Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: tiny earphones that are drowned out by the competition

Google’s new pro buds are tiny and cute, but they might be a pain in your ears

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 on a table
(Image: © Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)

TechRadar Verdict

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers decent sound quality, improved noise cancellation, a great transparency mode and a much smaller frame, but unfortunately many of the improvements are overshadowed by awkward market placement and design issues. The design of the buds, small as they are, may sit more awkwardly in the user’s ears than the previous generations, and the price is quite high for the sound quality you get – especially when the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros are priced similarly. As a longtime user of the original Pixel Buds Pro, I see little reason to upgrade.

Pros

  • +

    Great noise canceling and transparency modes

  • +

    Alright sound, if a bit soft and wooly

  • +

    Brilliant battery life

Cons

  • -

    Smaller size means an awkward fit for some users

  • -

    Price tag is close to superior options

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: One-minute review

As a long-time user of Google’s incredible first generation Pixel Buds Pro earbuds, I was very excited to stuff the Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds into my ears. Having received them at the same time as Samsung’s also brilliant Galaxy Buds 3 Pros has, however, muted my opinion of the smaller Google earphones.

Google has gone back to the drawing board for the aesthetic of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, with a much smaller design while retaining the egg-shaped case. This new design sits more firmly in the user’s ear with the same brilliant touch controls on the sides, though a new ‘twist-to-adjust stabilizer’, taking the form of a physical plastic fin, may lead to some discomfort in your ears (in fairness with this criticism, a colleague of mine also using the headphones said he didn’t mind). 

Battery life is better than ever with the second generation, boasting up to eight hours with noise cancellation on or 12 with it off (30 and 48 hours respectively with case recharging factored in).

Noise cancellation has been improved with a redesigned seal and the transparency mode is just as effective as with the previous model. I’ve certainly noticed a difference between the new noise cancellation and Google’s old noise cancellation in the previous generation when walking beside a busy road, though ultimately I don't expect all sounds to be blocked out entirely. In fact, with the earbuds placed in some positions at different adjustments, you may notice an odd windy or whistling sound. Adjust your buds the best you can to mitigate this odd noise, but ultimately it makes quick ease-of-use a step more difficult.

Though perhaps the most unfortunate thing about the Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds is that they’re priced far too confidently. At $229/£219/AU$379, the buds fall within range of the better Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros, at $249/£219/AU$399. Were you shopping at these price points, I would usher you in the direction of Samsung’s new Pro earbuds.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Price and release date

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 on a table

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)
  • Unveiled on August 14
  • Priced at $229/£219/AU$379
  • Price increase over the Google Pixel Buds Pro ($199/£179/$AU299)

We can immediately applaud Google for the bold colorways it’s offering the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 in, which are far more interesting than the finishes you'll find when shopping for either the Samsung Galaxy Buds or Apple AirPods.

The standard black (Hazel) and white (Porcelain) are here, but also a gorgeous candy pink called Peony is available, along with a brilliant mint green called Wintergreen. 

While I won’t admonish anyone for shopping based on color (I have friends who tend to buy a lot of pink tech) I would encourage you to think of the better quality on offer with similarly priced headphones, and to maybe consider the original Pixel Buds Pro if you want a splash of color without spending too much.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Drivers11 mm dynamic speaker drivers
Active noise cancellationYes
Battery life8 hours (ANC), 30 hours (ANC + case), 12 hours (ANC off), 48 hours (ANC off + case)
Weight4.7g (buds), 65g (case)
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.4
WaterproofingIP54

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Features

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 in their case

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)
  • Exceptional battery life
  • Strong noise cancellation and transparency modes
  • Twist-to-adjust stabilizers may feel awkward in-ear

The feature set on offer with the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 puts it in direct competition with any other Pro earbuds on the market, but you may find some things are a bit off. 

These earbuds are more good than bad, so let’s start with the good stuff. The battery life is not only brilliant, but it also bests the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros ever so slightly (8 hours versus 7 hours for the Samsung pair). The original Pixel Buds Pro earbuds had great battery life, so it’s great to see Google keep it up.

Noise cancellation has seen a noticeable improvement with the introduction of what Google calls ‘SilentSeal 2.0’. I tend to walk beside a lot of busy roads in Sydney quite often, and switching between the previous generation and current generation Pixel Buds Pro earbuds, I can certainly hear the difference when a bus rolls past. The Pro 2s are able to block out much more noise, not that the first-generation buds did a bad job. If the transparency mode received any upgrades, for which I can’t find any evidence, it’s not noticeable between the earbuds.

A major point of conflict I have for the earbuds is the in-ear comfort, and truth be told I can’t make heads or tails of it. Google has not just subtly redesigned how the earbuds sit in your ear, but has also introduced a new feature called ‘twist-to-adjust’. We’ll talk about this in greater depth in the design section below, but it’s essentially a plastic fin that sits neatly within your ear for greater support. Twist the earbud up and the bud will sit more strongly in your ear, making it ideal for physical exercise.

This is a great feature and I’ve certainly been using it regularly when going for walks (though it is more intended for cyclists and runners). One of my major problems with the original Pixel Buds Pro earbuds was that they can fall out of your ear all too easily, so it’s nice to see an improvement made on this front.

Finally, the buds also come with Google Gemini support for hands-free use, activated with the simple saying of ‘hey Google’ (or have a free-flowing conversation with the assistant by saying ‘hey Google, let’s talk live’). It’s neat for if you want a quick action performed without using your hands, but it might make you look a bit strange on the train. I didn’t use this feature much as I’m still yet to find a use for a large language model AI assistant. 

  • Features score: 4/5

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Design

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 in-ear

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)
  • Much smaller design than original generation
  • Difficult to make comfortable in your ears
  • Egg-shaped case returns with Google Find My Device

The main drawcard of the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds is that they’re smaller than the first generation buds – and it’s quite a noticeable size down. Where in the past a much less careful grip could have firmly inserted, removed, or adjusted the buds in your ears, a deliberate pinch is now required to tweak the buds in and out. The great haptic buttons on the sides of the buds are the same, though obviously with the smaller form factor it may be more difficult for those with larger hands to make adjustments.

As you may have assumed, this smaller size is both a blessing and a boon. They look much more premium and unique, sure, but the smaller fit forces the user to make their interactions with the buds much more deliberate to make any adjustments. I for one prefer the size and shape of the original Pixel Buds Pro earbuds.

The more egregious matter at hand with the design changes comes down to comfort. I just can’t get consistently comfortable with these earbuds. I feel like I’m constantly adjusting them, as I move from the office, to the train, to my home, to walking through the street. The twist-to-adjust stabilizer fins and the surrounding plastic add quite a bit of discomfort to the experience that didn’t exist with the previous generation or the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros, for which I’m constantly tweaking the earbuds in an attempt to counteract. This leads to complications with the sound quality, which I’ll touch on below.

Finally, the cute egg-shaped design for the charging case has returned with a subtle improvement – support for Google Find My Device. This includes an integrated speaker that plays a chime when you enter pairing mode or a persistent noise when you’re using the Find My Device app. It’s a great addition if you’re the type to constantly lose your earbuds.

  • Design score: 3/5

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Sound quality

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 on a table

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)
  • Great sound, if a bit wooly and quiet
  • Decent equalizer customization
  • Complications with comfort can bleed into sound issues

I can’t fault the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earphones on sound all too much, though when constantly switching between these earbuds and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros, you’ll quickly learn that there’s better sound depth with Samsung’s alternative, despite smaller audio drivers on paper.

That’s not to say the sound produced by the Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds is bad – it’s just flatter and more wooly. This can be mitigated significantly by using the Pixel Buds app to adjust the equalizer. There are quite a few presets to choose from and the ability to set and save your own custom levels.

The only real problem I had with sound stemmed from the trouble I had with the design. When constantly adjusting these buds, pulling them in and out of my ears and tweaking them around, the buds would start to produce an awkward whistling or windy noise. 

This would be much more pronounced when outside and blocking out an abundance of noise with ANC on or absorbing said noise with transparency enabled. I could hear the seal coming unstuck with each step and the flow of wind past my ear being dulled.

With the smaller design, it’s obvious that you need to find the ‘Goldilocks’ zone in your ears for the buds to sit, lest you succumb to sound issues like me.

  • Sound quality score: 4/5

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Value

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 on a table

(Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / Techradar)
  • Much more expensive than the first-gen Pros
  • Difficult to compete with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds are priced to directly compete with the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros, and that’s a problem because the Galaxy Buds 3 Pros are better in every way. This is a problem that is becoming more pronounced across the Pixel product range as Google is starting to price its tech at more premium price points.

The sounds produced by the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a bit flatter and quieter, and the noise cancellation is a bit less impressive when compared to Samsung’s top-end option. With Samsung’s shift to a stem design, the buds also sit more confidently in the user’s ear, and because the buds are naturally larger, it’s easier for more clumsy fingers to make playback adjustments.

It’s not a night-and-day difference between these buds, but it is noticeable. 

  • Value score: 2/5

Should I buy the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2?

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 score card
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesAn exceptional battery life, backed by brilliant noise cancellation and transparency modes, but held back by a fidgety in-ear stabilizer.4/5
DesignA welcome improvement to the charging case that adds Find My Device support, but the smaller bud design makes it an awkward in-ear fit. 3/5
Sound qualityFlat (though not terrible) sound keeps the Pixel Buds Pro 2s behind the competition. Needing to work for the right fit also brings the sound experience down a notch. 4/5 4/5
ValueAt the price point the Pixel Buds Pro 2s are being sold at, it’s tough to compete with the best from Samsung.2/5

Buy them if...

You want a pair of small and sweet earbuds

There’s no denying that the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is cute, with a small design and some great color options available.

You want an earbuds case that’s easy to find

Google’s introduction of Find My Device support for the case is great for those always losing things in couch cushions.

You want the all-Google experience

If you’re well into the all-Google world, matched by a Pixel phone, Watch and maybe even a Chromebook, then complete the set with a pair of Buds.

Don't buy them if...

You want the best value for money

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro isn’t too much more expensive in most markets, and is a much better pair of earbuds.

You want the best audio quality from a set of earbuds

Google’s earbuds are a bit quieter and have flatter sound than what’s on offer from other manufacturers.

You want the easiest-to-use buds

The small form factor of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 makes it tough to get comfortable with them at times.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review: Also consider

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 ProApple AirPods Pro 2Sony WF-1000XM5
Drivers11 mm dynamic speaker drivers10mm dynamic driver + planar tweeter11mm driver8.4mm Dynamic driver X
Active noise cancellationYesYesYesYes
Battery life8 hours (ANC), 30 hours (ANC + case), 12 hours (no ANC), 48 hours (no ANC + case)7 hours (buds) 30 hours (case)6 hours (buds); 30 hours (case)8 hours (buds) 24 hours total (with case)
Weight4.7g (buds), 65g (case)5.4g (buds)5.3g (buds)4.2g (buds)
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.4Bluetooth 5.4Bluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.3
WaterproofingIP54IP57IP54IPX4

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

At a price point not too far from the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2s in most markets, it's difficult to ignore the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros, though there are some features exclusive to Samsung phone owners.

See our full Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro review

Apple AirPods Pro 2
Apple's top-end earbuds are in direct competition with the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2s, but are a better option for iPhone users.

See our full Apple AirPods Pro 2 review

Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5s are some of our favorite earbuds right now, though they are a tad pricier. That being said, they offer incredible sound, long-lasting battery life and a brilliant fit in your ear.

See our full Sony WF-1000XM5 review

How I tested the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

From the moment I received the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds, I got to work reviewing them. I’ve been using the buds for about two weeks, switching between them and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pros as I’ve gone along.

In my testing, I used Spotify as my music app, switching both pairs of earbuds between the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Google Pixel Pro Fold 9. Both pairs of earbuds were tested in the same environments, including walks beside busy roads, in-office use, home use, walks through the park and when sleeping.

Noise cancellation was used a lot with the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. In terms of EQ, I mostly used the default option, though I did enable the heavy bass option now and again.

To justify the direct comparisons in this review, I found myself constantly listening to the same songs and albums back to back between the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. 

  • First reviewed in September 2024
Zachariah Kelly
Staff Writer

Zac has been in the tech writing game for six years, having previously written for Gizmodo Australia, Canstar Blue, and The Daily Mail Australia (with articles on Nine, Junkee, Kotaku Australia and Lifehacker Australia). He’s a huge nerd with a deep passion for technology. While his main focus at TechRadar Australia is phones, monitors and peripherals, he also has a deep interest in the growing Australian EV landscape. Outside of Techradar, Zac’s a Headspace (a youth mental health organization) volunteer and an avid gamer.