Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: Stellar Sound with Some Rough Edges
Google has continued to build its presence in the audio space with the launch of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, promising improved sound, better features, and a seamless integration with the broader Google ecosystem. While there’s a lot to love about these earbuds, there are also a few areas where they don’t quite hit the mark. Let’s dive into what makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 a worthy contender in the world of wireless audio, and where they fall short.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 maintain the signature minimalistic design that Google’s earbuds are known for. With a sleek, rounded shape and a subtle, modern look, they feel just as premium as they look. The earbuds are compact and come with a matte finish, which provides a solid grip and keeps them from looking too glossy or cheap.
Fit and comfort are decent, but not revolutionary. The ear tips are designed to sit snugly, providing a secure fit for most ears, although people with smaller ear canals might find them a bit bulky. They come with three ear tip sizes to offer some degree of customization, but users who struggle with finding the perfect fit in other earbuds may encounter similar issues here.
The charging case is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around. It supports wireless charging and USB-C fast charging, which adds convenience.
Audio Quality: A Sonic Step Forward
Google has really stepped up its game with the sound quality on the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Powered by custom-designed 11mm dynamic drivers, the audio is well-balanced, with deep bass, rich mids, and clear highs. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy tracks or something more acoustic, the sound profile adjusts well, delivering an immersive experience.
For audiophiles, there’s also the inclusion of adaptive sound that adjusts audio levels based on your environment. This feature works smoothly, increasing the volume in noisy surroundings and dialing it down when you’re in a quieter space.
However, while the audio quality is excellent for casual listening, it still might not satisfy those looking for the absolute best sound detail compared to premium competitors like Sony’s or Bose’s flagship earbuds.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
Active Noise Cancellation is one of the major selling points for the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Google has improved this feature considerably. The ANC performs well in blocking out most ambient noises, such as background chatter or the hum of engines during travel. It isn’t perfect—especially in comparison to top-tier models like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II—but it does a good enough job for most everyday situations.
The transparency mode is another useful feature, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying your music. It’s a great touch, especially when you’re out and about or need to quickly hear announcements.
Battery Life: A Solid Performer
Battery life on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is impressive. With ANC turned on, the earbuds offer around 7 hours of continuous use, which extends to around 11 hours without ANC. The charging case provides an additional 20 hours of battery life, meaning you can go several days without needing to plug them in.
The fast-charging feature is particularly handy. A quick 5-minute charge can give you about an hour of playtime, which is great for those moments when you’re in a rush.
Smart Features: Where Google Shines
One of the strongest aspects of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is their deep integration with the Google ecosystem. Google Assistant is just a tap away, and voice commands are smooth and responsive. You can easily check notifications, send texts, or control music playback with simple voice commands.
For Android users, especially those using Pixel devices, the seamless pairing and smart features like Find My Device or automatic switching between devices make using these earbuds a breeze. However, if you’re an iPhone user, some of these smart features won’t be available, which could limit the overall experience.
The touch controls are intuitive and responsive, allowing you to control playback, adjust volume, and toggle between ANC modes with a few simple taps. You can even customize the touch controls through the Google Pixel Buds app, which is a nice added level of personalization.
Connectivity: Almost Flawless
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 use Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring a stable and fast connection, even over longer distances. There’s support for Multipoint connectivity, allowing you to switch between two devices seamlessly. Whether you’re connected to your phone and laptop or tablet and smartphone, the transition is mostly smooth, though there can occasionally be a slight lag.
Unfortunately, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 do not support aptX or LDAC codecs, which could be a downside for audiophiles seeking higher-resolution audio. Instead, they rely on SBC and AAC, which deliver decent quality but aren’t on par with the competition offering more advanced codecs.
What Could Be Better
While the Pixel Buds Pro 2 get many things right, there are a few shortcomings. First, the price point is a bit steep for what they offer. Considering that there are other wireless earbuds in the same range (like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II) that deliver slightly better ANC and sound quality, the Buds Pro 2 might feel overpriced for some.
The lack of support for high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC or aptX may also be a dealbreaker for those who prioritize premium sound quality over convenience.
Lastly, the fit may not work for everyone. Some users may find the earbuds a bit bulky, especially during extended use, which could lead to some discomfort.
Final Verdict
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are an impressive offering from Google, with excellent sound quality, solid noise cancellation, and deep integration with Android and Google services. While they’re not perfect—particularly in terms of high-end audio codecs and ANC compared to competitors—they offer a well-rounded package that will appeal to most users. For Android users, especially those invested in the Google ecosystem, these earbuds provide a smart and seamless audio experience.
If you’re looking for great sound, smart features, and a design that blends into your lifestyle, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are worth considering, even if there’s some room for improvement.
