Pixel Buds Pro 2: 5 Ways Google Needs To Up Its Game To Beat Sony XM5

The rumour mill is churning with whispers of a new Google wireless earbud release – the Pixel Buds Pro 2. These are tipped to be an improvement on their predecessors, which, in our review, managed a disappointing three stars. However, with the wireless earbud market fiercely competitive, Google has a mountain to climb if it wants to compete with the top dogs. Here’s what the Pixel Buds Pro 2 need to nail to win over discerning listeners.

1. A Fit For All Ears

A comfortable fit is paramount for any earbud, and sadly, the original Pixel Buds Pro fall short. During extended listening sessions, their presence in our ears became noticeable – not the ideal scenario for a good pair of earbuds. Instead of disappearing into the background, they felt awkward and misaligned, with multiple members of our review team experiencing this issue.

This discomfort isn't just about personal preference; it compromises performance too. The lack of a secure fit makes them more prone to falling out during active pursuits like running or energetic dancing. It also significantly impacts the active noise cancellation (ANC), as a poor seal hinders its effectiveness.

Google's attempts to address this with three ear tip sizes and a fit test in the Pixel Buds app aren't enough. We found the fit test deemed all three sizes suitable, yet none felt truly comfortable. Google needs to go back to the drawing board on this one.

2. Battery Life: A Long-lasting Listen

Battery life is another area where the Pixel Buds Pro stumble. While ANC is known to be a battery hog, rival earbuds offer significantly longer runtime both per charge and overall.

The Pixel Buds Pro manage seven hours of playtime from a single charge and 20 hours in total with the case (ANC enabled). The Sony WF-1000XM5, on the other hand, boast eight hours and 24 hours respectively. But these are still overshadowed by industry leaders like the Cambridge Audio Melomania M100, which deliver a whopping 16 hours from the buds and a total of 52 hours with the case, all with noise cancellation active. Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 also manage six hours and 30 hours respectively, leaving the Pixel Buds Pro feeling a bit lacklustre in comparison.

3. Finding That Perfect Sound Balance

While the entry-level Pixel Buds A-Series impressed us with their sound quality, earning a five-star rating in our review, the Pixel Buds Pro fell short of expectations.

The good news is that they are energetic and lively, delivering a good pace. Detail is passable but not remarkable, lacking the nuance and subtlety you might find at a higher price point. But for the money, that's somewhat understandable.

What's less acceptable is the unbalanced sound, with issues at both ends of the frequency spectrum. The bass can be overly prominent, creating a warm and bloated presentation, while the treble lacks the refinement we desire. Compared to the AirPods Pro 2, they lack expansiveness and dynamics, with a midrange that struggles for definition between the extremes of the frequency range. Google must strive for a more balanced and nuanced sound.

4. Embrace Higher-Quality Codecs

While supporting higher-quality Bluetooth codecs wouldn't magically fix the sound quality issues, it could certainly help. The treble in particular might benefit from a more robust Bluetooth connection.

It’s puzzling why the Pixel Buds Pro don't support advanced codecs like aptX HD, given that Android phones do. These are marketed as “Pro” buds, after all. Hopefully, Google will address this omission with the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

5. Crystal-Clear Calls Are Key

Call quality, while not a top priority for most when choosing earbuds, is an important factor nonetheless. If you use your earbuds frequently, for music or simply for noise cancellation, you’ll likely also use them for calls, and clarity is vital.

While the Pixel Buds Pro performed well in calm conditions, windy weather posed a challenge. Call recipients reported that our speech became clipped and difficult to understand when gusts hit, which is far from ideal. Here’s hoping Google prioritises this aspect for the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have the potential to be a strong contender in the competitive earbud market. But to achieve this, Google must address the shortcomings of the original Pixel Buds Pro and deliver a product that meets the high standards set by rivals like Sony and Apple.