Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Review: Smarter, Smoother, More Refined
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, launched in early 2024, mark Google's push to refine the true wireless experience. They retain the same minimal look but improve performance, comfort, and AI-driven features. The earbuds now offer clearer sound, a smaller and lighter case, and upgraded internals for smarter audio and voice control.
Improvements to Google’s custom 6-core processor power more responsive noise cancellation, smarter volume leveling, and automatic voice detection. These additions make everyday use smoother and less manual, especially for Android users. Seamless pairing, device handoff, and Assistant integration further enhance their usability.
The Buds Pro 2 may not beat Sony or Bose in raw audio power, but they excel at making smart audio feel natural. Real-time translation, adaptive sound, and helpful Assistant responses all add up to a premium Android-first experience. For users in the Pixel ecosystem, they offer outstanding value, though some limitations remain for iOS users or those wanting high-res audio support.
MSRP (when available or best estimate): $229
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✅ Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Pros
✅ Smarter Noise Cancellation
Uses AI to adjust ANC levels automatically based on your surroundings, blocking both steady and sudden sounds without distorting your audio.
✅ More Balanced Sound
Tuning has been refined over the first generation, offering deeper lows, clearer highs, and vocal presence without overwhelming bass.
✅ Responsive Assistant Features
Google Assistant launches faster and understands follow-ups better, making it easier to use voice control in real-world situations.
✅ Lighter, Smaller Case
The charging case is easier to carry and fits better in pockets or small bags without sacrificing battery capacity.
✅ Auto Device Switching
Seamless transitions between Android devices like tablets and phones happen nearly instantly without reconnecting manually.
✅ Better Real-Time Translation
The live translation feature is faster and more fluent, especially when both users are on Pixel devices.
✅ Improved Comfort
Smaller earbuds with venting reduce ear fatigue, making them better suited for long-term wear.
✅ Fast Charge Support
A 5-minute top-up gives about an hour of playtime, making it easy to recover battery on short notice.
❌ Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Cons
❌ No High-Res Codec Support
Without aptX or LDAC, users miss out on higher quality streaming, especially those with Android phones that support better Bluetooth codecs.
❌ Android Only for Full Features
iPhone users get basic functionality but lose access to Adaptive Sound, Assistant, and real-time translation.
❌ Mic Struggles in Wind
While indoor call quality is great, the microphones still pick up wind noise outdoors despite AI filtering.
❌ App Needed for EQ Tweaks
Users must access the Pixel Buds app to make tone adjustments, as there are no on-earbud EQ presets.
❌ Case Can Be Slippery
The smooth matte finish makes the case difficult to grip, increasing the chance of accidental drops.
❌ Volume Gestures Still Touchy
Swiping to adjust volume can sometimes trigger unintentionally, especially during workouts or when adjusting the fit.
❌ Limited ANC Settings
There’s no manual control over ANC strength, which may disappoint users who want more granular control.
❌ Transparency Still Lacks Clarity
Ambient passthrough is improved but still sounds artificial, particularly for voice-heavy environments.
Key AI-Powered Features
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
- Adaptive Sound - Automatically adjusts volume based on setting and usage.
- Smarter ANC Engine - Suppresses both steady and sudden noise events in real time.
- Voice Detection - Lowers volume and activates ambient mode when you speak.
- Google Assistant - Hands-free commands with improved accuracy and context.
- Real-Time Translation - Supports live two-way translation in multiple languages.
- EQ Suggestions - AI recommends adjustments based on listening patterns.
- Conversation Detection - Automatically pauses music when it hears speech.
How Smart is the AI?
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 bring some of the most advanced AI integration in the wireless earbud market. Adaptive Sound works invisibly in the background, smoothly adjusting volume depending on whether you’re on a quiet bus or walking down a busy street. It even seems to learn how long you’ve been listening and adapts more gradually over time.
ANC has been improved not just in raw power, but in responsiveness. Google's AI can now identify noise patterns and adjust suppression levels on the fly. It’s especially good at filtering both ongoing and sudden background sounds without disrupting music or speech.
Voice detection is also much faster. It picks up on speech, pauses your media, and shifts to transparency within a second or two. While the system can be tripped by coughing or loud laughs, it generally works well. Assistant is also more natural now, understanding follow-ups and context much more smoothly.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 even track listening behavior, offering subtle EQ suggestions if you tend to favor one genre or sound profile. Combined with real-time translation and smarter ambient awareness, the AI in these earbuds feels helpful without being distracting.
Performance & User Experience
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Sound Quality & AI Enhancement
Compared to the first-gen Buds Pro, sound quality has taken a noticeable step forward. The tuning is cleaner and more refined, with tighter bass and more present vocals. Mids are clear, and highs have better presence without sounding harsh. The soundstage feels a bit wider too, especially in stereo-rich music, making listening more immersive.
Adaptive Sound makes a big difference when moving between environments. Instead of fumbling with volume, the earbuds make quiet transitions almost imperceptible. Whether you're commuting, working, or walking outdoors, the automatic volume shifts feel seamless and accurate.
While AAC and SBC are the only codec options, audio quality remains strong when paired with Pixel or modern Android devices. There’s a lack of support for higher resolution codecs, which limits fidelity for audiophiles, but most users will find the playback clear, rich, and enjoyable.
The Pixel Buds app lets you adjust EQ manually, but the AI recommendations are surprisingly smart. Over time, it notices your preferences and will suggest more vocal-heavy or bass-focused profiles depending on your genre habits. These features work quietly in the background, shaping a more personalized sound experience without needing constant user input.
ANC Performance & Transparency Mode
ANC performance has seen a solid upgrade from the first generation. The system now adapts to different types of ambient noise more precisely, cutting down low end rumbles like subway engines as well as midrange chatter in cafes or offices. It doesn’t quite match Sony or Bose in raw suppression power, but it's more than capable for daily use, commuting, and flights.
Google's machine learning algorithms identify both steady and unpredictable sound patterns and apply real-time suppression adjustments. In practice, this means less manual toggling and more reliable results regardless of setting.
Transparency mode also received attention, though it still has room to grow. It now turns on more quickly and handles short conversations better than before. Still, voices come through with a slightly tinny or digitized tone, which can feel unnatural over longer interactions. Background sounds, like traffic or typing, are audible but lack the realism of best-in-class implementations.
The AI-driven voice detection bridges the two modes, automatically lowering audio and activating transparency when it senses you speaking. It works well in most cases, though loud sneezes or laughs can occasionally trigger false positives. Overall, it’s a strong, smart step forward for the series.
Battery Life & Comfort
Battery performance is a strong suit for the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. With ANC enabled, users can expect up to 7 hours of continuous playback, while turning ANC off stretches this to approximately 11 hours. The charging case provides an additional 17 hours of juice, bringing total battery life to around 24 hours with ANC—or up to 35 hours without it. Google claims similar numbers on their website, and independent testing supports this under moderate usage.
Fast charging is another win. A 5-minute top-up delivers about an hour of playtime, which is useful for busy routines. The case supports both USB C and Qi wireless charging, adding flexibility across various charging setups.
Comfort is where the Pixel Buds Pro 2 make subtle but impactful gains. The slightly smaller earbud design fits better in a wider range of ears. Pressure relief vents inside the buds reduce the sense of in-ear suction, improving long-term wear. Users report less fatigue during long listening sessions, whether for calls, commutes, or travel.
The buds stay secure enough for walking, working out, or daily movement. While not designed for aggressive workouts, they maintain a comfortable and stable seal under most normal conditions.
Microphone & Call Quality
Call quality is consistently strong in indoor settings. Voices come through clear and full-bodied, and Google’s onboard AI does a solid job of filtering out ambient distractions like typing or distant voices. This makes them well suited for remote work or video conferencing.
Outdoors, however, the performance is less reliable. Wind and unpredictable environmental noise can still interfere with call clarity, even though Google’s AI tries to suppress it. Competing earbuds from Bose and Sony still have an edge here. Users who make a lot of calls on the move may find occasional frustration.
Voice Assistant interactions, on the other hand, are a highlight. Wake word detection is consistent even in busy environments, and the buds now support more fluid, multi-step conversations with Google Assistant. Whether you’re asking for the weather, sending a text, or setting a reminder, the experience feels more integrated and responsive than before.
The onboard mics also perform well when activating features like voice detection or conversation mode. They pick up speech cues accurately, which helps the AI transition between ANC and transparency effectively. For voice-first users, this makes the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 a reliable tool for hands-free control and smart assistant use.
Final Verdict
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2are a standout for Android users looking for a truly smart audio experience. They improve on nearly every aspect of the first generation with better comfort, more thoughtful AI features, and sound that’s more balanced and polished. They may not satisfy hardcore audiophiles or users seeking full iOS compatibility, but within the Android ecosystem, they shine.
Smarter ANC, a responsive Assistant, and real time translation features make these earbuds more than just another wireless option. They feel purposeful. If you value intelligent audio that adapts to your environment and needs, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a strong recommendation.
Additional Information
Apple AirPods Pro 2 vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Comparison Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds vs Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Comparison Google Nest Cam (Battery) Review Google Pixel Watch 2 Review Google Pixel Watch 3 ReviewThis review is based on research, expert analysis, and user feedback. AI Reviews HQ does not conduct hands-on product testing. We may earn a commission from the links in this review. We do our best to provide accurate product details, however AI is not perfect and may make some mistakes in research. Please double-check with the manufacturer or retailer before purchasing. Check out the product page