Microsoft Surface Buds vs. Apple AirPods Pro: Which Headset Reigns Supreme in 2024?
What To Know
- The Surface Buds feature a sleek, minimalist design with interchangeable ear tips in four sizes, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for most ear shapes.
- The AirPods Pro offer exceptional audio quality with Adaptive EQ, which automatically adjusts the sound profile to suit the user’s ear shape and music preferences.
- The Surface Buds provide up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 16 hours of playback time from the included charging case.
In the realm of wireless earbuds, Microsoft Surface Buds and Apple AirPods Pro stand out as formidable contenders. Both earbuds offer a plethora of features and capabilities, catering to the diverse needs of audiophiles and tech enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive comparison delves into the key differences between these two industry-leading products, providing you with the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Design and Comfort
Microsoft Surface Buds: The Surface Buds feature a sleek, minimalist design with interchangeable ear tips in four sizes, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for most ear shapes. The buds are lightweight and discreet, making them suitable for extended listening sessions without causing discomfort.
AirPods Pro: The AirPods Pro boast an in-ear design with three silicone ear tip sizes for a customizable fit. They utilize Apple’s signature stem design, which some users may find more comfortable than the Surface Buds’ buttonless approach. The AirPods Pro also feature an innovative “Transparency Mode” that allows ambient noise to pass through, enhancing situational awareness.
Audio Quality
Microsoft Surface Buds: The Surface Buds deliver a balanced and immersive audio experience with support for aptX and SBC codecs. They feature 13.6mm drivers that produce clear, detailed sound with a wide dynamic range. The buds also incorporate Dolby Digital Plus for enhanced spatial audio and a more cinematic listening experience.
AirPods Pro: The AirPods Pro offer exceptional audio quality with Adaptive EQ, which automatically adjusts the sound profile to suit the user’s ear shape and music preferences. They feature 10mm drivers that deliver powerful bass and crisp highs. The AirPods Pro also support spatial audio with head tracking, creating a more immersive listening experience.
Noise Cancellation
Microsoft Surface Buds: The Surface Buds do not offer active noise cancellation (ANC). Instead, they rely on passive noise isolation from their ear tips to block out external noise. This approach provides a decent level of noise reduction but may not be sufficient for environments with significant background noise.
AirPods Pro: The AirPods Pro feature industry-leading ANC that effectively blocks out most external noise. They utilize dual microphones to detect and cancel incoming sound waves, creating a quiet and immersive listening experience. The AirPods Pro also offer a “Transparency Mode” that allows users to hear their surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Battery Life
Microsoft Surface Buds: The Surface Buds provide up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 16 hours of playback time from the included charging case. The buds support fast charging, offering up to 2 hours of playback from a 15-minute charge.
AirPods Pro: The AirPods Pro offer up to 4.5 hours of battery life on a single charge, with an additional 24 hours of playback time from the charging case. The buds support fast charging, providing up to 1 hour of playback from a 5-minute charge.
Connectivity and Features
Microsoft Surface Buds: The Surface Buds connect via Bluetooth 5.0 and support the Swift Pair feature for quick and easy pairing with Windows 10 devices. They also feature touch controls for music playback, volume adjustment, and voice assistant activation.
AirPods Pro: The AirPods Pro connect via Bluetooth 5.0 and support the H1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices. They offer touch controls for music playback, volume adjustment, and noise cancellation modes. The AirPods Pro also feature the “Hey Siri” voice assistant integration.
Price and Availability
Microsoft Surface Buds: The Microsoft Surface Buds are available for purchase in the United States for $199.99. They are also sold in select international markets.
AirPods Pro: The Apple AirPods Pro are available for purchase in the United States for $249.99. They are sold globally in Apple Stores and authorized retailers.
Which Earbuds Are Right for You?
The choice between Microsoft Surface Buds and AirPods Pro ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize comfort, battery life, and value, the Surface Buds offer an excellent option. However, if you demand the best possible audio quality, noise cancellation, and seamless integration with Apple devices, the AirPods Pro are the superior choice.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which earbuds have better sound quality?
A: Both Surface Buds and AirPods Pro offer excellent audio quality, but the AirPods Pro have a slight edge due to their Adaptive EQ and spatial audio support.
Q: Which earbuds have better noise cancellation?
A: The AirPods Pro feature industry-leading active noise cancellation, making them the clear winner in this category.
Q: Which earbuds have longer battery life?
A: The Surface Buds offer longer battery life with up to 24 hours of total playback time, compared to 28.5 hours for the AirPods Pro.
Q: Which earbuds are more comfortable?
A: Both Surface Buds and AirPods Pro offer a comfortable fit, but the Surface Buds have a slight advantage due to their interchangeable ear tips and buttonless design.
Q: Which earbuds are better for working out?
A: The AirPods Pro are more suitable for workouts as they feature an IPX4 water resistance rating, while the Surface Buds are not water-resistant.
