Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

But how good are they really, and is it worth upgrading to the new model? In our detailed review, we examine every aspect of these wireless earbuds—identifying where the Pixel Buds Pro 2 excel and where there’s room for improvement.

What Makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Special?

New headphones hit the market almost weekly, so one may wonder what innovation Google has up its sleeve to stand out from the crowd. The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are more compact, lighter, and better thought-out than their predecessors. They deliver improved audio quality and more efficient Active Noise Cancelling (ANC). At the same time, the developers have doubled down on integrating smart AI functions like Gemini to provide users with an even smoother experience.

Particularly noteworthy is their synergy with Android and Google Pixel smartphones: This is where exclusive features like Spatial Audio, Head Tracking, and Clear Calling shine, which may only work in a limited way—or not at all—on other devices (such as iOS). Additionally, you can enjoy Multipoint Bluetooth, making it easy to switch between laptop, tablet, and smartphone without needing to re-pair the earbuds. But let’s start from the beginning—first, let’s see what you get in the box.

Package Contents and Sustainability

That moment of unboxing brand-new headphones is always exciting. Google packages the Pixel Buds Pro 2 much like some other big manufacturers—aiming for an eco-friendly approach. This means:

• No plastic, but rather sturdy paper packaging.
• Three small boxes for the different ear tips, each neatly placed without extra plastic wrapping.
• No USB cable included—arguably a good move in terms of sustainability, given how many charging cables people already have at home.

The main items in the packaging are, of course, the in-ear earbuds themselves, which come inside a compact charging case. They’re offered in various color options, including classic white and black, as well as more eye-catching shades.

Minimalist packaging fans might appreciate Google’s design, functionality, and sustainability blend. While some manufacturers are still grappling with mountains of plastic, Google employs a clean, well-considered concept.

Facelift Compared to the Predecessor

Recalling the first Pixel Buds Pro (see our previous review), one might remember a design that felt a bit chunky. Now, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are noticeably more compact and weigh in at about 4.7 grams per earbud—lighter than before. They sit more comfortably in your ears and also look sleeker.

The outer shape has a gentle curve, which not only looks chic but, according to Google, also ensures a better fit. In practice, we find they do indeed sit more securely and are less prone to slipping out.

Practical Fin for a Better Grip

A new feature is the small fin on the back of each bud. It helps keep the earbuds stable in your ears, even if you’re on the move or making quick head movements. Those who plan to use the Pixel Buds Pro 2 while exercising will be glad they require fewer re-adjustments. Plus, they sit discreetly under a beanie in winter—great news for those who hate when earbuds rub against their hats.

Water and Dust Protection

With an IP54 rating, the Google Pixel eartips are protected against dust and splashes of water. The charging case is also splash-proof (IPX4), which comes in handy in wet conditions, such as rain. Minor showers or sweat during workouts won’t pose a problem.

Charging Case with Built-In Speakers

Speaking of the case: Compared to the previous version, it’s only slightly bigger but a bit heavier due to the built-in speaker. This allows the case to emit an acoustic signal via “Find My Device” if you misplace it. It also supports wireless charging (Qi standard). No more fumbling with cables—just place the case on the charging station, and the earbuds begin charging. The matte finish feels high-quality and is perfectly suited for daily use.

As for build quality, there’s nothing to complain about. Everything fits snugly, with no creaking or wiggling. The overall package feels premium, which aligns well with its price point.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 come not only with external updates but also with significant internal improvements. Google has developed its own chip and refined its audio technology. Let’s take a closer look at these specs.

The Tensor A1 Chip

The new Tensor A1 is the heart of the Pixel Buds Pro 2. According to Google, it processes audio signals at speeds “90 times faster than the speed of sound.” While that sounds lofty, in practice it means audio inputs can be analyzed and adjusted in real time. This benefits both noise cancellation and overall sound quality.

Additionally, Google claims that the SoC can execute smart AI features and voice commands more quickly and accurately. For those who regularly use the built-in voice assistant or want to try out the new Gemini AI, there’s plenty of potential here.

Bluetooth Standard and Codec Support

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 use Bluetooth 5.4 for reliable, stable connections. They support SBC and AAC codecs, covering the majority of everyday use cases. However, they do not support Hi-Res codecs like LDAC, so audiophiles seeking higher-resolution audio might look elsewhere.

Auracast and LC3: Future-Ready Features?

Auracast is another buzzword in audiophile circles. It allows an audio signal to be broadcast to multiple receivers (e.g., other headphones) simultaneously—a handy feature for groups wanting to share music or watch streams together. Although Google has remained largely silent on Auracast, user reports suggest that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 do support this function. However, compatibility also depends on the source device.

They also come with the LC3 codec, providing a more efficient and higher-quality Bluetooth audio transmission. If you plan to rely on the latest Bluetooth standards in the coming years, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 should keep up.

Controls: From Touch Gestures to Voice Assistant

An elegant design only goes so far if day-to-day operation is cumbersome. We wanted to know how well the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can be controlled and what customization options are available.

Gesture Control in Detail

As with the previous model, Google uses touch surfaces on the earbuds. A single tap, double tap, triple tap, and a long press manage playback, calls, and toggling between ANC and transparency modes.

We especially like the swipe gestures for volume control. Rather than swiping up and down, you swipe front to back and vice versa—admittedly odd at first, but it quickly becomes second nature.

What bothers us, however, is that the touch controls offer limited customization. If you want, for example, different button mappings on the left and right earbuds, there’s no direct option. That’s disappointing and places the Pixel Buds Pro 2 behind some competing products that allow more thorough personalization.

Gemini Integration: AI in Focus?

A major new addition is the integration of Google’s own Gemini AI, which has drawn a lot of media attention. Day to day, it works like this: You activate the Google Assistant or Gemini via voice command or a button press and can then interact with it.

Although Gemini usually responds quickly, voice recognition can occasionally misinterpret words like “Gemini” as “Germany” or “Terminal,” leading to amusing or irrelevant answers. Overall, it still feels like a beta version—cool for tech enthusiasts but not necessarily a daily must-have. Still, if you enjoy experimenting, there’s fun to be had.

Battery Life and Charging Case

With a stated runtime of up to eight hours (with ANC on), Google aims for reliable all-day use. In our practical tests, we got close to that figure—depending on the volume and chosen mode, battery life ranged between seven and eight hours. Switching off ANC yields about twelve hours of continuous playback.

The charging case extends this, offering about 30 hours total with ANC or up to 48 hours without ANC before you’ll need a power outlet. For those in a hurry, the case supports quick charging: Five minutes of charging can provide up to 1.5 hours of playback time (without ANC).

These numbers are quite solid and should comfortably last throughout the day. If you’re on long calls and constantly listening to music, you may need to charge the case by evening. But for a typical gym session, daily commute, or lengthy stroll, the battery life is more than sufficient.

Noise Cancelling and Transparency Mode

One of the main selling points of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is Active Noise Cancelling. Google claims considerable fine-tuning over the previous version. Indeed, we found that ambient sounds—like air conditioner hums, fan noise, or traffic—are significantly reduced. Even human voices become fairly muted, so you can work or study with fewer disturbances.

They might not match the highest-end models (like AirPods Pro 2 or some Bose devices) in absolute terms, but the difference is minor. For everyday scenarios, the offered level of ANC is more than adequate.

Realistic Transparency Mode

Where there’s light, there’s also shadow—but in this case, the transparency feature truly shines. Compared to older models, it sounds noticeably more natural. Voices around you remain lifelike, and if a car approaches, it’s almost as if you’re not wearing earbuds at all. You’ll still detect a faint background hiss, but it’s easy to overlook.

Sound Quality: Bass, Mids, and Highs

Even the best noise cancellation is useless if the sound is weak. Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature 11 mm drivers and a newly developed audio engine to deliver a balanced yet dynamic sound.

• Bass: The previous version occasionally suffered from a slight boominess, but now the bass reproduction feels much more precise. You may notice a slight lack of deep-bass pressure here and there, but overall it’s very pleasant. Bass lovers can enable the “Extreme Bass” preset in the app, which adds a noticeable thump—though not on the level of certain “bass-heavy” rivals.
• Mids: Vocals and instruments take center stage, which we appreciate. In the lower mids, some tracks sound slightly veiled, meaning voices might not always sparkle. A bit of EQ tweaking can improve clarity.
• Highs: The Pixel Buds Pro 2 provide a decent level of detail without being harsh. The highest frequencies could use a bit more sparkle, but overall, the tuning is suitable for daily listening. The relatively tame highs also mean longer listening sessions are comfortable.

Equalizer and Presets

If you enjoy tinkering with the sound, the companion app—or the system settings on Pixel phones—offers five presets plus a 5-band EQ. You can shape the sound to your liking. Our tip: If you want more sparkle, increase the upper mids and highs slightly.

You can also do some test-listening with different presets to see which suits your current music genre or podcast. However, keep in mind you can only store one custom preset, which is a bit limited.

Spatial Audio and Head Tracking

A nifty perk for owners of newer Pixel smartphones is Spatial Audio with Head Tracking. Essentially, it creates a virtual 3D sound field that shifts as you move your head, enhancing immersion in films or games. Not all Pixel models support it, though, so if you have a Pixel a-series phone or a non-Pixel Android device, you may miss out on this 3D audio feature.

Phone Calls and Clear Calling

Phone call clarity is often a sticking point with Bluetooth earbuds—it’s frustrating when the other person repeatedly says they can’t hear you well. With the Pixel Buds Pro 2, there’s not much to criticize here. Voices come through loud and clear, and background noise is effectively filtered out. If you spend a lot of time on calls, you’ll also appreciate that these earbuds fit comfortably in your ears without causing pressure.

Owners of newer Pixel devices (Pixel 8 or later) get additional perks like Clear Calling and Super Wide Band. Clear Calling reduces ambient noise and highlights your voice, while Super Wide Band ups the sampling rate for mic signals from 16 kHz to 32 kHz, supposedly yielding a more natural sound—making phone calls feel more like an in-person chat. We couldn’t test this ourselves due to a lack of suitable hardware, but it sounds promising.

In conjunction with a current Pixel phone, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 truly come into their own. Those using iPhones, on the other hand, might miss some features and could be better off with the AirPods Pro 2.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a significant improvement over their predecessors: They offer a more comfortable fit, more effective noise cancellation, and a notable leap in balanced, precise audio quality. Android users—especially those with recent Pixel smartphones—benefit from seamless system integration and extra features that enrich the user experience.
For iOS users, however, the AirPods Pro 2 remain the better choice, as Google’s model behaves more like a generic Bluetooth headset on Apple devices. That’s not the end of the world, but it’s clear that Google designed these earbuds primarily with Android and Pixel devices in mind.

Those seeking a solid all-rounder with convincing audio and noise cancellation will find the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to be a strong offering. Sure, the AI features (Gemini) still have a few hiccups, but that shouldn’t deter anyone from considering them a worthy competitor in the true wireless sphere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 suitable for sports?

Yes. Thanks to their compact design, stabilizing fin, and IP54 rating, these earbuds are indeed suitable for workouts. Sweat and light moisture won’t be an issue.

Do the Pixel Buds Pro 2 work with older smartphones?

Generally, yes. As long as your phone supports Bluetooth, you can pair it with the Pixel Buds Pro 2. However, some features like Spatial Audio or Clear Calling require specific Pixel models.

How effective is the ANC compared to other premium headphones?

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer highly effective ANC that significantly reduces ambient noises. They may fall slightly behind the best-in-class AirPods Pro 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds, but they’re close enough for most daily scenarios.

Can the touch gestures be customized?

Unfortunately, customization is limited. Google doesn’t currently allow fully remapping each gesture. You can only disable certain features like in-ear detection or assign the voice assistant to the left or right bud.

What’s Auracast, and how do I use it?

Auracast is a feature enabling an audio signal to be transmitted to multiple receivers (e.g., additional headphones) simultaneously. Officially, Google hasn’t shared many details, but reports suggest the Pixel Buds Pro 2 support it. However, the source device also needs to be compatible for Auracast to function properly.