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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →For the original Google Pixel Buds Pro, firmware 3.14 brought a major reported improvement to gaming latency. In an October 2022 hands-on report, Chrome Unboxed reviewer Robby Payne found the delay felt comparable to other modern wireless earbuds—but he did not claim it disappeared completely.
What firmware 3.14 changed
Before the update, Payne described the Pixel Buds Pro’s delay in real-time use as severe. In games, sound could arrive nearly a second after the corresponding action appeared on screen. Video services can often compensate by delaying the picture; games cannot make that adjustment as easily.
After installing firmware 3.14, Payne compared the earbuds while playing Apex Legends with Anker Soundcore earbuds, Wyze Buds Pro and AirPods Pro. He reported that the Pixel Buds Pro’s lag now felt in line with those products. He also noted that the update technically added a five-band equalizer and left/right balance controls, but considered the latency improvement the more important change. Read Payne’s October 14, 2022 report at Chrome Unboxed.
This was a reviewer’s hands-on judgment, not a lab measurement. It supports saying that firmware 3.14 substantially improved the experience for that reviewer, not that every phone, game or wireless connection will have identical latency. Payne explicitly said the result was not zero lag.
#1 Best Overall
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are designed to be the most comfortable earbuds yet, with a twist-to-adjust fit; they’re built for Gemini, with the Tensor chip that powers premium, immersive sound and cancels twice as much noise as before[1]
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 are made to stay put; use the twist-to-adjust stabilizer to lock your earbuds in during workouts, or adjust the other way for all-day comfort
- Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 2.0 cancels up to twice as much noise as before[1]; Adaptive Audio lets you be aware of your surroundings while drowning out distractions in loud spaces for comfortable listening[10]
- Immerse yourself in clear, crisp audio; the 11 mm drivers and high-frequency chamber deliver powerful bass and smooth treble, and spatial audio with head tracking give you immersive surround sound[2]
- Go live with Gemini, your Google AI assistant; brainstorm ideas, make grocery lists, and schedule events, just by using your voice – with advanced audio processing, you can have clear conversations, even in noisy environments[2,11]
What the 2023 update added later
Google announced another Pixel Buds Pro feature rollout on October 4, 2023. These additions are separate from the 2022 firmware 3.14 report and should not be mistaken for the original latency fix.
- Reduced audio delay in compatible games: Google listed lower audio delay for compatible games on Pixel phones.
- Conversation Detection: The earbuds can pause music and switch to Transparency Mode when the wearer starts speaking.
- Clear Calling: Google expanded the feature to improve calls in noisy environments.
- Bluetooth Super Wideband: On Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, it provides fuller voice bandwidth.
- Hearing-wellness suggestions: Google added suggestions intended to help users manage listening habits.
- Chromebook web app: A browser-based companion lets users manage settings and install firmware.
Google’s announcement describes the features and rollout: Pixel Buds Pro’s biggest update yet.
Rank #2
- Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are designed to be the most comfortable earbuds ever, with the most secure fit; and they’re built for Google AI, with the Tensor chip that powers premium, immersive sound
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 are small, light, and made to stay put; use the twist-to-adjust stabilizer to lock your earbuds in during workouts, or adjust the other way for all-day comfort
- The first Google Tensor chip in an earbud, the Tensor A1 chip powers twice the Active Noise Cancellation and delivers premium sound[1]
- Conversation Detection pauses your music and switches your earbuds to Transparency mode when you start talking, so you don’t have to take them out
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 have large 11mm drivers for powerful bass and a new high-frequency chamber for smooth treble
How to check for and install a firmware update
Google says firmware downloads when the Pixel Buds are used with a Pixel or another Android device running Android 6.0 or later. Keep the earbuds in a sufficiently charged case while installation proceeds; Google says the process normally takes about 10 minutes. If an installation is interrupted, it resumes later.
- Open Pixel Buds settings on the connected Pixel or Android device.
- Choose More settings > Firmware update to check the installed version and available update options.
- To install automatically, place the earbuds in their charged case and allow the download and installation to complete.
- If you want to start the process yourself, select Manual update available and follow the on-screen instructions. Google says this route takes about 15 minutes.
Google also supports firmware management through its web companion at mypixelbuds.google.com. The browser app can check battery, adjust audio preferences and manage firmware. Google lists ChromeOS 128 or later, macOS Sonoma 14 or later, and Windows 11 or later as supported operating systems, and recommends Chrome or Edge. Requirements can change; check Google’s current Pixel Buds web app support information before relying on a particular computer or browser.
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Rank #3
![Google Pixel Buds Pro - Noise Canceling Earbuds - Up to 31 Hour Battery Life with Charging Case[2] - Bluetooth Headphones - Compatible with Android - Porcelain (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31425F9zJxL._SL160_.jpg)
- Google Pixel Buds Pro are fully upgraded with helpful features like clearer calling and insights to protect your hearing.
- And they’re available in new colors.
- Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal blocks outside sounds, so your music shines.
- Beamforming mics help make calls crystal clear, even in loud places.
- To play music, check the weather, or have notifications read to you, just say “Hey Google,” or press and hold the earbud for help.
Is the original Pixel Buds Pro worth considering for gaming?
The 3.14 report makes the original Pixel Buds Pro more plausible for casual mobile gaming than its earlier reputation might suggest: one reviewer found the post-update delay comparable to competing wireless earbuds. It does not establish that the earbuds are lag-free or suitable for every game, nor does it provide a controlled latency comparison. If precise audio timing is essential, treat Bluetooth latency as something to verify with your own phone and games rather than assuming this historical update guarantees a particular result.
When comparing earbuds for gaming, consider latency alongside fit, active noise cancellation and transparency, call quality, phone-platform features, ongoing update support and current price. This 2022 finding applies to the original Pixel Buds Pro; it is not a test of later Pixel Buds Pro 2 models or a claim about current firmware behavior.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pixel Buds Pro use Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal to adapt to your ear and help block outside sounds, creating a quiet foundation so your music can shine.
- Pairs with any Bluetooth 4.0+ device, including Android, iOS, tablets, and laptops[7]
- The battery keeps up with your life, with up to 11 hours of listening time, or up to 31 hours with the charging case[2]; you can charge them wirelessly with Pixel Stand or other Qi-certified chargers[3]
- The battery keeps up with your life, with up to 11 hours of listening time, or up to 31 hours with the charging case[2]; you can charge them wirelessly with Pixel Stand or other Qi-certified chargers[3]
- Transparency mode helps you hear outside sounds in real time so you can be more aware of your surroundings, like when crossing the street
Rank #4
- Google Pixel Buds 2a deliver lightweight comfort, crisp audio, Active Noise Cancellation, and a dependable battery, all for less[1]
- Hear only what you want to hear; Google Tensor A1 powers Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5 to help block external noise; or switch to Transparency mode to hear the world around you while you listen
- Immerse yourself in clear, crisp audio with the 11 mm dynamic speaker driver, or customize the levels of bass, treble, and more with the 5-band equalizer
- Pixel Buds 2a are built for lightweight comfort and an impeccable fit; secure them during workouts or commutes with the twist-to-adjust stabilizer, or twist the other direction for relaxed comfort
- Hear and be heard with Clear Calling; it helps block background noise, so wind, external chatter, or other distractions in your environment won’t interrupt your conversations[2]
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
