Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Review: Light Earbuds, Mixed Fit

Ultra-light earbuds, reworked noise cancelling and battery life near the top of the class: on paper, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 tick a lot of boxes. But do they go the distance on a long run? RunMorph cross-checked several reviews to reach an honest verdict.

Google's first appearance in the RunMorph earbuds lineup

Until now, RunMorph's earbuds coverage spanned Apple, Samsung, Sony, Bose, Jabra, JBL, Shokz, Soundcore, Suunto and Beats, but not a single Google product. That's a surprising gap, given how central the Pixel Buds Pro have been to the Android ecosystem since their 2022 launch. The second generation, released in late 2024, fixes the main complaints about the original: a bulky design and a fit that left room for improvement. It's still on sale today and regularly featured in promotions, which makes it the right product to fill that brand gap.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 aren't dedicated sports earbuds like a Shokz OpenRun or a Jabra Elite 4 Active. They're premium all-rounders built for the Pixel ecosystem, and plenty of runners still wear them every day and on their runs. That's the angle RunMorph takes here.

Specs

A redesigned shape for a more secure fit

Compared with the first generation, Google cut the earbuds' weight by 24% and their volume by 27%, and added a small fin that tucks into the hollow of your ear. The company also highlights a design process based on 45 million ear-shape data points, with four ear tip sizes in the box to fine-tune the passive seal. On paper, these choices target the exact flaws of the first version.

The Tensor A1 chip, a first for Pixel earbuds, handles audio processing and the improved active noise cancelling through Silent Seal 2.0 technology. It also powers exclusive features such as voice clarity on calls and access to the Gemini assistant.

Field test: a fit that splits reviewers depending on the protocol

RunMorph compared several independent reviews on this specific point, and they don't agree. That deserves to be flagged, not smoothed over.

On the French-language side, the jeuxvideo.com (JVTECH) review, based on nearly a month of daily use, states explicitly that the earbuds stay in place even during a workout, thanks to the fin and the IP54 rating. A Swiss reviewer reached a similar conclusion, noting how securely they stayed put during a run. The francoischarron.com review, from Canada, confirms a clear overall comfort gain over the first generation, though without such a precise sports protocol.

A full English-language review (paraphrased) paints a noticeably different picture. Its testers found that the built-in fin doesn't always reach the upper inner part of the ear for some wearers, which makes the earbuds more likely to work loose during a run. Several members of that team ran into the problem. The most likely explanation for this split is how much ear shapes vary: a fit one tester finds reliable can prove imperfect for another. That's inherent to fin designs, as opposed to ear hooks or bone conduction.

On noise cancelling, opinions line up more closely. Silent Seal 2.0 works well against steady background noise (public transit, open-plan offices) but struggles with loud, sudden sounds, and overall still trails the best on the market, such as the Sony WF-1000XM5, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds 2 or the Apple AirPods Pro. On sound quality, every source says the same thing: clean, balanced sound with good bass, but soundstage and treble detail a notch below the top competitors.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs. Apple AirPods Pro 3: head to head

Both models target the same buyers: people who want versatile premium earbuds rather than pure sports specialists. The AirPods Pro 3 have the edge with a built-in heart rate sensor, even though RunMorph has already documented its limits during hard running. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 bet instead on Gemini integration and an excellent weight-to-comfort ratio, at the cost of water resistance that's less reassuring for regular training.

Pros and cons

RunMorph's takeaway from this review: the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have clearly improved in comfort and battery life over their predecessor. But being all-rounders rather than sports earbuds shows in their water resistance and in how reliably they stay put on the run, a point where reviewers disagree depending on their ear shape.

Improve with the right training plan, whatever earbuds you wear

Whether you run with premium all-rounders or a 100% sports model, your progress depends first and foremost on how your training is structured. RunMorph offers personalized plans that adapt to your level and your goals. Discover RunMorph's plans and turn every run into measurable progress.

The RunMorph Coach's verdict

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a real step up from the first generation, with a more discreet design, much better comfort and battery life that remains among the best in their class. Their noise cancelling and sound quality still trail the best premium options, though, and how well they stay put on the run depends heavily on your ear shape, a question the reviews we consulted don't settle unanimously. RunMorph gives them 7.3/10: a good pick for Android runners who want versatility, less obvious if you're after earbuds 100% dedicated to hard training.

Key takeaways for your training

• Always try all four ear tip sizes in the box before heading out: the passive seal and the fit depend directly on them.
• Check that the fin sits fully in the hollow of your ear before you start, especially on runs with lots of impact or elevation gain.
• Keep the IP54 rating in mind: these earbuds handle sweat but aren't designed for prolonged heavy rain.
• Use transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings on open roads.
• Take advantage of fast charging, 5 minutes for 1 hour 30 minutes of listening, before an impromptu run.