The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are Google’s latest true wireless earbuds, and they mark a significant leap forward from their predecessor, the original Pixel Buds Pro. Having never tested the first pair, I was keen to see how the second generation performs and what improvements have been made. With a price tag of $229, these aren’t the cheapest earbuds on the market, but they promise an impressive array of features and tech that aim to justify the investment.
From their design to the incorporation of Google’s latest AI assistant, Gemini, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer a polished and refined experience. Let’s dive into this comprehensive review to see how well these earbuds live up to their promises.
Hardware and Design: Smaller and Smarter
At first glance, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 appear similar to their predecessor, with a few subtle but impactful changes. The most noticeable is the size. These new earbuds are significantly smaller than the original Pixel Buds Pro, making them more compact and discreet. For fans of sleek, space-saving tech, this is a major plus. Despite the reduction in size, the overall aesthetic remains true to Google’s minimalist design language.
Compact Yet Functional
When I first unboxed the Pixel Buds Pro 2, I was struck by how small they were. While they aren’t the tiniest earbuds on the market, they are definitely more compact than other true wireless options I’ve tried. This smaller size doesn’t compromise their functionality. The buds are designed with ergonomics in mind, ensuring a snug fit without the bulkiness of older models. They are lightweight and sit comfortably in the ear, even during extended use.
One major design change from the previous version is the removal of the wingtip stabilizers. Instead, Google opted for a small, half-circle-shaped tension piece that helps secure the earbuds against your ear canal. Combined with different-sized ear tips included in the box, this ensures a snug and secure fit. The buds stay in place, whether you’re walking, running, or simply moving about during the day.
Color Options and Case Design
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available in four colors: Hazel (which matches the Pixel 8 series), Wintergreen, Peony, and Porcelain. I received the Hazel color, which perfectly matches my Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 3, creating a cohesive ecosystem. The earbuds’ charging case has also been downsized, making it incredibly pocket-friendly. I could easily carry it around without feeling a noticeable bulge in my pocket, a key reason I’ve been taking them everywhere.
The case now includes a built-in speaker, primarily for locating the case if it’s misplaced. This feature is a nice addition, especially for those prone to misplacing their earbuds, and it doubles as an indicator for charging and Conversation Awareness mode.
Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Listening
Comfort and fit are critical, but battery life can make or break wireless earbuds. Google claims up to 12 hours of listening time without Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and up to 8 hours with it turned on. Based on my experience, this is fairly accurate, especially if you primarily use ANC, as I did.
Long-Lasting Power
In my two-week testing period, I used the Pixel Buds Pro 2 primarily with ANC enabled because I prefer to block out ambient noise. With ANC on, I consistently achieved close to 8 hours of battery life. For most users, who likely won’t need to wear the earbuds for that long in one stretch, this is more than sufficient.
The charging case holds enough power for up to 30 hours of use. This meant I only had to plug in the case once every one and a half to two weeks, a considerable convenience for someone who uses earbuds frequently but not non-stop.
Quick Charging for On-the-Go
When it comes to charging, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 don’t disappoint. While it takes about 1.5 hours to fully recharge the case and the earbuds, a quick 15-minute charge provides up to 3 hours of listening time. This fast-charging feature ensures that even if you forget to charge them overnight, a brief power-up will get you through the day. It’s not the fastest charge on the market, but for most users, it’s more than adequate.
Sound Quality: Immersive and Balanced
Sound quality is where the Pixel Buds Pro 2 truly shine. From bass-heavy tracks to podcasts, the earbuds offer rich, immersive sound that rivals the competition.
Crisp Audio with Rich Bass
I tested the Pixel Buds Pro 2 across various genres, including house, trance, rock, and hip-hop, and they consistently delivered clear, dynamic sound. Vocals are crisp, and there’s a satisfying punch to the bass without it overpowering the mids and highs. Whether you’re listening to music or audiobooks, the earbuds provide a well-rounded listening experience.
Spatial Audio and Head Tracking
One of the standout features of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is their Spatial Audio, which significantly enhances the audio experience, particularly for movies and games. Watching shows like Jack Ryan or playing mobile games like Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile became much more immersive with Spatial Audio enabled. The head-tracking feature adds another layer of realism, making you feel like you’re part of the action.
While turning off Spatial Audio might extend battery life slightly, I found the trade-off wasn’t worth it. The improved audio quality is well worth the slight hit to battery life.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode: Next-Level Isolation
The Pixel Buds Pro 2’s Active Noise Cancellation is among the best I’ve experienced in true wireless earbuds. While I haven’t tested some of the top competitors like the AirPods Pro 2 or Sony WF-1000XM5, the ANC on these buds is remarkably effective.
Superior Noise Blocking
Whether driving with the windows down or sitting in a noisy café, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 blocked out virtually all background noise. I even used them while vacuuming my apartment, and the ANC reduced the noise to a faint hum. If you’re someone who values peace and quiet while listening to music or podcasts, these earbuds are an excellent choice.
Transparency Mode for Conversations
Switching to Transparency Mode allows ambient sound to filter through, making it easy to have conversations without removing the earbuds. I found this feature particularly useful while shopping, where I needed to talk to cashiers or when I wanted to hear traffic while walking outside. The ability to toggle between modes with a simple touch on the earbuds is incredibly convenient.
Gemini Integration: A Glimpse into the Future
One of the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s headline features is the integration with Google’s AI assistant, Gemini. While this promises a more conversational, hands-free experience, it’s still in its early stages.
Gemini Live: Promising but Limited
Gemini Live allows users to ask the AI various questions, and it can respond in a more natural, human-like way. However, it currently lacks the functionality of Google Assistant, such as sending messages or making calls. While it’s an intriguing addition, I found myself using Google Assistant more often simply because it can handle a wider range of tasks.
As Gemini continues to evolve, I expect it to become a more valuable part of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 ecosystem. But for now, it feels more like a cool feature than a must-have.
Comfort and Fit: All-Day Wearability
Comfort is crucial when it comes to earbuds, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 excel in this area. I wore them for extended periods, sometimes up to 6-7 hours a day, and never felt any discomfort.
Snug Fit Without the Bulk
The snug fit is largely due to the design tweaks Google has made. The earbuds sit comfortably in your ear without the need for constant adjustment, even during physical activities like walking or eating. I found that I rarely had to reposition them, a significant improvement over other earbuds I’ve used in the past.
Call Quality: Clear and Reliable
For voice calls, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 deliver clear, crisp audio, making them suitable for hands-free calls while driving or walking. I tested them for phone calls and Discord voice chats, and they performed admirably. While they may not replace a dedicated gaming headset for voice chat, they’re more than capable for casual conversations.
Table: Key Features Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of key features between the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the original Pixel Buds Pro:
| Feature | Pixel Buds Pro 2 | Original Pixel Buds Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Smaller, more compact, no wingtip | Larger, with wingtip for ear stabilization |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | 8 hours (up to 12 hours without ANC) | 7 hours (with ANC) |
| Spatial Audio | Yes, with head tracking | No |
| Noise Cancellation | Improved ANC, blocks out more background noise | Standard ANC |
| Case | Smaller, with built-in speaker for location | Larger, no speaker |
Verdict: Are the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Worth It?
In summary, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are an outstanding pair of true wireless earbuds. From their sleek, compact design to their impressive sound quality and effective noise cancellation, these earbuds are a pleasure to use in nearly every situation. While the Gemini integration is still a work in progress, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 excel in all the areas that matter most.