Google Pixel Buds Pro evaluation: the candy sound of redemption

It wasn’t a positive factor that the Pixel Buds Pro would transform good. Google has had a combined, inconsistent monitor report with wi-fi earbuds up to now. The unique Pixel Buds in 2017 had such an unconventional design that one thing as elementary as placing them again into the case was overly difficult. The Pixel Buds 2 moved to a a lot sleeker, true wi-fi kind issue, however they had been beset with connectivity points and frequent audio dropouts. Google righted the ship with the low-end $99 Pixel Buds A-Series final 12 months, however now all eyes are on the brand new, flagship $199 Pixel Buds Pro — the corporate’s first earbuds with energetic noise cancellation — to see whether or not Google can actually grasp with the easiest from Apple, Sony, Samsung, and others.

Turns out, it very a lot can. The Pixel Buds Pro absolutely resolve the Bluetooth woes of the second-gen mannequin whereas delivering improved sound high quality, longer battery life, passable noise cancellation, and bonus comfort options like multipoint. They’re not the smallest or lightest earbuds round, however Google’s elimination of the built-in wing ideas (or “stabilizer arcs”) from prior fashions ends in higher general consolation.

When Google introduced these earbuds a pair months in the past, it made a degree to name out the customized silicon and in-house audio processing that had been key to creating the Pixel Buds Pro. Every firm with earbuds which are the very best at one thing — assume noise cancellation within the case of Sony or transparency mode for Apple — builds its personal parts to attain that. According to Google, the Pixel Buds Pro embody a customized six-core audio chip (to not be confused with the customized Tensor chip in Pixel telephones) that powers the energetic noise cancellation system, and so they additionally use customized 11-millimeter drivers / audio system tuned by the corporate’s audio crew.

So then, let’s get proper to it: noise cancellation on the Pixel Buds Pro is usually fairly good for subduing noise at house, the workplace, or in a espresso store. But I do discover that some components of the frequency spectrum (like avenue noise from passing automobiles) minimize by means of louder than they might on the AirPods Pro or Sony’s WF-1000XM4 buds. Since the ANC runs on Google-developed algorithms, it’s possible that firmware updates might additional improve the noise-canceling power of the Buds Pro. As it stands at the moment, the ANC is greater than competent — even when it received’t be bumping Sony or Bose from the highest of the mountain.

Transparency mode, then again, is first rate however falls properly wanting matching the pure, ethereal sensation you get with the AirPods Pro or Sony’s HyperlinkBuds S. Google’s transparency passthrough does the job however has a semi-muffled tonality to it. This is probably going, at the very least partially, as a result of the Pixel Buds Pro not have the identical “spatial vent” that lets by means of some pure ambient sound on the 2020 Pixel Buds and Pixel Buds A-Series.

While as regards to ANC, I’m admittedly perplexed by the function Google calls “Silent Seal.” The firm describes it like so:

Everyone’s ears are distinctive, so it’s not all the time doable for the eartips to create an ideal seal that stops sound from leaking in from the surface. Pixel Buds Pro use Silent Seal to adapt to your ear, to assist maximize the quantity of noise that’s canceled.

When I requested for extra specifics on how Silent Seal works or precisely what is going on, Google spokesperson Marisa DeRose oddly declined to share additional particulars. My finest guess is that Google’s algorithms attempt to optimize the energetic noise cancellation primarily based in your ear form and the way the earbuds fit your needs, however the lack of knowledge leaves me skeptical that Silent Seal is known as a recreation changer.

Google additionally says that the Pixel Buds Pro comprise sensors that “measure the pressure in your ear canal” to alleviate the plugged-up sensation that ANC earbuds can usually produce. I did handle to get extra particulars on this from product supervisor Pol Peiffer, who advised me by e mail that the sensors “constantly measure the pressure in your ear canal so the earbuds can actively relieve it and stay comfortable. These measurements never leave the earbud and are erased immediately after they are processed for noise canceling.” This is Google’s answer for the dearth of an air vent, however I’m curious as as to whether the general noise cancellation energy on the Pixel Buds Pro is being hamstrung by this emphasis on consolation. It’d be good to have the choice to crank it to 11 — ear strain be damned.

Backing up a bit, the Pixel Buds Pro keep it up the design lineage of Google’s final couple fashions. The outward-facing portion nonetheless seems like a Mentos, particularly within the mellow yellow coloration of my evaluation pattern, however the remainder of the earbud is rather more substantial and chunky. When you initially pluck them from the case, the Buds Pro won’t look like earbuds that can be particularly snug or keep in your ears properly. Thankfully, that first impression is deceptive.

Even with out the affixed stability fins from previous Pixel Buds, the Buds Pro slid into my ears snugly, and after some twisting and lightweight changes, I wasn’t involved about them going wherever. I thrashed my head round, and so they stayed put. They additionally handed the usual consuming and speaking checks with out dislodging. It’s actually simpler to (purposefully) take away them than the foam-tipped Sonys or deep-seated Galaxy Buds, however you don’t want to fret about surprising tumbling-out-of-your-ears mishaps. I’ve observed they stick out a bit in smaller ears however are extra flush and delicate in huge ears like mine. And regardless of the relative heft in comparison with lighter buds, they stayed snug over prolonged listening. Google bundles the usual three units of silicone ideas within the field, and there’s an ear tip seal check within the Pixel Buds app should you want additional affirmation you’re utilizing the suitable measurement. The pebble-shaped carrying case can be similar to previous Pixel Buds, with the identical eggshell really feel and satisfying snap when closing, plus wi-fi charging.

The Pixel Buds Pro ship the very best audio expertise of Google’s lineup to date. They don’t rival the very good dynamics and wealthy readability of one thing like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3 earbuds, and I believe the Sony 1000XM4s nonetheless surpass them in a head-to-head. I wouldn’t fairly rank these in that higher echelon, however for a day by day, take-everywhere pair of earbuds, I’ve been happy with Google’s refinements. The Hold Steady’s “Lanyards” got here by means of with ample bass kick and punchy guitars. Lake Street Dive’s “Nick of Time” confirmed off their clean vocal copy, and whereas sampling John Mayer’s “Wild Blue,” the Pixel Buds Pro created ample separation between instrumentation to let the solos shine. In some tracks, the mids can come off as recessed, and I’d like extra management over the default V-shaped EQ. Google’s website confirms that’s within the works.

For now, audio tuning settings from previous Pixel Buds (like bass increase) are MIA within the Pixel Buds app, however the firm plans so as to add five-band EQ customization someday this fall. In the meantime, there’s a “volume EQ” toggle that lifts bass and treble at decrease volumes to maintain your music sounding constant all through the vary. Audiophiles is perhaps disenchanted that the Pixel Buds Pro solely assist AAC and SBC for Bluetooth codecs — rumors that they might additionally embody LC3 and Bluetooth LE audio are unfaithful — however I believe tuning and audio signature are finally extra essential to how they sound. If you’ll be able to’t stay with out LDAC, there’s all the time the 1000XM4s, HyperlinkBuds S, and even cheaper choices.

To make sure the Pixel Buds Pro have absolutely conquered any unwelcome dropout points, I examined the brand new earbuds on busy streets, intersections, and in different environments that might’ve spelled doom for the Pixel Buds 2. But the audio stored enjoying with none interruptions. That held true whether or not my cellphone was handheld or in my pants pocket; the latter situation may cause audio disruptions for some earbuds, however not these. The connection is solely rather more strong this time round.

Google covers just about all the pieces you want with the onboard controls: faucet as soon as to play / pause, twice to skip tracks, or 3 times to return. You can press and maintain to modify between ANC and transparency, and this gesture will be personalized (on both earbud) to activate Google Assistant as properly. The swipe-based quantity controls of the 2020 Pixel Buds have additionally returned, letting you improve loudness by brushing a finger ahead throughout the earbud floor or reducing it by swiping backward.

The Pixel Buds Pro include the same old perks of getting Google Assistant in your ear; you’ll be able to ask for the climate or strolling instructions, reply to texts, request a tune, have notifications learn aloud, or reap the benefits of options like Live Translate when touring — all with hands-free “Hey Google” voice instructions. It’s useful to have these methods at your disposal, however different specialties from previous Pixel Buds — adaptive sound, attention alerts, and the aforementioned bass boost — have quietly been eliminated. Regardless, I’d argue the largest new addition to the Pixel Buds Pro is multipoint, which lets you join to 2 audio sources (like your cellphone and pc) concurrently.

And it really works just about like a dream: I can begin watching a video on my MacBook Pro, hit pause, change over to my Pixel and begin a tune on Spotify, and the earbuds play it at once. Stopping the tune and leaping again to the video is simply as seamless. When a name is available in, you’ll be able to simply reply it, and the buds will prioritize that audio; it’s an enormous plus having the ability to keep away from Bluetooth menus. Every so usually, you’ll hear somewhat hitch within the audio when transitioning between audio sources, nevertheless it’s barely perceptible. Voice name efficiency is suitable; I used to be intelligible to my colleagues on Zoom even in a busy espresso store, and in quieter environments, I by no means acquired any complaints about mic high quality.

Later this 12 months, Google plans to counter Apple and Samsung by introducing spatial audio with head monitoring for the Pixel Buds Pro. So once you’re watching motion pictures or listening to Dolby Atmos music, you’ll be able to transfer your head round, and the sound discipline will shift appropriately. But like all the time, that is all about ecosystem lock-in and can be restricted to Google’s personal {hardware} — so that you’ll want a Pixel cellphone to do something with it. The Pixel Buds Pro are additionally able to clever computerized switching between varied Android units, however I don’t know many individuals utilizing a handful of Android merchandise until you’ve acquired a smartwatch or TV that additionally occurs to run the OS.

Battery life for Google’s newest buds is rated at 7 hours with noise cancellation on or as much as 11 with it switched off; in a number of days of testing the Pixel Buds Pro up to now, these estimates appear on the mark. And the earbuds are rated IPX4 for water resistance, so that you don’t want to fret about getting them sweaty mid-workout. The case is a barely much less sturdy IPX2, however at the very least it’s acquired some stage of safety.

Even with all of the reward, there’ve been occasional bugs. I’ve had (very) uncommon cases the place audio breaks down and will get unlistenable whereas watching a video when utilizing multipoint, or the stereo imaging of the earbuds will get thrown out of whack after I manually disconnect one of many two units. These glitches aren’t unprecedented when utilizing true wi-fi earbuds, and Google has some early kinks to iron out. But on the entire, I’m rather more assured in recommending the Pixel Buds Pro than any of the corporate’s prior efforts, and that boils right down to their rock-solid general connection stability.

The Pixel Buds Pro are Google’s finest set of earbuds but. They’ve shed the connectivity flaws that sank the second-gen mannequin whereas including respectable energetic noise cancellation, longer battery life, and superior sound. And the inclusion of multipoint makes them genuinely extra helpful everyday. Like any dear earbuds, you’ll need to strive them on for your self to get a really feel for the match. But assuming the brand new, bulkier design jibes together with your ears, Google lastly has a full-featured, flagship pair of earbuds that Pixel followers can get pleasure from with none back-of-mind reservations or second ideas — simply because it must be for $200.

Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge