Google Pixel Buds Pro Amateur Review/Thoughts

For anyone that is considering getting the Pixel Buds Pro, here's some of my thoughts to help with decision making.

Previous Buds

Airpods Pro, Elite 65t, Elite 85t, Bose QC, Sennheiser Momentum TW 2, Beats Studio Buds, Beats Fit Pro, 1More Comfobuds Pro, 1More Evo, Soundpeats (T2, True Engine 3SE), Pixel Buds A-series, Pixel Buds Pro and probably heaps more I have forgotten.

Eco-system preference

No fanboy(ism) here, use both Apple and Google devices and happy to acknowledge the strengths/weaknesses of each.

Personal preferences

Sound preference is Flattish/Mild "V" frequency response, prioritise comfort (must have pressure relieving vents), ANC must be serviceable, Transparency mode must be acceptable (I have kids and exercise outdoors a lot so spacial awareness is important). I don't mind paying a high asking price provided the product delivers.

My thoughts (Beats Fit Pro is currently my main earbuds)

Fit/Comfort: Quite good, general ergonomics combined with venting system provides a comfortable fit (more on that later). Could easily wear these for hours and they would disappear into the background. Security though is another thing, given its missing the hooks from the A-series, I found these a downgrade on that front. Any serious exercise that is of moderate impact will likely need constant adjusting. I used these for a few runs over the weekend and there are better options. Also worth noting that for runs, these buds have the annoying thumping/occlusion effect with each foot step which I don't experience on any other buds that have vents - this is regardless of which ever mode I put them in.

Noise Cancelling / Transparency: ANC is decent, not at the levels of the Bose QC which in my experience is the best I've tried on any TWS buds. I would say these are 85-90% capable of what the QC's could do and on the same level as the Airpods Pro. Transparency mode is lacking, Airpods Pro / Beats Fit Pro in my opinion are the leaders and almost at a point where it's as if you aren't wearing anything at all. The Pixel Buds Pro pipe in ambient sound decently enough, but its biggest letdown is how your own voice sounds in comparison. Its very odd - you can hear others clearly but your own voice is muffled.

The venting system or whatever Google has implemented behaves oddly with respect to toggling between the different modes. I don't actually know if these have physical vents or if its pure software magic (or a combination of both). Its very obvious that when in ANC or Transparency, the vents are working. When left in "normal" mode, the vents are definitely inactive and it results in the occlusion effect being very noticeable.

I guess its a trade off between sound quality and having a permanent venting system? maybe Google can tweak this is in further updates? I still prefer a permanent venting system like the APP's and they have no issues with getting the sound right. Its as if google couldn't decide between a closed back or open back setup and decided to blend both without the benefits of either?

Sound Quality:
I'm no audiophile, this is highly personal and everyone has different preferences. I personally prefer tuning of earbuds to be on the flatter side, or more towards a gentle "V" curve as opposed to something that has huge bass/treble with recessed mids. I found the sound of the Pixel Buds Pro to be uninspiring to be honest. They have a warm and smooth sound if I had to put descriptors on it, but they lack detail and any sort of character if that makes any sense. The only call out I'd make is the bass is just on the borderline of being muddy/bloated. It isn't as clean and doesn't extend as deep as the APP's or the 1more Evo's. For my preferences and the asking price, there are easily better out there and IMHO I don't think these deliver on the sound front at this price point given you could buy any of the other top-end offerings (give or take).

Features/Software
Fast pairs fine with my Pixel 6 Pro, multi-point works fine, switches easily between iOS devices (iPhone/iPad/Mac) and my P6P. Touch controls are very responsive and accurate. There is supposedly a day 1 firmware update that improves transparency mode a bit from what I've read, but I can't seem to trigger the download. Suspect its a staged rollout. Mine shipped with v73 firmware, but there is talk of the v120 day 1 update that others are getting. Other than that, nothing to speak of.

Conclusion
What I liked: Comfort when not exercising, the idea that these would be a true competitor to the APP's
What I dont like: Not a secure fit for working out, sound is uninspiring, transparency mode is a let down, pressure venting system isn't quite right

These aren't for me, will stick with my Beats Fit Pro on my P6P.