In the words of Matthew McConaughey, Alright, Alright, Alright folks, gather ’round, because Google’s back at it again with another pair of earbuds to make your listening experience just that much sweeter. This time, it’s the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and boy, are they making some noise—and in all the right ways. I’ve been using the sleek buds over the last few weeks and it’s more than about time to drop the review, especially with Black Friday and Christmas on the horizon, let’s get into it:
Introduction: The Pixel Buds Pro 2
Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been burned before by a pair of earbuds that promised the moon and stars, only to leave you with dropped connections and that tinny sound you could find in a cereal box prize. Google, though, has decided to learn from their past—and from the other big dogs in the game—to give us something genuinely impressive.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a blend of all the best bits of the original Buds and some serious improvements to things that needed fixing. Google seems to have taken everything they’ve learned from earlier versions and packed it into this release, and it shows. Let’s dive into the different aspects of these earbuds and see what makes them stand out.
Sound Quality: An Immersive Experience
The sound quality on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is sharp. I’m talking about an audio experience that’s genuinely immersive, we’ve reviewed an awful lot of earbuds down the years and to be honest I have swapped these out to become my daily go to set, small compact and stacked, what more could you want? Honestly you can close your eyes and almost forget you’re not on the Luas or in Martys case a scooter. Google’s leveraging custom-built drivers here, and the results are clear: deep bass that doesn’t drown everything else out, and crisp highs, in short for something so small they pack a punch.
Whether you’re listening to the latest pop hits, indulging in some classic rock, or diving into an intricate podcast, ahem you know where to go, these Buds deliver. The balance between the mids, highs, and lows is just right, creating a listening experience that’s rich without feeling overwhelming. True audiophiles might still have some qualms here and there, but for most of us, the sound quality is easily among the best you can find in €200 price range.
Active Noise Cancellation: Escape the Chaos
And let’s talk about ANC (active noise cancellation). Google stepped up their game here big time. The ANC on these earbuds is like an invisibility cloak for sound. Whether you’re working in a café, on a plane, or just trying to escape the chaos of a busy household, these Buds let you create your own little bubble, genuinely I was walking through the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick during silly season and totally zoned out. The noise cancellation is adaptive too, meaning it adjusts based on your surroundings, and the effect is smooth and effective.
Of course, there’s the transparency mode as well—a feature I personally can’t live without—letting you stay aware of what’s happening around you when necessary (otherwise I would totally,100% get flattened by a bus, it’s who I am). Whether it’s a chat with a barista or just keeping an ear on traffic, it’s smooth and natural. The transition between ANC and transparency is seamless, making these earbuds versatile for both work and play.
Comfort and Fit: Designed for Long Listening Sessions
Comfort is another big selling point here. They’ve made the Buds lighter and more ergonomic this time, and they’ve got a few ear tip options to fit all kinds of weird ear shapes (yours truly included). I’ve worn these bad boys for a couple of hours at a time, and I have to say, they pass the long-wear test—no ear fatigue, no sudden urges to fling them across the room.
The ear tips come in multiple sizes, and Google has also added a fit test in the app to ensure you’re using the correct size. This extra step really helps with noise isolation and overall comfort. The design also minimizes the pressure on the ear canal, which is a huge plus for anyone who’s experienced discomfort from other in-ear models.
Battery Life: All-Day Listening
Battery life? Stellar. You’re looking at up to 7 hours with ANC on and around 11 hours with it off. That’s enough for a few gym sessions, a couple of podcast episodes, and maybe even some doomscrolling on the commute. Plus, the case itself gives you nearly 30 hours in total, and it supports both wireless and USB-C charging. Nice one, Google.
The quick charge feature is also super handy—just 5 minutes in the case can get you about an hour of listening time. It’s perfect for those moments when you’re heading out the door and realize you forgot to charge them. Overall, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 deliver enough juice to keep you going all day, and then some.
Smart Features: Google Assistant and Seamless Connectivity
Of course, let’s not forget the smart stuff—after all, it’s Google we’re talking about. The integration with Google Assistant is slick, and you can ask it to read out notifications, respond to texts, or play that niche Spotify playlist you’re obsessed with. It’s genuinely useful for those moments when your hands are full or you’re just feeling extra lazy (no judgment here). I personally don’t use these features half enough but it is what it is, they are fun and useful but to be honest you will probably just use them as good old stock earbuds and that’s ok too.
They’ve also made the connection super stable this time—finally—so you don’t get the dreaded dropout as you move between rooms. The multipoint connection feature is a game changer, allowing you to easily switch between devices, like from your laptop to your phone, without any hiccups. If you’re working from home and moving between video calls and music, this feature alone is worth its weight in gold.
Touch Controls: A Work in Progress
The touch controls on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, they’re intuitive, allowing you to play/pause, skip tracks, or adjust volume with a few simple taps and swipes. On the other hand, they still take a bit of getting used to, especially when trying to get the perfect balance between pausing a song and accidentally skipping it entirely.
With time, you do get the hang of it, but there’s still room for improvement. The sensitivity could use a tweak to make it a bit more forgiving. That said, it’s by no means a dealbreaker, and the convenience of touch controls still adds a lot to the overall experience.
The Goosed Opinion: A Strong Contender
Are these the earbuds to rule them all? Almost, there are some solid competitors in this price point. While Google has knocked it out of the park with sound, comfort, and features, they’re not immune to a few hiccups. The touch controls, for instance, still take a bit of getting used to, but all in all, these minor gripes are just that—minor.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have made a strong case for themselves as the go-to earbuds for anyone in the Android ecosystem (or anyone at all, really). They’re a serious contender, combining style, tech, and that sweet, sweet sound quality we all crave. If you’re looking to upgrade, you won’t be disappointed with these in your ears.
Ultimately, Google has learned from the past and delivered an excellent product in the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Whether you’re an Android diehard or just someone looking for great sound quality and smart features, these Buds are worth your consideration. With solid ANC, great comfort, and a robust set of smart features, they’re a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to upgrade their audio game.
