Pixel Buds By Google
I have been with Google for a while now with their phones, tablets & other electronics, so when I found out that they were offering wireless Bluetooth headphones, I jumped at the chance to try them to bring another piece into my Google ecosystem.
The Pixel Buds come in a convenient case that offers a USB-C charging port in the bottom of it to connect to any USB-C cable. In this case, the buds are very easy to hold onto and do not feel slippery at all, so you won't worry about dropping them; This looks very similar to the Airpods. The case and the buds come with a material that coats them and won't leave any fingerprints. However, since my case is white, it does accumulate a lot of dirt and marks over time.
You can find the Google Pixel Buds at Best Buy for $99. Amazingly Staples also offers them at the same price! Google Pixel Buds at Staples for $99.
Performance – Pixel Buds
I've been using the Pixel buds for a few months now, and I've got to say, I'm a bit disappointed with the product, to be honest. According to Google, the buds have noise reduction and wind reduction; yes, I didn't hear or feel any wind when wearing them while walking outdoors or sitting on my back deck, but the noise reduction of the headphones isn't that effective. Whenever I would walk, go out in public, or ride public transit, I would turn up the volume to the maximum; This would enable me to hear any of my music, podcasts, or phone calls.
Audio Playback – Pixel Buds.
Concerning the playback of the buds, I find that the music quality is enjoyable when you can hear what you're listening to, but I find that the best playback is indoors. A problem with audio playback occurs when a person's head turns to look at an object to the right or left. Sometimes one bud will continue playing while the other sounds like it's stopped.
Battery Life – Pixel Buds.
The battery life on the Buds isn't bad, but it isn't stellar. The Buds have to be put in their case to charge & usually take about an hour or two to recharge. With the fully charged batteries, they typically last 3-4 days on a full charge.
Final Thoughts – Pixel Buds.
The Google Pixel buds are a great pair of wireless headphones for the price. However, there are quite a few issues with connectivity, sound volume, and noise cancellation, which I hope Google will address with an update in the firmware. They are nevertheless recommended if you're like me and enjoy the Google ecosystem.
