The new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 aim to refine and enhance what made their predecessor a strong competitor in the premium wireless earbuds market. With improved active noise cancellation (ANC), longer battery life, enhanced sound quality, and deeper integration with Google’s ecosystem, these earbuds promise a seamless experience for Android users. But do they live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll dive into their design, audio performance, features, and overall value to see if they’re worth the price of $229.
Review
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 come in four colors, Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, and Peony (pink). The case looks just like the previous generation, except it has a little speaker on the bottom, right next to the USB-C port. There is an indicator light on the front, and overall the case looks very nice. In the box, you get extra silicon ear tips of different sizes, and a user manual (why no charging cable?).
The earbuds themselves look very similar to the previous generation, except they are a little smaller. There is a little sports hook on the earbuds, and you can twist the earbuds in your ear to get it in place so that the earbuds stay on during workouts. The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are very light, and they feel comfortable to put on.
There are three microphones in each earbud, and they sound good for wireless earbuds. The Pixel Buds 2 Pro have the new Google A1 chip, which allows you to talk with the Gemini AI directly via the earbuds, without taking out your phone. You can do everything with the buds and this AI, like sending an email, setting an alarm, getting directions, or taking notes. The earbuds have a dust and water resistance rating of IP54, so they will be good for workouts. For connectivity, you get Bluetooth 5.4, with AAC and SBC codecs.
If you have a Google phone, you can just pair your earbuds and then you can tweak the settings. If you have any other phone, you will need to download the Pixel Buds app to change settings like the EQ, the ANC, and the touch controls. You can choose from six different EQ presets and you can customize it yourself.
You can also use Find My Device, which will ping the earbuds, and a chime will play from your earbuds or the little speaker on the case. You can enable Mono Audio, change the volume balance between the earbuds, and conduct an ear tip seal check to see if you are getting the perfect fit. There is a feature called Conversation Detection, which automatically shifts from ANC mode to Transparency mode when you’re having a conversation. You also have Multipoint, which lets you instantly switch between your phone and your laptop.
The Google Pixel Buds 2 Pro have 12 hours of battery life with ANC off, and 48 hours with the case. If you have ANC on, you will get eight hours of battery life without the case, and 30 hours with the case. The case charges via USB-C, and you can get 30 minutes of battery life with five minutes of charging.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 sound great. The sound does get a little harsh at high volumes, but that is the case with most of the other earbuds on the market. Overall, the sound is clear and natural, and the bass is deep and punchy. The ANC and Transparency Modes are amazing, right up there with the AirPods 4 and the Sony WF-1000XM5s.
Verdict
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 successfully build on their predecessor’s strengths, delivering improved ANC, better sound quality, and deeper integration with Google’s ecosystem. With features like real-time AI assistance, Conversation Detection, and Multipoint connectivity, they offer a truly smart wireless earbud experience. Battery life is excellent, and the comfortable fit makes them great for long listening sessions and workouts. While the lack of a charging cable in the box is a minor downside, and the sound can get harsh at high volumes, these earbuds are an excellent choice for Android users—especially those within the Google ecosystem. At $229, they offer strong competition against other premium earbuds like the AirPods 4 and Sony WF-1000XM5.
FAQs
1. Do the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 work with iPhones?
Yes, they can connect to iPhones via Bluetooth, but you won’t have access to some features like Google Assistant integration and customizable EQ settings.
2. Do these earbuds support spatial audio?
Yes, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 support spatial audio with head tracking on compatible devices, enhancing immersion for movies and music.
3. Can I use only one earbud at a time?
Yes, you can use a single earbud while the other remains in the case. This is useful for calls or when you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
4. How good is the ANC compared to competitors?
The ANC is excellent, competing closely with the AirPods 4 and Sony WF-1000XM5, making them a strong choice for noise cancellation.
5. Are the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 good for workouts?
Yes, they have an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, a secure fit, and a lightweight design, making them great for workouts.