Google has released significant updates to its Pixel Buds Pro (2023), featuring new functionalities like conversation detection and a stylish color matching to the Pixel 8 Pro. Here, i shared my experience after using the Pixel Buds Pro for over a week, to know is it worth in 2024.
Note: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Design and Comfort
The design of the Google Pixel Buds Pro (2023) has not changed from the previous Pixel Buds Pro, keeping a low profile and a soft-touch finish. Despite not having ear hooks, they provide a stable fit with different silicon tip options for various ear shapes. I experienced no movement issues, even while jogging. They are comfortable for extended wear and do not cause fatigue after several hours of continuous use. Moreover, like most modern true wireless earbuds, they are IPX4 water and sweat resistant.
Setup and App Support
For users with Google smartphones such as the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro, accessing the settings for the Pixel Buds Pro (2023) can be done within the Bluetooth settings. Alternatively, the Google Pixel Buds app, available on the Play Store, offers all necessary controls, including features like Find My Buds and customizable touch controls. New additions for 2023 include the Health and Wellness section, allowing users to monitor audio volume and exposure over time.
The app also simplifies firmware updates, provides helpful tips and tricks, and enables users to add a widget to their smartphone desktop for quick access to settings. Setting up the Pixel Buds Pro with an Android device is a straightforward process, involving a simple case flip to prompt connection. Notably, the Pixel Buds Pro 2023 earbuds can conveniently connect to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between devices.
Controls and Google Assistance
The Pixel Buds Pro’s touch controls have received positive feedback, allowing users to easily pause or resume music with a quick tap. An auto-pause feature activates when either bud is removed, halting audio playback and enabling transparency mode.
Efficiently skipping tracks is achieved with a double-tap on a bud, providing sound feedback for confirmation. Volume adjustments are controlled through swipe gestures, though occasional accidental changes may occur. Long-pressing a bud toggles between noise cancellation and transparency modes or activates Google Assistant. Voice commands can also be used to control the device.
In the Pixel Buds Pro settings, touch controls can be deactivated, and some minor customization options are available. Touch and hold functionality can be customized for noise cancellation or assistant activation.
Apart from summoning Google Assistant through voice commands or a long press, the Pixel Buds Pro 2023 can have the Assistant read out notifications from specific apps. This feature is beneficial for those on the move who might miss important notifications. However, it can be distracting if notifications are frequent, interrupting activities like listening to a podcast. Fortunately, there is an option to disable this feature if it becomes bothersome.
ANC and Conversation Detection
The Google Pixel Buds Pro (2023) exhibit improved active noise cancellation (ANC) compared to the initial review last year. In various environments, including noisy cafes or areas with loud children, the ANC effectively reduces ambient noise. They perform well with traffic and similar sounds. However, like other true wireless earbuds, they struggle with blocking out loud and high-pitched noises, such as those from a beeline. Wind interference is minimal, making them suitable for use on windy days.
A noteworthy feature is the Conversation Detection on the Pixel Buds Pro (2023). When engaged in a conversation, it automatically pauses your ongoing audio and activates transparency mode. This proves useful in unexpected chat situations, although it may be triggered even by solo conversations or brief expressions.
For those who talk to themselves, the Conversation Detection includes an Auto Resume feature. If it detects a pause in the conversation for about four or five seconds, it will automatically resume your music or podcast, eliminating any awkward pauses. However, in public settings with ongoing conversations, manual intervention is required to restart your tunes.
Sound Quality
As far the audio quality, the Google Pixel Buds Pro (2023) boast 11mm drivers and an equalizer in the Bluetooth settings, allowing adjustment of bass, trebles, and mids. While the bass is commendable for true wireless earbuds, the overall sound may not be as well-rounded or full-bodied as some premium rivals in the same price range.
The absence of support for LDAC or aptX HD codecs contributes to this limitation. Despite this, music, audiobooks, and podcasts sound crisp and clear, with vocals standing out. The Pixel Buds Pro introduce spatial audio support with head tracking, functional in supported content like YouTube. This niche feature may interest some users. Gaming on supported smartphones such as the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro delivers enhanced audio without complaints, syncing well with visuals.
In handling phone calls, the Pixel Buds Pro for (2023) excel, particularly for Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users with Bluetooth super wideband support for Beamforming microphones. The call quality is excellent, benefiting from AI noise cancellation and smart array technology. While effective in managing typical background noise like street sounds, the AI may muffle your voice in exceptionally loud environments, affecting clarity.
Battery life
Google promises seven hours of playback on the Pixel Buds Pro (2023) before needing a recharge. In practice the battery life is slightly better than advertised, even with active noise cancellation on. You can expect around 7.5 hours of continuous use, which is above average for modern true wireless earbuds, with ANC turned off, users can enjoy an extra couple of hours.
The charging case can fully recharge the buds a couple of times, providing a maximum of around 30 hours of playback with ANC off and approximately 23-24 hours with ANC on. The case supports both USB Type-C and wireless charging, making it convenient for on-the-go power-ups. The design of the case remains compact, rounded, and unchanged from the previous year pixel buds pro.
My Final Thought
So, the Google Pixel Buds Pro (2023) have been improved and updated, it supports spatial audio, conversation detection, and good Active Noise Cancellation support. But in the competitive landscape of true wireless earbuds, especially given their $200 price tag, they offer value for users who appreciate Google Assistant features and own a Pixel device.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro (2023) impress with new features like conversation detection and enhanced active noise cancellation. With solid design, convenient controls, and robust battery life, they offer value for Pixel device users at $200.
-
Design10
-
Fit and Comforts9
-
Setup and App Support8
-
Touch Controls8
-
Conversation Detection7.5
-
Active Noise Cancellation8
-
Audio Quality8.5
-
Battery Life8
-
Value7
