Google Pixel Buds (2017)

Excellent battery life ; Great hands-free calling quality ; Translations, while limited, can be useful

Fiddly and inelegant headphone storage ; Non-isolating sound ; Fiddly touch panel ; Translation limited to Pixel phones ; Cumbersome to use across multiple devices

The Pixel Buds are an ambitious attempt at high-tech headphones but they’re poorly executed and limited by a need for a Pixel phone if you want to use them to their full potential.

Always-on Google Assistant Live language translation Auto-play/pause Sleek design

Aggressive, fatiguing sound Can fall out easily No noise reduction Mediocre battery life

The new true wireless Google Pixel Buds are a major upgrade on their predecessors. The always-listening Google Assistant is great, but the lack of active noise cancellation and fatiguing sound quality at this price are a disappointment.

Lightweight design ; Easy voice-controlled access to Google Assistant and Translate ; Sound avoids harshness or boomy bass

Fiddly connectivity, not a great fit ; Music lacks both excitement and detail

Google’s Pixel earphones have plenty of work to do if they want to be our best buds

Comfortable ; Impressive sound ; Pixel-exclusive features are cool

Very cumbersome to pair with multiple devices ; Occasional Google Assistant blunders ; Lacks customizable gestures

The Pixel Buds are a compelling set of wireless headphones that mostly succeed in executing their ambitions. While the sound and battery performance earn top marks, it’s knocked down by finicky usability and the fact that its best features are reserved...

Nicely designed ; Great case ; Wireless Qi charging ; Good sound quality ; Deep Google Assistant integration ; Fast pairing a bonus for Android users

Poor external sound isolation ; No active noise-cancellation (ANC) ; Assistant experience inconsistent ; 5 hour battery life is below average

If you're looking for an attractive set of smart true wireless headphones - and deep Google Assistant integration is top of your list - then the Google Pixel Buds 2 has plenty to offer. On top of that, the ease of pairing for Android users can't be...

You'll use Google Assistant more than ever ; Touchpad gestures are neat

Odd case design ; Hard to adjust ear fit ; Uncomfortable to wear ; Open design isn't good for noisy areas ; Real-time translations fall flat

On one hand, Pixel Buds offer a decent Google Assistant experience. On the other hand, they're frustratingly designed, don't sound great, and don't deliver on the potential of their real-time translation headline feature.

Let you talk to Google hands-free ; Grown-up sound tuning

Meh battery life ; No active noise cancellation, so-so passive isolation

The Pixel Buds sound good if you’re fine with leaner bass, but the missing active noise cancellation gaping hole at £180

Good battery life ; Impressive sound quality

Ridiculous setup issues ; Uncomfortable to wear ; Problematic interactions

At £159, Google’s Pixel Buds are the same cost as Apple’s AirPods and massively more expensive than other wireless earbuds. And as much as we like the sound quality and battery life, we’re frankly baffled at some of the serious shortcomings that make...