Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Review: The King of Comfort

Introduction

Google launched the Pixel Buds Pro 2 alongside the much-anticipated Pixel 9 series, which has already made waves by reportedly converting many iOS users to Android. Social media platforms like Reddit and Threads are buzzing with testimonials praising the Pixel 9 Pro, particularly for its high-quality user experience. With such a strong ecosystem pull, it’s only natural that Google offers complementary audio accessories like the Pixel Buds Pro 2. As a self-proclaimed tech enthusiast, I couldn’t resist pairing these new earbuds with my Pixel 9 XL Pro. While my third-generation AirPods worked just fine with the Pixel, the allure of an ecosystem-specific device was irresistible. Naturally, I also tested the Buds Pro 2 extensively with my iPhone. Let’s dive into this comprehensive review.

Design, Build, and Comfort

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 stand out in a saturated market of true wireless earbuds (TWS) thanks to their distinctive design. Unlike the broad, rectangular frames common in 99% of TWS options, the Buds Pro 2 feature a tall, pill-shaped case. This vertical design enhances portability, making them easier to carry and store. The case itself feels robust and well-built, with a magnetic lid mechanism that exudes quality. It’s satisfying enough to trigger my obsessive tendencies—I often find myself absentmindedly flipping it open and closed. I don’t do this as much on my other earbuds, because the mechanism isn’t as satisfying as in the Pixel Buds. You could call that a positive, I suppose? Remember how those fidget spinners became a thing? Know about those stress-relieving squeezy balls? The Pixel Buds lid does achieves what these products are meant to achieve: relieving stress.

The earbuds are compact and lightweight, ensuring all-day comfort. One noteworthy thing is that the driver housing isn’t a perfect circle, it is rather slightly conical. In the countless earphones I’ve tested over the decade, I have never seen a shape like this. This is a rather unnoticeable but a radical design move by Google, and it works. The conical shape helps achieve a secured fit in your ear canal. With Transparency Mode enabled, I sometimes forget I’m even wearing them. The fit is secure; you insert and twist them into your ear, where a small protrusion on the rim ensures they stay in place. During workouts and runs, the buds never felt loose, let alone close to falling out. Google’s attention to ergonomic design pays off, delivering comfort that seamlessly supports long calls, podcast marathons, and intense workout playlists. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are among the most comfortable silicone earbuds I’ve tested lately, and I’m happy that I’ve found a pair where I don’t feel encumbered whatsoever.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature capacitive touch controls with tap, hold, and swipe gestures. Responsiveness is excellent, but the lack of a stem—unlike AirPods—can make touch gestures tricky while moving. Without a stem to grip, executing commands while walking or running requires more stability. I suspect I’ll adapt over time, but for now, it’s a minor inconvenience.

The Buds Pro 2 belong to the upper pricing range of such earbuds and as expected from this range, they have ear-detection sensors. This means that when you insert the buds in your ear the music will start playing automatically, and when you remove them, the music (or any other content) will stop.

The buds come with IP54 rating, meaning they’re splashproof and dust-resistant. The Buds Pro case also carries an IPX4 rating. The case has an in-built speaker and support USB-C and wireless charging. It pairs perfectly with MagSafe chargers. The buds come in four colour schemes, in parallel to the colour scheme of the Pixel 9 phones.

Google Tensor A1 and Smart Features

Under the hood, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are powered by Google’s Tensor A1 chip, a key component enabling advanced functionalities like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode, and other smart features. Google touts the Buds Pro 2 as “light years ahead,” and the Tensor A1 certainly helps justify this claim. Most features are accessible through the Pixel Buds app, available exclusively on Android.

Silent Seal 2.0 is one standout feature. Achieving an optimal fit with silicone tips is difficult for some people, often compromising audio quality. Silent Seal addresses this by testing the earbud fit and alerting you if the seal isn’t perfect. Initially skeptical, I was impressed by how accurately it worked—far from a gimmick, it genuinely enhances the listening experience.

Conversation Detection is another smart feature, automatically modulating ANC when you engage in a live conversation. It works well in quiet settings but struggles in noisy environments, such as bustling city streets or crowded markets. Background noises like honking or vendor calls can trick the system into thinking you’re conversing. Consequently, I keep this feature disabled for daily use, though future updates may improve its accuracy.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

ANC is arguably the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s strongest suit. I tested it in diverse environments: the Delhi Metro, airplanes, nightclubs, and even at a wedding (anti-social behavior alert!). Across the board, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 outperformed competitors like the AirPods Pro 2, Bose QuietComfort 2, and Sony WF-1000XM5, especially in blocking low-frequency sounds. Engine hum in automobiles and airplanes belong to the lower spectrum and the buds performed exceptionally well in keeping those noises out. This makes them ideal for public transport and air travel.

However, like most silicone-based ANC earbuds, they produce a “pressure” sensation, which can feel claustrophobic over extended periods. As someone prone to claustrophobia, this pressure build-up, even though only in perception, becomes uncomfortable after prolonged use. Transparency Mode alleviates this by letting in just enough ambient sound for situational awareness—perfect for biking or walking in traffic. Yet, high pitched noises can occasionally interfere with Transparency Mode and Conversation Detection, causing false triggers. Google should provide adjustable ANC levels for people to manage the pressure sensation. Transparency mode does help, but an adjustable slider would give the user even more freedom, especially if they are experiencing the pressure sensation in their eardrums.

Sound Quality

Ultimately, sound quality determines an earbud’s worth, and the 11mm drivers on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 deliver a balanced, neutral profile. Google claims to have an upgraded acoustic architecture that seemingly improves the high-frequency sounds. The highs are clear but lack the extended sparkle that audiophiles might seek. Mids are well-defined, though not particularly forward, and the bass is solid without being overpowering. With minor equalizer tweaks, you can coax out impressive sub-bass.

While not “musical” or “melodic” in the traditional sense, the Buds Pro 2 excel with bass-heavy genres and synthesized tracks. For instance, Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy sounded phenomenal, while Arctic Monkeys’ AM lacked some of its signature brilliance due to subdued treble. If you prefer a balanced, monitor-like sound signature over a vibrant one, these earbuds won’t disappoint. You will find depth and richness throughout any genre or any other content apart from music. Even the soundstage, without Spatial Audio is impressive it itself. You can clearly make out each instrument being played in a track, and separate them out individually. Those are signs of a good earpiece.

It would have been nice if Google had thought about the audiophiles out there. HiRes codecs are not supported currently and I really hope Google does release an update to fix this. I’m saying this because I classify myself as an audiophile, for the others, they shouldn’t even care about this feature. Using HiRes codecs means a four minute audio track’s size will be around 50 MB you need a service that can give your lossless streaming.

Microphone Quality

Each of the buds have not one, not two, but three friggin’ microphones. All microphones are covered with mesh that is useful in cutting down wind noise. One big positive was that I could actually have a conversation on the Buds while riding my motorcycle, with my voice being clearly audible, till the speeds of 60kmph. Beyond that, wind noise creeps in and the person on the other line won’t be able to hear you. Still, the Buds Pro 2 are the only earphones that could achieve that. To top it off, when I’m wearing a helmet, my voice is audible to the opposite party. I only take my motorcycle out on off-days and weekends but for people who commute on two-wheelers on a daily basis, this can be a big boon. Full marks to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for being a good commute piece.

The microphone performance is clear, benefiting from Tensor A1’s noise reduction. Google calls the feature “Clear Calling” and it works only on Pixel 7 or later devices. Clear Calling is meant to denoise and enhance the voice of the person calling you. However, in particularly noisy environments like crowded bazaars, background noise can seep through. While sufficient for calls and conferences, don’t expect studio-grade clarity—no wireless mic can match a wired one.

Also, due to the lack of a stem, the microphones are kind of surrounded by your ear-geography. Thus, their reach will never be as good as microphones on earbuds with stems. That’s a trade off though, because this stemless construction really helps when wearing a helmet over the buds.

Pixel Buds App

The Pixel Buds app is an essential hub for unlocking the Buds Pro 2’s full potential, offering features like gesture customization, firmware updates, and a hearing wellness tracker. The ear tip fit test is particularly useful, ensuring an optimal seal for enhanced audio performance. Unfortunately, the app is Android-only, leaving iOS users without access to these advanced features.

Conclusion

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a compelling addition to Google’s ecosystem, offering top-tier ANC, comfort, and balanced sound. They shine in noise cancellation and smart features, though minor flaws—such as the occasional pressure sensation and limited iOS integration—persist. For Pixel or Android users seeking premium earbuds, the Buds Pro 2 deliver a high-quality experience that rivals, and in some aspects surpasses, leading competitors. Google has set a high bar, and these earbuds are a worthy contender in the premium TWS market.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 can be found at a lowest price of INR 22,900. At this price, they are definitely not cheap, but they will offer you the best TWS experience, more so, if you have a Pixel 7 or later device. For those devices, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is a no-brainer as there isn’t really any other TWS in the market that gives you same extensive feature suite and quality of the Buds Pro 2.