Google Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Wireless Noise-Canceling Review
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are comfortable and work seamlessly with Android, but their average sound and noise canceling make them a tough sell against the competition.
The 30-Second Version
Comfortable, competent, and completely average. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the reliable sedan of earbuds—they'll get you where you need to go, but don't expect any thrills.
Overview
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a solid pair of earbuds that feel like they're trying to do everything, but don't quite master anything. The one thing to know is that they're a comfortable, reliable daily driver for Android users, especially if you're deep in the Google ecosystem. They're not the best at noise canceling, and they're not the best at sound, but they're good enough at both to get you through a workday or a commute without much fuss. We just wish they were a bit more exciting for the price.
Performance
The performance is exactly what you'd expect from a 'good enough' product. Nothing in our database blew us away. The ANC sits in the 40th percentile, which means it's fine for a busy office or a train, but you'll still hear the rumble of a plane engine. The sound quality is middle-of-the-pack at the 47th percentile, so your music will sound decent but not rich or detailed. The most surprising thing is how un-surprising it all is.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Super comfortable for all-day wear. The twist-to-adjust lock actually works. 94th
- Seamless pairing and integration with Android and Pixel phones is a huge plus. 91th
- Battery life is respectable, landing in the 56th percentile for over 30 hours with the case. 86th
- The social proof score is high (75th percentile), meaning people who buy them tend to really like them. 84th
Cons
- The noise canceling is just okay. For the price, you can get much better ANC elsewhere. 33th
- Sound quality is average. Don't expect audiophile-grade detail or punchy bass.
- Build quality feels a bit cheap for a premium product, scoring in the bottom 40%.
- Connectivity is a weak spot. It's fine, but we've seen more reliable connections on cheaper buds.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Design
| Form Factor | In-Ear |
| Wearing Style | Dual Ear True Wireless Earbud |
| Weight | 0.0 kg / 0.0 lbs |
Audio
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Driver Size | 11 |
| Drivers | 1 |
Noise Control
| ANC | Yes |
Connectivity
| Wireless | Yes |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | No |
Earbud Battery
| Battery Life | 8 |
| Fast Charging | 5min=1.5hrs |
| Charging | USB-C |
Case Battery
| Case Battery | 36 |
| Case Charging | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
Microphone
| Microphone | Yes |
| Mic Count | 3 |
| NC Mic | Yes |
Features
| Touch Controls | No |
| App | iOS, Android |
| Volume Limiting | No |
| Water Resistance | IP54 |
Value & Pricing
At $169 to $229, the value proposition is shaky. You're paying a premium for the Google name and ecosystem smoothness. If you want pure performance for your money, there are better options. If you want the most convenient buds for your Pixel phone, it might be worth the tax.
Price History
vs Competition
This is where things get interesting. The Sony WF-1000XM5 is the king of noise canceling and sound quality in this price range, and it's not even close. If ANC is your top priority, get the Sonys. The Nothing Ear (a) offers a more unique design and surprisingly good sound for significantly less money. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 only win if your top criteria is 'works perfectly with my Pixel' and you prioritize comfort above all else.
| Spec | Google Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Wireless Noise-Canceling | Sony Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Technics Technics EAH-AZ80 Noise-Canceling True Wireless | Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra True Wireless | Apple Airpods Pro 3 Apple AirPods Pro with Wireless MagSafe Charging | Jabra Jabra Evolve2 Buds USB-C MS Earbuds with USB-C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form Factor | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear | In-Ear |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Sony WF-1000XM5 Noise-Canceling True Wireless In-Ear Headphones (Black) | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| Wireless | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Active Noise Cancellation | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 5.2 |
| Battery Life Hours | 8 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
| Case Battery Hours | 36 | 16 | 16 | 18 | 24 | 25 |
| Water Resistance | IP54 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IPX4 | IP57 | IP57 |
| Multipoint | false | true | true | true | true | true |
Common Questions
Q: Are these worth it if I don't have a Pixel phone?
Not really. A big part of what you're paying for is the seamless Google integration. Without that, you're just getting mid-tier buds.
Q: How's the call quality?
It's fine for normal calls. The mic scores in the 43rd percentile, so don't expect studio clarity in a windy park, but you'll be heard.
Q: Do they have good bass?
The bass is present but flat. If you're a bass-head, you'll be disappointed. They're tuned for clarity, not thump.
Who Should Skip This
If you're an audiophile or your main goal is to silence a noisy commute, skip these. The Sony WF-1000XM5 eats these for lunch on both counts. Also, if you're on a tight budget, the Nothing Ear (a) gives you 90% of the experience for a lot less cash.
Verdict
We can't give a full-throated recommendation. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the definition of a 'safe' choice for Android users who hate fiddling with settings. They're comfortable, they work, and they won't let you down. But if you care about best-in-class sound or blocking out the world, you should look at the competition. Buy these only if ecosystem integration is your non-negotiable feature.