The Google Pixel Buds Pro Truly Wireless are the upgraded variant of the Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless, adding a powerful active noise cancelling (ANC) system to help block out background noise wherever you go. While they're a bit bulkier and more unwieldy than their earlier counterpart, they also have new features like multi-device pairing, a graphic EQ, and a volume EQ, which are welcome additions to their toolbelt.
Our Verdict
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are decent for neutral sound. They supply plenty of low-end thump, a tight mid-range, and a bright, albeit uneven, treble response. This sound is especially suitable for genres like rock and pop, and if you prefer a different sound, you can customize it with a graphic EQ and presets in the headphones' companion app. However, their loose fit can affect how well they stay put, and if they shift around in your ears, that'll alter the sound.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- Graphic EQ and presets available in companion app.
- Depending on your ear shape, buds can pop out of your ear.
App support is limited to Android and Google devices.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are very good for commute and travel. Their ANC system can block out the low rumble of bus engines as well as passenger chatter. They're well-built, have over seven hours of continuous playback time, and their carrying case supplies an additional 1.8 charges. They're decently comfortable for most people if you can get a good fit, but they can pop out of some people's ears. Select features that make them worth consideration are exclusive to Google and Android devices, too.
- Impressive full-range noise isolation performance.
Over seven hours of continuous playback.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- Depending on your ear shape, buds can pop out of your ear.
App support is limited to Android and Google devices.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are very good for sports and fitness. They're small and lightweight and certified IPX4 for resistance against water splashes. However, depending on your ear shape, they tend to pop out of the ears, and they lack stability fins, meaning they can fall out during intense physical activity. On the upside, their controls are easy to use, and the headphones are well-built.
- Easy to use controls.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- Depending on your ear shape, buds can pop out of your ear.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are decent for office use. Their ANC system can block out a lot of ambient noise around you, and the buds support multi-device pairing, meaning you can stay connected to your PC and smartphone simultaneously. They also don't leak much at high volumes, and their over seven hours of continuous playback time can be recharged with the 1.8 extra charges in the carrying case. However, depending on your ear shape, the buds can pop out of your ear, which can be frustrating, and their mic's performance is underwhelming. Plus, some features that make them desirable are Android-only.
- Impressive full-range noise isolation performance.
- Supports multi-device pairing.
- Depending on your ear shape, buds can pop out of your ear.
App support is limited to Android and Google devices.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro aren't suitable for wireless gaming as they only support Bluetooth, which has high latency.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are Bluetooth-only in-ears; you can't use them wired.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are sub-par for phone calls. The integrated microphone has trouble capturing your voice well, and speech sounds thin and piercing. It also has trouble separating speech from moderate ambient noise, which can drown out your voice in a busy environment. On the upside, the buds have an ANC system that can block out a significant amount of noise around you.
- Impressive full-range noise isolation performance.
- Consistent audio delivery.
- Disappointing overall mic quality.
- Depending on your ear shape, buds can pop out of your ear.
App support is limited to Android and Google devices.
Changelog
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Updated Jan 27, 2025:
We've updated our recordings for Noise Isolation - Common Scenarios, Voice Handling, and ANC Wind Handling to better reflect our measured results. We also now reference the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Truly Wireless in Comfort.
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Updated Dec 19, 2024:
Several Sound tests have been updated following Test Bench 1.8. There have also been text changes made throughout the review, including to the Usages and Product Comparisons to match these results.
- Updated Dec 16, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.8, which updates our target curve and Sound tests. You can read more about this in our changelog.
- Updated Oct 03, 2024: We updated the text to bring it into line with our current guidelines. We also added a mention of Google Gemini compatibility in the Controls section of the review.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Google Pixel Buds Pro come in several different colors: 'Bay,' 'Porcelain,' 'Charcoal,' 'Fog,' 'Coral,' and 'Lemongrass.' We tested the 'Fog' variant; here is a picture of our model's label. If you encounter another variant of these headphones, please let us know in the comments, and we'll update our review.
Popular Headphones Comparisons
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are the upgraded variant of the Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless. Unlike their predecessor, their companion app offers a graphic EQ and presets to help you customize their sound, and they support multi-device pairing so you can stay connected with up to two devices at a time. They also have an impressive ANC system to help block out background noise around you, and they outperform competitors like the Apple AirPods Pro Truly Wireless. Unfortunately, they tend to pop out of your ears and lack stability fins to keep them in place.
Check out our results for the best true wireless earbuds, the best earbuds and in-ear headphones, and the best sounding wireless earbuds.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are the predecessor to the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. As they use the same app, they have similar feature support, ranging from a five-band graphic EQ to Bluetooth Super Wideband for calls using a Pixel 8 or newer phone. That said, the newer Pixel Buds Pro 2 have an updated design that's less bulky, more comfortable, and more secure. They also boast an improved battery life of 8.1 hours compared to the 7.6 hours of their predecessor.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are a more premium alternative to the Google Pixel Buds A-Series Truly Wireless. The Pro are better for most people, thanks to their effective ANC that blocks out background noise. They also offer more control over the sound profile. That said, the A-Series have a more comfortable and stable fit.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro are slightly better in-ears than the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro. The Google headphones have a better noise isolation performance thanks to their ANC system, they have a superior battery life, and they support multi-device pairing. However, the Samsung headphones have a more comfortable fit.
Choosing between the Apple AirPods Pro and the Google Pixel Buds Pro depends mainly on your device's operating system because both have exclusive features. The Apple are more comfortable, better built, and more stable. They also have an H1 chip, so you can seamlessly pair them with your Apple devices. However, the Google headphones support multi-device pairing and support Google Fast Pair for seamless pairing with Android devices. Plus, a built-in EQ offers you more control over the sound profile.
Our How We Test Headphones article takes you behind the scenes in our lab. You'll learn how we choose and purchase products and dive into the details of our review philosophy, from testing and scoring to writing and editing.
You can also discover how we produce recommendations like this one so that you can find the best headphones (or earbuds!) for your needs.
Test Results
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