Turns out it can a lot. The Pixel Buds Pro completely solve the Bluetooth problems of the second-generation model, while offering improved sound quality, longer battery life, decent noise cancellation, and bonus convenience features like multi-point. They’re not the smallest or lightest headphones, but Google’s elimination of the integrated wingtips (or “stabilizer bows”) from previous models results in better overall comfort.

Good stuff

Good active noise cancellation Improved sound and long battery life Multipoint support No more frequent audio interruptions

Bad things

The transparency feature is not as good as it could be No support for advanced Bluetooth codecs Audio fidelity falls short of the best headphones The microphone quality could still use some work

When Google announced these earbuds a few months ago, it highlighted the custom silicon and internal audio processing that was key to the development of the Pixel Buds Pro. Every headphone company that’s the best at something — think noise cancellation in Sony’s case, or transparency mode for Apple — builds its own components to achieve it. According to Google, the Pixel Buds Pro include a custom hexa-core audio chip (not to be confused with the custom Tensor chip in the Pixel phones) that powers the active noise cancellation system, and they also use custom 11mm drivers/speakers. by the company’s audio team. Well, let’s get straight to it: the noise cancellation on the Pixel Buds Pro is generally very good for downplaying noise at home, in the office, or in a coffee shop. However, I do notice that some parts of the frequency spectrum (such as road noise from passing cars) are reduced more strongly than on the AirPods Pro or Sony’s WF-1000XM4 buds. Since ANC runs on Google-developed algorithms, it’s possible firmware updates could further boost the Buds Pro’s noise-cancelling power. As it stands today, ANC is more than capable — even if it won’t knock Sony or Bose off the top of the mountain. The Pixel Buds Pro comes in four colors. This is the “lemongrass” yellow option. Transparency mode, on the other hand, is decent, but falls short of the natural, airy feel you get with the AirPods Pro or Sony’s LinkBuds S. Google’s transparency transition does the job, but it has a semi-clogged tonality. This is likely, at least in part, because the Pixel Buds Pro no longer have the same “spatial hole” that allows some natural ambient sound to pass through in the 2020 Pixel Buds and Pixel Buds A-Series. While on the subject of ANC, I’m admittedly confused by the feature Google calls “Silent Seal”. The company describes it as follows: Everyone’s ears are unique, so it’s not always possible for headphones to create a perfect seal that prevents sound from leaking in from the outside. The Pixel Buds Pro use Silent Seal to conform to your ear to maximize the amount of noise cancellation. When I asked for more details about how Silent Seal works or what exactly is going on, Google spokeswoman Marisa DeRose surprisingly declined to share more details. My best guess is that Google’s algorithms try to optimize active noise cancellation based on your ear shape and how the headphones fit, but the lack of information leaves me skeptical that Silent Seal is really a game changer. They are Google’s first headphones with active noise cancellation. Google also says that the Pixel Buds Pro contain sensors that “measure the pressure in your ear canal” to alleviate the stuffy feeling that ANC headphones can often produce. I was able to get more details on this from product manager Pol Peiffer, who told me via email that the sensors “constantly measure the pressure in your ear canal so the headphones can actively relieve it and stay comfortable. These measurements never leave the headset and are deleted immediately after being processed for noise cancellation.” This is Google’s solution to the lack of a vent, but I’m curious if the overall noise-canceling power of the Pixel Buds Pro is hindered by this emphasis on comfort. It would be nice to have the option to turn it up to 11 — ear pressure be damned. Backing up, the Pixel Buds Pro continue the design line of Google’s last two models. The outward-facing part still looks like Mentos, especially in the pale yellow color of my review sample, but the rest of the handset is much more substantial and chunky. When you first take them out of the case, the Buds Pro may not seem like headphones that will be particularly comfortable or fit well in your ears. Fortunately, this first impression is misleading. The design is substantially bulkier than the old Pixel Buds — and there’s no built-in flap. Even without the attached stability fins from the previous Pixel Buds, the Buds Pro slipped comfortably into my ears, and after some twisting and slight adjustments, I wasn’t worried about them going anywhere. I rubbed my head and they stayed put. They also passed the standard feeding and speech tests without coming off. They’re definitely easier to remove (intentionally) than foam Sonys or deep-seated Galaxy Buds, but you don’t have to worry about unexpected mishaps. I’ve noticed they stick out a bit on smaller ears, but are more even and subtle on large ears like mine. And despite the relative weight compared to lighter buds, they stayed comfortable for extended listening. Google bundles the standard three sets of silicone tips in the box, and there’s an eartip seal test in the Pixel Buds app if you need further confirmation that you’re using the right size. The pebble-shaped carrying case is also very similar to the old Pixel Buds, with the same eggshell feel and satisfying snap when closed, as well as wireless charging. Microphones on the outside of each earcup help cancel out nearby noise. The Pixel Buds Pro work decently for voice calls. The Pixel Buds Pro offer the best audio experience in Google’s lineup yet. They don’t rival the great dynamics and rich definition of something like Sennheiser’s Momentum True Wireless 3 headphones, and I think the Sony 1000XM4 still beat them head-to-head. I wouldn’t quite rank them in that higher tier, but for an everyday pair of go-anywhere headphones, I’m happy with Google’s improvements. The Hold Steady’s “Lanyards” came with plenty of bass and punchy guitars. Lake Street Dive’s “Nick of Time” showed off their smooth vocal delivery, and while sampling John Mayer’s “Wild Blue,” the Pixel Buds Pro created plenty of separation between instruments to let the solos shine. On some tracks, the mids can come off as indented, and I’d like more control over the default V-shaped EQ. Google’s website confirms this is in the works. For now, audio tuning settings from previous Pixel Buds (like bass boost) are MIA in the Pixel Buds app, but the company plans to add five-band EQ adjustment sometime this fall. Meanwhile, there’s a “volume EQ” toggle that boosts bass and treble at lower volumes to keep your music consistent across the range. Audiophiles may be disappointed that the Pixel Buds Pro only support AAC and SBC for Bluetooth codecs – rumors that they will also include LC3 and Bluetooth LE audio are untrue – but I think tuning and sound signature are ultimately more important to their sound . If you can’t live without LDAC, there’s always the 1000XM4s, LinkBuds S, or even cheaper options. The carrying case is similar to the one that came with previous Pixel Buds. It supports wireless charging and is quite compact. To make sure the Pixel Buds Pro have fully overcome any unwanted dropout issues, I tested the new earbuds on busy streets, intersections, and other environments that would have spelled doom for the Pixel Buds 2. But the sound continued to play without interruption. This was true whether my phone was in my hand or in my pants pocket. The latter scenario may cause audio interruptions on some headphones, but not on this one. This time the connection is much stronger. If you have small ears, the buds may stick out a bit. Google covers almost everything you need with built-in controls: press once to play/pause, twice to skip tracks, or three times to go back. You can press and hold to toggle between ANC and transparency, and this gesture can be customized (on any headset) to enable…