Google’s Pixel Buds Pro has features like conversation detection and a new color to match the Pixel 8 Pro. However, the Pixel Buds Pro are priced at $199. I’ve been using these earbuds for over a week to determine if they’re worth it in 2024.
Design
The design of the Google Pixel Buds Pro hasn’t changed much from last year. They don’t stick out awkwardly, and the soft-touch finish feels nice. Despite the lack of ear hooks causing some concern, the fit is stable and secure, even during movement. The earbuds come with various sizes of silicone tips, ensuring a snug fit that stays in place during activities like jogging. Additionally, the Pixel Buds Pro are comfortable for prolonged wear, with no fatigue even after 3-4 hours. They are also IPX4 water and sweat resistant.
Setup and app
If you have a Google smartphone like the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, all the settings for the Pixel Buds Pro are in the Bluetooth settings. If not, you can use the Google Pixel Buds app from the Play Store. The app includes features like “Find My Buds,” customizable touch controls, sound options, and a new “Hearing Wellness” section for 2024. This section lets you check if your audio volume is too high, potentially damaging your hearing, and track exposure over time.
In the settings, you can update the firmware, access tips and tricks, and add a widget to your smartphone’s home screen for quick access to these features. Setting up the Pixel Buds Pro with your Android smartphone is simple—just open the case, and you’ll see a popup to connect. The Pixel Buds Pro can also connect to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between your smartphone and laptop.
Touch Controls and Google assistant
Touch controls on the Pixel Buds Pro are straightforward. Tap to resume or pause music. An auto-pause feature stops audio when you remove a bud and resumes when you put it back. Double-tap to skip tracks, with sound feedback confirming your taps. Swipe forward to raise the volume and backward to lower it. Occasionally, you might accidentally adjust the volume when intending to pause. Long-press to switch between noise cancellation and transparency modes or to activate Google Assistant. Voice commands are also an option. In settings, you can disable touch controls or customize the touch and hold action to toggle noise cancellation or activate the assistant.
With a quick voice command or a long press on the buds, you can activate the Google Assistant to read out notifications from your selected apps. This feature is useful if you miss important notifications while on the move. However, it can be distracting if you receive many notifications, constantly interrupting your audio. You can easily turn it off if it becomes bothersome.
Conversation Detection
One of the new features on the Pixel Buds Pro is the conversation detection feature. This feature pauses your audio and activates transparency mode when you start talking. It’s useful if someone suddenly starts a conversation with you. However, it can be triggered by even minor muttering, causing your audio to pause unintentionally. The feature has an auto-resume function that restarts your audio after 4-5 seconds of silence. While it works well in most cases, in busy environments like cafes, you might need to manually restart your audio.
Active Noise Cancelling
There’s active noise cancellation on Pixel Buds Pro, and I believe it has improved since I first reviewed them last year. Even in busy environments like a local McDonald’s, they manage to dampen most noises, allowing me to enjoy my podcast or audiobook in peace. They’re effective against traffic noise too, but like other true wireless earbuds, they struggle with high-pitched sounds like train squeals. Fortunately, there’s minimal wind interference, making them quite good on gusty days.
Sound Quality
Sound quality on the Pixel Buds Pro is delivered through a pair of 11mm drivers. The Bluetooth set includes an equalizer for adjusting bass, trebles, and mids, though the bass is fairly respectable for true wireless earbuds. However, the overall sound isn’t as well-rounded or full-bodied as some other premium rivals at this price, partly due to the lack of support for LDAC, AptX HD, or other standard codecs.
Music, audiobooks, and podcasts sound crisp and clear, with vocals particularly shining. However, audiophiles might want to look elsewhere at this price point.
The Pixel Buds Pro also support spatial audio with head tracking, which works well in supported content like YouTube, though it’s more of a niche feature. Additionally, reduced audio latency is promised when gaming on supported smartphones like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and I had no complaints in this area, as the audio matched perfectly with the visuals.
Mic test
It’s excellent for phone calls especially with Bluetooth super wideband support for the Beamforming mics, as long as you’re using a Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro. The call quality is excellent; I’m recording this on a Pixel 8 Pro. Google has also enhanced performance with AI noise cancellation and smart audio processing. It handles moderate background noise well, but if the noise gets too loud, the AI may start to muffle your voice, reducing clarity.
Battery life
Google promises seven hours of playback on these buds before they need recharging. I found the battery life slightly better than advertised, even with active noise cancellation on. The battery didn’t dip below 100% for about half an hour, and I got around 7.5 hours of use before they were drained. This is better than average for modern true wireless earbuds.
With noise cancellation off, you’ll get an extra couple of hours. The case can fully recharge Pixel Buds Pro a few times, providing up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation off and about 23-24 hours with it on.
When the case itself is drained, it supports both Type-C USB and wireless charging, which is convenient for devices like the Pixel 8 with reverse wireless charging. The case is unchanged from last year—compact, rounded, and easy to slip into a pocket or bag.
Google Pixel Buds Pro, improved and are still not my favorite true wireless earbuds, especially at $200. They compete with Bose and Sony. However, if you’re into Google Assistant features and own a Pixel phone, you'll get the most out of them.
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Design8
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Setup & App9
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Touch controls8
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Conversation Detection7
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Active Noise Cancellation8
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Sound Quality7
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Mic Quality8
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Battery Life9
