Why the Google Pixel Buds Pro Are the Best for Android Users
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We judge all headphones and earbuds on a scale of 10, analyzing the categories we think are most important: sound, comfort, design, battery performance, and, if applicable, special features. Here's how the Google Pixel Buds Pro wireless earbuds stack up.
The earbuds market might seem oversaturated, but after spending over a week testing Google’s new Pixel Buds Pro wireless earbuds, I can truly say they’re a pair that stands out from the rest. Debuting back in May along with the Google Pixel 6a smartphone, they joined the tech giant's growing lineup of stellar audio products. They're Google's most feature-packed earphones yet, bringing next-level sound with onboard noise cancellation (a first for Pixel Buds) and longer battery life with wireless charging capabilities, to name a few attention-worthy highlights.
At $199.99, the Pixel Buds Pro are more expensive than the under-$100 Pixel Buds A-Series, but this isn't a surprise given their sleek design and impressive specs. After more than a week of testing the latest Google Pixel Buds, I can confirm that the product is worth every penny of the higher price tag that comes with their Pro name. Here’s why the buds’ ergonomics, everyday performance, and platform integration make them one of the best for Android users.
SCORES
• Sound: 8/10
• Comfort: 9/10
• Design: 8/10
• Battery Performance: 9/10
• Overall Score: 8/10
Google Pixel Buds Pro at a Glance
Balanced sound and solid noise cancellation
Comfy and reliable fit
Up to 11 hours of battery life
IPX4 water-resistant
SOUND: 8/10
The Pixel Buds Pro earphones deliver high-quality sound with a balance between deep bass, detailed midrange, and vibrant treble, thanks to their custom 11-millimeter audio drivers. I played a wide range of music genres on the buds — from Nirvana's iconic Unplugged in New York album to classical concertos to low-fi Thievery Corporation tracks — and found their performance consistently stellar.
The Pixel Buds Pro's noise cancellation is solid too, but given their $200 price point, that's to be expected. The earphones successfully drowned out the roaring street traffic sounds from my window and the loud air conditioning hum in our office space. Plus, their efficient in-ear seal and sophisticated custom processor allowed me to stay focused for hours.
Transparency mode is Google's signature noise-canceling feature that helps you remain aware of your surroundings by channeling in ambient sounds, and the feature worked incredibly well on the Pixel Buds Pro. It also allowed me to have in-person conversations without having to remove the earbuds, which I loved.
The Pixel Buds Pro's noise cancellation performed on par with similarly priced products like the Beats Fit Pro and the Sony Linkbuds S. That said, its efficiency doesn't stack up to the complete silence that pricier products like the AirPods Pro, the Bose QuietComfort, and the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds can generate.
The Pixel Buds Pro's call quality was excellent during my testing. The earbuds maintained a rock-solid link with a Google Pixel 6a and a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra. Thankfully, they also support multipoint connectivity, so you can easily switch using them with your phone and a laptop or tablet.
There are currently no tools for customizing the sound through Google's Pixel Buds companion app, with the exception of a one-button volume EQ setting that bumps the bass and the treble at lower volumes. But not to worry — Google will release a more elaborate set of tools for adjusting the sound via an update later this year.
COMFORT: 9/10
Because of their ergonomic shape and onboard sensors that relieve pesky in-ear pressure, the Pixel Buds Pro earbuds have a supremely comfy fit. At 6.2 grams a piece, the earphones are also substantially lighter and noticeably more compact than the industry-leading Bose and Sony offerings.
I spent hours-long work sessions wearing the Pixel Buds Pro without needing to take a break from wearing them. I also put the buds' fit to the test during a Whole Foods trip on a hot summer afternoon, and what impressed me the most was that they stayed completely in place while I lugged three bags of groceries up the stairs to my apartment.
And when it comes to finding comfy ear tips for your Pixel Buds Pro, the fitting process has never been easier. Thanks to their companion app, the seal check feature helps you find the best fit and helps improve your noise cancellation.
The touch controls of the Pixel Buds Pro are exceptional — and I was particularly impressed by the ability to control the buds' volume with swipe gestures given their small size. The pricier Bose QuietComfort earbuds offer similar swipe volume controls but are substantially larger, so this is an impressive feature Google pulled off. And when it comes to navigating between the taps for controlling the audio playback and the long presses for managing the noise cancellation, it's a process that only takes a few minutes to master.
If you own an Android phone, the Pixel Buds Pro's seamless Google Assistant integration is a major reason you should consider these earbuds over their rivals. The buds will allow you to open apps, send and reply to messages, control connected home appliances, and even translate foreign languages in real-time — a feature that's guaranteed to make your trips abroad substantially easier if you're a traveler.
DESIGN: 8/10
The design of the Google Pixel Buds Pro varies from flashy to understated based on their color finishes. Depending on your preference, you can opt for attention-commanding coral, fog, and lemongrass shades or a decidedly understated charcoal option like the one I tested.
I like the contrasting vents on each pair of Pixel Buds Pro. The tiny design bits add visual character and help block wind from interfering with their built-in microphones.
Since they are IPX4 water-resistant, you can use the Pixel Buds Pro for exercising without worrying about them getting damaged. I tip my hat to Google for treating the earbuds' storage case to an IPX2 rating, ensuring it can survive light exposure to water as well.
BATTERY PERFORMANCE: 10/10
The 7-hour maximum battery life of the Pixel Buds Pro with noise cancellation and 11 hours without is outstanding and another reason to have the product on your shortlist. The buds' two-digit endurance without the essential feature is close to that of bulkier and more expensive Sony WF-1000XM4 and Master & Dynamic MW08.
The storage case of the earbuds holds almost two additional charges. It is compatible with wireless charging. It needs only 5 minutes to deliver an hour’s worth of playback — enough for a good workout — with noise cancellation.
OVERALL: 8/10
The Pixel Buds Pro wireless earbuds are Google's best yet, providing a mixture of good sound, robust noise cancellation, characterful design, top-tier comfort, and long battery life. The product's Android integration is similar to the flawless synergy between the AirPods and an iPhone, making it a worthy upgrade for Google phone users.
Future support for spatial audio and in-app sound customization tools is another legit reason to consider pressing the buy button.
Regarding Pixel Buds Pro alternatives, the Sony LinkBuds S is the first that comes to mind. Sony's earbuds have superior audio fidelity and vastly more elaborate app tools for tuning their sound. However, their battery life is shorter, and their storage case lacks wireless charging.
Google's Pixel Buds A-Series earbuds are a solid option if you're looking for a Pixel Buds Pro alternative on a tighter budget. You'll get a fantastic Google Assistant integration and a super comfy fit but significantly shorter battery life for half the price. And now, these buds are 30 percent off on Amazon.
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