The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the second generation of “pro” level true wireless headphones, compatible with any device but designed for the Pixel ecosystem. Available in grey, grey-green, pink and green, these headphones stand out for their elegant and compact design. The overall minimalist design is characterized by a fixed flap that adapts to the ear by rotating it, together with silicone tips available in various sizes for a perfect fit. Once you find the right size, the earphones are comfortable and stable even during physical activity, confirming the good ergonomics of the product.
Capacitive touch controls allow you to manage playback, voice assistant and noise cancellation. An interesting function is the horizontal swipe to adjust the volume, which adapts well to the circular shape of the earphones. The touch controls are not always very precise, but in most cases they are very simple to use and can be activated by voice. One of the main features of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 + the ability to activate the live version of Gemini with your voice, without touching the phone. However, it must be remembered that Gemini Live, or continuous and pause-free dialogue with the AI assistant, is not currently available in Italy.
The oval-shaped charging case with a smooth finish features a snap-open mechanism and magnetic headphone slots. The choice to maintain a physical button for pairing is to be praised, as it is decidedly more practical than the complex touch controls or inductive panels present on other models. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 boast an IP54 certification for resistance to sweat and dust, while the case has an IPX4 protection rating. These headphones are therefore suitable for training and are not afraid of the most intense sessions and splashes of water.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 support Bluetooth 5.4 and can connect to any compatible device, but to take full advantage of its potential you need the Pixel Buds app, available only on Android. On Pixel devices, the app is pre-installed and allows for quick pairing and full feature management. On iOS, the headphones work, but with some limitations. One of the strengths of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the active noise cancellation, significantly improved compared to the previous generation. The isolation from external noise is very satisfactory, and the transparency mode also works very well, which allows external sounds to be amplified.
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 come with a conversation detection feature, allowing you to talk to someone without having to remove the earbuds. The device automatically switches to a listening mode that lets in ambient sounds. The sound of each earphone is powered by a new 11mm driver with a high-frequency chamber, which works in synergy with the Tensor A1 chip for audio processing. The headphones also support head-tracking spatial audio when used with compatible tracks. The audio quality is very good, with deep bass and balanced sound for every musical genre. On calls everything goes smoothly, thanks also to the AI which takes care of suppressing background noise.
The declared battery life is 12 hours without ANC and 8 hours with ANC active. The case provides an additional 22 hours of battery life, and charging takes place via USB-C or wireless (Qi). With a price of 249 euros, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are an ideal accessory for those who own a Pixel smartphone, thanks to the perfect integration with the Google ecosystem, thanks to the ability to connect to any compatible device nearby, such as the Pixel Tablet . Ultimately, this is a great product both for its quality and (especially) if you own a Pixel and want an integrated experience.
