For the past 4.5 years, I’ve reached for the same case everyday to use my Pixel Buds. Handling the same shape so frequently means I rarely have to think about how to use it, especially one-handed. Figuring out which side is the front without looking to lift the lid is second nature as is moving to a bud as I put down the case on a surface and extract.
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There’s a ritual to taking earbuds out of their charging case (and returning them) that will continue for many years to come. It might lessen as battery life gets longer, but there will always be circumstances where taking them off is needed. (Brain-computer interfaces of the far future would be the one thing that obviates that.)
Made by Google’s first attempt at ear—neckbuds failed across the board. I actively hate that rounded square case that was rubber/soft-touch plastic inside and is flimsy if you attempted to pocket. The inspiration for the exterior was clearly the fabric of that hardware era (Nest Mini, Pixel cases, etc.), but it could not be cleaned for something that was handled so often throughout the day. Upon opening, the neckbud nature meant you had to inconveniently wrap and unwrap.
Three years later, Google redeemed itself with the 2nd-generation Pixel Buds. It’s most like a pebble that’s smooth save for the black seam. Head-on, you don’t really know what this object is until the telltale USB-C port with the sole button just above it on the back. They don’t scream gadget by being boxy and dense or literally transparent. The opening and closing of the lid is great for fidgeting, but I also just like turning that shape over in my hand.
With Pixel Buds A-Series, Google introduced a strip of color — Sea blue, Dark Olive green, or Clearly white — that extends inside. It’s a tiny touch that Google hasn’t revisited. With the 2nd-gen Pixel Buds case, I eventually had hairline cracks form on the side. It did not impact structural integrity, but was an eyesore. Google presumably addressed this as my A-Series and subsequent Pixel Buds did not have this issue.
The 2024 Pixel Buds Pro 2 case would look exactly the same as the 2022 model externally if not for the speaker cutout. That contributes to the case being just a bit heavier, but the identical dimensions allow for third-party accessories to be shared. Besides Find My Device, this makes possible Case sounds, which can be disabled, for charging status and battery level. Along with the buds, Google’s sound design this time is softer and just more Pixel-y.
The other generational change is a bump from IPX2 to “IPx4 Minimum water protection rating” for additional peace of mind.
Looking ahead, I’d still like a place to connect a lanyard without adding a bulky sleeve. Putting a second cutout next to the USB-C port for that would also be nice for symmetry. Internally, I’d like if a future case remained always connected to your phone, like the Pixel Watch 3, to note the battery status. The latest AirPods do something similar and it’s faster than opening the lid and waiting a few seconds to check the percentage.
Otherwise, I want the case to stay exactly the same. Everyone knows about truly wireless earbuds, but I’d argue that the case for Pixel Buds are different enough that most people would take a second to figure out what they are. I’m surprised (and happy) that Google hasn’t put the G logo on it. Instead, they seem content with you staring at the logo on each bud after lifting the lid.
Looking at the rest of Google’s hardware lineup, I’d guess the Pixel Watch eventually refines the droplet-inspired design to be sleeker. The Pixel Buds case doesn’t have the same constraints as a wearable and doesn’t need to get smaller as being somewhat sizable is good for physical discoverability.
Assuming we don’t get a Pixel Buds Pro 2 successor until 2026, it will be 6.5 years with this pebble-shaped case. I like this rare bit of consistency in consumer electronics, while I’d argue headphones are closer to tools and everyday carry items. Their utility — listening to audio, taking calls, recording, and noise cancellation — puts earbuds in the category of something I do not leave the house with.
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