I’ll be honest with you when Google announced the Pixel Buds Pro 2, I was skeptical. The original Pro buds were decent, but they had their issues. After spending three weeks with the Pixel Buds Pro 2 as my daily drivers, I’ve got some thoughts to share. And here’s the kicker: they’re now priced at $179, making them an even more compelling option than when they launched.
What Makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Different?
Google completely redesigned these earbuds from the ground up. They’re smaller, lighter, and packed with some genuinely impressive tech. The most notable upgrade is the new Tensor A1 chip, which Google built specifically for audio processing. This isn’t just marketing speak you can actually hear the difference.
The fit has improved dramatically too. At 4.7 grams per earbud, they’re 27% lighter than the previous generation. I can wear these for hours without that annoying ear fatigue I used to get with the original Pros.
Sound Quality That Actually Delivers
Let’s talk about what matters most: how do they sound?
The audio quality surprised me. The 11mm drivers produce rich, balanced sound with punchy bass that doesn’t overwhelm the mids. I tested them with everything from jazz to hip-hop, and they handled each genre beautifully. The soundstage feels wider than you’d expect from earbuds this size.
What really impressed me was the active noise cancellation. Google claims it’s twice as effective as the first-gen Pro buds, and in real-world testing, that checks out. I wore these on a packed subway, and the roar of the train just… disappeared. The Tensor A1 chip processes sound 90 times per second, adapting to your environment in real-time.
Features That Make Daily Life Easier
Gemini AI Integration
Here’s where things get interesting. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 come with Gemini integration, which means you can have natural conversations with Google’s AI assistant. I found myself using this more than I expected asking quick questions, setting reminders, even getting recipe instructions while cooking.
Conversation Detection
This feature automatically pauses your music when you start speaking and switches to transparency mode. It works surprisingly well. The earbuds can tell the difference between you humming along to a song and actually starting a conversation.
Multipoint Connectivity
You can connect to two devices simultaneously. I kept mine paired to my phone and laptop, and switching between them was seamless. No more manual disconnecting and reconnecting every time I wanted to take a call.
The Complete Feature Breakdown
| Feature | Specification |
| Weight per Earbud | 4.7g |
| Driver Size | 11mm |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to 8 hours |
| Total Battery with Case | Up to 30 hours |
| Charging | USB-C, Qi wireless |
| Water Resistance | IPX4 (sweat and water resistant) |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Special Features | Tensor A1 chip, Active Noise Cancellation 2.0, Transparency Mode, Conversation Detection |
| Compatible Devices | Android 6.0+, iOS 15+ |
| Available Colors | Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, Peony |
| Price | $179 USD |
Real-World Performance Testing
Noise Cancellation in Different Environments
I tested these in four different scenarios over two weeks:
Coffee Shop Test: The low hum of conversation and espresso machines was almost completely eliminated. I could focus on my podcast without cranking the volume.
Gym Environment: This is where I had mixed feelings. The ANC works well, but the IPX4 rating means they’re only splash-resistant, not fully waterproof. I was a bit nervous during intense workouts.
Airplane Cabin: The constant drone of jet engines? Gone. These performed as well as my over-ear noise-cancelling headphones, which says a lot.
City Streets: Transparency mode is crucial here, and it works brilliantly. I could hear traffic and announcements while still enjoying my music at safe volumes.
Battery Life in Practice
Google claims 8 hours with ANC on, and I consistently got 7.5 to 8 hours in real use. With the case, you’re looking at about 30 hours total. Quick charging is a lifesaver 10 minutes gives you about 3 hours of listening time.
The Call Quality Question
I take a lot of video calls, so this mattered to me. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 use beamforming microphones and AI-powered voice processing. My colleagues said I sounded clear, even when I was walking outside. Wind noise was minimal, though not completely eliminated.
Comparing Against the Competition
vs. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen)
The AirPods Pro have better spatial audio and MagSafe charging. But if you’re an Android user, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 integrate much better with your ecosystem. At $179, they’re now $70 cheaper than the AirPods Pro’s $249 price tag, making them significantly better value.
vs. Sony WF-1000XM5
Sony’s flagship earbuds have slightly better noise cancellation and longer battery life. However, they’re bulkier and cost $120 more at $299. For most people, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer dramatically better value.
vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
Samsung’s offering is $50 cheaper at $129 but lacks the Tensor A1 chip and advanced AI features. If you’re deep in the Samsung ecosystem, they make sense. Otherwise, the extra $50 for the Pixels is money well spent.
What I Wish Was Better
No product is perfect, and these have some downsides:
The touch controls can be finicky. I accidentally paused my music more times than I’d like to admit when adjusting the fit. You’ll get used to it, but there’s a learning curve.
The case is nice but not particularly premium-feeling. It’s plastic where competitors are using metal or textured materials. It’s also a fingerprint magnet if you get the darker colors.
There’s no wired audio option. If the battery dies, you’re out of luck until you can charge them. This won’t matter to most people, but it’s worth mentioning.
Who Should Buy the Pixel Buds Pro 2?
These earbuds are ideal if you:
- Own a Pixel phone or use Android devices primarily
- Want excellent noise cancellation without breaking the bank
- Value AI features and Google Assistant integration
- Need comfortable earbuds for all-day wear
- Want solid call quality for remote work
You might want to look elsewhere if you:
- Need the absolute longest battery life possible
- Want premium materials and build quality
- Require fully waterproof earbuds for swimming
- Are deeply invested in Apple’s ecosystem
The Verdict: Are They Worth $179?
After three weeks of daily use, I think the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are genuinely impressive earbuds that compete well with anything in their price range. At $179, they’re actually an incredible deal you’re getting features that rival $250+ earbuds at a much more accessible price point.
Are they perfect? No. But they’re the best earbuds Google has ever made, and for Android users especially, they offer a complete package that’s hard to beat at this price point.
The Tensor A1 chip really does make a difference in audio processing, and the improved fit means you’ll actually want to wear these all day. If you’ve been waiting for Google to get earbuds right, this is that moment.
For $179, you’re getting flagship-level performance with the best Google integration available. That makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 an easy recommendation for anyone in the market for premium wireless earbuds and honestly, at this price, they’re one of the best values in the category right now.
