Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Sony WF-1000XM5

The clash between Google's smartest and Sony's best-sounding earbuds is more nuanced than the specs alone suggest. Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a masterclass in miniaturization, so tiny that they practically disappear in your ear canals while still delivering surprisingly good sound and capable noise cancelling. The real magic is the software, with Google Assistant baked in so deeply that it feels like having a smart speaker in your ears, complete with real-time translation and contextual awareness that no other earbuds match. Sony's WF-1000XM5 are a different beast entirely, built for people who consider sound quality non-negotiable. The audio is richer, warmer, and more detailed, revealing textures in your music that the Pixel Buds hint at but cannot fully deliver. The noise cancelling is also stronger, making them better for loud environments. And the battery outlasts Google's offering, keeping the music flowing through your longest days. The Pixel Buds cost less too, which sweetens the deal for people who value smarts over pure audio performance. If earbuds are a tool and a companion, go Google. If earbuds are about the music above all, go Sony.