I’ve spent the last three years testing genuinely wireless devices of different shapes, sizes, and sound characteristics. So much so that I can confidently say it will be difficult to get me to listen to a gadget that is considerably different from the others. But the new Google Pixel Bud Pro accomplishes just that, with no gimmicks.
The charging cover for the Google Pixel Buds Pro seems similar. However, when you take the earphones out, you will see that they are extremely different in form. The form is really more natural for something that goes into your ears. They fit quite tightly into your ears and even the charging case, where they can be difficult to get out at times. However, the great fit on the ears means they block out a lot of noise even when the noise canceling is turned off. You may evaluate the fit of the Google Pixel Buds throughout the setup process by using the Google Pixel Buds app. In my situation, the app suggested that I change the silicone tip to increase audio quality.
The Pixel Buds Pro also has extremely simple touch controls: swipe to adjust volume, tap to skip tracks, and long press to enable transparency. When I connected it to the Samsung Galaxy Fold 4, I received a series of onboarding notifications that made everything extremely apparent. Once connected, all you have to do is ask Google Assistant to play music or search for anything for you. This is like having direct access to Mountain View through your ears.
The Pixel Buds Pro’s active noise suppression pleased me the most. They are quite effective and have eliminated the annoying ticking sound of my ceiling fan, the competing drone of my air conditioner, and even the din from my open kitchen. For me, a good sign of top-tier ANC is an earbud that I find myself wearing even when there is no music playing. And this is exactly what happened with the Google Pixel Buds Pro, which I wore to improve my concentration during early morning writing sessions.
But it doesn’t imply that the music isn’t up to the task. Indeed, the Pixel Buds Pro feature one of the most well-balanced audio profiles available. With the noise removed, the Pixel Buds Pro transport you to another world where you are alone with your music.
So, when I put on Amber Rubarth’s binaural version of Strive, one of my go-to songs for testing earbuds, I realized that this is one of the greatest renditions of this composition I’ve heard in years, particularly among wireless in-ear headsets. And this is difficult to do since Strive is all about space, with cello sounds drawing your attention to the song.
Then there were Wale’s LoveHate Things, which was like an ensemble of frequencies… there was bass when needed, but it didn’t drown out the vocals, and everything got the layered space it needed. With Baba O’Riley Who on loop during an early-morning cardio exercise, I’m pretty sure this is audiophile stuff. Maybe not quite there yet, but close enough to persuade the skeptics.
That is also Google’s difficulty. The Pixel Buds Pro are costly headphones that sound just as expensive. However, for more discriminating music listeners, the decision will be between these Google genuinely wireless headphones and perhaps a Sennheiser or a Sony, which will not always be favorable to the search giant’s earphones. So Google will have to do some substantial marketing to reach the heads of all music lovers.
The call quality is clear, and the noise cancellation is effective enough that I can accept calls while sitting in my open office without having to step away from a quiet area of the office floor. If you use it wisely, the battery may easily last a week, as I did throughout the review period – even with my exercises and several daily group conversations.
At Rs 18,990, the Google Pixel Buds Pro are unquestionably among the best truly wireless headphones you can buy, particularly if you use Android. This one clearly targets the large audio brands, and that will be its most difficult challenge as well.
