What changed
Google redesigned the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with small wings and a reduced case size. The original Pro had a fatal flaw: they couldn't maintain a seal, regardless of tip size. The redesign works, according to ZDNET's long-term test - but only after adding Comply memory foam tips.
Why enterprise buyers should care
The Pro 2's value isn't the sound quality (though it's solid for $229). It's the operational features:
- Head Gestures: Nod to answer calls, shake to reject. Hands-free when you're juggling devices.
- Silent Seal 2.0 and ANC: The Tensor A1 chip handles noise cancellation well enough for open-plan offices.
- Pixel phone integration: Auto-pairing and the Connected Devices menu reduce friction when switching between laptop and mobile.
- Low-latency mode: Matters for video calls with remote teams.
These aren't revolutionary features. They're table stakes for TWS earbuds in 2026. The question is whether Google's implementation is reliable enough for daily business use.
The fit problem persists
ZDNET's reviewer - who abandoned the original Pro due to fit issues - only recommends the Pro 2 with aftermarket tips. That's a red flag. If you're buying 50 pairs for a team, factor in an extra $15-20 per unit for Comply tips.
Google spent years getting the physical design wrong. The Pro 2 fixes it, barely.
Trade-offs at $229
What you get: AAC and SBC codec support, decent ANC, Google ecosystem integration.
What you don't: Advanced codecs like aptX or LDAC. Battery life specs weren't disclosed in the review - notable omission.
For comparison: Samsung's Galaxy Buds and Apple's AirPods Pro dominate enterprise procurement. The Pro 2 competes on price ($229 vs $249+ for AirPods Pro), but Google's track record on first-gen hardware should give CIOs pause.
The verdict
If your organisation is deep in the Google ecosystem (Pixel phones, Workspace, etc.), the Pro 2 earns consideration for hybrid work setups. The integration is smoother than cross-platform alternatives.
But Google took three years to fix a basic fit problem. That's not a ringing endorsement for enterprise reliability.
Worth testing with a small pilot before rolling out widely. And budget for those aftermarket tips.