Google Pixel Buds Pro Review: Superior Sound with 1 Major Flaw

Introduction

In an era where wireless earbuds have become almost as ubiquitous as smartphones themselves, Google has carved out its niche with the Pixel Buds series. As a long-time user of the Google Pixel Buds A-Series, I have always admired their seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem and, most importantly, their impeccable fit. However, the allure of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) led me to upgrade to the Pixel Buds Pro. In this review, I will explore the highs and lows of the Pixel Buds Pro, particularly focusing on their standout features and the persistent issue that ultimately tarnished my experience—their inability to stay securely in my ears. Additionally, I’ll touch upon my anticipation for the upcoming Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, hoping they will address these concerns.

Unboxing and First Impressions

Packaging: The Google Pixel Buds Pro arrived in sleek, minimalist packaging, reflecting Google’s commitment to simplicity and elegance. The box contained the earbuds themselves, a compact charging case, a USB-C charging cable, and multiple sizes of silicone ear tips. The unboxing experience was pleasant, setting high expectations for the product.

Design and Build Quality: The design of the Pixel Buds Pro is a testament to Google’s attention to detail. The earbuds boast a modern, streamlined look with a matte finish that feels premium. The charging case is compact and pocket-friendly, making it convenient for on-the-go use. The materials used are of high quality, and the build feels robust, suggesting durability.

Initial Setup: Setting up the Pixel Buds Pro was a breeze. As soon as I opened the charging case, my Pixel phone prompted me to pair the earbuds. The process was seamless, and within seconds, I was ready to experience the touted features of the Pixel Buds Pro.

Performance and Features

Audio Quality: The audio quality of the Pixel Buds Pro is undoubtedly one of its strongest points. The sound profile is well-balanced, with rich bass, clear mids, and crisp highs. Whether I was listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls, the audio experience was consistently impressive. The soundstage is expansive, providing an immersive listening experience that truly elevates the enjoyment of any audio content.

Noise Cancellation: The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the Pixel Buds Pro is a game-changer. It effectively blocks out ambient noise, making it perfect for use in noisy environments such as public transport or bustling cafes. The transparency mode is equally impressive, allowing me to stay aware of my surroundings when needed. Compared to other earbuds in the market, the ANC on the Pixel Buds Pro stands out as one of the best.

Battery Life: The battery life of the Pixel Buds Pro is commendable. On a single charge, the earbuds last up to 7 hours with ANC turned on, and the charging case provides an additional 20 hours of playtime. The fast charging feature is a bonus, offering an hour of playback with just a 5-minute charge. In real-world use, I rarely found myself worrying about battery life, even during long days out.

Comfort and Fit

Ergonomics: The Pixel Buds Pro are designed to be comfortable for extended use, with a smooth, ergonomic shape that conforms to the contours of the ear. The earbuds are lightweight, and the pressure-relief vents ensure that they don’t cause discomfort during prolonged use.

Fit Issues: However, despite the ergonomic design, I encountered a significant issue—the earbuds simply would not stay in my ears. This was particularly frustrating given my positive experience with the Pixel Buds A-Series, which fit me perfectly. No matter how much I adjusted them, the Pixel Buds Pro would gradually slip out, especially during activities like walking or working out.

Solutions Tried: Determined to make them work, I tried various solutions. I experimented with all the different ear tips provided in the box and even purchased aftermarket tips, hoping for a better fit. Unfortunately, none of these attempts solved the problem. The earbuds kept falling out, making it difficult to use them for any activity involving movement.

Connectivity and Controls

Bluetooth Connectivity: One area where the Pixel Buds Pro excels is connectivity. The Bluetooth connection is stable and offers a good range. I experienced minimal dropouts, and the earbuds maintained a strong connection even when I moved away from my phone.

Touch Controls: The touch controls on the Pixel Buds Pro are intuitive and responsive. With a series of taps and swipes, I could easily control playback, adjust volume, take calls, and activate Google Assistant. The touch-sensitive surface is easy to locate, and the controls work reliably without any noticeable lag.

App Integration: The integration with the Google Pixel Buds app enhances the overall experience. The app provides access to various settings, including ANC levels, touch control customization, and firmware updates. The seamless integration with Google Assistant is another highlight, allowing for hands-free operation and access to a range of smart features.

Additional Features

Smart Features: One of the standout features of the Pixel Buds Pro is their integration with Google services. Google Assistant is always just a voice command away, allowing me to check the weather, control smart home devices, and get directions without touching my phone. The real-time translation feature is also impressive, making it easier to communicate in different languages.

Water and Sweat Resistance: The Pixel Buds Pro come with an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to water and sweat. This makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities, provided they stay in your ears, of course. The durability in various environments is a reassuring aspect, especially for active users.

Firmware Updates: Google regularly rolls out firmware updates for the Pixel Buds Pro, bringing improvements and new features. These updates have a noticeable impact on performance, making the earbuds better over time. The process of updating is straightforward, and it ensures that the earbuds remain up-to-date with the latest enhancements.

Price and Value for Money

Cost: The Pixel Buds Pro are priced in the premium range, reflecting their advanced features and Google branding. While they are more expensive than the Pixel Buds A-Series, the added features such as ANC, improved audio quality, and enhanced smart capabilities justify the higher price.

Value Proposition: Despite the fit issues I experienced, the Pixel Buds Pro offer excellent value for their cost. The audio quality, noise cancellation, and integration with Google’s ecosystem make them a compelling choice for many users. However, the fit problem is a significant drawback that can impact the overall value proposition for some users.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Audio Quality: Clear, balanced sound with rich bass and crisp highs.
• Noise Cancellation: Highly effective ANC with a useful transparency mode.
• Battery Life: Long-lasting battery with fast charging capabilities.
• Smart Features: Seamless integration with Google Assistant and other Google services.
• Connectivity: Stable Bluetooth connection with minimal dropouts.
• Design: Sleek, modern look with premium build quality.

Cons:

• Fit Issues: Persistent problems with the earbuds staying securely in the ears, despite trying different tips and solutions.
• Price: Higher cost compared to some competitors, though justified by features.

Conclusion

In summary, the Google Pixel Buds Pro are an impressive pair of wireless earbuds that excel in many areas, from audio quality and noise cancellation to smart features and connectivity. However, the significant issue of fit cannot be overlooked. Despite my efforts to find a solution, the earbuds’ tendency to slip out of my ears made them less practical for everyday use, especially during physical activities.

As someone who had a positive experience with the Pixel Buds A-Series, I found the fit issue particularly disappointing. However, the anticipation of the upcoming Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 gives me hope that Google will address these concerns and deliver a product that combines the best features of the Pro series with a secure, comfortable fit.

I invite readers to share their experiences with the Google Pixel Buds Pro. Have you encountered similar fit issues, or have you found a solution that works for you? Feel free to leave a comment or reach out with any questions. For more reviews and tech-related content, check out my other articles and stay tuned for updates on the upcoming Pixel Buds Pro 2.

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