Google’s Pixel buds the series has always been worthy fellow For Pixel phones. The company doesn’t just have an over-ear set to offer options similar to what Apple has for iPhone users. Of course, Google started later than its rival, but like its Silicon Valley counterpart, the company designed its headphones to work best with its devices. To get the best features, you need both a phone and a headset from Google. This is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Like Apple, Google is on version 2.0 of its Pro series headphones. The first model It debuted in 2022and introduced active noise cancellation (ANC) for the first time in the Pixel Buds set. Notable features like spatial audio were missing at launch, so the first set of Pixel Buds Pro weren’t quite at their full potential yet. with Pixel Buds Pro 2 (229 dollars), Google has the ducks in a row, shipping its new flagship headphones with the powerful Tensor chip for the first time and providing a silent transmission channel to Gemini AI. There’s a new design, longer battery life and updated acoustics, but once again the company charges you more than the previous version for all the new features.
Google has once again replaced the top-of-the-line Pixel Buds. These headphones aren’t perfect, but the improved fit and sound quality are worth the upgrade.
- Small, convenient design
- Punchy bass, full mids, crisp highs
- Slightly longer battery life than its predecessor
- The price went up again
- Surround sound is limited to video applications
- A smaller touchpad requires precision
Design
The first thing that struck me about the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is how small they are. While a 27 percent reduction in size may not sound like a huge reduction, it certainly is. This model is smaller than the previous one, and Google has also reduced the overall weight by 1.5 grams. The result is a smaller headphone that fits more comfortably and securely in your ear.
Google has reworked the general form here as well. To help reduce overall size, the IP54-rated Pixel Buds Pro 2 are now more compact than their predecessors. Like many audio companies, Google says it analyzed millions of ear scans to arrive at this new shape. In addition, the company conducted “real-life wear tests” to make sure the earbuds don’t fall off easily.
To keep the buds in place, Google opted for an “adjustable folding stabilizer” on the back. Everyone’s ears are different and in mine I don’t feel it adds any extra security. As far as I can tell, it doesn’t cling to the curves of my ears when “twisted to close” as Google suggests. However, once I found the best eartip size for me, a secure fit wasn’t an issue as the Pixel Buds Pro 2 stayed put. Plus, the small footprint kept things comfortable for long usage sessions, which hasn’t always been the case with Google headphones.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 still have a powerful set of built-in controls, but the smaller sized earbuds will require some adjustments to your taps. Since the buds aren’t as big, the touchpad offers less real estate. This means you’ll have to be more precise with your fingers, which took me a while to master. If the larger headphones have an upside, you don’t have to be as precise with your control inputs to get them to register.
Gemini AI and Tensor power
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are Google’s first earbuds with a Tensor chip. Apple has always been interested in discussing the name of the audio processor inside AirPods, but this is the first time I can remember Google doing the same. Thanks to the Tensor A1, the company says it can provide ultra-low-latency audio processing, including multi-path signal handling. Google says it’s creating a “trunk lane” for music so it doesn’t have to worry about the processing required for ANC. The efficiency of the chip also allowed the company to increase the battery life (slightly), despite the overall reduction in the size of the headset.
Google introduces Pixel Buds Pro 2 as the first earphones powered by Gemini AI. But since Gemini replaces Google Assistant Pixel 9it’s like saying they were made for Assistant. Obviously, all Pixel Buds share this capability, so you might want to look beyond the marketing-speak. That’s right, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 work with Gemini for hands-free help with more complex tasks than Assistant, and Gemini Live is here for more conversational connectivity. Of course, you don’t need headphones to use any of these, as you can just use the Pixel 9.
The Tensor and Gemini Pixel Buds Pro 2 aren’t the only notable features. You’ll also get Speech Detection, Hearing Health monitoring, multipoint Bluetooth and the ability to customize the long press option (there are only two options). You can also automatically switch between devices linked to your Google account, which won’t be so convenient if you prefer Pixel phones and MacBook Pros. In the Pixel Buds app, which can also be accessed from the Bluetooth settings menu, you’ll see battery levels and get ANC controls if you need to change them from your phone.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 sound quality
Overall sound quality on the original Pixel Buds Pro is an improvement over the Pixel Buds (2020) and A-Series, both of which lacked enough low-end tone. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have plenty of bass when a song demands it, but it’s not persistent or overwhelming. Google says it redesigned the entire audio system to overhaul the acoustics and drivers for maximum efficiency. Its goal was to deliver the audio signal to your ear as cleanly as possible so that you get accurate, immersive sound without any additional adjustments.
I’m not sure the sound is a huge leap over the Pixel Buds Pro, but there is a noticeable improvement. That bass performance soars when a Deftones alt-metal track or Kaytranada’s electronic hip-hop beats call for it. There isn’t as much nuance as there is in low-end tone Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4these are my current picks best overall sound quality. There’s more than enough to get the job done, though, so the Pixel Buds Pro 2 remain a significant audio improvement over Google’s more affordable earbuds, especially when you consider the sharp highs and adequate midrange on display here. Synth-heavy tracks on Justice’s Hyperdramafor example, surrounds you with hard, textured riffs and driving rhythms.
If you feel the need to make sound adjustments, Google Pixel Buds offers a full 5-band EQ in the settings. There are also five presets, but none of them sound great. In fact, I think they all make it worse. There is also an option to change the sound balance if you need the sound louder in one ear than the other.
Unlike the Pixel Buds Pro, this model ships with Spatial Audio ready to go. However, there are some big caveats here. First, immersive sound requires the Pixel 6 and up, and it doesn’t work with A-series devices. In addition, Spatial Audio only available in compatible video programs. You won’t be able to use it for music. As for Netflix, the streaming service requires you to enable head tracking as well. Google should have simplified things here, but instead it’s a mess. It’s a solid addition if it works when you want it to, but there will definitely be times when it doesn’t.
ANC performance
For the ANC setup on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google says it cancels twice as much noise thanks to its Silent Seal 2.0 system. The company explains that it does this by blocking out a wider range of sounds than the previous model, including high-frequency distractions. That’s right, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 do well with low- to mid-range noise, including the constant hum of a car interior (passenger seat, obviously), loud fans, etc.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 still struggle with things like human voices. To be fair, many headphones and earphones try to block out a noisy neighbor. If you don’t have music or podcasts on, you’ll be able to hear nearby conversations, albeit moderately.
Call quality
For calls, Google is once again using AI to make things sound better. And that goes for both ends of the bell. The company says its Clear Call feature has been improved, which further reduces background noise on your side and distractions that might be around the person you’re talking to when the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is paired with a compatible Pixel phone.
The headphones do a good job of blocking out background noise on their own. Even when you’re recording voice or doing other activities that don’t use Clear Calling, the AI-powered system reduces the noise to the point where you can barely hear it. What’s more, Clear Calling doesn’t just apply to phone calls, it works with apps like Google Meet and some third-party apps (over Wi-Fi). While I don’t think the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will give you clean sound, the heavy lifting they do (with the help of a Pixel phone) to isolate you from background noise is admirable.
Battery life on the Pixel Buds Pro 2
Google promises up to eight hours of battery life with ANC enabled on the Pixel Buds Pro 2. When you factor in the case and buds, you’re looking at up to 30 hours of noise-cancelling use. I didn’t keep ANC on the whole time during my tests, but I did use transparency mode during calls and when I needed to listen to my kids or the doorbell. I clocked in at just over eight hours with the volume at around 50-75 percent, which varied depending on whether I was streaming from the Pixel 9 or MacBook Pro.
The IPX4-rated Pixel Buds Pro 2 case supports both wired and wireless charging, so you have an alternative option there. Plus, a 15-minute rest in the case will give the earbuds enough juice to last up to three hours.
Competition
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the best-sounding and most comfortable option in Google’s headphone lineup. This makes them the best choice if you’re into all the integrations for Pixel phone owners. If you can live without all that, you’ll find better sound quality and more advanced features elsewhere. Sony’s WF-1000XM5 it’s mine current top pickdue to compatibility, sound performance, ANC quality and other tools offered by the company. You’ll get Speak-to-Chat auto-pause for short convos and DSEE Extreme extension to restore detail typically lost through Bluetooth compression. There is also the option to automate sound settings based on activity or location.
If clear sound performance is what you desire, Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 is the best bet. These headphones don’t have the powerful feature set that Sony packs, but the sound quality is the best in my opinion. The company also recently added Auracast support and a Find My Headphones feature similar to Google’s Find My Device.
Collection
Like the Pixel Buds Pro 2022, the second version of Google’s more expensive headphones is the best the company has to offer. They are more expensive than their predecessors, but at the same time they are stronger, more comfortable and last longer. There are some confusing caveats with Spatial Audio, and the onboard controls can take some getting used to, however Pixel Buds Pro 2 it’s improvement where it really matters. The same truth remains as it was two years ago: these are headphones made for Pixel phones, so if you’re not one of them, you’ll find better sound performance and expanded features elsewhere.
