Google’s highly anticipated Pixel Buds Pro 2 are finally official, following a flurry of leaks. The second generation of Google’s flagship earbuds arrive with a refreshingly compact design, enhanced features, and a slightly higher price tag of $229. Google claims to have made numerous improvements, both internally and externally, to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, despite many of their capabilities already being available on the first-gen via software updates.
One of the most noticeable changes is the size and shape of the earbuds. Google has achieved a remarkable 27% reduction in size and a 24% decrease in weight, making the Pixel Buds Pro 2 significantly more comfortable and discreet. The microphones have been tucked behind new wind-blocking mesh covers, which are color-matched to the earbuds for a sleek aesthetic. To ensure a secure fit, Google utilized data from 45 million ear scans, resulting in a new stabilizer that increases contact with the ear as you twist the buds into place. The company claims this makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 “the most comfortable and secure-fitting earbuds.” Additionally, there are now four sizes of included eartips instead of three, providing a wider range of options to find the perfect fit.
Beyond the physical changes, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have been upgraded with improved durability. The earbuds now offer dust protection, achieving an IP54 rating. Meanwhile, the charging case has been upgraded from an IPX2 to IPX4 rating, providing enhanced water resistance. While the case’s design is nearly identical to the previous generation, it now includes a built-in ringtone speaker, a feature borrowed from Apple’s second-gen AirPods Pro, which allows for more precise location tracking using the “Find My” device feature.
Under the hood, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 boast a new audio system entirely designed in-house by Google. Sound is delivered through 11mm dynamic drivers, complemented by a new “high-frequency chamber” for smoother treble. However, the most significant addition is the integration of Google’s Tensor A1 chip, the same processor found in their flagship Pixel smartphones.
The Tensor A1 chip plays a vital role in enhancing the performance of the Pixel Buds Pro 2. It powers the Silent Seal 2.0 active noise cancellation (ANC) technology, delivering twice the noise reduction compared to the previous generation. Notably, the chip can process ANC separately from music playback, resulting in “unaltered, pure sound,” although the exact mechanism behind this claim remains unclear.
Conversation detection makes a return on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, automatically switching to transparency mode and pausing your music when it senses you’re speaking. The Tensor A1 chip also contributes to the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s onboard Gemini capability, which leverages the power of your Pixel smartphone to enhance features like real-time translation and audio sharing. Moreover, the chip significantly enhances call quality. In addition to Bluetooth Super Wideband, which provides increased bandwidth for clearer voice communication, Google claims the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can improve the audio clarity for the person on the other end of the call, even in noisy environments, regardless of the phone or earbuds they’re using. However, it remains unclear whether this improvement extends to noise management on the user’s side of the call, a notable weakness of the previous generation.
Battery life has also received an upgrade. While single-charge playtime has only increased by an hour (from seven to eight hours with ANC enabled), the total playtime with the charging case has jumped from 20 to 30 hours. Although these numbers increase when ANC is disabled, Google has not disclosed the exact figures. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also benefit from fast charging, providing 1.5 hours of playtime with just a five-minute charge when ANC is off.
Google has implemented Bluetooth 5.4 with support for LE Audio in the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Interestingly, while other earbud manufacturers often include LE Audio support alongside Bluetooth Auracast, which enables simultaneous audio streaming to multiple devices, Auracast compatibility has not been mentioned for the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Additionally, Google seems to remain hesitant towards hi-res codecs like LDAC or aptX HD/Adaptive, although the inclusion of LE Audio opens the possibility of future support for LC3 Plus, which would offer some benefits of hi-res audio.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also include a spatial audio mode with head tracking, providing an immersive listening experience. Digital Trends’ mobile editor, Joe Maring, got an early look at the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and found them to be “very easy and comfortable to wear.” He praised the execution of the stabilizers, stating that they made the earbuds feel securely in place.
Overall, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 represent a significant upgrade over their predecessors, with a smaller, lighter design, enhanced noise cancellation, and improved call quality. The integration of the Tensor A1 chip adds a powerful layer of functionality, making these earbuds a compelling option for Android users. However, it remains to be seen whether the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can truly rival the best wireless earbuds on the market, particularly in terms of audio fidelity and noise isolation.
