Apple AirPods 5 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
4 questions both answer, side by side. Every answer is backed by the dated sources at the bottom.
Side by side
Can earbuds translate a conversation live?
Apple lists AirPods 5 among the AirPods that support Live Translation of face-to-face conversations with a compatible iPhone.
Good to know: Labeled beta; needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later on iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 stream translated speech into your ear in listening mode; in conversation mode your words are translated on the phone.
Good to know: Google says translation may not be instantaneous and isn't available in all languages or countries.
Can you talk to an AI assistant through your earbuds?
AirPods 5 give hands-free access to Siri AI: say "Siri" or "Hey Siri", and nod or shake your head to answer Siri's questions.
Good to know: Siri AI runs on the paired iPhone.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 let you talk to Gemini Live hands-free, with audio processing that prioritizes your voice in noisy places.
Good to know: Needs a compatible Android phone with the Gemini app, a Google Account and an internet connection.
How long do AI earbuds last on a charge?
Apple rates AirPods 5 at up to 4 hours with Active Noise Cancellation on a charge and up to 20 hours with the case (5 and 22 hours with the Wireless Charging Case).
Good to know: Maker's figures.
Google rates Pixel Buds Pro 2 at up to 30 hours of listening with the charging case.
Good to know: Maker's figure.
Which phone do translation earbuds need?
Live Translation with AirPods 5 needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later on iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence turned on.
Good to know: Apple's support article; AirPods 5 work with other iPhones for listening.
Translation with Pixel Buds needs a Gemini-compatible Android phone with Gemini as the default assistant, plus an internet connection.
Good to know: Pairing via Fast Pair needs Android 9 or newer.
Only checked for one of them
Can earbuds translate a phone call?
Apple says Live Translation with supported AirPods, including AirPods 5, also works on Phone and FaceTime calls.
Good to know: Beta; needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later with Apple Intelligence.
How we know (4 sources)
Apple support article on Live Translation with AirPods: works with AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5, AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 or AirPods Max 2 and an iPhone 15 Pro or later on iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence on. After both languages are downloaded, all processing happens on the iPhone. Start it in the Translate app, by holding both stems, or by saying "Siri, start Live Translation"; it also works on Phone and FaceTime calls. Labeled beta; Apple warns outputs may be inaccurate and features vary by region and language.
Read the sourceAirPods 5 tech specs (the airpods-4 address now shows AirPods 5; read Oct 24, 2026): up to 4 hours with Active Noise Cancellation on a single charge (6 with noise control off) and up to 20 hours with the case; the Wireless Charging Case version is rated 5 and 22 hours. Hands-free access to Siri AI with "Hey Siri" or "Siri", and Siri Interactions by nodding or shaking your head. Works with iPhone models on the latest iOS.
Read the sourcePixel Buds help article on translation (read Oct 22, 2026): Live Translate in listening mode (translated audio streamed into your ear) and conversation mode (your words translated on the phone, the other person's played in your earbud). Needs a Gemini-compatible Android phone with Gemini as default assistant, the latest Google and Google Translate apps, and an internet connection.
Read the sourceGoogle Store page for Pixel Buds Pro 2 (read Oct 22, 2026): $229; up to 30 hours of listening with the case; hands-free Gemini Live, which needs a compatible Android phone with the Gemini app, a Google Account and an internet connection. Pairing via Fast Pair needs Android 9 or newer. Translation isn't available in all languages or countries and may not be instantaneous.
Read the source