Google Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Wireless Noise-Canceling Review

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are comfortable, well-integrated earbuds for Pixel phone owners, but they struggle to justify their price. Their noise canceling and sound quality are merely average compared to key rivals like the Sony WF-1000XM5. Only buy these if seamless Android pairing is your top priority.

If you're a Pixel phone owner looking for a seamless audio upgrade, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the obvious first stop. They're Google's flagship wireless earbuds, built around the new Tensor A1 chip and featuring Silent Seal 2.0 adaptive noise canceling. The promise is a comfortable, smart listening experience that's deeply integrated with the Android ecosystem. In our testing, they're priced between $169 and $229, which puts them squarely in the competitive premium earbud market. So, are they worth it for anyone other than a die-hard Google fan? Let's dig into the data.

The performance story here is a bit of a mixed bag. The new Tensor A1 chip is supposed to make the adaptive noise canceling smarter, but in our benchmark database, the ANC performance lands in the 39th percentile. That means it's decent, but not class-leading. For a flight or a noisy coffee shop, it'll take the edge off, but don't expect the near-silence you get from the top competitors. Sound quality scores in the 40th percentile, which is fine for most podcasts and playlists, but audiophiles might find it a bit flat. The battery life is a solid point, sitting in the 60th percentile, which translates to a reliable full day of use with the charging case.

At $169 to $229, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are asking for premium money. The problem is, they don't deliver premium-tier performance in the areas that matter most for the price: ANC and sound. For a Pixel user who values ecosystem integration above all else, they might be worth it for the convenience. For everyone else, there are better-performing earbuds at this price, and even better values if you're willing to spend a bit less.

The most direct competitor is the Sony WF-1000XM5. It consistently outperforms the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in our ANC and sound quality benchmarks, and it often goes on sale for a similar price. If your top priority is blocking out the world, the Sony is the clear winner. The Nothing Ear (a) is another interesting alternative. It offers surprisingly good sound and a unique design for significantly less money, making it a fantastic value pick. For Pixel loyalists, the choice is between seamless integration with the Buds Pro 2 or objectively better audio performance with a third-party option like the Sony.

Skip the Pixel Buds Pro 2 if you're an iPhone user, a competitive gamer (our data shows a weak 9.2/100 score for gaming), or an audiophile seeking the best possible sound. Also, if your main goal is maximum noise cancellation for flights or loud offices, you'll get better performance from Sony or Bose. In those cases, look at the Sony WF-1000XM5 for top-tier ANC or the Nothing Ear (a) for great sound on a budget.

Should you buy the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2? It depends almost entirely on your phone. If you're deep in the Google ecosystem with a Pixel phone and you prioritize hassle-free pairing and Google Assistant access over absolute sonic excellence, these buds make sense. They're comfortable, the battery is good, and they get the job done. But if you're on any other Android phone, or especially if you're an iPhone user, there's very little reason to choose these over the competition. You'd be paying a premium for features you can't fully use, while accepting middling noise cancellation. For most people, we'd point you toward the Sony WF-1000XM5 or a value option like the Nothing Ear (a) first.