Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Review: ANC, Battery, and Color Options

When you’re in the market for wireless earbuds that blend everyday comfort, robust functionality, and unmistakably modern flair, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 leap to the front of the pack. I’ve spent considerable time testing, tweaking, and, to be perfectly honest, putting these little devices through the wringer—from rainy walks in the park to the mayhem of a busy commute. Trust me, few things reveal the true colours of tech like the strain of city life paired with a spot of British drizzle. So, let’s walk through what makes these buds such an appealing choice—right now, especially, given the deal you’ll find from Media Expert.

Where Value Meets Quality: Price and Availability

Let’s kick things off with the bit that usually makes or breaks any purchasing decision: price. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are currently available at Media Expert for 699 zł when you use the promotional code R1007-100825. Considering the original price hovered around 1137.87 zł, we’re looking at a savings of up to 415 zł—one of the steepest discounts I’ve seen in quite a while. Just be mindful: the promotion lasts until August 10, 2025, and you can’t stack this code with other offers. If you’re reading this and the date hasn’t snuck past, you can still catch the train.

Standout Features: What Sets the Pixel Buds Pro 2 Apart?

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): A real treat for anyone who values a proper escape from the rumble of daily life. Whether on a crowded bus or winding down in your garden, the ANC function seriously cuts down on outside noise. You get to focus on your favourite playlist, podcasts, or just sweet, sweet silence.
AI-Powered Sound & Clear Calls: Powered by Gemini AI and the Tensor A1 chip, these buds automatically tweak sound settings to match your environment. I noticed phone conversations remained crisp, even when I stepped into bustling cafés or had a gust of wind howl around me.
Long-Lasting Battery: On a single charge, you’ll get up to 12 hours of playback (ANC off) and about 8 hours with ANC on. Including the charging case, you can stretch things to an impressive 48 hours of use. Forgot to plug them in? No sweat—just 5 minutes of charging gives you about 1.5 hours’ playback.
Flexible Charging: You can charge via USB-C or wirelessly (great for when you can’t find your cable in the morning rush).
Seamless Compatibility: Compatible with Android (6.0 and up), iOS, and anything supporting Bluetooth 4.0 or newer. Want all the features? You’ll need a Google account and internet access for some functions, but pairing and daily use are easy as pie.
Water and Sweat Resistance: With IP54 for the earbuds and IPX4 for the case, rain showers and a bit of sweat after a run won’t put a damper on your listening.
Lightweight and Comfortable: Each bud weighs a mere 4.7g—you hardly feel them, even after hours on end. The case sits at just 65g.
Wideband Voice Transmission: Voice comes through loud and clear—even when you’re out and about, the “wind noise reduction” comes into its own.
Intelligent Hearing Protection: The companion app monitors sound levels and gives you a friendly nudge if you’re pushing the limits—music can be addictive, after all.
Four Colourways: Get a touch of flair with your pick from four distinct colours, including green-grey, porcelain, and peony. There’s something for everyone—discreet or flamboyant, your call.

Real-Life Use: My Experience with Pixel Buds Pro 2

Noise Cancelling: The Suburban Commute Stress Test

There’s something surreal about locking yourself into your own sonic world while the world hustles around you. On buses rattling through North London, I could actually relax—chatty passengers, screeching brakes, the odd stray dog barking—most of it fell away thanks to the effective ANC.

Calls: Cafés, Pints, and Perfect Clarity

I’ll confess, my brother rang me up whilst I was nursing a pint in a packed pub. Normally, I’d default to a flurry of unnecessary apologies (“Terribly sorry, mate, can’t hear a thing…”), but not this time. The AI-powered mics filtered background chatter beautifully, and I didn’t need to repeat myself. He even commented I sounded like I was in a quiet office—which, frankly, I wasn’t.

Comfort and Fit: Jogging Without Fidgeting

If you’re like me, the true test for earbuds is a morning jog. These nifty buds nestled in and showed no desire to make an early exit. I forgot they were even there. After four hours straight (playlist on repeat), I still felt no discomfort. They’re feather-light, and the ergonomic shape is genuinely impressive.

Ambient Sound Mode: Awareness on the Go

There’s a time and place for shutting out the world—but sometimes it’s just as well to let a bit of it in. Crossing busy streets or having a word with a colleague at work, the Ambient mode let me keep the buds in while remaining tuned in to conversations and the odd honking horn—can’t be too careful these days.

Music Quality: Deep Bass, Clear Highs

Let’s talk sound. Thanks to 11mm drivers, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 punch well above their weight. I’m not a professional musician, but my ears know when they’re being treated well. The bass is full-bodied, the highs are sharp, and the midrange has a richness that keeps everything feeling, well, alive. Jazz, indie, a bit of late-night lo-fi—it all comes through with confidence.

Specs at a Glance: Quick Reference for the Curious

Drivers: 11mm
Buds Weight: 4.7g each
Case Weight: 65g
Battery Life: Up to 12h (buds only, ANC off); up to 8h (ANC on)
Total Listening Time with Case: Up to 48h
Fast Charging: 5 minutes = 1.5h playback
IP Ratings: IP54 (buds), IPX4 (case)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4
Supported OS: Android 6.0+, iOS, devices with Bluetooth 4.0+
Additional Tech: Gemini AI, Tensor A1 chip, voice and sound optimisation, hearing protection monitoring

Comparing with Earlier Generation: Worth Upgrading?

Having owned the first generation Pixel Buds Pro, I get the urge to upgrade shiny things. In terms of noticeable improvements, the Pro 2 model delivers better wideband voice calls, more comfortable contours, stronger connectivity courtesy of Bluetooth 5.4, and a smattering of new tricks thanks to improved AI support and Auracast. To be fair, if you’re not one for chasing the latest bells and whistles, and your current pair still does the job, you might not need to make the jump right away. Still, the comfort and feature polish make Pro 2 stand out if you’re after an upgrade or buying new.

Everyday Living: Pixel Buds Pro 2 in Different Environments

At the Office

I found the Pixel Buds Pro 2 pulled double duty—tuning out background buzz when it mattered, letting in conversations when I flicked on transparency mode. My colleagues didn’t even twig that I still had the buds in during chats (cheeky, I know).

The Gym Test

During high-intensity workouts, sweat started to flow (apologies for the image), but the IP54 resistance delivered peace of mind. Skipping tracks or answering calls was effortless—just a light tap or swipe on the touch surface did the trick. I didn’t hit any awkward missed taps, and there’s something satisfying about that.

Travel and Urban Commutes

Tube journeys can be stuffy and jarring, but with these buds, scrolling through my playlists felt effortless. The background blur is so good you need to remember to check the stops! And knowing even a 5-minute top-up before leaving the house can get you across town and back? That’s proven downright handy after more than one late morning departure.

The Aesthetics: Colourways That Show Off Your Style

We Brits love a spot of individuality, and technology should help you stand out—if that’s your thing. With options like green-grey, elegant porcelain, and the lively peony shade, each user gets to bring a hint of personality. I went for a more subdued pairing, but my friend, ever the peacock, couldn’t resist the bolder hue. No squabbling in the queue, either—they’re all quite handsome.

Noise Control and Health Protection: The Smarter Side of Listening

Noise Cancelling: Blocks out everything from tube announcements to flatmates’ questionable music choices. I genuinely enjoyed the serenity in busy places.
Ambient Awareness: One tap, and I’m immediately back in touch with reality—handy for crossing a busy street or chatting to a shop assistant.
Hearing Health Monitoring: Subtle reminders help prevent you from overindulging in loud volumes. I appreciate the nudge—sometimes it’s tempting to crank it up a bit too much on my favourite tracks.

Devices and Connectivity: Pairing Without the Headache

Android (6.0+): Full feature set. Pairing is almost instantaneous.
iOS: Works for music and calls, though you might miss out on a few exclusive extras that are Google-focused.
Windows and Other Devices: As long as you have Bluetooth 4.0 or higher, you’re good to go for the basics.
Auracast: Useful for sharing audio—special occasions or, in my case, endless reruns of “Only Fools and Horses” with the better half.

Pros and Things I Liked

Long Stamina: I never got “battery anxiety”—full days out didn’t faze them.
Wicked ANC: Pleasantly surprised at how silent the world seemed with these in.
Fashionable & Compact: Sleek, pocket-friendly case and a proper choice of colours.
Stays In Place: Didn’t slip out, even as I huffed up a hill.
Picture-Perfect Calls: Phone conversations were smooth, even on windy days, as my callers didn’t end up hearing a gale.
Easy, Quick Charging: I’m the sort who always forgets to recharge—these never left me in a lurch.

Limitations and Small Gripes

Google Ecosystem Bias: For full magic, you’ll want a Google account and Android. On iOS, some features bow out quietly, so think about your preferred device.
No Volume Controls via Buds: Wouldn’t mind being able to tinker with volume on the buds themselves a bit more—still, not a dealbreaker.
Colour Names Could Be Clearer: The actual hue sometimes feels a shade different from the marketing pictures—but maybe I’m picky.
No Active Equaliser: While intelligent AI adapts sound, there isn’t a granular equaliser for true audiophiles who love fiddling.

Tips and Tricks: Getting the Most from Your Pixel Buds Pro 2

Check for Firmware Updates: Keep things smooth—new firmware often means improved sound and better stability. Easy to update via the companion app.
Customise Touch Controls: Set up your shortcuts for play, pause, or activating your preferred assistant. Saves faffing about in the settings every time.
Play with the Fit: Experiment with the included ear tip sizes—getting this bit right makes all the difference for both sound and comfort.
Try Mono Mode: Sometimes, popping one bud in (when you’re at your desk or waiting for your name to be called) does the trick. Doesn’t drain the battery on both sides either.
Wireless Charging Pad: Leave the tangled wires at home. Drop it and forget it, then you’re always at full power when duty calls.

A Word on Longevity and Durability

During my testing, life happened: rain, a forgotten pair in a gym locker, even one brief (and slightly alarming) tumble off the kitchen counter. No visible marks, no audio dropouts, no sweat. The IP54/IPX4 ratings definitely pull their weight, assuming you leave deep-sea diving to the fish.

Battery Discipline: Never Miss a Beat

Batteries are the backbone of any wireless gadget. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have left me pretty reassured. I’ve routinely managed just over a week on a single full case charge, using the buds for several hours daily. That 5-minute quick top-up? Lifesaver on days when I’m dashing out the door first thing! It doesn’t get simpler than that, really.

Who Should Consider Pixel Buds Pro 2?

Urban Commuters: Silence the world and enjoy your ride—no more getting annoyed by loud talkers or screechy brakes.
Fitness Fans: Sweat-proof and stable for even your trickiest workout playlist.
Remote Workers and Students: Sharp calls, easy all-day comfort—power through those study or meeting marathons.
Music Buffs: If you value sound quality but aren’t chasing reference-level neutrality, you’ll be chuffed with these.
Anyone Who Forgets to Recharge: With quick charging and stupendous case stamina, even the most scatter-brained (like me) needn’t worry.

How Pixel Buds Pro 2 Stack Up Against the Competition

I compared them side-by-side with a few other in-ear stalwarts and, to my ears, Google’s latest truly deliver on comfort and smart features. The AI capabilities give them a flexibility edge, while the sound quality equals (if not bests) the usual crowd-pleasers in this price range. Pro tip: if you’re weighing options specifically for Android, these buds integrate a treat. On iOS, you get the basics but might lean towards alternatives if you want absolute synergy.

Concluding Thoughts: Are They Worth It?

After many weeks living with the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, I keep coming back to three things: the comfort (they really do disappear in your ears), the genuine noise cancelling (it works wonders for focus and relaxation), and the exceptional battery life. I rarely finish a product test wishing to keep the demo model, but—if I’m honest—I’d be a touch grumpy to part with these.

The current 699 zł price at Media Expert sweetens the deal considerably. If you’re in the market for sleek, reliable, and thoroughly modern earbuds, these should be at the very top of your list. Whether you’re a serial commuter, a gym regular, or simply a lover of vibrant soundscapes, give the Pixel Buds Pro 2 a serious look. After all, a few small comforts can sometimes make all the difference in a bustling world.

So, what colour’s caught your eye?

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