Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro: The Newer Isn't Always The Superior
Naila Syifa
Updated January 2025
Despite both being the second-generation model of each company's flagship wireless earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the newer model released in 2024 while the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is an older 2023 model. However, does that make the Pixel Buds Pro 2 richer in features and superior in capabilities, or does Samsung's experience in audio technology still give them the edge?
Key Takeaways
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is superior in terms of battery life and design, thanks to its adjustable stabilizer. But when it comes to features, both are almost equally matched, though Samsung's more advanced Live Translate capabilities give it a slight edge for certain Galaxy device users.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Light Ears Ahead
✓ Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Conversation Detection
✓ Real-Time Translation
✓ 8-Hour Listening Time
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
The Old Gem of Premium Audio
✓ Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Voice Detect
✓ Galaxy AI
✓ 5-Hour Play Time
Design
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Both are compact and lightweight earbuds with an in-ear design and rounded pebble-like appearance, making them equally look sleek and modern while providing a comfortable fit.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has one design advantage thanks to its integrated stabilizer, which allows the earbuds to be twisted in place for a more secure fit during workouts or vigorous movement. After that, we can untwist it back for a more relaxed everyday fit.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro's design advantage lies in its superior water resistance. With an IPX7 rating, it can withstand water submersion up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, so you can be ensured it will survive accidental drops in water. Meanwhile, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 only has IP54 splash resistance.
Another design aspect you may want to consider is the color options. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 comes in more color variants, including porcelain, hazel, winter green, and peony. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is only available in graphite, white, and bora purple.
Features
Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro have many similar key features. On both earbuds, you can enable the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to block unwanted ambient sounds from your surroundings or the Transparency Mode (Ambient Sound Mode on the Galaxy) to hear what's happening around you for better situational awareness and safety.
Both can also equally detect when you're speaking to someone nearby, then automatically switch from ANC to transparency/ambient mode so you can hear conversations clearly without manually changing modes or taking off your earbuds.
Another similar feature is voice assistant support, but the Pixel Buds Pro 2 uses Google Assistant with the "Hey Google" wake word while the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro uses Samsung's Bixby with "Hi Bixby" as the wake command.
Using each respective voice assistant, you can get real-time translations to help you have a conversation with someone speaking a different language. When you speak, your words will be translated and played through your phone's speaker, while their response will be translated back to your language through the earbuds.
However, the Galaxy AI-powered Live Translate feature on the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro is more advanced in that it also supports real-time translations during calls and video calls, supporting apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Telegram, Google Meet, Signal, KakaoTalk, LINE, and WeChat. Such call translation functionality is not available on the Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Compatibility
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
While both earbuds work with Android and iOS devices, their full potential is only unlocked through Android-exclusive companion apps. iOS users will miss out on advanced features and customization options.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro faces additional compatibility restrictions, as certain Galaxy AI features like Live Translate only function on compatible Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy S24 series, Galaxy Z Fold6, and Galaxy Z Flip6. This creates a tiered experience where non-Samsung Android users can't access all features.
In contrast, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 maintains consistent functionality across all Android devices, making it the more versatile choice for Android users regardless of their phone brand.
Battery Life
Pixel Buds Pro 2
With Active Noise Cancellation enabled, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can last for up to 5 hours just for the earbuds or up to 20 hours with the charging case. When the ANC is turned off, it lasts slightly longer at 8 hours for the earbuds and 30 hours with the case.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers slightly better battery performance, delivering up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC enabled and 12 hours with it disabled. With the charging case, you can get up to 30 hours with ANC enabled and 48 hours without ANC. It is much longer than what the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro can offer.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Final Thoughts
Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Despite being released one year apart, these two premium wireless earbuds offer similar key features, including ANC, transparency mode, conversation detection, real-time translation, and voice assistant support.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 stands out with its adjustable design, superior battery life, and universal Android compatibility, making it an excellent choice for most Android users. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro has a unique on-call Live Translate feature, but it is only supported on certain Samsung devices that support Galaxy AI, limiting its appeal to users outside the Samsung ecosystem.
If you like to read more about wireless earbuds, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Wireless Earbuds
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 3
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 2
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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