Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Review: Big Upgrade, Much Smaller Earbuds

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 bring a host of improvements, making them one of the top contenders for the best true wireless earbuds in 2024. Featuring a smaller, lighter, and more comfortable design, improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), and seamless integration with Google’s Gemini AI, these buds are an impressive step forward from their predecessors. Priced at ₹19,100, they are ₹2,500 more expensive than the previous generation, but the upgrades make this price hike more than justified.

Let’s dive into why the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are worth considering for Pixel users and beyond.

Design: Smaller, Lighter, and More Comfortable

One of the biggest improvements with the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is their redesigned, smaller form factor. They are 27% smaller and 24% lighter than the previous version, addressing a major pain point with the first-gen Pixel Buds Pro, which were bulky and often shifted out of place during use. The new design, along with subtle stabilizer fins, ensures a more secure fit. Whether you’re running, working, or simply walking around, the buds stay comfortably anchored in your ears, even during activities like eating or talking.

Google’s decision to make the buds smaller and lighter is a win, making them more user-friendly for longer listening sessions. Additionally, the earbuds come with four different tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) to cater to various ear shapes and sizes.

Enhanced Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 come equipped with Google’s new Tensor A1 chip, which powers a significantly improved ANC experience. Google claims that noise cancellation is now twice as effective, and real-world use supports that assertion. While the ANC might not match the reigning champion, Bose, it performs better than many other options in the same price range. Whether you're commuting in a noisy city or working in a bustling office, these earbuds do an excellent job of minimizing external distractions.

In addition to ANC, Google has significantly enhanced the Transparency Mode. It now offers clarity that is on par with Apple’s AirPods Pro, allowing you to hear your surroundings without needing to remove the earbuds. The illusion of not wearing earbuds while still being able to interact with your environment is seamless, making the Pixel Buds Pro 2 a fantastic choice for users who need to remain aware of their surroundings.

Battery Life: Impressive Longevity

Battery life is one of the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s standout features. Google promises 8 hours of continuous listening with ANC turned on and up to 12 hours with ANC off. Including the charging case, users can get up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC on and 48 hours with ANC off. These estimates have proven to be accurate in real-world testing, making the Buds Pro 2 an excellent choice for long listening sessions or extended travel.

The case itself has remained largely unchanged from the previous model but now includes a built-in speaker that integrates with Google’s Find My Device network. This helps locate the earbuds if you misplace them, adding a layer of convenience.

Sound Quality: Clean, Crisp, and Customizable

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer crisp, clean sound quality that can be customized with various presets and a five-band EQ in the Pixel Buds app. The default tuning is slightly restrained in the lower frequencies, but with the customization options, you can tweak the sound to suit your preferences. The addition of a new high-frequency chamber smoothens treble performance, offering a more refined listening experience compared to the previous generation.

While the sound quality is great for its price range, it might not surpass premium alternatives like the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 or Technics AZ80, which are priced significantly higher at ₹25,000–₹28,000. However, for the ₹19,100 price point, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer exceptional value with balanced and enjoyable sound across various genres of music.

AI Integration: Gemini Live

One of the new features exclusive to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is Gemini Live, Google’s AI-powered helper. You can activate it with a simple voice command: “Hey Google, let’s talk.” Gemini Live allows you to have natural conversations with Google’s AI, though the feature is still in its infancy. While it’s fun to use and can assist with brainstorming or practice for job interviews, it has some limitations—Gemini Live can’t send text messages, set reminders, or make calls yet, which detracts from its utility.

While the potential for Gemini Live is exciting, it feels more like a beta feature right now. Google’s vision for an in-ear assistant may become more powerful with future updates, but for now, it remains a fun yet underbaked addition to the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Google has maintained support for multipoint connectivity, meaning the earbuds can connect to multiple devices at once and switch seamlessly between them. This feature is incredibly convenient for those using the Buds Pro 2 with multiple devices like a laptop and smartphone.

However, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are still limited to AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs, with no support for higher-quality codecs like aptX or LDAC, which could improve sound fidelity. For most users, this won’t be a dealbreaker, but audiophiles may prefer alternatives that offer higher-resolution audio.

Final Verdict: A Solid Upgrade for Pixel Users

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a major upgrade over their predecessors, with significant improvements in comfort, noise cancellation, and transparency mode. While the Gemini Live feature is still a work in progress, the overall package is compelling, especially for users already within the Google ecosystem.

For ₹19,100, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are an excellent value. Whether you’re using them for commuting, working, or simply enjoying music, they are a reliable and comfortable choice that ticks many boxes for today’s wireless earbuds.

Quick Overview: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

• Price: ₹19,100

• Pros:

  • Smaller, lighter design for better comfort

  • Improved noise cancellation and transparency modes

  • Customizable sound with presets and EQ

  • Long battery life (up to 48 hours with case)

  • True multipoint connectivity

  • AI integration with Gemini Live

• Cons:

  • No support for high-quality Bluetooth codecs

  • Gemini Live feels limited in current form

  • ANC isn’t quite at the level of Bose

Stay tuned to Kushal Bharat Tech News for more in-depth reviews and the latest in tech updates!

4o