84

Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds

In-ear TWS · ANC · 8h/30h · Tensor A1 · BT 5.4

$230

MSRP

88

WF-1000XM6 Earbuds

In-ear TWS · ANC · 8h/24h · LDAC · BT 5.3

$280

MSRP

Our verdict

The WF-1000XM6 Earbuds takes the performance lead with a 5% higher overall score, driven by its more shader cores, more of memory, and higher TFLOPS of compute power. In gaming benchmarks at 1440p, it delivers roughly 0% more frames per second across demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Alan Wake 2.

However, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds tells a compelling value story. At $230 versus the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds's $280 price tag, it costs 22% less while delivering performance that's only 5% behind. Its of memory is still more than enough for 1440p and even 4K gaming in most titles.

Our recommendation: for the majority of gamers targeting 1440p or even 4K with upscaling enabled, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds is the smarter purchase. The WF-1000XM6 Earbuds only makes sense if you need the absolute maximum performance for native 4K ray tracing, professional 3D rendering, or AI workloads where the extra VRAM and compute power provide a tangible advantage.

Performance winner

WF-1000XM6 Earbuds

5% faster overall

Best value for money

Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds

8% better value per dollar

Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds best for

Power efficiency

8% better value per dollar

Audio

Driver Size
11mm
8.4mm
Frequency Response
20Hz - 20kHz
20Hz - 40kHz
Form Factor
In-ear TWS
In-ear TWS

Battery

Battery Life (ANC On)
8h
8h
Total with Case
30h
24h
Fast Charge
5min → 1.5h
3min → 1h

Comfort

Weight
4.7g
4.8g
IP Rating
IP54
IPX4
Wireless Charging
Yes (Qi)
Yes (Qi)

Connectivity

Bluetooth
5.4
5.3
Codecs
AAC, SBC
LDAC, AAC, SBC
Multipoint
Yes (2 devices)
Yes (2 devices)

Noise Cancellation

Active Noise Cancellation
Yes (Tensor A1)
Yes (V2+QN3)
Transparency Mode
Yes (Adaptive)
Yes (Adaptive)

Frequently asked questions

Is the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds worth $50 more than the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds?

It depends on your needs. The WF-1000XM6 Earbuds scores 88 overall vs 84 for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds. If you need the extra performance for demanding tasks, the premium is justified. For most users gaming at 1440p or below, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds offers better value.

Which GPU is better for 1440p gaming, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds or WF-1000XM6 Earbuds?

The WF-1000XM6 Earbuds delivers higher frame rates at 1440p, but both GPUs handle 1440p gaming well. The WF-1000XM6 Earbuds provides more headroom for ray tracing and future titles, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds still maintains smooth gameplay in current games.

Can the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds handle 4K gaming?

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds can handle 4K gaming in less demanding titles and with upscaling technologies like DLSS or FSR. For native 4K at ultra settings in demanding games, the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds is the better choice with its higher performance ceiling.

Which should I buy, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds or WF-1000XM6 Earbuds?

Choose the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Earbuds if you want the best value for money and primarily game at 1080p or 1440p. Choose the WF-1000XM6 Earbuds if you need maximum performance, play at 4K, or do professional workloads like video editing and 3D rendering.

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