The Pixel Buds Pro 2 may have been the least exciting announcement of the Made by Google event, but not for those looking to upgrade their earbuds.
Like everything Google has launched, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be augmented with Gemini AI, which should give the Pixel Buds Pro 2 similar features to those seen in the No ear with ChatGPT and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 ProThe main differences with their predecessors also extend to the size and weight of the headphones, which are available in a completely new set of colors.
But are they worth upgrading from the original? Despite their age, the Pixel Buds Pro still pack a punch and are often on sale. Our phones editor, John Velasco, confirmed their potential in a recent tech demo pitting Pixel Buds Pro vs Galaxy Buds 3 Prohighlighting design and comfort as key selling points.
And here’s where the rub lies: do you want to get the newer earbuds, or is it worth settling for the older, cheaper version? Let’s dive in and see how far Google has pushed its audio solution, and who might come out on top in the Google Pixel Buds Pro vs. Pixel Buds Pro 2 debate.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Pixel Buds Pro: price
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 cost $229 ($30 more than the original, but on par with the best noise-canceling earbuds) and are available for pre-order on the Google Store. They will officially release on September 26.
The first-generation Buds Pro launched at $199, but can often be found today for around $139, putting them in competition with similarly priced offerings like the Nothing Ear(a) and Shokz OpenRun Pro.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Pixel Buds Pro: design
The two main differences are a 27% reduction in size and a 24% lighter weight-to-weight ratio over the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which should make them more comfortable and easier to carry. A handy Find My Device feature is built into the new set, making it easier to find the earbuds or case if they get lost.
Aside from their weight and size, they're nearly identical to their previous counterparts, retaining the stemless design and rounder look. The Pixel Buds Pro 2, however, come in a new range of colors, including Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, and Peony, while their predecessors came in a flashy sky blue color.
One of the major improvements to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is their new IP54 rating, up from the previous IPX4. You can now expect the new earbuds to be resistant to everything from dust to sweat, and even the case proves more durable with its own IPX4 rating, up from its predecessor's IPX2.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Pixel Buds Pro: performance
Google was quick to claim that its new series of earbuds could deliver twice the ANC performance, while also providing clearer call quality. Google has beefed up its Clear Calling algorithms to give its Pixel Buds Pro 2 better call quality. Additionally, the earbuds can now detect when you're having a loud conversation and will switch to transparency mode and pause any audio that's playing.
Both earbuds feature 11mm dynamic drivers and have a few EQ settings to play with, but the Buds Pro 2 feature Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity versus the first-gen's Bluetooth 5.0.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Pixel Buds Pro: Tensor A1 and AI integrations
But of all the upgrades, the Buds Pro 2 uses the new Tensor A1 chip which gives it a lot of AI features that could make it one of the best wireless earbuds.
Google's Gemini platform aims to simplify your Buds Pro 2 experience with helpful AI features, like hands-free voice commands and adaptive ANC. But one of the most exciting new features comes from its AI virtual assistant, which Google says can remind you of an upcoming appointment, give you “walking directions,” and even song recommendations.
Google is also giving the Pixel Buds Pro 2 access to Gemini Live, which allows the earbuds to chat thanks to its Tensor A1 chip and Gemini. Google aptly calls it “like having a sidekick in your pocket.” It’s similar to what’s available on the Nothing Ear with ChatGPT integration, and Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds 3 Pro sport similar AI features thanks to Galaxy AI.
The first-generation Pixel Buds Pro lack the Gemini features, but they do have Google Assistant. The latter is not nearly as powerful as Gemini, but Google Assistant allows the Buds Pro to follow certain commands and even translate over 40 languages.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Pixel Buds Pro: Battery life
There's not a huge difference in battery life compared to the earbuds themselves: the originals lasted 7 hours with ANC enabled, while the Buds Pro 2 go up to 8 hours with ANC.
However, the Buds Pro 2 case will offer an additional 30 hours of charge, which is 10 more than the original Buds Pro. Even though the earbuds only add an hour of listening time, those extra 10 hours offered by their new case are hard to pass up if you're the type of person who uses your earbuds a lot.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs. Pixel Buds Pro: Outlook
The new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 could be serious contenders for the best wireless earbuds, but are their many features and AI upgrades worth the price of admission? At $229, they're a premium over what the first generation launched with, and nearly $100 more than the discounted Pixel Buds Pro currently cost.
That being said, the upgrades and performance gains definitely seem worth it if you're looking for the best Pixel Buds experience possible and can see yourself getting the most out of its Gemini AI features. In the meantime, the Pixel Buds Pro are easily among the best cheap wireless earbuds around, and offer excellent counterparts to the new Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and even the $200 Nothing Ear.
It really depends on what you're looking for in your earbuds, but the first-gen models are still solid and a great value if you just want quality sound and ANC performance in a comfortable fit.