Julio Neves
The Google Pixel Buds Pro have emerged as one of the most interesting additions to the true wireless earbud market, especially for users who value seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem. These earbuds take Google’s existing formula and amplify it with new features, sound quality improvements, and smart capabilities, all aimed at competing with industry giants like Apple’s AirPods Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds. In this review, I’ll dive deep into the Pixel Buds Pro’s performance, design, features, battery life, and how well they deliver on the “Pro” in their name.
1. Design and Build Quality
Unboxing and First Impressions:
The unboxing experience of the Pixel Buds Pro is simple yet satisfying. The earbuds come housed in a rounded, pebble-shaped charging case that has a nice weight and a soft matte finish, which feels premium and fits comfortably in the hand. This case is slightly larger than the one for the standard Pixel Buds but remains pocket-friendly and easy to carry. The earbuds are also available in a variety of colors—Charcoal, Fog, Lemongrass, and Coral—adding some nice personality to the product.
Earbud Design and Fit:
The Pixel Buds Pro themselves have a minimalistic look, with a smooth outer surface that houses the Google logo and is touch-sensitive for controls. Google has clearly invested in making the Pixel Buds Pro as comfortable as possible, and for the most part, they succeed. The earbuds are designed to fit snugly in the ear canal and stay secure even during physical activities. Unlike previous Pixel Buds models, which had a winged design for added stability, the Pixel Buds Pro rely on a slightly contoured shape and silicone ear tips. Google includes three ear tip sizes in the box, so most users should find a comfortable fit.
One standout feature of the Pixel Buds Pro is Google’s “Silent Seal” technology. This is essentially an adaptation of active noise cancellation (ANC) that optimizes the seal in your ear to maximize the ANC effect. For most users, this results in a custom-fit feeling, as the buds adjust the ANC based on how well they fit your ears, though it’s not adjustable manually. Additionally, the buds have an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to splashes and sweat, a must-have for active users.
2. Sound Quality
When it comes to audio performance, the Pixel Buds Pro are a noticeable step up from previous models in Google’s lineup. These earbuds support custom 11mm drivers that Google has tuned to deliver a balanced, immersive sound.
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Bass and Mids:
The bass response on the Pixel Buds Pro is solid. While not overpowering, the low end is punchy enough to make genres like hip-hop and electronic music feel satisfying. The bass is present without muddying the mids, which is an impressive feat for earbuds in this price range. Vocals and instruments are well-defined, and there’s a level of clarity that fans of pop and rock will appreciate. The Pixel Buds Pro do an excellent job of keeping the mids balanced and detailed, making them suitable for a wide range of music genres.
Highs and Treble:
Higher frequencies on the Pixel Buds Pro are crisp, although not as sparkly as you might find on some audiophile-grade earbuds. The treble is detailed but controlled, preventing the earbuds from sounding harsh or overly bright. This tonal choice means that while the Pixel Buds Pro may not have the absolute clarity in the highs that some audiophiles look for, they are less fatiguing for extended listening sessions, making them a good choice for casual listeners and daily use.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC):
The Pixel Buds Pro offer active noise cancellation, a feature that was missing in previous models. The ANC performance is strong enough to compete with other high-end models in the market. While it doesn’t quite match the prowess of the AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM4, it’s more than adequate for commuting and general use. The Silent Seal technology, combined with the ANC, creates an effective barrier against ambient noise, especially in lower frequencies. Although higher-pitched sounds might still bleed through slightly, the ANC provides an enjoyable listening experience, even in bustling environments like coffee shops or public transit.
Transparency Mode:
Google has included a Transparency mode to allow external sounds to pass through the earbuds. This feature works fairly well, offering a natural listening experience where users can still hear nearby conversations or announcements. It’s not as fine-tuned as Apple’s Transparency mode, which feels more like actually not wearing earbuds, but it’s close enough to make a noticeable difference when you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
3. Features and Smart Capabilities
The Pixel Buds Pro are packed with smart features that enhance the overall experience, especially for those who are already in the Google ecosystem.
Google Assistant Integration:
One of the biggest selling points of the Pixel Buds Pro is their seamless integration with Google Assistant. With a simple “Hey Google” command, you can access the full range of Assistant features. This includes everything from controlling your music, sending texts, and setting reminders, to even translating languages on the go. Google’s AI-driven assistant responds quickly, and the touch-free convenience makes it ideal for busy users or those on the go.
Real-Time Translation:
A unique and genuinely useful feature of the Pixel Buds Pro is their ability to perform real-time translation through Google Translate. With “Conversation Mode,” you can communicate in different languages, making the Pixel Buds Pro a powerful tool for travelers. While this feature does require an active internet connection, it’s still one of the standout capabilities that help the Pixel Buds Pro stand out in a crowded market.
Multipoint Pairing and Fast Pair:
The Pixel Buds Pro support multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly. This feature works particularly well within the Google ecosystem, letting you swap between your Android phone and Chromebook without needing to dive into Bluetooth settings. Fast Pair also makes it simple to connect to Android devices quickly—just open the case near your phone, and the buds will appear on your screen for instant pairing.
Touch Controls:
The touch controls on the Pixel Buds Pro are intuitive and responsive. Taps can be customized in the Pixel Buds app, allowing users to assign different functions to single, double, and triple taps. Swiping on the earbuds lets you adjust volume without having to touch your phone, which is a small but welcome addition.
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Find My Device:
In case you misplace one of your earbuds, Google’s Find My Device feature can help you locate them. The earbuds can emit a loud chime, making it easier to find them if they’ve slipped under a couch or into a backpack. It’s a handy feature for the absent-minded among us.
4. Battery Life
Battery life is one area where the Pixel Buds Pro deliver a substantial improvement over previous models. With ANC on, the earbuds offer around 7 hours of playback, while turning ANC off extends this to about 11 hours. This is competitive with other high-end earbuds, and Google has done a great job of optimizing battery performance without compromising on sound quality or features.
The charging case provides an additional 20 hours of battery life with ANC on and up to 31 hours with ANC off. The case itself supports both USB-C charging and wireless charging, making it versatile and easy to top up in various settings. Additionally, the Pixel Buds Pro support quick charging—five minutes in the case provides around an hour of listening time, which is great for last-minute situations.
5. Connectivity and Compatibility
The Pixel Buds Pro use Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity, providing a stable connection with a range that’s sufficient for everyday use. There are rarely issues with signal dropouts or lag, and video sync is seamless, which is essential for watching videos or gaming.
One limitation, however, is the lack of support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs like aptX or LDAC. The Pixel Buds Pro rely on the standard SBC and AAC codecs, which, while sufficient for most users, won’t satisfy audiophiles looking for the absolute best in wireless audio quality. However, Google has managed to optimize the AAC codec to deliver high-quality sound for both music and calls, and for the average listener, the difference in codecs might be negligible.
6. Call Quality
Call quality is another area where the Pixel Buds Pro perform admirably. The earbuds utilize beamforming microphones, voice accelerometers, and wind-blocking mesh covers to minimize external noise and enhance voice clarity. In practice, this setup works well. Callers report clear audio, even in moderately noisy environments, and the Pixel Buds Pro do a commendable job of isolating your voice from background sounds.
For outdoor calls, there might be some interference from wind or heavy background noise, but overall, the Pixel Buds Pro offer one of the best call experiences in their category. The earbuds also support in-ear detection, which automatically pauses music or calls when you remove them from your ears and resumes playback once they’re back in, adding an extra level of convenience.
7. App Support and Customization
The Pixel Buds app (available on both Android and iOS) provides several customization options, though Android users will have a slightly richer experience. In the app, you can adjust touch controls, toggle ANC and Transparency modes, and check battery levels for each earbud and the case.
The app also offers an “Ear Tip Fit Test,” which ensures you’re using the correct ear tips for optimal sound quality and noise isolation. Additionally, firmware updates are delivered through the app, ensuring your Pixel Buds Pro remain updated with the latest features and performance improvements.
While the app covers the essentials, it lacks an equalizer, which feels like a missed opportunity for those who enjoy customizing their audio experience. However, Google recently announced plans to introduce EQ settings, so this feature may be coming in a future update.
8. Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Solid active noise cancellation and Transparency mode
- Google Assistant and real-time translation integration
- Impressive battery life with quick charging
- Comfortable fit with IPX4 water resistance
- Multipoint pairing and Fast Pair support
- Reliable call quality and voice clarity
Cons:
- Lacks high-quality audio codec support (e.g., aptX, LDAC)
- Limited EQ options in the companion app (though this may improve)
- Noise cancellation could be slightly better for high-frequency sounds
- Transparency mode is good but not as natural as some competitors
9. Pricing
Google Pixel Buds Pro: Price Comparison
Google Pixel Buds Pro with the best price and discount was update for December 21, 2024
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10. Final Verdict
The Google Pixel Buds Pro represent a significant leap forward for Google’s audio lineup. By adding effective ANC, an extended battery life, and smart features that truly complement the Google ecosystem, these earbuds strike a balance between performance, convenience, and value. While they may lack the high-quality audio codecs that audiophiles crave, they deliver a well-rounded experience for the majority of users.
The Pixel Buds Pro shine brightest for Android users who want a well-integrated experience with Google Assistant and the convenience of seamless device switching. Their ANC performance and sound quality, though not industry-leading, are strong enough to make these a worthy competitor in the premium true wireless market. For those who value smart features, long battery life, and a comfortable fit, the Pixel Buds Pro are an excellent choice.
Ultimately, the Google Pixel Buds Pro live up to the “Pro” moniker, especially if you’re a user deeply embedded in Google’s ecosystem, making them a compelling alternative to other high-end wireless earbuds on the market.
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