Because Google builds both Android and the Pixel Buds Pro all the functionality is directly integrated into the operating system. Jump into the Bluetooth menu and right there you can adjust things like how the touch controls work, no secondary app is needed. The Pixel Buds Pro will also read your notifications as they come in so you don’t need to wonder if it’s worth checking what it is. We haven’t listed anything that’s not compatible with Android phones but the Google Pixel Buds Pro take compatibility to another level.
Like the Beats Fit Pro, this pair relies on stabilizing wings to keep the earbuds securely in place. Three sizes of flexible, gripping wings and three sizes of eartips provided a secure fit for all of our testers. These earbuds are lightweight, sleek, and minimal in size, with no parts that significantly protrude from the head. However, if you dislike the feeling of pressure in your ears or you have very small ear canals, you may prefer a different, non-winged earbud design.
You can also quickly pair these earbuds with Android devices, but in that case you need to download the Beats app to experience the instant pairing pop-up. Switching from one device to another is a process similar to that of other Bluetooth earbuds or headphones, and you can only be connected to one device at a time. Because this pair fits so securely, the Fit Pro is equally comfortable on a jog as it is at the office. The water resistance rating of IPX4 means that the Fit Pro should be sufficient for the average run or workout. However, for heavy sweating, water-based workouts, or tough mudders, we recommend looking at our guide to workout headphones.
Unfortunately, they don’t have the best build quality, and their sound isn’t the most balanced as they favor a bass-heavy audio reproduction over a neutral one. By taking a quick, real-time test on the Skullcandy App, you’ll create a Personal Sound Profile that is stored on your headphones to optimize sound levels just for you. Skullcandy Crusher is the original, one-and-only immersive sensory bass experience. Plus, Crusher Evo features audio quality improvements over original Crusher so you’ll experience an even broader range of deeper, richer bass. Grind delivers a whopping 40 hours of listening time between the charging case and buds. Plus, your earbuds tell you how much battery is left every time you remove them from the case.
Venue were the first Bluetooth noise-cancelling headphones from this brand, and they implemented it really well. With a simple press of the ANC button, you can activate Monitor mode that amplifies your surroundings. These are overall V-shaped with a clear emphasis on bass and sparkly treble, while the mids remain slightly recessed. This sound signature works perfectly with popular music genres like hip hop and electronic dance music (EDM). A redesigned version of the Skullcandy Push Ultra now comes with different types of silicone ear tips for better comfort, great fit, passive noise isolation, and bass extension.
The greater airflow allows a friction-fit design to work better while it’s less likely that I am going to talk to someone. You could achieve that by only using a single earbud but you could also do it with some kind of system that allows ambient noise in. Unfortunately skullcandy hesh anc though both ANC and hear-through modes don’t tend to work very well because of wind on the mic. One thing that’s more of a quirk than a positive or negative is that the noise cancellation on these is very noticeable but not necessarily better.
The earbuds are also IP55 rated for water and dust resistance, making them a great option for outdoor activities. Overall, these earbuds are a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable, versatile wireless audio option. Though our team generally prefers physical buttons over touch-based controls, the large touch-surface area on these earbuds is more forgiving than other similar systems we’ve tested. It’s still not as foolproof as earbuds that have mechanical buttons to press, but because we didn’t have frequent misfires, we forgave this minor drawback.
All the earbuds that rely on friction with the ear to stay secure, like the Airpods Pro, work fine outside and for some indoor riding. If you have a truly epic indoor ride though you run the risk of sweat causing a loose feeling and capacitive buttons being pressed skullcandy hesh anc when you reposition. In those situations, the Powerbeats Pro end up being more comfortable even for Android users. If you thought the Pixel Buds Pro were expensive though, these are even more money and they lack noise cancellation or hear-through modes.
Sitting in a relatively quiet area the ANC is so strong it feels almost disconcerting but on a plane, it’s not a drastic improvement. In the negative column, the biggest issue is that the Pixel Buds Pro are expensive and they don’t often see the same discounts as some of the other options. The Spoke earbuds are functionally and aesthetically similar to the Vinyl earbuds.