I’m an avid AirPods user, but these Google earbuds can sway me any day – especially at this price

Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are on sale at all major retailers, including Google, Best Buy<!–>, Target–>, and Amazon<!–>, slashing $40 off their original $229 price. These earbuds easily top their competitors thanks to their impressive sound, noise-canceling abilities, comfort, battery life, and software features. 

We like them so much, ZDNET awarded them an Editors’ Choice award for their incredible performance and notable improvements over the first-gen Pixel Buds Pro.

All Android users, not just Pixel fans, can take advantage of the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s best features, including live translation, Find My Device, active noise cancellation, and Gemini compatibility. Many of the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s features require a Google account and a device running Android 6.0 or newer.

Unlike their rivals from Apple and Samsung, Android users outside the Pixel ecosystem can download the Pixel Buds app to toggle features and access device information. And unlike their rivals from Sony and Bose, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have more software features, like device location tracking, hearing wellness tips, and attention alerts.

Also: These Google earbuds offer the ultimate listening experience for Android users – even on non-Pixel phones

During my testing, the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s small, lightweight frame made them comfortable for hours-long wear. Their 12 hours of continuous listening time and 30 hours of battery life (with ANC on) outperformed their competitors from Apple, Bose, Samsung, and Sony.

If you use AirPods on Android, you’ll miss out on a few features, such as automatic device switching, Find My, and personalized spatial audio. So, if you want premium earbuds for Android, skip the AirPods and go with the Pixel Buds Pro 2. 

Compared to AirPods, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have a longer continuous listening time and a more secure and stable fit. Whenever I’m using my Pixel 9 Pro instead of my iPhone 16, I can’t leave the house without swapping my AirPods Pro 2 for the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Also: I still prefer my Google Pixel 9 Pro over the expensive flagships – and it’s not even close

Despite their rounded bud shape, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 sport intuitive touch controls, an earbuds feature I usually avoid. Instead of promoting left/right swipes to toggle volume, these earbuds promote up/down swipes – a seemingly trivial change that adds a great deal to the user experience.

How I rated this deal

By following ZDNET’s deals rating system, I gave this deal 3/5 stars. The product itself is worth the money, and at a discount, it’s a hard deal to turn down. Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 offer a significant amount of utility to Android users, a comfortable and secure fit, and impressive battery life.

However, $189 is not the lowest price I’ve seen these earbuds go for. During major sales, you can find the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $10 less. If you’re a penny pincher like me, you might want to wait for fall sales. But if a $10 difference is insignificant to you, this is a deal worth considering.