Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

Google has once again supplanted the best Pixel Buds in its lineup. These earbuds aren’t perfect, but the improved fit and sound quality alone are worth the upgrade.

We’re in a world now where the phone you have often determines (or strongly influences) which earbuds you’ll end up pairing with them. But thankfully, we’ve also reached a point where everyone — Google, Samsung, and Apple — is putting forward their best products yet. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a prime example of that, even if the Gemini experience is underbaked for now. Nearly everywhere else you look, Google has made meaningful upgrades.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer strong sound quality and solid noise cancellation in a comfortable design, along with Google Gemini support and seamless integration with Pixel phones.

If you can get a tight seal, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are excellent earbuds. Apple users are better off with the AirPods Pro 2, and Samsung Galaxy device owners should probably opt for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Despite their higher price, they're certainly worth strong consideration from Pixel device users and Android users in general, particularly when they're discounted.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a perfect extension of Google's ecosystem. They take an already excellent pair of buds and make them more comfortable and more capable.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 stand head and shoulders above the original Pixel Buds Pro, but could still use some standout functionality to set them apart.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are an excellent Pixel phone companion at launch, offering a slew of useful improvements and features that the original Pixel Buds Pro do not. Though the new tuning might not satisfy bassheads, the EQ presets are good enough to handle just about any preference. For $229, this might be a tall ask, but many people will love these earbuds.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a nice improvement over the previous generation, with better fit and interesting new features. With great ANC and up to 8 hours of battery life, these are good buds to have around. You will have to tweak the sound, though, to get it just right.