Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Review: Google's Best Hardware Yet

Yes, you read that right. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 aren’t just top-tier true wireless stereo (TWS) earphones; they might be Google’s finest hardware product since it embarked on its mobile hardware journey back in 2016. When Google announced the Pixel 9 smartphones and the Pixel Watch 3, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 might have seemed like a footnote. However, these earphones deserve far more attention. Not only do they stand tall in a market dominated by Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, but they also outperform the AirPods in many areas. And, they provide excellent feature parity across Apple, Windows, and Android devices—a rare feat. What's more, they are powered by Google's Gemini AI, giving them capabilities that Apple's AirPods Pro 2 haven't yet caught up to.

Design: Sleek, Lightweight, and Ingenious

One of the biggest triumphs of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is their design. They are 27 per cent smaller than their predecessors and weigh 1.5 grams less. What’s even more impressive is their snug, earplug-like fit, which makes them incredibly comfortable for extended periods. Whether you have small or large ears, the Buds fit better than AirPods Pro 2 or any other TWS earphones I’ve tried. This is genius in design. You can simply pop them in and forget about them.

On a long flight from Hong Kong to San Francisco, these earbuds stayed secure in my ears, eliminating my usual anxiety of them falling into an unreachable crevice. On my daily 5 km walks, they remained firmly in place, even as I sweated, thanks to their IP54 certification. Not only do they work like a charm, but they also exude a sci-fi, discreet coolness with their sleek, unobtrusive design.

The charging case is equally impressive, with its unique egg-shaped design. It is thinner and more compact than Apple’s, making it easy to slip into a pocket. With wireless charging and USB Type-C connectivity, it covers all the basics, and there’s even a small speaker to help locate the case via Google’s "Find My" network. In matte white, it’s understated but classy.

Effortless Pairing and Intuitive Controls

Pairing the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with an Android phone like the Galaxy S24 Ultra or the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is seamless. Just flip open the case, and the pairing process begins automatically. There’s also a dedicated Pixel Buds app for customisation. The touch controls are simple yet effective—swipe to adjust volume, tap to play or pause, and long press to toggle Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or activate Google’s Gemini AI assistant. You can even assign specific controls to each earbud in the app.

On an iPhone, pairing requires manual navigation to Bluetooth settings, and you’ll need to switch devices manually, unlike the seamless handoff offered by Apple’s ecosystem. But even for iPhone users, the process isn’t cumbersome.

Sound Quality: Google Hits a High Note

Let’s talk about the real magic here—the sound. In the world of TWS earphones, Pixel Buds Pro 2 delivers an audio experience that not only competes with but in many ways outshines its rivals, particularly the AirPods Pro 2. Google has equipped these buds with the Tensor A1 processor, new dynamic drivers, and noise cancellation that's twice as effective as its predecessor.

I tested the Pixel Buds Pro 2 across a wide range of genres, and the results were consistently impressive. Take Led Zeppelin’s "Whole Lotta Love," for example—the thundering bass lines were present, but not overwhelming, while Robert Plant's piercing vocals were well-balanced against the crunchy guitar riffs. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 handled it all with grace, delivering clarity across the high and mid-range frequencies.

Switching to something more contemporary, like the EDM beats of Skrillex’s "Bangarang" or Fred Again’s pulsating rhythms, the bass remained punchy but controlled. It never veered into that boomy territory, which can often drown out the subtleties of a track. Even when I pushed the volume higher, the sound remained clear, with no distortion.

For heavier rock enthusiasts, I ran the Buds through Pantera’s groove metal tracks like "Walk"—the guitar’s depth and the drums’ intensity were just right. They gave me that needed energy boost during a workout, while Metallica’s "Master of Puppets" showcased their ability to handle complex arrangements with precision. Every cymbal crash, guitar solo, and rapid-fire drum beat was distinct, adding layers to the music without muddling the overall sound.

For those with a softer taste, switching to pop and vocal-centric tracks like Dua Lipa’s "Levitating" or Taylor Swift’s "Anti-Hero" was equally satisfying. The vocals came through clearly, sitting perfectly in the mix, with the treble and mids working together to provide that "crispness" without being harsh on the ears.

Perhaps where the Pixel Buds Pro 2 shine the most is in delivering podcasts and audiobooks. The balanced soundstage and refined treble ensure that voices are crystal clear, whether it’s a discussion on The Daily podcast or an audiobook reading of Sapiens.

And if this is not good enough, you can always go to the Pixel Buds app to manually EQ the sound which you cannot on the AirPods Pro 2. Google has really paid attention to how these sound, so much so for some old school fanatics, there is even a mono audio mode. 

This balanced approach extends to the Buds’ Spatial Audio capabilities, which come with head-tracking. Whether watching movies or listening to supported tracks, the sense of immersion is palpable. While I still think Apple edges out slightly in this domain, Google’s Spatial Audio is not far behind and makes for a truly captivating listening experience.

The Gemini AI Edge

One of the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s standout features is the Gemini AI integration. Simply press the buds and ask a question, and the assistant will respond swiftly and accurately. This AI capability supports multiple languages, including Hindi in India, making it even more versatile. Whether you need to find a restaurant, book a movie ticket, or check your workout schedule, Gemini has you covered. You can even follow up on queries seamlessly.

Of course, Apple is developing something equally revolutionary with its AirPods Pro 2, transforming them into FDA-approved hearing aids, but for now, Google’s AI integration offers a unique level of interactivity that Apple can’t match. That being said, Google also has a hearing wellness feature which shows what’s your loudness exposure.

Battery Life and Durability: Built to Last

Battery life is excellent. On a long-haul trip from New Delhi to San Francisco, including a stopover in Hong Kong, I didn’t have to charge the case even once. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 lasted 22 hours—a testament to their efficiency. While this might not reach the battery life standards set by Sony’s TWS earphones, it’s more than adequate for most users.

Durability is another strong point. With IP54 certification, these earbuds are sweat-resistant and can handle splashes, making them ideal for workouts or rainy days. And while fast charging is available, don’t expect the hyper-fast charging speeds found on devices by brands like Xiaomi or OnePlus. Still, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 charge wirelessly and quickly enough for most everyday needs.

Verdict: The Best TWS Earbuds for Android—and Possibly Beyond

At Rs 22,900, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are priced competitively alongside the AirPods Pro 2. For Android users, these earbuds are an absolute no-brainer, providing superior sound quality, advanced AI features, and a design that outshines the competition. Even for iPhone users, who might have to work around some ecosystem limitations, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are worth considering.

With the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google hasn’t just delivered a competitive product—it has outclassed Apple in several areas. From the brilliant sound to the seamless design and AI integration, these are Google’s best hardware offering to date. If you’re in the market for TWS earphones, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 should be at the top of your list.