Google through Amazon, Getty Pictures
Final week, I purchased a pair of Google Pixel Buds Professional earbuds. After utilizing them for a strong week, I made the choice to return them to Amazon in favor of a unique pair. Here is what occurred — and why I wound up shopping for a pair of Bose earbuds as a alternative.
Why I selected the Google Pixel Buds Professional … at first
There have been a whole lot of October Prime Day offers on headphones and earbuds this yr. Having not too long ago run my favourite pair of health club headphones (the first-generation Bose QuietComfort Earbuds) although the washer and dryerI used to be primed (pun meant) to purchase a pair. My finances was $200, however I hoped to spend much less.
To make my determination, I reviewed CBS Necessities’ personal record of the greatest headphones of 2023after which reviewed all of the offers accessible. As an Android telephone proprietor, I dominated out the top-rated Apple AirPods Professional. My last determination got here down to 2 choices: The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II and the Google Pixel Buds Professional.
I actually loved the sound high quality of my Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, however the Google Pixel Buds Professional have been priced nearly $100 decrease. That, mixed with the promise of easy pairing with my Google Pixel 6 Professional telephone, sealed the deal in favor of Google’s earbuds.
My trustworthy (simplified) overview of the Google Pixel Buds Professional
I appreciated the unboxing and pairing expertise of the Google Pixel Buds Professional. The earbuds instantly paired with my machine and entered into setup, just like how Apple AirPods effortlessly pair with Apple iPhones. The setup prompted me to run a match check — I used to be suggested to make use of a bigger ear tip dimension, which did enhance the sound and helped the earbuds sit extra comfortably in my ears. All the things about setup was easy, and I used to be having fun with my new buds in a few minute. (Did I point out how a lot I respect that these earbuds come totally charged, able to play proper out of the field?)
One other noteworthy win for Google right here: I just like the aesthetic of the included charging case. I additionally respect that, in contrast to the carrying case for my previous Bose QuietComfort Earbuds, the Pixel Buds Professional case may be charged wirelessly.
Wish to check out the Google Pixel Buds Professional? They’re at the moment accessible at Amazon, beginning at $190.
Get Google Pixel Buds Professional now:
Why I wound up returning my Google Pixel Buds Professional
The sound high quality of the Pixel Buds Professional is nice — perhaps not Bose good, however to my less-than-audiophile-level ears, greater than adequate. However I discovered that the lively noise cancelling on these headphones paled compared to my previous pair of Bose earbuds. Quite a lot of outdoors noises seeped in after I did not need them to. This was particularly noticeable on the health club — I might hear the health club’s personal playlist in my ears whereas understanding, despite the fact that ANC was on and I used to be taking part in one thing else.
There may be additionally an aesthetic issue at play. My previous Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have been massive, however they did not look goofy in my ears. The Google Pixel Buds Professional form of do, no less than within the fog shade choice I selected. (There are six colours to select from.)
The extra I used my Google Pixel Buds Professional, the extra I missed my previous Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. That is why I made the choice to return my Pixel Buds Professional in favor of the brand new, up to date model of Bose’s earbuds.
The one function of Google Pixel Buds Professional I am going to miss
There’s one intriguing function of the Google Pixel Buds Professional I will be lacking out on by returning them: real-time translation through the Google Translate app. Whereas I used to be wanting ahead to testing out dialog mode throughout an abroad journey, I do not discover myself in lots of day-to-day conditions the place voice translation is critical. So whereas translation would have been good to have, I could not actually justify utilizing it as a motive to maintain the Buds.
Why I select the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
Bose
I’ve by no means been disillusioned with the standard of Bose’s lively noise cancellation. My previous Bose earbuds have been a journey important — I can not picture sitting on an airplane with out having these buds filter out all of the undesirable outdoors noise and conversations. ANC is vital to me on the health club, too, after I’m attempting to focus on my units (and never clanging weight plates and another person’s grunting).
Regardless of the Google Pixel Buds Professional’s guided match, I discovered that the QuietComfort Earbuds have been extra snug to put on for longer intervals of time. Each fashions would sometimes come free in my ear, however general the Bose earbuds felt safer.
The sound high quality of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds is top-notch — the world fades away after I’m utilizing them to hearken to my favourite tunes. The battery lasts for six hours on a single cost; the included fast cost case extends this to 24 hours whole.
The circumstances fees through USB-C; wi-fi charging just isn’t accessible. Disappointing, however not a deal breaker for me.
Get Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II now:
