Google · Pixel Buds
Pixel Buds Pro
Google's original noise-cancelling Pixel earbuds, with 11 mm drivers, a custom six-core audio chip, multipoint and a Qi charging case. Later software updates added spatial audio with head tracking, conversation detection and hearing wellness information.
- Type
- In-ear
- Noise cancelling
- Yes
- Battery
- 7 h
- With case
- 20 h
- Best codec
- AAC
- Weight
- 6.2 g
What reviewers say
Reviewers agree the noise cancelling, transparency mode, battery life and Google integration are useful, but all three found the fit insecure. Sound judgments differ: Tom's Guide liked the full, lively presentation, TechRadar found it lacking clarity and detail, and SoundGuys measured strongly emphasised bass and treble. Later updates addressed missing EQ and spatial audio features.
From techradar.com, tomsguide.com and soundguys.com
Specifications
Report a wrong or missing specSound
- Type
- In-ear
- Noise cancelling
- Yes
- Transparency mode
- Yes
- Spatial audio with head tracking
- Yes
- Driver size
- 11 mm
- Bluetooth codecs
- SBC and AAC
- Chip
- Custom six-core audio chip
- Drivers
- Custom-designed 11 mm dynamic speaker driver in each earbud
- Chip
- Custom six-core audio chip running Google's noise cancellation algorithms
- Noise cancelling detail
- Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal; transparency mode; active in-ear pressure relief; Conversation Detection pauses playback and switches to transparency when speaking, then resumes playback and ANC
- Audio features
- Volume EQ; adjustable EQ added after launch; spatial audio with head tracking on compatible Pixel 6 or newer phones and supported content; low-latency gaming mode needs compatible games, Pixel 8 or newer and Android 14 or newer; SBC and AAC codecs confirmed by SoundGuys, not listed in Google's spec sheet
- Hearing health
- Hearing Wellness records listening habits and suggests lowering the volume
Battery
- Listening time (maker's claim)
- Up to 7 hours
- With the case
- Up to 20 hours
- Wireless charging
- Yes
- Battery life detail
- Up to 11 hours per charge and 31 hours including the case with ANC off; ANC-on totals are 7 and 20 hours, respectively; Google's music playback tests used pre-production hardware and software with other features disabled
- Charging case
- USB-C port and Qi-certified wireless charging; 25 × 50 × 63.2 mm; Hall effect sensor detects case opening and closing
- Fast charging
- Five minutes in the case gives up to one hour of listening or 50 minutes of talk time
Design
- Weight (each earbud)
- 6.2 g
- Water and sweat resistance
- IPX4
- Bluetooth
- 5.0
- Two devices at once
- Yes
- Controls
- Capacitive touch controls for playback, calls and assistant; swipe to adjust volume; IR in-ear detection for automatic play and pause; Gemini voice control needs Android 10 or newer, current Google and Pixel Buds apps, a Google Account and an internet connection
- Microphones
- Three microphones per earbud, voice accelerometer and wind-blocking mesh covers; Bluetooth Super Wideband on Pixel 8 or newer with Android 14 or newer; Clear Calling added in the 2023 update
- Fit and ear tips
- Small, medium and large eartips; medium fitted; motion accelerometer and gyroscope in each earbud
- Case weight
- 62.4 g including earbuds
- Dimensions
- Each earbud 22.33 × 22.03 × 23.72 mm with the medium eartip
- Water resistance detail
- Earbuds IPX4; case IPX2; neither is waterproof, and water resistance can diminish with wear
- Works with
- Pairs with Bluetooth 4.0 or newer Android and iOS devices, tablets and laptops; full app features need a Google Account, an Android 6.0 or newer companion phone and internet; multipoint and automatic audio switching
- Colours
- Fog, Charcoal, Lemongrass and Coral at launch; Bay and Porcelain added in 2023; availability varies by region
- In the box
- Earbuds, wireless charging case, three sizes of eartips, quick start guide and safety, warranty and regulatory guide; no charging cable
Pros and cons
Pros
- Up to 7 hours with ANC on and 20 hours including the case
- Multipoint and touch controls with volume swipes
- USB-C and Qi charging; IPX4 earbuds and IPX2 case
Cons
- Only SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs (SoundGuys)
- Head tracking and gaming features need compatible Pixel phones
- No charging cable in the box
Closest rivals
Model | Type | Noise cancelling | Battery | With case | Best codec | Weight | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-ear | Yes | 8 h | 30 h | AAC | 4.8 g | Jun 2022 | |
| In-ear | Yes | 6 h | 20 h | LC3 | 4.8 g | May 2022 | |
| In-ear | Yes | 5 h | 18 h | Samsung Seamless Codec | 5.5 g | Aug 2022 |
Newer model: Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Sources
- support.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/7544332
- blog.google/products-and-platforms/devices/pixel/pre-order-pixel-buds-pixel6a
- blog.google/intl/en-ca/products/devices-services/loud-and-clear-pixel-buds-pro-…
- blog.google/products-and-platforms/devices/pixel/pixel-buds-pro-update-2023
- support.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/12921041
- support.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/11439534
- support.google.com/googlepixelbuds/answer/15449571
- soundguys.com/google-pixel-buds-pro-review-76163
Photo: Google — official press image library; Pixel Buds Pro Charcoal. Complete supplied canvas retained.
