Google Pixel Buds Pro Review: Your Ears Will Thank You

The Google Pixel Buds Pro are Google’s take on premium wireless earbuds, bringing active noise cancellation (ANC) and tight Android integration to the table. Released in July 2022, they sit at $199 USD and come in a handful of colors like Charcoal, Fog, and Lemongrass. They’re aimed at folks who live in the Google ecosystem, especially Android users who lean on Google Assistant. This review breaks down what it’s like to use them day-to-day, from how they sound to how they fit, based on real testing and hands-on time. 

Design and Build

The Google Pixel Buds Pro don’t stray far from the look of earlier Pixel Buds, but they’ve got a few tweaks worth noting.

How They Look and Feel

These earbuds have a matte finish with a little Google “G” stamped on the touchpad. The case is a smooth, egg-shaped deal with a flip-up lid that feels sturdy enough for a pocket toss. At 6.2 grams per bud and 62.4 grams with the case, they’re light but not flimsy. The buds come in six colors - Bay, Porcelain, Charcoal, Fog, Coral, and Lemongrass, so there’s something for most tastes. They’re a bit bulkier than some rivals, sticking out of the ear a touch more than you might expect.

Durability Details

The buds carry an IPX4 rating, meaning they can handle sweat or a light splash, while the case gets an IPX2 rating for minor water resistance. They’re made mostly of plastic and silicone, and while they feel solid, the ear tips might wear out over time if you’re swapping them a lot. No major complaints on build, though, they’ve held up fine in testing.

What’s in the Box

You get the earbuds, a charging case, and three pairs of silicone tips (small, medium, large). There’s a manual too, but no USB-C cable included, which is a bit odd. Most people probably have one lying around, though.

Comfort and Fit

Fit is a big deal with earbuds, and the Pixel Buds Pro have their quirks.

Wearing Them Day-to-Day

At 6.2 grams each, these buds are light enough for long sessions, and the silicone tips (11mm (S), 12mm (M), 13mm (L) sizes) help them sit snug in most ears. They go a little deeper into the ear canal than some might like, but they’re decently comfy for desk work or a casual walk. The catch? They don’t have stabilizing fins like the Pixel Buds A-Series, so they can shift or pop out during a run or if you’ve got bigger ears. Testing showed they’re fine for low-key stuff but need readjusting for anything bouncy.

Ear Tip Fit Test

The Pixel Buds app has a fit test to check the seal, but it’s not super reliable. It often says every size fits great, even when they don’t. You’re better off trusting your own feel and tweaking until they sit right.

Sound Quality

Here’s where the rubber meets the road, how do these buds actually sound?

Overall Sound Profile

The Pixel Buds Pro use 11mm dynamic drivers and lean into a bass-heavy, treble-boosted vibe. Lows get a solid kick, especially sub-bass under 70Hz, while treble spikes between 4-8kHz before dropping off above 9kHz. Mids take a slight backseat, but they’re still clear enough. It’s a punchy sound that works for pop or hip-hop but can feel uneven with quieter tracks. Testing showed consistent delivery across sessions, assuming you’ve got a good fit.

Listening Examples

• Dream About Me by The Depreciation Guild: The kick drum thumps hard, and hi-hats cut through sharply. Guitars in the midrange get a bit buried, though vocals stay audible.

• Lay Myself Down by Mazzy Star: Bass is noticeable but not overpowering, while the tambourine gets loud and brash. Hope Sandoval’s voice sounds slightly muffled but still decent.

Tweaking the Sound

The Pixel Buds app offers a 5-band equalizer with presets or custom sliders (Upper Treble, Treble, Mid, Bass, Lower Bass). There’s also a Volume EQ that adjusts bass and treble based on volume, louder settings tone them down, quieter ones boost them. It’s not a game-changer, but it helps if you’re picky. Spatial audio with head tracking is there too, though only for Pixel 6 or newer phones. It’s neat for live recordings, making you feel like you’re in the crowd, but it’s niche.

Noise Cancellation and Isolation

The Pixel Buds Pro mark Google’s first stab at ANC in earbuds. How do they hold up?

ANC Performance

The ANC tackles low-end noise well, testing showed that it cuts rumbles like bus engines or AC units by 12-32dB below 500Hz. Testing also showed it dulls traffic hum decently, though some hiss sneaks through when it’s quiet. Higher frequencies (above 400Hz) rely more on the ear tips’ seal, which does a solid job with chatter or office buzz. It’s not top-tier like Bose, but it’s effective for daily use.

Transparency Mode

Flip to transparency mode, and outside sounds come through clearly, good for quick chats or staying aware. It’s not as natural as some competitors, but it gets the job done. A conversation detection feature (added in 2023) switches to this mode when you start talking, which is handy if it works for you.

Wind and Leakage

Wind noise is a weak spot. ANC struggles here, letting gusts turn into a loud whoosh. Leakage is minimal, though, treble-heavy and thin, so it’s unlikely to bug anyone nearby in a noisy spot.

Controls and Features

The Pixel Buds Pro pack a bunch of controls and extras, mostly tied to touch and the app.

Touch Controls

Both buds have identical touchpads:

1. Single tap: Play/pause or answer calls.

2. Double tap: Next track or reject calls.

3. Triple tap: Previous track.

4. Hold: Toggle ANC/transparency.

5. Swipe forward/back: Volume up/down.

Swipes for volume are rare in earbuds and work well, though sweaty hands can mess them up. Taps can misfire, like pausing when you meant to adjust ANC, and they’re loud in your ear. “Hey Google” voice commands are an option too, if you set it up. Customization is limited; you can’t remap swipes, just tweak a few settings.

App Experience

The Pixel Buds app (Android-only) handles updates, fit tests, and extras like:

• Multipoint pairing for two devices.

• In-ear detection to pause/play automatically.

• A “Find My” feature if you lose them (needs location enabled).

• A feature to monitor how loud the audio gets over time.

iPhone users are out of luck, no app, no updates, just basic Bluetooth use.

Connectivity

Bluetooth is the name of the game here.

Pairing and Codecs

Using Bluetooth 5.0, the buds support SBC and AAC codecs, no aptX or LDAC, which is odd for Android-focused earbuds. Fast Pair makes connecting to Android a breeze, and multipoint lets you juggle two devices (say, phone and laptop) smoothly. Latency varies, AAC on a Pixel 6 is fine, but on a Samsung tablet, YouTube lags noticeably. A low-latency gaming mode (added 2023) helps, though it trades some audio quality.

Range and Stability

Testing showed a solid 244-foot line-of-sight range. Indoors, they stay connected through a couple of walls. No major dropouts in daily use.

Battery Life

Power is a strong suit for these buds.

How Long They Last

With ANC on, testing clocked 7 hours and 6 minutes per charge, matching Google’s claim. The case adds about 13 hours total. Turn ANC off, and you might stretch it further. A 5-minute charge gives an hour of playtime, handy for a quick top-up. The case supports USB-C or wireless charging, though no cable comes included.

Charging Setup

The case has a USB-C port and a pairing button on the back. LED lights show charge status, outside for the case, inside for the buds. No auto-off feature, so they’ll drain if left out.

Microphone Quality

The mics are a mixed bag.Each bud has three mics. In a quiet room, your voice comes through bright but thin, with sharp “s” sounds. Office noise creeps in, though the buds prioritize your voice decently. Wind is a killer, higher voices especially get lost. Updates in 2023 added Bluetooth Super Wideband (Pixel 8 or newer) for clearer calls and Clear Calling to cut background noise, but testing those fully isn’t possible yet.

How They Compare

The Pixel Buds Pro aren’t alone in the $200 range. Here’s how they stack up.

Vs. Sleep Gear

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Key Highlights

• Founded by three former Bose engineers with extensive experience in audio tech
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• Up to 10 hours of continuous use with extra charges from the Smart Case.
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• Personal alarm gently wakes you without disturbing your partner

Learn More

Vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro

• Sound: Samsung’s less bass-heavy, more balanced.

• ANC: Galaxy Buds 2 Pro edge out on low-end cancellation.

• Durability: IPX7 (buds) vs. IPX4; Samsung wins.

• Codecs: Samsung adds its Seamless Codec; Google sticks to AAC/SBC.

Vs. Alternatives

• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 3: Better sound, aptX, shorter battery (5.5 hours).

• Nothing Ear 2: Similar sound, LHDC codec, pinch controls.

• Sony WF-1000XM5: Top ANC, LDAC, pricier.

• AirPods Pro 2: iPhone-friendly, better ANC, no app for Android.

Who They’re For

These buds shine for specific folks.

Best Use Cases

• Android users, especially with Pixel phones, get the full app and feature set.

• Google Assistant fans will like the hands-free access.

• Commuters or office workers needing decent ANC.

Who Might Pass

• iPhone owners miss out on app support.

• Fitness buffs might find the fit too loose.

• Audio purists could want more codec options or a flatter sound.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel Buds Pro fit well for Android users, especially those who use Google Assistant or commute often. They offer solid noise cancellation, a punchy sound adjustable via the app, and a battery that lasts over seven hours with ANC turned on. They’re not flawless, though, wind noise can be a hassle, the fit might not work for everyone during a workout, and iPhone users miss out on the full experience. Still, for $199, they deliver a practical mix of features that fit nicely into daily life, whether someone’s streaming tunes or hopping on a call.

It really comes down to what someone needs. If they’re after earbuds that play nice with their Pixel phone and handle the basics well, these buds get the job done without much fuss. They’ve got quirks, sure, but the updates Google keeps rolling out show they’re not just a one-and-done deal. For Android fans looking for a reliable pair of earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro are worth a look, they’re not chasing perfection, just a good, honest listen.

FAQs