Google Pixel Buds 2017 vs Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless

Which Headphones Are Better?

Products

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless
Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless

Tested using Methodology v1.4

Updated May 05, 2025 07:18 PM

SEE PRICE
Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.5

Updated May 05, 2025 06:46 PM

Amazon.com

Our Verdict

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless

The Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless are better wireless headphones than the Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless but with a different design. While the 2017 model have a wire connecting each earbud, the new Pixel Buds 2020 are truly wireless. Other than that, the 2020 Pixel Buds are more comfortable, have a much better-balanced sound profile, and have a longer single-charge battery life. On the other hand, the 2017 Pixel Buds can be paired to two devices at once, though the newer model now has instant pairing with Android devices.

0 

Variants

  • Pixel Buds
  • Pixel Buds 2 (Almost Black)
  • Pixel Buds 2 (Clearly White)

Check Price

Standard
Pixel Buds
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Almost Black
Pixel Buds 2
Amazon.com
Standard
Pixel Buds
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Clearly White
Pixel Buds 2
Amazon.com
Standard
Pixel Buds
B&H
Oh So Orange
Pixel Buds 2
Amazon.com
Standard
Pixel Buds
BestBuy.com
Quite Mint
Pixel Buds 2
Amazon.com
Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 
 

0.0
N/A
JOIN NOW  to see main differences

Full Comparison

Design

Style  

Design Picture 2  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Design Picture 2 Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

Enclosure  

Locked
Locked

Wireless  

Locked
Locked

Transducer  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Comfort 
 

N/A
N/A

Comfort Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Comfort Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Weight  

Lock lbs
Lock lbs

Clamping Force 
 

Lock lbs
Lock lbs
Show Text 

Controls 
 

N/A
N/A

Controls Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Controls Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

OS Compatibility 
 

Locked
Locked

Ease Of Use  

Locked
Locked

Feedback  

Locked
Locked

Call/Music Control  

Locked
Locked

Volume Control  

Locked
Locked

Microphone Control  

Locked
Locked

Channel Mixing 
 

Locked
Locked

Noise Cancelling Control  

Locked
Locked

Talk-Through 
 

Locked
Locked

Additional Controls  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Breathability 
 

N/A
N/A

Breathability After Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Breathability After Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Breathability After Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Avg.Temp.Difference  

Lock °C
Lock °C
Show Text 

Portability 
 

N/A
N/A

Portability Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Portability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

 

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

 

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

 

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume  

Lock in³
Lock in³ (Lock cm³)

Transmitter Required  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Case 
 

N/A
N/A

Case Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Case Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Type  

Locked
Locked

 

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

 

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

 

Lock"
Lock" (Lock cm)

Volume  

Lock in³
Lock in³ (Lock cm³)
Show Text 

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build Quality Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Stability 
 

N/A
N/A

Stability Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Stability Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Headshots 1  

Angled Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Angled Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Side Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Side Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Headshots 2  

Front Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Front Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Rear Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Rear Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Top  

Top Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Top Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

In The Box  

In The Box Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 
Sound

Sound Profile 
 

Frequency Response  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bass Amount 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble Amount 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Frequency Response Consistency 
 

N/A
N/A

Consistency L  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Consistency L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Consistency R  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Consistency R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Avg. Std. Deviation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Raw Frequency Response 
 

Raw FR L  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Raw FR L Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Raw FR R  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Raw FR R Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bass Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Bass  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Bass Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Bass Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Frequency Extension 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Low-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Mid Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Mid  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Mid Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Mid Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Treble Accuracy 
 

N/A
N/A

Treble  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Treble Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Treble Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Std. Err. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Low-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

High-Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Peaks/Dips 
 

N/A
N/A

Peaks/Dips Graph  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Peaks/Dips Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Peaks 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Dips 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Imaging 
 

N/A
N/A

Group Delay  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Group Delay Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Group Delay Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Phase Response  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Phase Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Phase Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Phase Response Mismatch  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Phase Response Mismatch Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Weighted Group Delay 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Phase Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Amplitude Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock

Weighted Frequency Mismatch 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Passive Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless PRTF Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

PRTF Accuracy (Std. Dev.) 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF Size (Avg.) 
 

N/A
N/A

PRTF Distance 
 

N/A
N/A

Openness 
 

0.0
0.0

Acoustic Space Excitation 
 

0.0
0.0
Show Text 

Virtual Soundstage 
 

N/A
N/A

Virtual Soundstage  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Virtual Soundstage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Head Modeling 
 

Locked
Locked

Speaker Modeling 
 

Locked
Locked

Room Ambience 
 

Locked
Locked

Head Tracking 
 

Locked
Locked

Virtual Surround 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Weighted Harmonic Distortion 
 

N/A
N/A

Weighted Harmonic Distortion  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Weighted Harmonic Distortion Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Weighted Harmonic Distortion Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

WHD @ 90 
 

Lock
Lock

WHD @ 100 
 

Lock
Lock
Show Text 

Test Settings 
 

Firmware 
 

Locked
Locked

Power 
 

Locked
Locked

Connection 
 

Locked
Locked

Codec 
 

Locked
Locked

EQ 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC 
 

Locked
Locked

Tip/Pad 
 

Locked
Locked

Microphone 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Isolation

Noise Isolation 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Isolation  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Noise Isolation Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Noise Isolation Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Isolation Audio 
 

Overall Attenuation 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Cancelling  

Locked
Locked

Bass 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Mid 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Treble 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Leakage 
 

N/A
N/A

Leakage  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Leakage Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Leakage Audio 
 

Overall Leakage @ 1ft 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 
Microphone

Microphone Style 
 

Integrated 
 

Locked
Locked

In-Line 
 

Locked
Locked

Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable Boom 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Recording Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Microphone Frequency Response  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Microphone Frequency Response Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Recorded Speech 
 

LFE 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

FR Std. Dev. 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

HFE 
 

Lock Hz
Lock Hz

Weighted THD 
 

Lock
Lock

Gain 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB
Show Text 

Noise Handling 
 

N/A
N/A

SpNR  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless SpNR Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

SpNR 
 

Lock dB
Lock dB

Noise Gate 
 

Locked

Speech + Pink Noise Handling 
 

0.0

Speech + Pink Noise Audio Sample  

Speech + Subway Noise Handling 
 

0.0

Speech + Subway Noise Audio Sample  

Show Text 
Active Features

Battery 
 

N/A
N/A

Battery Type 
 

Locked
Locked

Continuous Battery Life 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Additional Charges 
 

Lock
Lock

Total Battery Life 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Charge Time 
 

Lock hrs
Lock hrs

Power-Saving Feature 
 

Locked
Locked

Audio While Charging 
 

Locked
Locked

Passive Playback 
 

Locked
Locked

Charging Port  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

App Support 
 

N/A
N/A

App Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless App Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

App Name  

Locked
Locked

iOS  

Locked
Locked

Android  

Locked
Locked

macOS  

Locked
Locked

Windows  

Locked
Locked

Equalizer 
 

Locked
Locked

ANC Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Mic Control  

Locked
Locked

Room Effects 
 

Locked
Locked

Playback Control 
 

Locked
Locked

Button Mapping  

Locked
Locked

Surround Support 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Connectivity

Bluetooth 
 

N/A
N/A

Bluetooth Version 
 

Locked
Locked

Multi-Device Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

NFC Pairing 
 

Locked
Locked

Line Of Sight Range 
 

Lock ft
Lock ft (Lock m)

PC Latency (SBC) 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

PC Latency (aptX) 
 

N/A
N/A

PC Latency (aptX HD) 
 

N/A
N/A

PC Latency (aptX-LL) 
 

N/A
N/A

iOS Latency 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms

Android Latency 
 

Lock ms
Lock ms
Show Text 

Non-Bluetooth Wireless 
 

N/A
N/A

Non-BT Line Of Sight Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Non-BT Latency 
 

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

Wired 
 

N/A
N/A

Cable Picture  

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless Cable Picture Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Analog Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Audio 
 

Locked
Locked

Detachable  

Locked
Locked

Length  

N/A
N/A

Connection 
 

Locked
Locked

Analog/USB Audio Latency 
 

N/A
N/A
Show Text 

PC Compatibility 
 

Analog 
 

Locked

Wired USB 
 

Locked

Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked

PC / PS4 Compatibility 
 

PC/PS4 Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

PC/PS4 Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

PC/PS4 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

PlayStation Compatibility 
 

PS4 Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

PS4 Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

PS4 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

PS5 Analog 
 

Locked

PS5 Wired USB 
 

Locked

PS5 Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked

Xbox Compatibility 
 

Xbox One Analog 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Wired USB 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox One Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Locked

Xbox Series X|S Analog 
 

Locked

Xbox Series X|S Wired USB 
 

Locked

Xbox Series X|S Non-BT Wireless 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Base/Dock 
 

N/A
N/A

Type 
 

Locked
Locked

USB Input 
 

Locked
Locked

Line In 
 

Locked
Locked

Line Out 
 

Locked
Locked

Optical Input 
 

Locked
Locked

RCA Input 
 

Locked
Locked

Dock Charging 
 

Locked
Locked

Power Supply 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Check Price

Standard
Pixel Buds
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Almost Black
Pixel Buds 2
Amazon.com
Standard
Pixel Buds
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
Clearly White
Pixel Buds 2
Amazon.com
Standard
Pixel Buds
B&H
Oh So Orange
Pixel Buds 2
Amazon.com
Standard
Pixel Buds
BestBuy.com
Quite Mint
Pixel Buds 2
Amazon.com

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless

Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless

Comments

  1. Comparison

Google Pixel Buds 2017 Wireless vs Google Pixel Buds 2020 Truly Wireless: Main Discussion

What do you think of these products? Let us know below.


Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Members have direct access to buying advice on our member forum.

PreviewBack to editorFormat guide
No comments yet, refresh to see new ones