Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 Know When You're Talking (2025)

Google hopes bringing AI features to its true wireless earphones will appeal to people who pick up a new Pixel 9. The $229 Google Pixel Buds 2 Pro are the first built for Gemini AI and use the new Tensor A1 chip for AI on the go. Preorders start today, with retail availability beginning September 26. Google gave us a look at the new Pixel Buds ahead of their announcement. We also have some initial impressions on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Pixel 9, and the Pixel Watch 3.

New Design, New Features

The Pixel Buds 2 Pro have a new outer shell that Google says is more comfortable to wear over time. They're 27% smaller and 24% lighter than the Google Pixel Buds Pro. They come in Obsidian (black), Peony (pink), Porcelain (white), or Wintergreen.

Google analyzed some 45 million data points from ear scans to ensure the new buds have a secure fit that doesn't fatigue the ear. An insert-and-twist motion locks the stabilizer in your ear so they stay put during movement or exercise.

(Credit: Eric Zeman)

Regarding new features, Google's Tensor A1 chip does much of the heavy lifting. The company claims it can process audio "90 times faster than the speed of sound." The chip can adapt to the surrounding environment up to 3 million times per second to cancel out 2x the noise of the original Buds Pro.

Using active noise cancellation (ANC) with Silent Seal 2.0, the Buds 2 Pro negate a wider frequency range of sound, with more high frequencies silenced in particular. The Clear Calling tool further reduces the ambient noise from the other end of the call so you can hear voices clearly. Clear Calling works even when the other person is using headphones from another manufacturer.

(Credit: Eric Zeman)

Conversation Detection is where AI really takes over. The Buds 2 Pro can sense when you begin to speak, even when you're listening to music, and will automatically switch to Transparency Mode so you can talk to people around you without removing the buds. When you stop talking, the Pixel Buds will then resume your music with noise cancellation on.

Google says battery life has been improved. With ANC on, the Pixel Buds should last 8 hours, with 30 additional hours in the case. Those numbers jump to 12 and 48 hours, respectively, if you turn the ANC off. You can charge the earbuds via USB-C or wirelessly. A 5-minute charge should get you 1.5 hours of music playback.

(Credit: Eric Zeman)

The Buds 2 Pro should also be easier to find than the original if you lose them. Google has added support for its Find My network to find them on a map. The case includes a speaker that rings when you get close it. Other features include seamless switching between devices (phones, tablets, smartwatches) and spatial audio with head tracking (for supported audio).

(Credit: Eric Zeman)

We plan to put the Pixel Buds 2 Pro to the test, so make sure to check back soon for our full review.