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Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 have arrived in India, and they're making a bold statement with their Rs 22,900 price tag. That's a lot of money, which is why they've got a lot to prove. It also shows how confident Google is about its latest pair of TWS — they have incredible sound, top-notch noise cancellation, and even some fancy AI tricks.
Looking at the Buds Pro, seems like Google went back to the drawing board and completely redesigned these. They're smaller, more comfortable, and they sound even better than before. In fact, some people are even calling them the best-sounding earbuds you can buy right now!
If you know me, you know I get very curious about tech in particular, and this statement alone was enough. I wanted to see if they could really live up to the hype, especially with that premium price. So, I put them through their paces, listening to all kinds of music, taking calls, and even trying out those fancy AI features. Keep reading to know what I think about these.
Design and fit
The earbuds are noticeably smaller and lighter than their predecessors, resulting in a more comfortable and secure fit. This redesign addresses one of the main criticisms of the first gen Pixel Buds Pro: bulkiness and their tendency to slip out of the ears.
The reduced size, combined with a subtle stabiliser fin, ensures that the earbuds stay firmly in place even while jumping or jogging. The inclusion of an XS ear tip size further enhances the fit for individuals with smaller ears. Buds Pro 2 are also equipped with something called twist-to-adjust stabiliser that uses the fin on buds to lock the fit of earbuds, offering more confidence.
The charging case has also undergone a redesign, becoming smaller and more pocket friendly. Even after miniaturisation, the case is still quadrangular in shape, similar to the robotic figure of the Android logo (without its antennas and limbs). Personally speaking, I love this design choice that gives these buds a unique identity.
As expected from flagship TWS, the magnets on the case provide a secure hold to the earbuds and the case gives a satisfying snappy-snap sound when the lid is closed. On the rear, you get a pairing button and around the type-c port is what seems like a speaker, similar to AirPods Pro 2. However, there is no option to ring the speaker on case within Find My, even after installing the Pixel Buds application.
Audio Quality and ANC
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 delivers a balanced and refined audio experience that will appeal to masses. The overall sound profile is natural and well-suited for a variety of genres; be it rock, pop, classical, EDM etc. Custom 11 mm dynamic drivers provide rich and immersive sound, allowing you to notice even the unheard instruments and details of your favourite tracks. The soundstage is impressively wide for earbuds, creating a more engaging listening experience.
You also get an option to tweak your preferred sound profile by using a five-band equaliser (upper treble, treble, mid, bass, low bass). While audiophiles such as myself would always prefer this option, the default tuning is likely to satisfy most listeners.
Google designed its first ever Tensor chip for these earbuds and it definitely makes a difference. The Tensor A1 chip reduces all sorts of external noise providing an immersive listening experience. It can be said that the ANC on Buds Pro 2 is on par with AirPods Pro 2’s ANC, if not surpassing. It can remove the mid and low frequency sounds such as a busy cafe, traffic or crowd chatter. However, high-frequency sounds, like sirens or construction noise, can still be perceptible.
Adding to the prowess of ANC is the transparency mode. As seen in the previous generation, it allows you to hear your surroundings clearly without removing the earbuds. However, with the second gen Buds Pro 2, Google has almost perfected it making it ideal for situations where situational awareness is key. I used them while working at the office and or even during my morning run, I felt it works nicely and in my usage of more than a week, I constantly found myself appreciating it.
There’s also Conversation detection that works similarly to AirPod 4’s Conversation Awareness. It uses AI to detect when you're speaking, automatically switching to Transparency mode so you can hear the conversation around you and switches back to Noise Cancellation mode once it detects no chattering.
Features and Gemini AI
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of features expected in premium earbuds, including multipoint connectivity, touch controls, and hands-free Google Assistant. Multipoint functionality allows for seamless switching between devices, while the touch controls offer intuitive and responsive operation.
One of the most prominent features is the integration of Gemini, Google's super-smart AI assistant. This allows for natural, conversational interactions with Gemini directly through the earbuds without having to manually activate it.
While the concept of initialising Gemini AI without tapping the buds is promising, the AI model itself is under development. Meaning, it can't do everything yet; for example, you can't ask it to play music from your favourite apps like Apple Music or Spotify and will also have inaccuracy to its answers. But to be fair, Gemini's accuracy is separate from the earbuds themselves. The earbuds consistently do their job well, and Gemini reliably starts a Live conversation every single time, just as it should.
One thing I’m really bummed out about is a special pedestal for the “Pixel ecosystem.” Yes, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has some Pixel exclusive features — Spatial audio with Head tracking and Automatic switching of devices. So, if you do not own a Pixel, say goodbye to two of the coolest features of these earbuds.
Battery and charging
Battery life is a crucial consideration for wireless earbuds, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 performs admirably in this regard. With ANC enabled, the earbuds provide up to 7 hours of listening time, which is sufficient for most daily needs. Disabling ANC extends the battery life to an impressive 11 hours.
The charging case further extends the usage time, providing multiple additional charges for a total of up to 31 hours of listening time. Additionally, a quick 15-minute charge provides enough power for several hours of use.
A hard pass for iPhone users
While the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers a compelling package for Pixel users, a nice package to Android users, iPhone users should be aware of a significant limitation. There is currently no dedicated iOS app for the Pixel Buds Pro 2. This means that many of the advanced features, including customisation options, ANC adjustments, and Gemini integration, are not accessible to iPhone users.
If you're an iPhone user looking for earbuds with deep integration and feature customisation, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is not the best choice. You'll probably be better served by AirPods Pro 2 or AirPods 4.
Verdict
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 represents a significant refinement of Google's earbud offering over its predecessor. The improved design, enhanced audio quality, and effective noise cancellation make them a compelling choice for users seeking a premium earbud experience. While the Gemini AI features are still under development, they offer a glimpse into the future of AI interaction.
With their comfortable fit, balanced sound, and comprehensive features, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a strong contender in the competitive true wireless earbud market, particularly for Pixel and Android users. However, the lack of an iOS app significantly limits their appeal to iPhone users.