earbuds to stay in your bubble

Published on December 4, 2024

Vincent Paquette

We put Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds to the test. “Earbuds” which once again stand out for the quality of their ambient noise suppression technology and its transparent mode which place them among the tops of this category.

We tested the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 earbuds – francoischarron.com

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Hear only what you want to hear!

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It’s been fashionable for several years; each smartphone manufacturer offers a pair of earbuds.

Apple has its AirPods, Samsung has its Galaxy Buds, OnePlus has its OnePlus Buds, in short each offers “regular” or Pro headphones.

Google is no different from the others and is offering its 2nd version of its Pro headphones, the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

The characteristics of the Pixel Buds Pro 2

In 2022, when Google launched its Pixel Buds Pro, we were not shy about saying that they were the best noise-canceling earbuds for Android.

Two years later, Google launched its Pixel Buds Pro 2 by reviewing some of the irritants of its first generation.

A new design that is welcome

The main criticism made of the Pixel Buds Pro was their design and shape. Some found them too big and that they didn’t fit well in their ears.

Google heard them (no pun intended) and therefore refined the look.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are 27% smaller and 24% lighter.

The difference is really noticeable, while this 2nd generation is more comfortable than the first.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 earphone design — Pixel Buds Pro 2 are smaller and lighter than the 1st generation. – *Google*

We must therefore make a small rotation in our ear so that the earphone is properly in place.

There are 4 sizes of silicone tips to adjust to each person’s ears.

Right in the mobile application, we will also be told if we have selected the right tip in order to properly seal our ears from ambient noise.

Even more ambient noise cancellation

Let’s talk about the famous ambient noises. The first generation of Buds Pro was excellent at this level.

Hard to believe, but the Pixel Buds Pro 2 do even better!

The ANC technology of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 headphones — We can fully stay in our bubble thanks to the ANC technology of the Pixel Buds Pro 2. – *Google.*

Google prides itself on having doubled efficiency thanks to its Tensor A1 chip and Silent Seal 2.0 technology.

We might not go so far as to say that it is twice as effective, but perhaps 1.5x as effective.

The fact remains that Pixel Buds Pro 2 do an excellent job of cutting us out from the noise of public transport, for example, or of concentrating at work.

Optimized transparency mode and clear calls

Conversely, this technology is also used for transparent mode.

Rather than removing our headphones to listen to someone talking to us, we can leave our finger on the left earphone to switch to transparent mode.

Better yet, you can actually start talking, the Buds Pro 2 will detect that you are speaking, then they will activate transparent mode.

Once in this mode, it’s literally like we don’t have headphones in our ears.

These different microphones used for ambient noise suppression and transparent mode are also very useful during our phone calls.

By wearing our headphones in our ears, our calls are clear, while the noises around us are intercepted and attenuated, so that priority is given to our voice.

Good sound quality

In terms of sound quality, we find essentially the same 11mm speakers as in the first generation.

We therefore have good sound quality, particularly in terms of bass, which is surprising for such a small pair of headphones.

There is also a new high frequency chamber to improve the treble, then the Tensor A1 chip helps to generally improve the sound quality.

Music headphones Pixel Buds Pro 2 — No matter your favorite style of Music, you will be delighted with the Pixel Buds Pro 2. – *Google.*

Via the application, it is always possible to use the equalizer to really have a sound adjusted to our preferences.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also integrates spatial sound technology. This allows us to adjust the sound according to our head movements.

However, we regret that they are not compatible with Hi-Res codecs.

Finally, just like the previous generation, you can always pair them with two devices simultaneously and therefore switch from one to the other without disconnecting them.

Long battery life

When it comes to battery life, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 do better than the previous generation.

You can enjoy it for 8 hours with ambient noise attenuation and 12 hours by deactivating the function.

The subwoofer, for its part, gives us 30 hours of autonomy and a quick 5-minute recharge is enough to have around 1 and a half hours of listening time.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer good battery life. – *Google*

Gemini invites himself into the game

In the age of artificial intelligence, it should come as no surprise that Google has decided to implement its Gemini AI in its Pixel Buds Pro 2.

By leaving our finger pressed on the right earphone, we can launch Google’s AI to ask it everything that comes to mind.

Gemini and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 headphones. — Gemini comes to the Pixel Buds Pro 2. – *Google.*

This could be to obtain information on the web, to have a walking route or to obtain a summary of an email that we have received,

On paper, it’s cool, but in practice, it’s not always practical, because we have to unlock our phone to take advantage of certain features.

Once there, we might as well run our order directly on it…

It should be noted that Gemini is only available if paired with an Android phone.

Yes, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can pair with an iPhone, but we won’t have Gemini.

As for Android devices, we can pair them with any devices, even if we don’t have a Google Pixel phone.

Are the Pixel Buds Pro 2 a good buy?

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have several features to appeal to us.

Their design makes them much more comfortable than the 1st generation, which is already a big improvement.

The ambient noise cancellation is certainly one of the best on the market, allowing us to fully enjoy our entertainment.

As for the AI functions, they are not quite ready for Gemini, but they are still taken advantage of for the sound quality.

Where the problem lies is in the price. Google still asks for almost $300.

A price that compares to other Pro-type headphones like the AirPods Pro 2 or Galaxy Buds Pro 3, but which still seems a bit exaggerated to us given that they do not have Hi-Res compatibility.

However, if you are looking for one of the best pairs of noise canceling earbuds, there is no doubt that you should consider them.