Review: Google Pixel Buds Pro – Seamless switching between devices

In-depth review of Google’s Pixel Buds Pro, comparing design, connectivity, and sound quality... Read more

Specifications

Brand	Google
Model Name	Pixel Buds Pro
Color	Fog
Form Factor	In Ear
Connectivity Technology	Bluetooth

Introduction

First Impression of Google Pixel Buds Pro

So you’re in the market for new earbuds, and there is a lot to consider in today’s saturated market. With the release of Google’s latest innovation in ear technology, the Pixel Buds Pro, choosing a reliable set of earbuds has gotten even more complicated, but potentially worthwhile. This is a closer look into what Google has to offer with these new earbuds. Let’s take a look and see if they might become your new best buds.

Promising Traits of Google’s Latest Earbuds

Google made a splash this year with the release of the Pixel Buds Pro—their first earbuds to feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Beyond that, there’s a whole new design to examine, and a competitive price point to consider at a very reasonable $199 on Amazon. Despite some mixed reviews in the past for Google’s earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro carries high hopes and promises an exciting middle ground between quality and affordability. The question is, do they live up to the hype? Well, let’s delve deeper.

Unboxing and Accessories

• Pixel Buds Pro package includes varying ear tip sizes
• No charging cable included
• Supports wireless charging with additional expense

Upon opening the neatly packaged box, the first thing that pops out are the striking Pixel Buds Pro themselves, comfortably nestled into their egg-shaped case. Let’s take a closer look at the unboxing experience and the contents of the package.

What’s Included in the Box?

The Google Pixel Buds Pro comes with the wireless earbuds, a compact charging case, three varying ear tip sizes, and a cute little cardboard tube with googly eyes, presumably for storing your extra ear tips. The inclusion of the various ear tip sizes is notably helpful, ensuring user comfort and a secure fit tailored to your ear size.

A Surprising Absence: Where’s the Charging Cable?

In the box, you anticipate finding all the essentials, but surprisingly, a charging cable is missing in action. Yes, you heard it right! No charging cable – just the charging port. Is the lack of a charging cable a tad disappointing? Absolutely! You might agree that the inclusion of an adorable googly-eyed cardboard tube hardly makes up for this omission, humorous as it is.

Thanks to wireless charging support, you can still charge the earbuds with the provided case on a wireless charging pad. The Pixel Stand or other certified wireless chargers would do the trick. But this might be an extra expense if you don’t have a wireless charger at hand.

Although the absence of a charging cable in the package is a minor inconvenience, it’s a crucial detail that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Design and Aesthetics

• Pixel Buds Pro offer millennial-friendly color selection
• Design combines stylishness and practicality
• Firm, flexible build ensures durability

Stepping into the world of the Pixel Buds Pro, the first thing that caught my attention was the very millennial-friendly selection of colors the earbuds came in! Coral, lemongrass, fog, and charcoal – aren’t those just a sight for sore eyes for someone on the lookout for something different than the usual white earbuds we’re so used to? There’s something very refreshing about this unique palette, Google gets an A+ for diversifying their color options this year.

The Charm of New Age Colors

These earbuds aren’t just about good sound, they’re about making a statement too. The ‘modern era’ color tones seem to be Google’s attempt at cultivating a stylish , yet practical image. These popping colors are for anyone who wants to add a little life to their tech accessories.

First Look at the Case

Moving on to the case, Google has opted for that quintessential egg shape we know all too well. It’s compact, with a smooth, soft finish that makes it quite gratifying just to hold. It’s not just an accessory, it’s a piece of hardware that represents the buds’ distinct aesthetic.

How Sturdy are the Earbuds?

Now, I must admit, my initial reaction to seeing the earbuds was mixed. The design was a significant departure from Google’s previous versions. They certainly seemed a bit on the larger side, which made me question their comfort level. Nonetheless, the firm yet flexible build made me confident of their ability to survive the everyday hustle without a scratch.

All in all, the Google Pixel Buds Pro seem to check off the boxes for a remarkable design. They infuse innovation and creativity, while maintaining a certain degree of familiarity. Just remember that everyone’s preferences vary, so take a moment to consider if this particular design speaks to you before making that purchase.

Comfort and Fit

• Google Pixel Buds Pro are surprisingly comfortable
• Offers three ear tip sizes for various user needs
• Google’s design changes ensure fit and comfortable wearing

At first glance, the Google Pixel Buds Pro may come off as somewhat bulky. But don’t let that deter you! What Google has brought to the table actually turned out to be surprisingly comfortable.

A Closer Look at the Ear Tips

Google clearly knows that ‘one size fits all’ does not apply when it comes to earbuds, and it shows in their attempt to cater to individual ear sizes with three different ear tip options. These ear tips play a significant role in not only providing a silent seal for blocking out unwanted noise but efficiently maintaining comfort during prolonged usage.

Finding the Perfect Fit: 3 Size Options

Your ideal earbuds need to strike a balance between attaining a good, secure fit and maintaining comfort throughout the day. Fortunately, Google got it right with their well-crafted ear tips.

You can select from small, medium or large sizes to secure the ideal fit. These options are not mere formalities, but they truly adjust and suit individual needs. For me, the medium size provided an optimal balance between sound quality and comfort.

Perhaps, the most reliable vote of confidence comes from Matt’s hot yoga test. Despite the extreme poses, the earbuds remained securely in place showcasing their ability to fit adequately without matter the level of activity or movement.

Final Verdict

Comfort and fit are inevitably subjective but, in my experience, Google’s Pixel Buds Pro does a brilliant job in these departments. Of course, your mileage may vary based on your ear shape. So, if you get the opportunity, it might be wise to try before you buy. Regardless, kudos to Google for understanding and catering to consumer needs by providing multiple choice with ear tip sizes and proving that even bigger design changes can still be comfortable to wear.

Battery Life: Can the Pixel Buds Pro Outlast its Competitors?

• Pixel Buds Pro provide 7-8 hours battery life with ANC
• Charging case offers additional 32 hours of battery life
• Supports quick charge and wireless charging

When it comes to earbuds, battery life can make or break them. Nobody likes to run out of juice in the middle of a crucial conference call or during their favorite song. So, let’s dive deep into the battery life of Pixel Buds Pro and see if they can outshine their competitors.

A Detailed Look at Battery Time

Pixel Buds Pro boasts impressive stats in terms of battery life. If you have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) switched on, these earbuds will serve you well for up to 7 to 8 hours on a single charge. That’s certainly not too shabby! But what happens when you turn off the ANC? To my surprise, the battery life jumps up to a whopping 11 hours! Now, that’s seriously impressive.

But wait, there’s more!

The Pixel Buds Pro also comes with a charging case that provides an additional 32 hours of battery life. So, in the real-world scenario, you’re really charging these earbuds once in several days, not every night. And yes, that sits pretty above average when compared to the competition.

Quick Charging: Convenience When You’re on the Move

Besides a stellar battery life, I was also impressed with the quick charge option. Let’s say you’re about to set off on a run, and you realize that your earbuds are out of battery. No worries! Pixel Buds Pro can give you a couple of hours playtime with just a 10-15 minutes charge. That’s super handy when you’re out and about and forgot to charge your earbuds.

Wireless Charging

What if you lost your charging cable? Fear not! The Pixel Buds Pro charging case supports wireless charging. So, if you have a Qi-certified charger or a Pixel Stand, you’re in luck. Merely place the case on your charging pad, and you’re good to go.

In my experience, the battery life stakes are where the Pixel Buds Pro truly shines. It certainly scores brownie points in this department. However, remember that battery life may vary based on your usage and settings. So, keep that in mind when drawing comparisons with other earbuds in the market.

Controls and Connectivity: Simplicity at its Best

• Pixel Buds Pro have intuitive, simple controls.
• They boast seamless connectivity with Google Assistant integration.
• Support only SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs.

When I think about the user experience with earbuds, one of the most critical aspects that come to mind is how simple and intuitive the controls are. The last thing you want is to fumble around trying to figure out how to adjust the volume or skip tracks when you’re in the middle of a workout or a conference call. And after spending some time with the Pixel Buds Pro, I can confidently say that Google has nailed this.

Controls

Navigating through the earpiece controls on the Google Pixel Buds Pro is as straightforward as it gets. When you’re really in the groove of your favorite song and you feel like pumping up the volume, all you have to do is slide forwards on the earpiece, and voilà, you get more of your jam. On the other hand, if you need to turn the volume down a bit, just slide backwards.

Now, when it comes to music controls, these earbuds don’t disappoint either. One tap on the bud allows you to pause or play your music. If you want to forward a track, a quick double tap will do just that. Need to skip backwards? A triple tap will get you there. The controls feel quite responsive and are well laid out, ensuring there’s no confusion or missed taps.

Connectivity

While I’m on the topic of simplicity, let’s talk about connectivity. Here, the Pixel Buds Pro truly shine. They come with Google Assistant built into the buds, allowing you to hold down the button to access a whole set of controls. Whether it is setting reminders, getting weather updates, or firing up your music playlist, Google Assistant is at your service.

What really impressed me about the Pixel Buds Pro’s connectivity, however, is their ability to pair with compatible devices. We’ve all been there, getting a call on our laptop while listening to music on our phone and having to scramble to make the switch. With this feature, switching between devices couldn’t be more seamless and is a game-changer in my opinion.

Overall, the Google Pixel Buds Pro puts user interaction at the forefront, making it a breeze to control and connect with your devices. But, it’s worth bearing in mind that you may have to compromise slightly on high-resolution audio if that’s your priority. It’s all about finding the right balance, isn’t it?

Audio Performance: How do the Google Pixel Buds Pro Sound?

• Google Pixel Buds Pro deliver strong, clear audio performance
• Supports SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs but lacks high-resolution options
• Pro’s exceptional strength lies in bass reproduction

Let’s dive right into the crux of the matter – how do these bad boys really sound? An earbud’s worth ultimately lies in its audio performance and the Google Pixel Buds Pro pack quite a surprising punch in this regard.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Pixel Buds Pro’s Audio

The first thing to note is these buds support SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs. While these codecs are reliable and standard for Bluetooth audio, it’s worth noting that they don’t support high-resolution codec options like aptX or LDAC which can be found in some top-tier earbuds. This may cosmetically put them at a slight disadvantage in terms of raw technical specifications, but it’s not really a deal-breaker unless you’re an absolute audiophile.

What really shines about the Pixel Buds Pro is the strength and clarity of their base reproduction. Let me tell you, the low end energy is thrilling with a bounce that gives the audio delivery a lively feel. Even EDM and hip-hop songs with heavy bass lines were handled smoothly with no distortion. It gave me a feeling like I’m in a concert when in reality, I’m just sprucing up at home.

Less Commonly Known Features: Bass Reproduction & AAC Bluetooth Codec Support

Moving on to the features that don’t usually make to the talking points. Google Pixel Buds Pro’s biggest sonic strength definitely lies in their bass reproduction, they just seem to have that vibrant low-end energy that makes your music live.

Let’s discuss the AAC Bluetooth Codec support. While they may lack in support for more advanced high-resolution options, during my experience, the audio delivered was nothing short of high quality and this feature efficiently does its job without any hiccups.

In Conclusion:

So, are the Google Pixel Buds Pro the best sounding buds in existence? Probably not. The lack of advanced codec support does knock off a few points. But do they punch well above their weight in terms of price to audio performance ratio? An emphatic yes. For the price, what they deliver in terms of sound performance is downright laudable. Their sonic strengths more than make up for the shortcomings and contribute to an overall pleasant audio experience.

Comparing Google Pixel Buds Pro with Apple’s Airpods Pro

• Pixel Buds Pro cheaper, better battery than AirPods Pro.
• Design, voice command, ANC comparable in both models.

Now, this is where it gets interesting – the power duo. Google’s Pixel Buds Pro and Apple’s Airpods Pro, battling head-to-head in the tech ring. To provide a comprehensive and unbiased standpoint, let’s break it down into the decisive factors: price, design, and features.

Price Comparison

In terms of cost, both earbuds hail from the premium price range. The Pixel Buds Pro comes in at a reasonable $199 on Amazon. On the other hand, the Airpods Pro rings up slightly higher at $229, with the regular price inching up to $249. Thus, in terms of price, the Pixel Buds Pro takes the lead by offering a blend of quality and affordability.

Design Comparison

Design-wise, both offer their unique aesthetics. The Pixel Buds Pro blooms in four pastel shades while the Airpods Pro sticks to its classic white. The shape of earbuds can be a deciding factor too. The Pixel Buds Pro sports an upward-facing design that can feel a bit awkward initially but eventually settles well in the ear. As for the Airpods Pro, we have the iconic stem design sticking out of the ear, which some may love, while others may find a bit ordinary. It boils down to personal preference.

Feature Comparison

1. Ear Tips: The Pixel Buds Pro comes with three ear tip sizes whereas the Airpods Pro offers a slightly wider range with four sizes.
2. Battery Life: In this area, the Pixel Buds Pro shines brighter. With ANC on, it allows up to 7-8 hours of listening, which extends to 11 or even 32 hours with the charging case. The Airpods Pro falls slightly short in this department, but still offers competitive battery life.
3. Voice Command: A critical component of user experience is voice command. With Apple’s Airpods Pro, Siri needs no introduction. However, the Pixel Buds Pro offers Google Assistant through Android, a familiar voice for Android users. It’s a bit like choosing between two marvelous home chefs!
4. Active Noise Cancellation: Both earbuds come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), offering crystal clear sound quality and a disruption-free audio experience.

In conclusion, both Google’s Pixel Buds Pro and Apple’s Airpods Pro are stupendous and robust products with their unique strengths and minor caveats. Both are worthy contenders in the premium range, but the Pixel Buds Pro may win over some with their cost-effectiveness, improved battery life, and unique upward-facing design. Then again, brand affinity and user experience may tip the scales for some towards the Apple Airpods Pro.

User Experience: Firsthand Insight into the Pixel Buds Pro

• Pixel Buds Pro provide secure fit during workout
• Offer clear, immersive sound and responsive controls
• Compatible with multiple devices

Now, let’s delve into the real-world usage of the Pixel Buds Pro. How do they hold up under different conditions? Do they provide a comfort level as claimed? Here’s a detailed, unbiased, and firsthand exploration.

Hot Yoga Test

Subjecting these buds to our unique “Hot Yoga Test” gave quite compelling insights. It was critical to assess how well they stay in place and deliver quality sound even amidst intense workout sessions. While the test might have been physically intense, the earbuds held up surprisingly well.

Despite participating in some challenging yoga poses, the earbuds remained secure. There were no signs of them budging, granting the wearer the freedom to get into postures without worrying about a potential fallout. It is fair to say that these buds deliver on their promise of a secure fit.

Sound Quality and Controls

After the workout, there was no noticeable tampering with the sound. The audio remained crisp, clear, and quite immersive. The bass was surprisingly rich, considering how lightweight the buds feel.

The control features on the earbuds remained highly responsive, even after the session. The sliding up and down for volume control was simple and straightforward enough to adapt to quickly. Likewise, the play, pause, and track control worked perfectly.

Integration Aspect

When it comes to compatibility, the Pixel Buds Pro stood at par with other market players. It was easy to pair them with different devices, whether Android or iPhone. The transition between devices was seamless, adding to their score on the usability front.

Critical Analysis

While the earbuds had a plethora of positives, they did present a couple of challenges. Primarily, the weight orientation of the buds might seem unusual to some users, necessitating a short adjustment period.

Also, the front face of the buds, despite being user-friendly control-wise, might come off as slightly bulky. Again, this is a subjective critique that could vary from user to user.

To sum up, the Pixel Buds Pro affords users a balanced blend of functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. They prove to be a worthy competitor in the market of earbuds, bearing a reasonable price tag. The aforementioned niggles are minor when put into perspective with the spectrum of benefits that they offer.

Final Rating: Here’s What We Think of the Google Pixel Buds Pro

• Google Pixel Buds Pro delivers reliable performance and features
• Lacking charging cable and high-resolution audio
• They earn a rating of 9 out of 10

Alright, let’s talk turkey. After an in-depth analysis and hands-on test with the Google Pixel Buds Pro, could these snazzy new-age earbuds hold their weight against heavy competitors out on the market?

Our Experience

The Google Pixel Buds Pro had their ups and downs. Their design and aesthetic certainly gained high marks, offering an appealing mix of cutting-edge functionality and trendy style. The new age color choices, coupled with the chic egg-shaped charging case, offer a refreshing take on earbud design. Bluetooth connectivity was smooth as silk, and the device compatibility feature definitely grabbed our attention. Switching between devices seamlessly? Now, that’s cool.

Critical Observations

However, let’s not shy away from the downsides. The absence of the charging cable was a bit of a letdown. While the wireless charging capability is a nice touch, users who prefer the conventional charging method might find this a disadvantage. Furthermore, the sound quality, while pretty solid overall, fell a bit short when compared to some competitor’s offerings. It’s not quite there when it comes to delivering a high-resolution audio experience.

The Verdict

All in all, the Google Pixel Buds Pro hold their ground in the bustling world of tech wearables. They boast a reliable performance accompanied by a set of interesting features. There’s room for improvement, but they’re a strong contender in the earbud market. With their aesthetics, functionality, and performance in mind, we’re giving the Google Pixel Buds Pro a solid 9 out of 10 .

Remember, the best product for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences. The Google Pixel Buds Pro may just be it but we would always advise researching further before making any purchase decision.

How You Can Get Your Own Pixel Buds Pro

• Pixel Buds Pro availabe online for $199
• Possibility to win earbuds in a draw
• Features, sound quality justify price

If you’re as excited as we were after reading this review, you’re probably wondering how you can get your hands on these game-changer earbuds, the Google Pixel Buds Pro. Well, let’s dive into the ways you can add these technologically advanced pieces to your lifestyle.

Purchasing the Google Pixel Buds Pro

A decent product with the convenience they offer and the quality of audio they provide, we believe is worth the investment. You can purchase the Pixel Bud Pro from various online and physical retailers. A popular choice among many is Amazon, where they retail for a reasonable $199.

Please note that the price can vary slightly depending on where you’re making the purchase but it tends to hover around this mark.

The Winning Chance

If you’re feeling lucky, another exciting option exists. There’s a chance for you to participate in a draw and possibly get these innovative earbuds for free. The only requirement to participate is to follow the link we provided in the pinned comments.

Do keep in mind that like all contests, this also depends on luck before everything else. It might be your lucky day, who knows?

Conclusion

The Google Pixel Buds Pro offers a solid range of features, sound quality, design, and user experience that justify its price. If you’ve been searching for new earbuds that tick all the boxes, these might just be what you’re looking for.

Whether your interest lies in owning one, or you simply wanted to know what they offer, we hope this section has given you comprehensive insight and you’re now well-equipped to make an informed decision about the Google Pixel Buds Pro. Good luck!

Closing Remarks: Wrapping Up Our Detailed Review of Google Pixel Buds Pro

And there you have it — a comprehensive review of the Google Pixel Buds Pro. These earbuds have shown quite a lot of promise, but it’s important to remember what makes one earbud ideal for one person may not necessarily meet the needs of another, therefore always take note of what’s specifically important for you.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Google Pixel Buds Pro

Let’s recap some of our findings. First, the good stuff. The buds showcase an innovative design, offering a comfortable fit with three different ear tip sizes. They also stand out in terms of battery life, especially compared to some competitors in the market. Besides, the seamless connectivity across devices is a fantastic touch, making your digital needs a lot more streamlined and efficient.

On the downside, the absence of a charging cable was quite surprising, and though it’s not a deal-breaker, it is something to be aware of when considering these buds.

Comparing to the Competitors

A critical part of any product review is, of course, comparing it to what else is out there. For this we took a closer look at the Apple’s AirPods Pro, a big contender in the market. While the AirPods have their own set of strengths such as possibly more advanced high-resolution options and a wider range of control with Siri, the price point is higher compared to what Google offers.

In conclusion, the Pixel Buds Pro are a strong choice if you’re looking for high-quality earbuds. They offer solid performance, especially in terms of battery life and connectivity, but without the larger price tag seen in some of their competitors.

As always, every review is subjective. We encourage you to try the Pixel Buds for yourself and see how they fit in your lifestyle. The key is to find the product that balances your needs with practicality and, of course, your budget.

Regardless of the Outcome, the Earbuds Market is Evolving

One thing is clear: earbuds have come a long way. Innovations like noise-cancellation, various fits, and enhanced connectivity show how much the industry continues to evolve. The Google Pixel Buds Pro are proof of this progression. They’re not perfect, but they’re a big step in the right direction from Google, and that in itself is something to be celebrated.

Should you buy the Google Pixel Buds Pro?

Buy it if…

You seek commendable battery life

The Pixel Buds Pro boast a strong battery life, more than most earbuds in the market. With ANC on, you get 7 to 8 hours and 11 to 32 hours without ANC.

You desire versatile and easy controls

The earbud controls are intuitive and straightforward. You can also experience seamless switching over between compatible devices.

You’re after high comfort level

The Pixel Buds Pro come with three ear tip sizes, promising a comfortable fit in your ears.

Don’t buy it if…

You expect a charging cable in the box

Despite its higher price range, the Pixel Buds Pro packaging does not include a charging cable, which could be disappointing for some buyers.

You require high-resolution listening

Pixel Buds Pro only support SBC and AAC Bluetooth Codecs, putting them at a disadvantage compared to earbuds offering high-resolution options.

You’re on a tight budget

Priced at $199 on Amazon, Pixel Buds Pro isn’t the most economical option on the market. If price is an essential factor, you might be able to find more cost-effective alternatives.

FAQ

What is included in the box with Google Pixel Buds Pro?

The package includes the Pixel Buds Pro with Bluetooth connectivity, a case, three different ear tip sizes and a cardboard tube for storing your extra ear tips.

How do the Google Pixel Buds Pro charge?

There’s no charging cable included, but you can charge wirelessly in the case with a Pixel stand or other certified chargers.

What is the battery life of Google Pixel Buds Pro?

With ANC on, you get about seven to eight hours of listening. With ANC off, battery life extends to approximately 11 hours, or 32 hours with the charging case.

How do Google Pixel Buds Pro compare with Apple’s Airpods Pro?

In terms of functionality and sound quality, the Google Pixel Buds Pro are on par with the Airpods Pro. However, they differ in shape, design and have a longer battery life.

What special features do Google Pixel Buds Pro have?

They support seamless switching between devices, offer noise cancellation and transparency mode options, and are compatible with Google Assistant.

What is the price of Google Pixel Buds Pro?

The Pixel Buds Pro are priced at $199 on Amazon.

How can I get Google Pixel Buds Pro?

You can purchase the Pixel Buds Pro through a link provided in the description of the review video, or you can try to win them for free through a drawing.