Apple AirPods Pro 3 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
3 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?
With Live Translation, AirPods Pro 3 translate what the other person says into your language; your reply shows as text or audio on your iPhone.
Good to know: Labeled beta. Apple warns translations may be inaccurate; availability varies by region and language.
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 take Siri voice commands; for example, "Siri, start Live Translation" starts a translation hands-free.
Good to know: Siri features depend on your iPhone and region.
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.
Which phone do translation earbuds need?
Live Translation needs an iPhone 15 Pro or later on iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence turned on.
Good to know: Also works with AirPods Pro 2, AirPods 4 (ANC), AirPods 5 and AirPods Max 2.
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?
Live Translation also works on calls in the Phone app and on FaceTime while you wear your AirPods.
Good to know: Same requirements as Live Translation: iPhone 15 Pro or later, iOS 26, Apple Intelligence. Beta.
How we know (3 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 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