Last updated on November 30th, 2023 at 12:51 pm

Google has pledged a range of impressive enhancements for its Pixel Buds Pro wireless earbuds with noise-canceling capabilities. These include the introduction of conversation detection, reduced latency for gaming, and a feature to monitor safe listening levels.

Google has assured users of exciting enhancements for its Pixel Buds Pro noise-canceling wireless earbuds. These updates encompass conversation detection, reduced gaming latency, and a feature to monitor safe listening levels. Furthermore, they claim that when you connect the Pixel Buds Pro to Google’s latest Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones, you’ll experience improved call quality thanks to Bluetooth Super Wideband. In theory, Google’s assertion holds merit

In reality, the outcome could potentially differ.

Bluetooth Super Wideband is a recent addition to the suite of features introduced alongside Bluetooth LE Audio. It allocates a larger portion of bandwidth to the voice component of a phone’s Bluetooth connection. Much like employing a high-resolution audio Bluetooth codec such as LDAC or aptX Adaptive can offer more bandwidth compared to SBC or AAC (and consequently retain more audio detail), Super Wideband holds the promise of enhanced fidelity by augmenting the volume of voice data that can be transmitted from your earbuds to your phone.

However, audio quality encompasses more than just bandwidth. When a device employs high-resolution codecs for music, it aims to retain a superior level of detail that is inherently present in the source material. For instance, when you play high-resolution lossless FLAC music on platforms like Amazon Music or Tidal, Bluetooth codecs like LDAC and aptX Adaptive excel in preserving a greater portion of that detail compared to other codecs. Nevertheless, if you play highly compressed, lossy MP3 tracks, even high-resolution codecs cannot miraculously enhance their sound quality.

The question to consider is: How much detail is inherently present in our voices? The response hinges greatly on the circumstances (such as weather conditions or ambient noise levels), the quality of the microphones (whether there’s a single microphone or an array, and how proficient they are at capturing speech), and the effectiveness of the earbuds’ noise reduction algorithms (some may be assertive in minimizing unwanted noise but may compromise voice quality, while others might not be assertive enough).

All these variables influence the initial quality of the voice, well before the advantages of Super Wideband technology come into play.

In my assessment of the Google Pixel Buds Pro, I found that they delivered satisfactory voice quality in indoor settings. However, their noise cancellation software wasn’t as adept at handling external sounds. The introduction of Super Wideband means that a greater portion of the captured sound, whether it’s desirable or not, will be transmitted.

Among the top wireless earbuds for call quality are the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, AirPods Pro Gen 2, and Status Audio Between 3ANC. These three models excel in various conditions, even without relying on the assistance of Bluetooth Super Wideband.

Here’s the crux of the matter: While Bluetooth Super Wideband does expand the bandwidth for voice transmission, the actual quality of the transmitted voice is influenced by numerous other variables. In ideal circumstances, it might enhance call quality on the Pixel Buds Pro, but it’s not guaranteed to do so universally.

Once we have the opportunity to evaluate the Google Pixel Buds Pro with Bluetooth Super Wideband, we’ll provide you with insights into the extent of the technology’s impact.