How Google, Samsung, Amazon, and Microsoft's earbuds stack up to AirPods
Google debuted its revamped Pixel Buds at an event in New York City Tuesday. It's the latest big tech company to challenge the reigning stylish wireless earbuds, Apple's AirPods.
Of course, there have been plenty of rumors lately about an AirPods refresh, which could include a new design and noise cancelation. But how do the offerings from four of Apple's biggest competitors — Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon, and Google — stack up with the current AirPods?
Apple AirPods
Fit: Comfortable fit, same as Apple's EarPods; one size.
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Carrying case: Smallest of the group, small enough for a pocket; comes in both wired and wireless versions.
Battery life: Five hours on a single charge, up to 24 total with charging case.
Connection: Single-click pairing with iPhone, connects via Bluetooth with Android phones.
Additional features: Hands-free Siri integration; fast switching between Apple devices.
Price: $149.99 with wired charging case, $199.99 with wireless charging case.
Microsoft Surface Earbuds
Fit: Comfortable with multiple tip sizes.
Carrying case: Pill shaped, bigger than AirPods case but fits in pocket.
Battery life: Eight hours on a single charge, up to 24 total with charging case.
Connection: One-click pairing with Swift Pair on Surface PC using Windows 10, compatible with Android 4.4 and up, and iOS 9 and up.
Additional features: Extremely productive touch controls that are compatible with Microsoft Office.
Price: $249.99, available Holiday Season 2019.
Samsung Galaxy Buds
Fit: Comfortable with multiple tip sizes but may be uncomfortable in smaller ears.
Carrying case: Bigger than AirPods case but still slim enough for a pocket.
Battery life: Six hours on a single charge, up to 13 total with charging case.
Connection: Requires two apps and a Samsung account for "seamless" connection. Compatible with Android 5.0 and up and iOS, but will lack features with iOS connection.
Additional features: Customizable touch controls. Wireless charging available with Samsung Galaxy 10 phone.
Price: $129.99, available now.
Amazon Echo Buds
Fit: Comfortable with multiple tip sizes but may be uncomfortable in smaller ears. Bulkier fit.
Carrying Case: Much larger than AirPods case, slightly bulky fit in pocket. Requires micro-USB for charging.
Battery Life: Five hours on a single charge, up to 20 total with charging case.
Connection: Via the Alexa app. Compatible with Android 6.0 and up, and iOS 12 and up
Additional features: Bose-powered noise cancelation. "Passthrough" mode to let in ambient noise. Hands-free Alexa option, connects with Siri and Google Assistant.
Price: $129.99, available Oct. 30, 2019.
Google Pixel Buds
Fit: Will offer multiple tip sizes.
Carrying Case: Slightly bigger than AirPods but still slim enough for a pocket.
Battery Life: Five hours on a single charge, up to 24 total with charging case.
Connection: Unknown.
Additional features: Extra long Bluetooth connection of up to 100 yards. Transcription feature. Includes "adaptive sound" mode that adjusts volume based on surroundings.
Price: $179, available Spring 2020
Topics AirPods
Marcus Gilmer is Mashable's Assistant Real-Times News Editor on the West Coast, reporting on breaking news from his location in San Francisco. An Alabama native, Marcus earned his BA from Birmingham-Southern College and his MFA in Communications from the University of New Orleans. Marcus has previously worked for Chicagoist, The A.V. Club, the Chicago Sun-Times and the San Francisco Chronicle.
