One of the most striking changes is the size. Google has shrunk the Buds Pro 2 by a significant 27%, making them noticeably smaller and more discreet than their predecessors. This translates to a fit that's incredibly comfortable and secure. Like a favourite pair of jeans, you can wear these for hours without fatigue. The subtle styling, with its smooth pebble-like form factor and secure-fit wingtips, ensures they sit snugly in your ears while remaining easy to pocket. Google includes three different ear tip sizes in the box, catering to a variety of ear shapes. In my experience, the default tips provided a perfect seal, keeping the Buds firmly in place even during vigorous workouts.

While the 11mm drivers remain unchanged from the previous generation, Google has re-engineered the acoustic chambers, resulting in a noticeable improvement in sound quality. The overall sound signature is balanced and rich, with deep bass that doesn't overwhelm the mids and highs. While the treble can be a tad sharp at times (a minor tweak in the EQ easily addressed this), the Buds Pro 2 deliver a thoroughly enjoyable listening experience across a variety of genres.

As expected from a Google product in 2024, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 incorporate a touch of AI magic. This manifests primarily in enhanced call clarity, with AI algorithms effectively filtering out wind noise and improving intelligibility. Beyond calls, you can even summon Google's Gemini AI for quick assistance, adding a layer of smart functionality that sets these earbuds apart. Summarise your emails, play a Spotify playlist and live translation. Navigating these features is a breeze thanks to the responsive touch controls, which are remarkably accurate despite the small touch surface. Even volume up/down works in a frictionless manner by swiping back and forth.

Active noise cancellation (ANC) has also received a significant upgrade. The Buds Pro 2 effectively block out most ambient sounds, creating a tranquil listening environment even in noisy settings. While some high-pitched sounds may still seep through, the ANC is impressively effective at silencing the rumble of traffic, the chatter of crowds, and other everyday distractions. However, users new to ANC might find the resulting silence somewhat unsettling, particularly during quieter musical passages. Achieving a good seal with the ear tips is crucial for optimal noise cancellation, and it's worth experimenting with the different sizes to find the best fit.

Google’s Tensor A1 chip powers these features, enabling seamless integration with Android devices. Fast Pair makes connecting to your phone a breeze, while Find My Device provides peace of mind should you misplace your earbuds. The chip also contributes to improved ANC performance and enables a unique Hearing Wellness monitor, which tracks your listening habits and alerts you to potentially harmful decibel levels.

While the Pixel Buds Pro 2 excels in many areas, there is one notable omission for audiophiles: limited codec support. With only SBC, AAC, ALAC, and LE Audio on offer, users seeking high-fidelity listening experiences with codecs like LDAC or aptX HD will need to look elsewhere. However, for most users, the sound quality delivered by the Buds Pro 2 will be more than satisfactory.

It's important to note that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are optimized for the Android ecosystem, particularly for Pixel devices. While they can be paired with iPhones, the sound quality noticeably suffers, lacking the richness and balance experienced on Android. This is a common phenomenon with earbuds designed for specific platforms – AirPods, for example, exhibit similar limitations when paired with Android devices. Therefore, comparing the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with AirPods is somewhat futile unless you happen to use both platforms regularly.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer a compelling combination of comfort, sound quality, and smart features. The improved ANC, enhanced call clarity, and seamless Android integration make them an excellent choice for Android users, especially those within the Pixel ecosystem. While the lack of high-fidelity codec support and platform-specific optimization may be drawbacks for some, the overall package is impressive. If you're seeking a comfortable and capable pair of true wireless earbuds that seamlessly integrate with your Android phone, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are certainly worth considering.