The Pixel Buds Pro 2 surpass their good predecessors in almost every respect. The sound, noise cancellation, wearing comfort and endurance are sometimes significantly better, even though the new earphones are significantly smaller. Unfortunately, Google has also increased the price and the full AI fun is only available in English.
With the second generation of the Pixel Buds Pro, Google has achieved a great success. The new earphones are not only a careful further development, but also offer significant improvements compared to their predecessors in almost all areas, from design to sound.
Comfortable little things
The buds sit pretty inconspicuously in the ear.
(Photo: Google)
At first glance, you notice that the buds have not only become significantly smaller, but also look different. The now almost tiny plugs have silicone fins that hold them in place in the auricle. In the practical test, they held their position securely even during workouts and other violent movements. Since they are protected against dust and splash water according to IP54, they are ideal companions for sporting activities.
Since the earphones are extremely light at 4.7 grams each, they not only fit securely, but are also extremely comfortable. You hardly feel them and you can easily wear them for hours. Their batteries can handle this, as the buds are 27 percent smaller than their predecessors, but still have greater endurance.
Great sound, great endurance
The new Google earphones are significantly smaller than their predecessors.
(Photo: kwe)
According to Google, the battery life is up to eight hours when active noise cancellation (ANC) is activated. The test confirmed this; a little more is possible at moderate volume. The largely unchanged charging case offers reserves for another 22 hours; After five minutes in the box with active ANC, empty buds last around an hour. Not only can the charging case be refueled inductively, it is now also possible to search for them using an alarm sound, like the buds.
The sound of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has also been significantly improved. You can hear this especially in the highs, which give the sound more clarity with a new high-frequency chamber. In addition, the soundstage appears wider and airier than its predecessors. The powerful bass is a little more reserved in the standard settings, which benefits the overall sound.
Successful app
There is an extensive equalizer in the app.
(Photo: kwe)
If you like a little more oomph, you will find predefined modes in the associated app, but you can also make individual settings using an extensive equalizer. At the same point you can check whether the plugs seal sufficiently to have optimal ANC and full bass. Google gives the Buds silicone attachments in four different sizes. In the test, it was easier to find a suitable combination than with its predecessors. This is obviously not least due to the additional holding fins.
In the app you also have the option to activate Spatial Audio, which means the earphones play 3D sound with compatible media. You can also set the perceived direction from which the sound comes to stay in place when you turn your head. Both effects are particularly fun for videos.
According to Google, the sound improvements are primarily due to the Tensor A1, the first in-house chip in Pixel Buds, in addition to the new high-frequency chamber. It should also enable twice as efficient active noise cancellation.
Strong ANC, great transparency mode
It's hard to say whether the ANC is actually that much better. The new earphones definitely go a step further. They not only attenuate more uniform noise in trains, planes or in road traffic. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also filter out keyboard clattering in the office or conversations from colleagues better. Basically, the ANC now seems to be more effective at higher frequencies. The new Google earbuds may not be number 1 when it comes to active noise cancellation, but they are clearly among the best in this area.
You can talk to Gemini about anything, as long as you do it in English.
(Photo: kwe)
As with ANC, you can only hear minimal noise in transparency mode. Otherwise the effect sounds pretty natural and you can have a conversation without any problems. If call detection is turned on, the buds automatically switch to transparency mode when you start speaking.
The earphones also do a good job with phone calls. Your own voice is isolated very effectively in noisy environments and you can understand the conversation partner perfectly. The buds also deserve praise for their confident handling of strong winds.
Gemini on call
As usual, media playback and phone calls are controlled via touch surfaces on the round outside of the buds by tapping or swiping on them with your finger. This is easy to understand and works well; gestures are recognized quickly and reliably.
The only thing that can be adjusted is what should happen when you place a finger on a bud for a longer period of time. Among other things, you can call up a digital assistant. This can now also be Google's AI Gemini, as long as it is set as default on an Android smartphone.
Gemini generally does its job well, as the AI ​​hands over to the Google Assistant when it comes to tasks it can't yet do. Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to access Gemini and ask questions in German. Live conversations, where you can chat with the AI ​​about a topic almost like you would with a person, only work if you switch the language to US English. Then it's not only fun to talk about possible recipes, you also usually get useful results.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have very stable Bluetooth 5.4 and support LE Audio. Of the standard's options, so far they have only used the option to be connected to two devices at the same time. Like their predecessors, Google's new earphones do not offer high-resolution Bluetooth codecs like aptX. This will eventually come with LC3, which is also an LE audio feature.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are among the best Bluetooth earbuds currently available. Sound, ANC and wearing comfort are excellent, endurance is above average. You can use Gemini without them, but it's especially convenient with the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Unfortunately, at just under 250 euros, they are just as expensive as other top earphones.
