In July 2022, Google officially stepped into the ring of premium true wireless earbuds with the launch of the Google Pixel Buds Pro. This marked a significant evolution for the Pixel Buds line, finally incorporating highly anticipated features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode, along with a promise of high-fidelity audio and the seamless smart integrations that had become a Pixel hallmark. With a comfortable fit, strong battery life, and a host of software-driven enhancements, the Pixel Buds Pro aimed to be a top-tier contender.
Design and Fit: Evolving the Pixel Aesthetic
While retaining a familiar smooth, pebble-like aesthetic for the case, the earbuds themselves saw a subtle but noticeable design evolution.
- No More Stabilizer Arc: A key design change from the standard Pixel Buds and A-Series was the removal of the integrated stabilizer arc (the fin). The fit of the Pixel Buds Pro now relied solely on the seal provided by the interchangeable silicone ear tips (available in multiple sizes).
- Rounded and Slightly Larger: The earbuds were slightly larger and more rounded than their predecessors, designed to sit more directly in the ear canal. Despite the lack of fins, Google focused on creating a secure fit through careful shaping and the quality of the ear tips. For most users, they proved to be comfortable for extended listening sessions and stayed put during moderate activity.
- Premium Case: The charging case retained the satisfying magnetic closure and smooth matte finish that was a Pixel Buds signature. It was slightly larger than the A-Series case to accommodate the bigger earbuds and offered both USB-C charging and Qi wireless charging.
- Color Options: The Pixel Buds Pro launched in four distinct colors: Charcoal, Fog (a light blue-grey), Lemongrass (a soft yellow-green), and Coral (a vibrant orange-red), aligning with the color palette of other Pixel devices.
- Durability: The earbuds were rated IPX4 for water resistance (resistant to splashes and sweat), while the charging case had an IPX2 rating (protected against dripping water).
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The headline features of the Pixel Buds Pro were undoubtedly their advanced noise cancellation capabilities.
- Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): Google implemented a sophisticated ANC system powered by a custom six-core audio chip. The ANC was effective at reducing a wide range of ambient noises, from the low hum of airplane engines to the chatter of a busy office. It dynamically adjusted the level of noise cancellation based on the environment.
- Transparency Mode: For situations where awareness of surroundings was important, the Transparency Mode allowed external sounds to pass through naturally, making it easy to have conversations or hear announcements without removing the earbuds. The transition between ANC and Transparency Mode was smooth and easily controlled through touch gestures.
Audio Quality: Immersive and Customizable
Google aimed for a high-fidelity audio experience with the Pixel Buds Pro.
- Custom Drivers: They featured custom-designed 11mm dynamic speaker drivers that delivered rich, detailed, and balanced sound across the frequency spectrum. The audio quality was a noticeable step up from the standard Pixel Buds and A-Series, offering more nuance and depth.
- Volume EQ: A clever software feature, Volume EQ, intelligently adjusted the tuning of the sound based on the volume level, ensuring a consistent and full listening experience whether the volume was low or high.
- Spatial Audio with Head Tracking (Post-Launch): A significant addition that came via a software update was Spatial Audio with head tracking. When paired with compatible Pixel phones and playing supported content, this feature created a more immersive and three-dimensional soundscape that shifted dynamically as the user moved their head.
- 5-Band EQ (Post-Launch): Another welcome post-launch addition was a full 5-band customizable equalizer within the Pixel Buds app, allowing users to fine-tune the audio to their personal preferences.
Smart Features and Integration
Staying true to the Pixel Buds lineage, the Pro model offered a suite of smart and convenient features.
- Hands-Free Google Assistant: Seamless “Hey Google” activation provided access to the full capabilities of Google Assistant for hands-free control of music, calls, information, and smart home devices.
- Multipoint Bluetooth: A highly requested feature, Multipoint Bluetooth allowed the Pixel Buds Pro to be simultaneously connected to two Bluetooth devices (such as a phone and a laptop), with seamless switching between audio sources.
- Intuitive Touch Controls: The capacitive touch surfaces on both earbuds offered comprehensive control over playback, volume (via swiping), ANC/Transparency modes, and calls. The touch controls were generally responsive and customizable within the Pixel Buds app.
- Conversation Detection (Post-Launch): An intelligent feature that could detect when the user started speaking and would automatically pause media playback and switch to Transparency Mode, making it easier to have quick conversations without removing the earbuds.
Battery Life
The Pixel Buds Pro offered competitive battery life for premium ANC earbuds.
- Listening Time: Up to 7 hours with ANC enabled (11 hours with ANC off).
- Total Listening Time with Case: The charging case provided an additional 13-14 hours of listening with ANC (up to 20 hours total with ANC off), bringing the total to around 20-31 hours.
- Fast Charging: A quick 5-minute charge in the case could provide up to 1 hour of listening time.
Reception and Legacy
The Google Pixel Buds Pro were widely praised and considered a successful entry into the premium earbud market. Reviewers lauded their effective ANC, excellent sound quality (especially after the EQ update), comfortable fit, strong battery life, and the seamless integration with the Google ecosystem. The addition of Spatial Audio further enhanced the immersive listening experience.
While they didn’t necessarily outperform every competitor in every single category, they offered a compelling and well-rounded package that was particularly attractive to Android users, especially those deeply invested in the Pixel ecosystem. They solidified Google’s presence in the premium audio space and demonstrated the company’s ability to deliver high-quality hardware with smart, software-driven features. The Pixel Buds Pro established themselves as a worthy competitor and a significant step forward for the Pixel Buds series, setting the stage for future premium audio offerings from Google.