Google rolled out major updates to the Pixel Buds Pro (2025), with new features like Conversation Detection and stylish colors to match the Pixel 8 Pro. Here, I’m sharing my experience after using the Pixel Buds Pro for over a week to see if they’re really worth buying in 2024.
Design and Build Quality
The Pixel Buds Pro (2023) keep the same design as the previous model, with a low-profile look and smooth finish. Even without ear hooks, they provide a secure fit thanks to multiple silicone ear tip options that suit different ear shapes. I had no issues moving around, even while jogging. They’re comfortable for long sessions and don’t cause fatigue after hours of use. On top of that, like most modern wireless earbuds, they’re water and sweat resistant with an IPX4 rating.
Set-up and App Support
If you own a Google phone like the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, you can access Pixel Buds Pro settings directly through Bluetooth settings. Alternatively, the Google Pixel Buds app on the Play Store offers full controls, including Find My Buds and customizable gestures.
The 2023 update added a Health & Wellness section, letting users monitor volume levels and exposure over time. The app also makes firmware updates easy, offers helpful tips, and even provides a home screen widget for quick settings access.
Pairing the Pixel Buds Pro with an Android phone is simple—just flip open the case to activate pairing. Notably, the 2023 Buds can connect to two devices at the same time, making switching between them seamless.
Audio Quality
The Pixel Buds Pro (2023) come with 11mm drivers and an EQ in Bluetooth settings, letting you tweak bass, treble, and mids. While the bass is strong for true wireless earbuds, the overall sound isn’t as balanced or full as some competitors in the same price range.
The lack of LDAC or aptX HD support adds to these limitations. Still, music, audiobooks, and podcasts sound clear and crisp, with vocals standing out nicely. The Pixel Buds Pro also support spatial audio with head tracking on compatible content like YouTube, which may appeal to some users. For gaming on supported phones like the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, sound is enhanced with solid syncing to visuals.
Call quality is a highlight. With wideband Bluetooth call support and Beamforming mics, Pixel 8/8 Pro users especially benefit. Calls sound excellent thanks to AI-powered noise cancellation and smart microphone arrays. They handle typical background noise like street sounds well, though in very loud environments AI can distort your voice slightly, affecting clarity.
Active Noise Cancelling and Conversation Detection
Noise cancelling has improved in the Pixel Buds Pro 2023 compared to last year’s model. In loud places like coffee shops or areas with kids shouting, ANC effectively reduces background noise. It also works well for traffic and similar sounds. However, like most true wireless earbuds, they struggle against high-pitched or very loud noises, such as airplane engines. Wind interference is minimal, making them suitable for breezy days.
One standout feature is Conversation Detection. When you start talking, playback pauses and Transparency Mode turns on automatically. This is handy for unexpected interactions, though it may trigger even during short phrases or self-talk.
To help with that, the feature includes auto-resume: if no speech is detected for 4–5 seconds, your music or podcast resumes automatically, avoiding awkward silence. But in busy public spaces with ongoing chatter, you’ll need to restart playback manually.
Touch Controls and Google Assistant
Touch controls on the Pixel Buds Pro are responsive—one tap pauses or resumes playback, while auto-pause kicks in when you remove an earbud.
Double taps skip tracks, with sound feedback confirming your action. Volume is adjusted by swiping, though accidental changes sometimes happen. Long-press toggles between ANC and Transparency or activates Google Assistant, depending on your setup. Voice commands also work smoothly.
You can disable touch controls in settings and assign custom functions for the long-press gesture. The Pixel Buds Pro can also have Google Assistant read notifications from selected apps. This is useful for people on the go, though frequent alerts can become annoying, especially if they interrupt podcasts. Thankfully, you can turn this off.
Battery Life
Google claims 7 hours of playback per charge, but in practice, the Pixel Buds Pro (2023) last slightly longer—about 7.5 hours with ANC on, which is above average for modern earbuds. With ANC off, you can get an extra hour or two.
The charging case tops the buds up multiple times, delivering around 30 hours of total playback without ANC, or about 23–24 hours with it on. The case supports both USB-C and wireless charging, keeping things convenient. Its design remains compact and rounded, unchanged from the previous model.
Conclusion
The Google Pixel Buds Pro (2023) have been refined and upgraded with spatial audio, conversation detection, and improved ANC. At $200, they’re a solid choice—especially for Pixel owners who value deep Google Assistant integration.
So, are they worth it in 2025? For Pixel users, yes—they deliver a polished and well-rounded experience. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
