Review Summary

Get ready to elevate your audio experience with Google’s latest innovation—the Pixel Buds Pro 2! These earbuds represent a significant shift in design and functionality, lightyears ahead of their predecessors. They are 27% smaller and 24% lighter, making them far more comfortable for long-term wear. Users will be thrilled to find that improvements in active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes are truly noteworthy, providing a rich listening experience that is hard to beat.

Pricing and Features

At a price of $229, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 come with a $30 premium over the original model; however, that cost feels justified given the plethora of enhancements. The introduction of the Tensor A1 chip marks a groundbreaking moment for Google, offering custom silicon that significantly boosts audio performance. This chip makes noise cancellation twice as powerful while ensuring your audio remains pristine during playback.

Design and Comfort

Comfortably nestled in your ears, the new design solves the fitting issues of the original Pixel Buds Pro that some users experienced. Running, talking, or even simply going about daily life, these earbuds stay in place. This achievement is thanks to the updated size and the addition of a stabilizer fin, ensuring a secure fit no matter the activity.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

The noise cancellation feature has seen impressive improvement, though it still trails behind Bose, the industry leader. Where Google has truly shined is in transparency mode—an area where the Pixel Buds Pro 2 now rival Apple’s AirPods Pro for clarity and the sensation of not wearing anything at all. While Google has yet to include features like Apple’s adaptive audio settings, the progress they’ve made is commendable.

Audio Quality

When exploring the audio quality, the enhancements from the Tensor A1 chip are not as pronounced. The sound is clear and crisp, with a focus on balanced frequencies. A new high-frequency chamber provides smoother treble, but if you’re after rich bass, you might still lean towards options like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 4 or Technics’ AZ80, albeit at a higher price point.

Connectivity

For connectivity, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are limited to standard AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs, leaving some users wanting more. On the upside, the Pixel Buds app includes a noteworthy Hearing Wellness feature, ensuring your volume levels are safe. True multipoint support and automatic device-switching are welcome features, though low latency is mainly restricted to Google’s newer phones.

Voice Assistant Functionality

One of the standout features is the hands-free voice assistant functionality. With the ability to engage in a conversation with Gemini—the advanced AI assistant—you can have quick chats without lifting a finger. However, the limitations of Gemini Live quickly become apparent. It can’t set reminders or send messages, leaving users craving more cohesive integration in future updates. Imagining a robust AI capable of facilitating real-life tasks is tempting, but for now, its primary function is simple conversation.

Battery Life

Battery life is another highlight of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, with a remarkable eight hours of listening time with ANC enabled, stretching to 12 hours without it. Combined with the case, you can expect a whopping 30 to 48 hours of total listening time, making these earbuds perfect for extended use on the go.

Conclusion

In an increasingly competitive market, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 stand tall as a testament to Google’s commitment to innovation and quality. While the Gemini Live experience could use some polishing, the earbuds themselves are a monumental upgrade, ensuring users receive an all-around stellar audio experience. With these earbuds on your ears, you won't just hear the music—you’ll feel it!

Don’t miss the chance to enhance your sound journey with the cutting-edge features of Google Pixel Buds Pro 2—your music and conversations have never sounded so good!