Pixel Buds Pro vs. Pixel Buds Pro 2: Are there enough upgrades? [Video]

Google’s last Pixel hardware launch is here, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 replace the original Pixel Buds Pro after they hit the market back in 2022. Are they worth upgrading to? Here’s everything you need to know.

• Pixel Buds Pro vs. Pixel Buds: What’s new and should you upgrade? [Video]

Hardware and design

Until you open the charging carry case, there isn’t much difference between the Pixel Buds Pro and Buds Pro 2. In fact, you wouldn’t notice unless you spotted the tiny slot at the bottom. This is for enhanced Find My Device network compatibility, as you can ping the Buds Pro 2 case to locate it.

The new design is super lightweight, but the buds feel hollow and more plasticky. In your ears you can tell the difference between the original Pixel Buds Pro and Pro 2. Part of that is due to the new screw in fitting process. This creates a very secure fit, but also has some benefits for sound isolation as it creates a better in-ear seal.

I will say that both earbuds are comfortable and although the Buds Pro are almost 2g heavier, they are still very comfortable and easy to wear for hours at a time. What’s interesting is that the case makes the entire package a little heavier on the newer earbuds.

The gain is likely due to the added speaker and larger internal battery. We’re sure that most agree that lighter earbuds are more important than the carry case. Google has yet to confirm the actual cell sizes, but a larger battery would enable the extended lifespans touted.

Another upgrade with the case is improved IP certification. The new Pixel Buds Pro 2 case is IPX4 rated. The original Pixel Buds Pro are only IPX2 protected against light water spray. With the new case it should be able to handle a light rain shower or splash. That’s super important if you like to use your earbuds in lots of places.

Comfort and fit

The new twist-and-lock fitting process might be uncomfortable for some people, but the Pixel Buds Pro 2 has reduced the “plugged” feeling that the Pixel Buds Pro can suffer from. The weight decrease is instantly noticeable and makes a huge difference to long-term comfort once you have them seated correctly.

One of the only major downsides of the new shape and style is that touches and taps create a scratchy sound that is quite distracting. Any touches or readjustments can create lots of rustling and reverb in your ear because of the way each earbud sits in your ear. This can be super uncomfortable, but it just isn’t as much of a problem with the first-generation Pixel Buds Pro as it is with the Buds Pro 2.

For some people, the change in fit to a screw-in placement might be a dealbreaker – and understandably so.

Sound quality

The sound quality of the Pixel Buds series has been mixed at best, but there are some substantial upgrades this year that make the Buds Pro 2 easier to recommend than ever before. I still feel that these latest earbuds are better for the casual listener or someone who is willing to put in some work to get the best audio experience.

If you have used the Pixel Buds Pro, the default experience is just acceptable. With tuning, it can be better. Thanks to some driver changes, the 11mm drivers in the new Pixel Buds Pro 2 are quite a big step up.

Another area of improvement is in how the newer earbuds handle spoken words. Everything sounds deeper, richer, and with more nuance. Sadly, you’ll notice that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can still lean a little heavy on the bass in the default profile, but it doesn’t muddy the rest of a track and there is less of a “drone.” I still wouldn’t say that the audio experience is “excellent,” but it’s better for more genres, and you can similarly tweak EQ to at least get a tailored audio experience that suits your own personal tastes while tuning out some of the irregularities, but your mileage may vary.

ANC has taken a step up, and it will dull lots of ambient noise in your surroundings more so than the Pixel Buds Pro. The transparency mode has made major strides and is absolutely crystal clear. It could very well be the best on any Bluetooth earbuds we’ve ever tested. It’s almost as if you’re not wearing earbuds at all – it’s that good.

The audio experience is a marked improvement from the Pixel Buds Pro to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which I think a lot of people will really love. One of the biggest downsides, though, is that for $229/£229, there is a distinct lack of support for hi-res codecs. Two years later, we’re still stuck using AAC and SBC. So, while there are upgrades, you won’t be enjoying hi-res audio on either pair of buds.

Functions and features

Credit where it is due. Google added a ton of extra functions to the original Pixel Buds Pro so that the product that exists now is a major step up over an acceptable launch device. You could say that the Buds Pro had to walk so the Buds Pro 2 could run.

The latest release includes Spatial Audio with head tracking, a 5-point EQ, Find My Device, Multipoint connectivity, Hearing Wellness, Conversation detection, Clear Calling, and Assistant Quick Phrases out of the box alongside Gemini Live, and some less quantifiable audio improvements. Gemini will replace the Google Assistant on Pixel Buds Pro with a future update.

Wireless connectivity is getting a big bump from Bluetooth 5.2 to 5.4. This means that drop-outs should be less of a worry. That said, the connectivity on the Pixel Buds Pro is already solid. You might get a better range from the Pixel Buds Pro 2, but that will depend on the device you are connected to.

Find My Device is the outright biggest feature change. Now you can pinpoint the Pixel Buds Pro 2 within the FMD app. This includes each individual earbud and the case. The original Pixel Buds Pro can only be tracked to the last known paired location which is derived from your phone location. If you lose the Pixel Buds Pro 2, you can get the case and each earbud to emit a noise now for easier recovery.

Battery life and charging

The first Pixel Buds Pro were a landmark for ANC earbuds in terms of lifespan. That continues once again with the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which have somehow managed to surpass the first-gen in the battery stakes with and without ANC enabled. You’ll get up to 30 hours now with ANC enabled or a whopping 48 hours if you disable the feature.

What’s more impressive is that even though each earbud is substantially smaller the Pixel Buds Pro 2 give you up to 8 hours per earbud when using ANC, an hour longer than the Pixel Buds Pro which stands at 7 hours per earbud with noise cancellation enabled. In our experience, Google isn’t overstating the battery life either. Lifespan is a strong area for both generations.

Because the case is practically identical, Qi wireless charging and wired USB-C charging are also present. 10 minutes will net you enough lifespan to get a few more hours of listening with either pair of earbuds.

Pixel Buds Pro vs. Pixel Buds Pro 2: Should you upgrade?

About upgrading: 9to5Google often gives specific product recommendations. Sometimes, we may suggest not upgrading, due to various reasons including, but not limited to: increased device cost, negligible performance gains, or environmental impact. Whether to upgrade is always your call, but our aim is to help you make as informed a decision as possible.

There are lots of improvements that make the Pixel Buds Pro 2 a worthy upgrade over the Pixel Buds Pro for anyone who simply wants a pair of first-party in-ear earbuds for their Android phone or tablet. However, I’m hesitant to say they are a worthwhile purchase for anyone who cares about audio quality over specific integration and functionality when you consider the $229 pricing.

Find My Device integration is great, but you’re seeing the most gains elsewhere in the audio experience and battery longevity. I do think that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers enough of a jump-up in quality, longevity, and overall comfort than the Pixel Buds Pro if you want to stay with a Pixel product. Just be aware that you can get better Bluetooth earbuds for the all-important listening experience at lower prices – or you can grab the Pixel Buds Pro at substantial discount if you simply don’t care.