Pixel Buds Pro 2: Small changes add up in Google’s best earbuds yet for Android users
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. Picture: Noel Campion.
The latest Pixel Buds Pro 2 from Google have many incremental changes rather than a radical overhaul. However, the sum of these improvements makes them a worthy upgrade for Pixel and Android phone users alike.
The charging case looks almost identical to the previous Pixel Buds Pro, maintaining the minimalist egg-shaped form and matte texture that Google fans will recognise. However, a closer look reveals a new speaker cut-out next to the USB-C port, which supports the “Find My Device” feature. This update means that, during the setup, you can link the buds to your account and, should you misplace them, trigger a sound from the case. While the speaker isn’t particularly loud, it’s audible across a room — handy if you’re prone to misplacing things.
The buds are IP54, while the case is IPX4 water and dustproof — enough protection for sweat and light rain.
The Buds Pro 2 are available in four colours – Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, and Peony (pink).
The buds are significantly smaller and more rounded than the previous Pixel Buds Pro. A small rubber fin extends from each earbud, providing added stability during exercise or active use. This fin helps lock the buds into your ear for a snug fit that doesn’t cause discomfort, even after extended wear. The fins are replaceable, but you only get the ones already attached to the buds. However, there are four size options for the ear tips included.
The new design ensures that only the rubber tip touches the inner ear, reducing the sore feeling that sometimes comes after wearing earbuds for long periods.
The touch controls on the buds remain excellent, though the smaller design requires more precision with taps and swipes. I love the ability to control the volume with a simple and intuitive swipe on the surface of the buds. Everything works as it should, and you can customise the controls via the Pixel Buds app.
Battery life is another area in which Google has made improvements. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned on, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers around 30 hours of battery life, which extends to 48 hours with ANC off. This is a noticeable boost from the previous generation and puts the Pixel Buds Pro 2 among the top performers regarding battery longevity. I never ran out of juice during my testing, even on days when I listened for hours. However, if you’re a heavy user and you don’t need ANC, you can significantly extend the times between charges.
As with any audio device, sound quality is important, and the Buds Pro 2 deliver a solid experience. The low end is well-represented but slightly boosted, while the highs lack some clarity in genres featuring complex percussion. However, the Buds Pro 2 sound improved compared to their predecessor.
There's no support for high-quality audio codecs like aptX or LDAC, which is disappointing, especially at this price point. You are limited to AAC and SBC, which are fine, but you won’t be able to take full advantage of the capabilities of high-resolution streaming services.
The Buds Pro 2 has excellent ANC, though not class-leading. The ANC effectively reduces ambient noise, particularly in indoor environments, but doesn’t eliminate it entirely. Transparency mode, however, has received a noticeable improvement. It’s almost as if you’re not wearing earbuds at all — ideal for those needing ambient awareness without removing the buds. However, I found ANC and transparency modes subtly alter the audio profile, slightly affecting the overall sound quality, though it’s not a dealbreaker.
Google’s Gemini AI assistant is integrated into the Buds Pro 2, offering hands-free access to functions through the “Hey Google” command. However, the experience feels underwhelming. There’s no dedicated button for activating Gemini Live, and while the assistant can provide general information or weather updates, it doesn’t currently support specific tasks like fitness tracking.
One notable feature is a timer displayed on your phone when Gemini Live is in use, which shows how long you’ve been in session. It’s a nice touch for those who like to keep tabs on their AI usage, though it would be even better if Gemini were more versatile with fitness or routine assistance.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is a modest improvement over the original, primarily in comfort, battery life, and sound quality. They offer a solid addition for general use, especially if you’re already invested in Google’s ecosystem.
€249 Google Store
