratching my head as to why and how to reconcile. Maybe you should include your recordings? https://www.theverge.com/2022/8/17/23309582/wireless-buds-stress-test-galaxy-pixel-airpods-linkbuds-vergecast-podcast Reply View All 1 Comment MOST READMOST SHARED1Hell Let Loose is too good for its own good2I'm an avid Google Maps guide - here's why it's my favorite place to post3High-yield savings account - what it is and how to open one4I tested iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max cameras - and the results are surprising5Hyundai IONIQ 6 first drive: A killer EV that delivers range and comfort1Hell Let Loose is too good for its own good2I'm an avid Google Maps guide - here's why it's my favorite place to post3High-yield savings account - what it is and how to open one4I tested iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 13 Pro Max cameras - and the results are surprising5Hyundai IONIQ 6 first drive: A killer EV that delivers range and comfort