Introduction

I've been a fan of Google Pixel Buds for a few years now, but my experience with the Pixel Buds Pro left a bitter taste in my mouth. Their one major flaw? They simply wouldn't stay put in my ears. My ear shape seems to reject in-ear buds, making it impossible for me to enjoy lengthy listening sessions without constant interruptions as the buds fell out.

Past Issues with Pixel Buds Pro

In the past, Google seemed to address this issue with earlier versions of the Pixel Buds by incorporating "wingtips" that secured the earbuds snugly within the ear. Unfortunately, the Pro model abandoned this design, resulting in a frustrating experience where no amount of tip adjustment helped. I ultimately returned to my trusty Pixel Buds A Series, which may lack some features but remained firmly in place.

The New Design of Pixel Buds Pro 2

Recognizing this pressing concern, Google has revamped the Pixel Buds with the introduction of the Pixel Buds Pro 2. The new design includes a clever little nub that helps anchor the earbuds in your ears. The concept is simple yet effective: you position them and twist until the nub fits snugly against the fold of your ear. The question was, would it work in practice?

Performance Test

I recently took the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for a test walk around my neighborhood with my dog, Charlie, and I was pleasantly surprised—these earbuds stayed secure throughout! While they didn't feel as locked-in as the wingtip models, they still held their ground during some vigorous head-shaking. To my relief, even when I ascended the stairs, I was able to make small adjustments without fear of losing an earbud altogether.

Comfort and Usability

Even if the design isn’t as perfectly secure as their predecessors, the Pro 2's improved fit means I can confidently use them during various activities, from daily commutes to airport travels. The thought of losing one during a critical moment is no longer a concern, which is a significant improvement over the previous model.

Sound Quality and Features

Moving beyond fit, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 deliver solid performance across other critical features. The battery life impressively lasts for hours, catering to long listening sessions. Sound quality is enjoyable—perhaps not in line with super-picky audiophile expectations, but perfectly satisfactory for the casual listener like myself. The noise-cancellation feature is a standout, helping to create an immersive listening experience, while the transparency mode allows you to remain aware of your surroundings, an important safety feature for outdoor use.

Compatibility with Google Ecosystem

As expected, these earbuds pair flawlessly with my Pixel Pro 9 phone, taking advantage of Google's ecosystem's AI capabilities. Although I'm not particularly interested in those features, it’s good to know they’re available for those who might appreciate them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are definitely worth considering, even for those outside the Google ecosystem. The crucial takeaway? They fit! I invested a fair amount in these earbuds, and the newfound comfort makes them a joy to use. If you struggle with earbud retention like I do, these may very well be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Don’t miss out on what could be the most comfortable earbuds you’ve ever owned!