These headphones are underrated but I will always choose them over Samsung and Sony

When choosing wireless headphones, many buyers choose popular options such as Apple AirPods, Sony or Samsung headphones. However, after using the new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for over a month, I’ve found a few reasons why I’d choose them over the competition every time.

1 Find my Android device support out of the box

One of the main advantages of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is their seamless integration with Android’s Find My Device network. Right out of the box, you can track the location of your headphones or play audio from the case using the Find My Device app, which comes pre-installed on most Android devices.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer a similar tracking feature, but they require the SmartThings app and rely only on the Samsung network, which is smaller than the wider network of Android devices. Although Sony headphones also offer Find My Device support, some users have reported issues with its functionality.

With Pixel Buds Pro 2, you can also track all your devices, including other Android phones and tablets, within the same app.

2 Clear Calling makes a world of difference

While Apple’s AirPods are often considered the gold standard for call quality, I found the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to be even better. These headphones support Google’s Clear Calling feature, which not only reduces background noise on your end – so the person you’re talking to can hear you clearly – but also cancels out noise on their end, giving you a much clearer conversation.

This is something that is missing from most other earbuds on the market, and it’s something that I really appreciated during my time with the Pixel Buds Pro 2. When you’re in a noisy environment with constant background noise, it’s different. , such as busy cafes, trains or gyms.

3 Artificial intelligence features that elevate everyday use

It’s 2024, and artificial intelligence has made its way into almost every device — including Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2. They are powered by Google’s first ever Tensor chipset for headphones, the Tensor A1. This chipset enables faster sound processing and improved ANC. With this chip, the headphones also have Google’s Gemini and Gemini Live features, which allow you to ask questions or get help on the go without taking the headphones off.

But it’s not the AI ​​features that set the Pixel Buds Pro 2 apart. What really makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 stand out are the other AI-driven features like conversation detection. Using on-device artificial intelligence, the headphones can detect when you start talking, automatically pause playback and switch to transparency mode so you can have a conversation without having to take off the headphones.

The Clear Calling I mentioned above is also powered by the Tensor A1 chip. It’s these small, thoughtful AI features that I really miss when switching to other headphones. Google’s clever use of artificial intelligence makes these headphones unique – something other brands just can’t replicate.

4 Pixel Buds keep getting better with new features

The main benefit of owning the Pixel Buds is Google’s commitment to updating the headphones. Just as Google releases regular Android updates for Pixel smartphones and tablets, it also brings new updates for Pixel Buds even months after launch. For example, Gemini Live is a feature that debuted on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, but within a month Google extended the feature to older Pixel Buds models.

Most other brands don’t offer this level of ongoing support – you usually get the features advertised at launch and then with few, if any, updates. With regular updates from Google, the Pixel Buds are worth every penny as they keep getting better years after you bought them.

5 Less expensive but just as impressive

What makes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 even more attractive is their price. Priced at $229 in the US, they come in below a number of high-end competitors. Even better, they’re often discounted, especially during the holiday season.

While you’ll have to pay full retail price, you’ll get premium sound quality, ANC, long battery life, and Google’s unique software features, all for less than the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro ($249) and Sony’s WF-1000XM5 ($299). With quality, features and Google’s added features, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer great value for the price.

Google isn’t traditionally known for making the best wireless earbuds, but they really hit the nail on the head with the Pixel Buds Pro 2. While the software features make the Pixel Buds Pro 2 stand out, they’re also packed with essentials like wireless charging, multi-point connectivity, and surround sound. With this well-rounded feature set, it’s hard for me to consider switching to other headphones anytime soon.