The launch of the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 in Malaysia, marking them as the first officially available “Made by Google” earbuds in the country, is a significant moment. It’s a bold move, positioning a premium offering with a price tag north of RM1000 in a market known for its savvy search for value.
This isn’t a simple successor; it’s an opportunity for Google to prove its mettle in a highly competitive segment. The first generation of Pixel Buds Pro set a solid foundation, particularly with its comfortable, stemless design and seamless integration within the Android ecosystem. However, it also left some room for improvement, particularly when it came to nuanced audio performance and broad connectivity outside of the Google family.
With the Pixel Buds Pro 2, the promise is clear: to deliver a refined, premium experience that justifies the hefty price. Google is highlighting a new Tensor A1 chip, a more compact design, and a renewed focus on both sound and noise cancellation.
So, the big question is: Do the Pixel Buds Pro 2 set a new standard for Google’s Pixel Buds? From the comfort of its unique stemless form factor to the very justification of its audio performance, we’ll be putting these buds through the wringer to see if they truly live up to the “Pro” name and, more importantly, if they are worth the significant investment.
Design & Comfort
If the first-generation Pixel Buds Pro was Google’s way of dipping its toes into the premium earbud market, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is a full-on cannonball. The design philosophy here is one of confident refinement.
The most striking feature is the buds’ compact, stemless form factor. Ditching the now-ubiquitous stem design, Google has opted for a circular, almost organic shape that nestles snugly into the ear’s concha. The accompanying egg-shaped case is equally minimalist, making for a package that feels not only sturdy but also incredibly portable. This is a design that minimises its footprint on your person, a welcome change for those who prefer their tech to be as discreet as possible.
Wearing the buds is a testament to Google’s focus on ergonomics. They are almost like high-tech earplugs. They sit with a solid seal, and after a short period, you truly forget they’re there. The feeling of weightlessness is a major plus for long listening sessions, sparing you the fatigue that can come with heavier, bulkier designs. The buds’ IP54 rating for dust and water resistance, along with the case’s IPX4 rating, means they can handle a splash or a sweat session, though a deeper dive is not recommended.
However, the stemless design, while comfortable, comes with a small trade-off. While the fit is generally secure, the smooth, plastic exterior can become slick during intense, sweaty workouts, leading to that nagging worry that they might slip out. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it is a consideration for serious athletes.
Build quality is where the Pixel Buds Pro 2 truly shines. While made primarily of plastic, it’s a high-quality, dense material that gives the buds a reassuring weight. The seams are nearly invisible, and the colour accents on the buds themselves are a nice touch that elevates them from a mere gadget to a potential fashion accessory. The case, with its matte, soft-touch finish, feels great in the hand but does have a tendency to pick up scuffs and stains, so a protective skin or case for the case might be a wise investment for the fastidious among us.
Overall, the design of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is a resounding success. It’s a stylish, compact, and comfortable package that prioritises user experience over a flashy, in-your-face aesthetic. It’s a design that knows what it is and who it’s for, and it executes on that vision with precision.
Connectivity and Software
Moving beyond the physical, the true test of a modern earbud lies in the seamlessness of its digital experience. The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 is, unsurprisingly, a masterclass in this domain, particularly for those within Google’s ecosystem.
Let’s start with the basics. The Bluetooth connectivity is rock-solid, a crucial foundation that some competitors still struggle with. We’re talking about a stable connection with minimal compromise on audio quality, a testament to its Bluetooth 5.4 and LE Audio support. But where the Buds Pro 2 truly pulls ahead is in its multi-point connectivity. I’ve tested countless earbuds, and the seamless transition between devices on these is among the best I’ve ever experienced. It’s so intuitive that I often lost track of which device was playing audio, a sign of truly frictionless technology. The Fast Pair feature, which works even on non-Pixel devices, also ensures you’re never fumbling around to get your music started.
The software experience is anchored by the Google Pixel Buds app, which provides a welcome level of granular control. This isn’t just a basic settings menu; it’s the command centre for your audio experience. You can toggle Adaptive Sound and noise cancelling, but the real game-changer is the custom equaliser. Being able to fine-tune your sound profile to your specific tastes is an essential feature for any premium audio device, and Google delivers. Plus, the Find My Device functionality gives you peace of mind, with the case itself having a speaker to help you locate your misplaced buds.
However, the real power of the Buds Pro 2 is locked behind the Pixel ecosystem. The custom-designed Tensor A1 chip, a first for an earbud, is where the real magic happens. It allows for “multipath processing,” which provides a dedicated channel for your music separate from the continuous work of noise cancellation, a detail that audiophiles will appreciate. While these features are fantastic, it’s worth noting they’re not fully accessible to every user, which means the non-power user on another Android device or iOS may not feel like they’re getting the absolute most out of their purchase.
The same goes for the integration of Gemini AI. For a religious Google Assistant user, this is an absolute godsend, offering a hands-free experience that feels incredibly natural. At the time of this review, Gemini is still in a developing state, but the potential is undeniable. This is a feature that will only get better with time, making the Pixel Buds Pro 2 an investment in Google’s AI-driven future.
Ultimately, the connectivity and software on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are respectably above the competition, especially if you’re a Pixel user. The seamlessness and intelligent features are a major selling point, and while some of the more advanced features require you to be in Google’s garden, the core experience is still robust and highly satisfying for everyone else.
Performance
We’ve talked about how the Pixel Buds Pro 2 look and feel, and how their software integrates with your digital life. But for a pair of earbuds, nothing matters more than performance. This is where the rubber meets the road, and this is where Google’s bold claims are put to the ultimate test.
Let’s start with sound quality. The Pixel Buds Pro 2, with their custom-designed 11mm dynamic speaker drivers and a new high-frequency chamber, offer a sound signature that is vibrant and energetic. It’s a profile built for the mainstream, with a full bass that delivers the kind of thump you want for pop, rock, and EDM. The highs and mids are well-reproduced, giving you a sense of depth and width that’s certainly immersive for most casual listening. However, for those with a more discerning ear, the soundstage can feel a little compressed compared to industry leaders. For delicate orchestral pieces, like the soundtracks from Distant Worlds, you’ll need to dive into the custom equaliser in the app to truly bring out the nuances in the mids and highs. While it might not satisfy the purest of audiophiles, it undoubtedly punches well above the average earbud available on the market.
Next up, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). This is a marquee feature for a “Pro” device, and the Buds Pro 2 do not disappoint. Google’s Silent Seal 2.0 technology, combined with the power of the Tensor A1 chip, delivers some of the best noise cancelling I’ve experienced on a pair of wireless earbuds. In real-world scenarios, the low-frequency drone of an air conditioner or the rumble of a train is virtually erased. What’s more impressive is the lack of pressure-related discomfort that some other ANC buds suffer from. For Pixel users, the experience is even better. The Buds Pro 2, when paired with a Pixel phone, can leverage the Tensor A1 for superior noise processing and even offers an “optimised fit” feature to help you achieve the perfect physical seal, a small but significant detail that makes a world of difference.
Microphone quality, a frequently overlooked aspect, is also a strong suit. The three microphones per earbud, along with wind-blocking mesh covers and Clear Calling technology, ensure that your voice is isolated and clear during calls. The mic’s ability to pass through some ambient audio also means you don’t feel like you’re shouting into a vacuum, leading to more natural conversations. This performance is, once again, enhanced on a Pixel device, where the Tensor A1 helps to further isolate your voice from background chaos.
Finally, a quick word on Spatial Audio. While it’s a nice feature to have for a truly immersive movie or gaming experience, it’s not something I found myself using regularly. The head tracking, while functional, can be a little disorienting for everyday use. It’s an excellent showcase of Google’s technological capabilities, but for now, it feels more like a bonus feature than a core selling point.
Ultimately, the performance of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is a tale of two experiences. For the average user, it’s an exceptional performer with fantastic sound and class-leading noise cancellation. For the Pixel power user, it’s an absolute no-brainer, unlocking an even higher tier of performance thanks to the unique synergies of Google’s hardware and software.
Battery Life and Charging
With all the bells and whistles of a premium earbud, the battery life is the final piece of the puzzle that determines whether it’s a reliable companion or just another gadget. The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers a commendable performance in this regard.
Google officially claims up to 8 hours of listening time with ANC on. In real-world use, this figure is a bit more grounded. I consistently got between 6 to 7 hours of playback with ANC enabled. While it’s a far cry from the manufacturer’s claim, it’s still a very respectable figure and, more importantly, it’s above average for many earbuds in this class. For a typical user, that’s enough for a couple of days of commuting or a solid few gym sessions without needing to return to the case.
And speaking of the case, the compact, egg-shaped case holds enough additional charge to extend the total listening time to an impressive 30 hours with ANC on, lasting me for a solid week of regular use. The convenience is key here. It takes about an hour to fully charge both the case and the buds, so you’re never down for long.
My favourite aspect, however, is the charging method itself. In addition to the standard USB-C port, the case supports Qi wireless charging. This is a huge win for those of us who have embraced the wireless life. The unique, flat-sided egg shape of the case is brilliant in this regard, making it incredibly easy to centre on any wireless charging pad. It’s a small detail, but it speaks to a design that prioritises user convenience. Just drop it on a pad and forget it—no more fumbling with cables.
The battery life on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, while not quite hitting the advertised numbers, is more than sufficient for daily use and is backed up by a case that makes it a true week-long companion. The inclusion and smart implementation of wireless charging is simply the cherry on top.
A Pair of Buds Made for the Enthusiasts that is a Sliver Shy of being made for Audiophiles.
So, where does the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 land in the crowded wireless earbud landscape? After putting them through their paces, the answer is both clear and nuanced.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 is a triumph of design and functionality. Its compact, stemless form factor is not just a style choice but a genuine commitment to comfort, making these some of the most wearable earbuds on the market today. Coupled with class-leading Active Noise Cancellation that works without causing that dreaded “pressure” feeling, and a seamlessly integrated software experience, these earbuds hit all the right notes for a premium device.
However, we can’t ignore the price point. At RM1099, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 steps into a territory where it’s no longer just competing with mainstream brands but with dedicated audiophile-grade gear. If your primary concern is a pristine soundstage and a clinically accurate sonic reproduction, there are other choices available, often with just a small “top up.” These are not for the purist who puts audio fidelity above all else.
Bluntly put, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is not made for the audiophile; it’s made for the music enthusiast. It’s for the person who wants a fantastic, energetic sound for their daily playlist, needs best-in-class ANC for their commute, and values a comfortable fit that they can wear all day without fatigue. It’s for the user who appreciates the elegance of a feature set that just works, especially if they are already in the Google ecosystem.
Ultimately, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 delivers on its promise. It’s a compelling, well-rounded earbud that offers incredible comfort, powerful features, and a seamless experience. It may not be for everyone, but for its target audience—the music lover who wants a comfortable and smart audio companion—it’s an absolute home run.
