In an exciting update for 2023, the Google Pixel Buds Pro are receiving some notable enhancements, including the incorporation of Bluetooth Super Wide Band and Clear Calling. Additionally, starting from October 12, these earbuds will be offered in two fresh color options: Bay Blue and Porcelain.
Google has a history of releasing various iterations of its Pixel Buds, with each version evolving and improving. The original Pixel Buds had their shortcomings, but the Pixel Buds 2 established themselves as successful true wireless earphones. The more budget-friendly Pixel Buds A-Series gained recognition for offering a quality wireless in-ear option under $100, providing competition to the Apple AirPods. Now, Google is setting its sights on the noise-canceling earbuds market with the introduction of the Pixel Buds Pro.
With this fourth-generation model, Google has incorporated active noise cancellation (ANC), Bluetooth multipoint, extended battery life, improved wind resistance, and introduced new sound features such as Volume EQ and Spatial Audio. The company has also made thoughtful choices in areas that impact comfort, charging, and pricing.
These updates demonstrate Google’s commitment to delivering a competitive and feature-rich audio experience to its users. The addition of Bluetooth Super Wide Band and Clear Calling should contribute to improved call quality, while the new color options provide users with more choices to personalize their earbuds.
Pricing and Availability
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are priced at $199 in the United States, £179 in the United Kingdom, and AU$299 in Australia. You can purchase them from major online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H, as well as through the Google Store. These earbuds are available in four colors: charcoal, coral, fog (gray), and lemongrass.
While they share a similar price point with popular models like the Beats Fit Pro and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, both known for their premium noise-canceling capabilities, the Google Pixel Buds Pro offers competitive features. They are more affordable than category leaders like the AirPods Pro ($249) and Sony WF-1000XM4 ($279), making them a solid mid-tier choice.
Google Pixel Buds Pro Specifications
| Price | $199 / £179 / AU$299 |
| Colors | Charcoal, coral, fog (gray), and lemongrass |
| Battery | 7 hours with active noise cancellation (ANC) on, 11 hours with ANC off, 20 hours with ANC on and the charging case, and 31 hours with ANC off and the charging case. |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0 (codecs: AAC and SBC) |
| Water Resistance | Yes (IPX4 rated) |
| Size | The earbuds are 0.88 x 0.87 x 0.93 inches in size, while the charging case is 0.98 x 1.97 x 2.49 inches. |
| Weight | 0.22 ounces (per bud); 2.2 ounces (charging case) |
Design and Comfort
The Google Pixel Buds Pro retains the same oval, low-profile design as its predecessor, the Pixel Buds 2. However, there are some noticeable modifications, including mic openings on the front and more vibrant color options. Unlike previous models, Google has done away with the wing attachments. The earbuds have an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance, and their build quality consists mainly of durable plastic, providing protection against knocks.
The charging case maintains its popular egg-shaped design, known for its slim, lightweight (2.2 ounces), and compact form factor. It features strong magnets to securely close the lid and has a unique semi-water-resistant and IPX2 rating. One minor drawback is that the case’s surface tends to scuff easily.
In terms of comfort, the Pixel Buds Pro incorporates sensors to measure ear canal pressure when activating ANC mode, which aims to improve long-term comfort. While the earbuds were comfortable for short bursts of use throughout the day, some users might experience slight pinching around the ear concha during extended listening sessions. The absence of wingtips can lead to the earbuds losing their tight seal after about 30 minutes, necessitating occasional adjustments.
The Pixel Buds Pro includes an Ear Tip Seal Check feature to help users optimize their fit, but results may vary. The removal of wing attachments could have contributed to the fit issues some users encounter.
Google Assistant Integration
The standout feature of the Google Pixel Buds Pro is their integration with Google Assistant, providing an unmatched AI assistant experience. These earbuds allow you to activate Google Assistant with wake words like Hey Google or OK Google, and the response is near-instantaneous. Google’s software executes commands quickly, and the three-microphone array ensures precise speech recognition, accurately capturing every spoken syllable.
Google Translate is another impressive feature, enabling real-time translation of over 40 languages. The Pixel Buds Pro makes using this feature effortless, with the option to choose between Conversation Mode or opening the Translate app.
Notifications are a key part of the Google ecosystem, and the Pixel Buds Pro keeps users informed about calendar events, traffic updates, flight changes, and incoming emails and messages.
The earbuds also feature responsive wear detection, automatically pausing and playing audio when you put them on or take them off. Additionally, they offer touch controls that can be customized using single-tap, multi-tap, swipe, and long-hold gestures.
Audio Quality
The Google Pixel Buds Pro surprised the reviewer with their audio quality, showcasing Google’s talent in delivering better sound than expected. Each earbud is equipped with an 11mm dynamic speaker driver and a custom six-core audio processor, resulting in rich sound across various music genres.
These earbuds offer a wide frequency range, and even with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled, there is no compromise in audio quality. It is noted while reviewing that tracks like Hall & Oates’ I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do) exhibited excellent layering, with clear synths, drums, and harmonies. The low-end performance was particularly impressive, handling distorted drums and basslines effectively.
The Pixel Buds Pro also delivered well in the high-frequency range, offering clear and distinct instrumental separation. The introduction of Volume EQ, designed to enhance bass and treble frequencies at lower volumes, was appreciated and made a noticeable difference for detailed listeners.
Audio testing was conducted on various devices, including the Google Pixel 6 Pro, Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, iPhone 12, and MacBook Pro, with streaming over Bluetooth 5.0 via AAC and SBC codecs. While the reviewer wished for support for aptX HD or LDAC codecs, they found the overall audio quality to be quite decent.
Google also announced plans to introduce a five-band EQ and spatial audio (for compatible Pixel devices), which has since been implemented. Spatial audio works with apps that have 5.1 surround sound content and is available on select Pixel models with the latest firmware.
Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The Google Pixel Buds Pro’s noise cancellation was highly effective at removing most low and mid-frequency external sounds. The reviewer noted that they couldn’t hear nearby family members talking, loud TV sounds, or noise from household appliances like a tumble dryer. Even the noise from passing aircraft went unnoticed. The mesh covers on the earbuds helped reduce wind noise picked up by the microphones and provided protection from potentially harmful sounds.
While the noise cancellation handled some high frequencies, such as bird chirps and iPhone ringtones, it wasn’t as effective with all high-pitched sounds. Distractions like a toddler’s cries, sirens, and whistles remained audible. The reviewer felt that the AirPods Pro performed slightly better in blocking out these types of sounds.
Transparency Mode was helpful for increasing awareness during daily activities like walks. It allowed the wearer to hear approaching cars and other incidental noises, enhancing safety when crossing streets and bridges. In an office environment, Transparency Mode enabled clear communication with others across the room and allowed the reviewer to monitor their child’s naps via a baby monitor.
The Pixel Buds App
To fully harness the capabilities of your Pixel Buds, you’ll need to download the dedicated Pixel Buds app. This app provides access to an array of valuable features, enhancing your overall experience. Some notable perks include:
- ANC/Transparency Mode: Control your Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency modes for a personalized audio experience.
- Battery Level Indicators: Keep tabs on your earbuds’ battery levels, ensuring you’re never caught off guard.
- Control Customization: Tailor the touch controls on your Pixel Buds to suit your preferences and needs.
- Ear Tip Seal Check: Ensure a comfortable and secure fit with this handy feature that verifies the ear tip seal.
- Firmware Updates: Stay up-to-date with the latest improvements and enhancements through firmware updates.
- Volume EQ: Adjust the audio volume to your liking for an immersive listening experience.
- Wireless Functions: Access various wireless functions for seamless connectivity.
Additionally, the app offers convenient shortcuts to access Google Assistant settings, Translation capabilities, and the Find Your Earbuds feature, further enriching your Pixel Buds experience.
However, it’s worth noting that some users may encounter occasional hiccups, such as the app disappearing from their apps list after download. In such cases, alternative methods of accessing these features may be necessary. The inclusion of a home screen widget can prove invaluable in such situations, providing quick access to essential functions. Alternatively, navigating to your Android phone’s Bluetooth settings and selecting the Pixel Buds product can also display all available features.
While the Pixel Buds app may not offer the most extensive feature set among wireless earbuds, Google ensures that some of the most popular and practical features are easily accessible, enhancing your overall listening experience.
Enhanced Battery Life in Google’s Pixel Buds Pro
Google has made significant improvements in the battery life of the Pixel Buds Pro, offering users up to 7 hours of usage with active noise cancellation (ANC) enabled and an impressive 11 hours with ANC turned off. While real-world usage may see a slight reduction of 1 to 1.5 hours, particularly when listening at higher volumes and utilizing Google features, this performance is still commendable.
In practical terms, the Pixel Buds Pro provided a reasonable 3 days of noise-canceling use (averaging 2 hours of daily usage) before necessitating a recharge. The convenience of quick charging is another highlight, with just a 5-minute charge providing an additional 1 hour of listening time, while a 15-minute charge can extend playback by up to 3 hours.
The wireless charging case is equally noteworthy, offering a substantial capacity of 20 to 31 hours depending on usage patterns. It’s important to note that enabling ANC or Transparency mode can significantly impact the case’s battery life.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the absence of a USB-C charging cable included in the package may be perceived as a cost-saving measure by Google, which might disappoint some users expecting a complete charging solution.
Performance and Connectivity in Google’s Pixel Buds Pro
While the Pixel Buds Pro may not top the list of the best headphones for voice and video calls, they certainly hold their own in this regard. They prove to be a dependable option when you need to make calls on the go. Although there have been some complaints about muffling and low volume, users can still make out words clearly. What truly stands out is the effectiveness of noise cancellation and wind resistance during calls. The microphones excel at blocking external noises, and the mesh covers help minimize distracting whisking effects.
One of Google’s strengths has always been its platform neutrality, and the Pixel Buds Pro exemplifies this trait. They offer seamless connectivity with Android devices through one-tap Google Fast Pair, ensuring instant setup. Surprisingly, the pairing process for iOS and macOS devices is just as smooth. By pressing the pairing button on the back of the case, the buds promptly appear in your Bluetooth settings.
The support for Multipoint technology is a noteworthy feature, and it functions flawlessly. During testing, while connected to both a Pixel 6 Pro mobile and a MacBook Pro laptop simultaneously, I could effortlessly switch between music platforms (such as Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube Music) on both devices. The buds maintained stable connections without any confusion or misinterpretation of functions.
Additionally, the Pixel Buds Pro offers an impressive Bluetooth wireless range, extending up to 70 feet (21 meters) in open spaces. This extended range adds to the headphones’ versatility and usability in various settings.
Google Pixel Buds Pro Pros and Cons
| No. | Pros | Cons. |
| 1. | Powerful Noise Cancellation | Fit feels loose |
| 2. | Full, Dynamic Sound | No USB-C charging cable supplied |
| 3. | Reliable controls | Price is high compared to rivals |
| 4. | Greater ANC playtime than AirPods Pro | |
| 5. | Superb Google Assistant integration | No third-party digital assistant support |
Final Thoughts
The Google Pixel Buds Pro stands as an excellent choice for noise-canceling earbuds tailored to Android users with multiple devices and a keen desire for the finest Google Assistant experience. These earbuds boast robust active noise cancellation (ANC) capabilities and deliver impressive sound quality, making them an enticing option. However, potential concerns include a fit that may feel loose and less secure, along with the absence of third-party digital assistant support.
While there are alternative earbuds available at a similar price point offering enhanced functionality, none can match the seamless integration with the full Google ecosystem that the Pixel Buds Pro provides.
In summary, despite a few design choices that may raise eyebrows, the Pixel Buds Pro earned their place as a commendable choice for noise-canceling earbuds, delivering remarkable sound quality and deep integration with Google Assistant.
