The Pixel Buds Pro 2 may have been the least exciting announcement at the Made by Google event, but not for those who might be looking to upgrade their earbuds.
Like everything else that Google debuted, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be augmented with Gemini AI, which should give the Pixel Buds Pro 2 similar functionality as seen in the Nothing Ear with ChatGPT and the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro. Key differences with their predecessors also extend to the size and weight of the buds, which come in a whole new set of colors.
But, are they worth the upgrade over the original? Despite their age, the Pixel Buds Pro still pack quite the punch and are often on sale. Our phones editor John Velasco backed up their potential in a recent tech takedown pitting the Pixel Buds Pro vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, highlighting design and comfort as key selling points.
And herein lies the rub; do you want to get the newest earbuds on the block or is it worth settling with the older and cheaper version? Let’s dive in and see just how far Google’s taken its audio solution and see who might take victor 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 a par with the best noise-canceling headphones — and are available for preorder at the Google Store. They'll be officially released on September 26.
The first-gen Buds Pro launched at $199 but can often be found today for around $139, which puts them up against similarly-priced offerings in the Nothing Ear (a) and Shokz OpenRun Pro.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs. Pixel Buds Pro: Design
Two major differences include a 27% smaller size reduction and a 24% lighter weight ratio on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which should make them more comfortable and easier to carry. A handy Find My Device function comes on the new set, making it easier to find either the buds or case whenever lost.
Aside from both weight and size, they look almost identical to their earlier counterparts, keeping the stemless design and rounder look. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 do, however, come in a new set of colors, including Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, and Peony, while their predecessors came with a flashy sky blue color.
One major upgrade seen on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is its new IP54 rating, up from the previous mere IPX4. Now you can expect the new earbuds to tackle 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 pretty quick to claim its new set of earbuds can deliver twice the ANC performance in line with clearer call quality. Google beefed up its Clear Calling algorithms to better give its Pixel Buds Pro 2 higher call quality. Plus, the earbuds can now detect when you're having a conversation out loud and will switch into transparency mode and pause any sound that's playing.
Both buds come with 11mm dynamic speaker drivers and have some EQ settings to toy with, but the Buds Pro 2 do have Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity against the first generation'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 use the new Tensor A1 chip that gifts it loads of AI features that could make it one of the best wireless earbuds.
Google's Gemini platform aims to streamline your Buds Pro 2 experience with useful AI features, like hands-free voice controls and adaptive ANC. But one of the coolest new additions comes in the from of its virtual AI assistant, which Google claims will can remind you of an upcoming appointment, give you "walking directions," and even song recommendations.
Google's also giving the Pixel Buds Pro 2 access to Gemini Live, which allows the buds conversational abilities thanks to its Tensor A1 chip and Gemini. Google aptly calls it "like having a sidekick right 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 entreats thanks to Galaxy AI.
The first-gen Pixel Buds Pro do not have Gemini capabilities, but they do come equipped with Google Assistant. This is nowhere near as powerful as Gemini, but Google Assistant does allow 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 with regards to the buds themselves: The originals lasted 7 hours with ANC on, while the Buds Pro 2 will go up to 8 hours with ANC.
However, the Buds Pro 2 case will offer 30 hours of additional charge, 10 more than that of the original Buds Pro. While the buds might just add a mere one hour of listening time, those 10 extra hours offered by its new case is hard to pass up if you're one to use 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 among the best wireless earbuds, but are its many AI features and upgrades worth the price of entry? At $229, they take up a price that's more than the first-gen's at launch and nearly $100 more than what the Pixel Buds Pro now cost at discount.
That being said, the upgrades and performance gains definitely seem worth it if you're in the market for the best possible Pixel Buds experience you can find and see yourself making the most out of its Gemini AI features. Meanwhile, the Pixel Buds Pro are easily among the best cheap wireless earbuds and offer excellent counters against the new Galaxy Buds 3 Pro and even the $200 Nothing Ear.
It really comes down to what you're looking for in your buds, but the first-gen models still remain solid and are a perfect value if you're just aiming to get quality audio and ANC performance on a comfortable fit.
