The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the latest iteration of Google’s true wireless earbuds, following the success of the original Pixel Buds and the Pixel Buds A-Series. These new earbuds are packed with advanced features, aimed at providing a premium audio experience for both casual listeners and audiophiles alike. With upgrades in sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), comfort, and battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are designed to be an all-around excellent option for anyone in the market for wireless earbuds.
This review takes a closer look at the design, sound quality, performance, comfort, and features of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to help you decide if they are the right choice for your listening needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature a familiar, but slightly refined design from the original Pixel Buds. They have a more ergonomic fit with a smaller, more compact shape that sits comfortably in the ear. The earbuds come with multiple sizes of silicone ear tips, ensuring a good seal for different ear shapes and sizes. This is essential for both comfort and optimal performance, especially when it comes to noise isolation.
The charging case is sleek and compact, made of high-quality plastic with a matte finish. It is small enough to easily fit in your pocket, making it convenient for on-the-go use. The case also features USB-C charging and supports wireless charging, adding an extra layer of convenience for users.
The IPX4 water resistance rating means that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are sweat and splash-resistant, making them a solid choice for workouts and outdoor activities. However, they are not fully waterproof, so you should avoid exposing them to heavy rain or submerging them in water.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is one of the standout features of the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Equipped with 11mm custom drivers, they deliver a rich, balanced sound profile with clear highs, deep lows, and a well-rounded midrange. The sound is well-suited for a variety of genres, from bass-heavy EDM to vocal-centric pop and classical music. Whether you’re listening to podcasts, music, or watching movies, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer an enjoyable listening experience.
One of the notable improvements is the bass performance. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer enhanced bass compared to the previous generation, providing a more dynamic and punchy sound. The bass is deep without being overpowering, giving music a more energetic feel. The treble and mids are also well-balanced, ensuring that vocals and instrumental details remain clear even at higher volumes.
The Adaptive Sound feature automatically adjusts the volume based on the level of ambient noise around you, helping ensure a consistent and immersive listening experience, whether you’re in a quiet room or a noisy café. This feature makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 a great choice for people who need their earbuds to perform well in a variety of environments.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
One of the major upgrades of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the addition of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). The ANC technology is highly effective in reducing ambient noise, providing an immersive listening experience. Whether you’re in a noisy office, on public transportation, or in a crowded area, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 do a great job of blocking out unwanted sounds.
The ANC is customizable, with a transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings when needed, such as when walking on busy streets or listening for announcements in airports. The transition between ANC and transparency mode is seamless, and the ability to adjust ANC levels via the app ensures that you can fine-tune the experience to your preference.
While the ANC is not as strong as some premium competitors like the Sony WF-1000XM4 or the Apple AirPods Pro 2, it is still highly effective for most everyday environments, and the added flexibility with the transparency mode is a great touch.
Battery Life
Battery life on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is impressive, offering up to 11 hours of playback with ANC off, and around 7 hours with ANC active. This puts them on par with many of the top-tier wireless earbuds on the market. The charging case adds an additional 20 hours of battery life, meaning you can get several full charges before needing to plug them in.
The case charges quickly, offering up to 1 hour of playback with just a 5-minute charge, which is convenient when you’re in a rush. The USB-C charging and wireless charging options make it easy to keep the earbuds powered up, and the battery life is more than sufficient for daily use or long trips.
Comfort and Fit
The ergonomic design of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 ensures a snug and secure fit, even during extended listening sessions. The silicone ear tips come in different sizes, and it’s important to find the right fit for optimal sound quality and comfort. With the right fit, the earbuds stay securely in place, even during activities like jogging or commuting.
The lightweight design helps reduce any ear fatigue, and the IPX4 water resistance ensures that they can withstand sweat or light rain. While the fit is comfortable for most people, users with smaller or larger ears may need to experiment with the ear tip sizes to find the best seal and comfort level.
Features and Connectivity
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 come packed with features that enhance the overall user experience:
- Google Assistant Integration: Like other Pixel devices, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have seamless integration with Google Assistant. You can access Assistant with a simple touch, allowing you to control music, check notifications, set reminders, or get directions hands-free.
- Multi-Device Pairing: The earbuds support multi-device pairing, which makes it easy to switch between devices like a phone, tablet, or laptop without needing to manually disconnect and reconnect.
- Customizable Controls: The touch controls are responsive and customizable through the Google Pixel Buds app, allowing you to adjust volume, skip tracks, and switch between ANC and transparency modes with simple gestures.
- Find My Device: The earbuds include a Find My Device feature, which helps you locate them if you misplace them.
- Low Latency for Gaming: The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer low-latency audio for gaming, making them a good option for mobile gamers who need quick audio responses.
In terms of connectivity, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 utilize Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable connection with minimal dropouts. Pairing with devices is quick and easy, especially with Pixel phones, where the earbuds automatically connect and sync with your Google account.
Price and Value
At their price point, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer great value for money, especially given the combination of features they provide. The sound quality, ANC performance, long battery life, and additional features make them a solid competitor in the premium wireless earbud market. While they may not surpass some competitors in terms of ANC strength or soundstage, they are a well-rounded option that will meet the needs of most users.
For those already invested in the Google ecosystem, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a particularly compelling choice, as they provide tight integration with Google services and devices.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a premium set of true wireless earbuds that offer great sound quality, effective noise cancellation, long battery life, and a comfortable fit. With a sleek design and a variety of useful features, including seamless Google Assistant integration and multi-device pairing, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 stand out as an excellent choice for users looking for high-performance earbuds in the premium market.
While they may not offer the absolute best in ANC or sound quality when compared to some other top-tier models, they are an excellent option for anyone looking for a reliable and feature-rich pair of earbuds that excel in most everyday scenarios. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or simply enjoying your favorite music, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a solid, all-around choice.
