Roadmap
Pixel Buds Pro 3
Updated June 20, 2026
Pixel Buds Pro 2 launched September 2024 with the custom Tensor A1 chip — 90x faster audio processing, 2x better ANC, and hands-free Gemini on both iPhone and Android. Now discounted to ~$170 from its $229 launch price. Pro 3 is expected at Made by Google in August 2026 alongside Pixel 11, with a Tensor A2 chip that should further close the ANC gap with Sony WF-1000XM6 and AirPods Pro 3. No confirmed specs or renders as of June 2026.
Expected
Late-summer 2026
Confidence
Expected
Est. price
$229 (est.)
Quick answers
When does Pixel Buds Pro 3 come out?
Late-summer 2026. Google announces hardware at Made by Google in August annually — Pro 3 is expected alongside Pixel 11. Availability would follow in September or October 2026.
HeadphonestyShould I buy Pixel Buds Pro 2 now or wait for Pro 3?
Depends on urgency. Pixel Buds Pro 2 at ~$170 discounted is excellent value — 2x ANC, Tensor A1, full features on iOS and Android. If you need earbuds now, buy. If you can wait 2-3 months, Pro 3 with Tensor A2 is worth holding out for.
HeadphonestyWhat will Pixel Buds Pro 3 improve over Pro 2?
Tensor A2 chip is the key expected upgrade — faster audio processing, stronger ANC, better on-device Gemini. Google's $52 million in audio IP acquisitions may also surface here. No confirmed specs yet.
HeadphonestyBuy now or wait?
Buy Pixel Buds Pro 2 now at ~$170 discounted if you need earbuds before August 2026. At $170 the value is exceptional. If you can wait 2-3 months, Pixel Buds Pro 3 with Tensor A2 is expected in August — worth waiting for if you want the latest.
Compare
Price
$229 (~$170 discounted)
$229 (~$170 discounted)
Availability
Available now
Available now
Chip
Google Tensor A1
Google Tensor A1
Cameras
No
No
Visual AI
No
No
Privacy indicator
No
No
Gesture control
Touch controls on earbud surface
Touch controls on earbud surface
Battery
8 hrs ANC on / 30 hrs with case
8 hrs ANC on / 30 hrs with case
ANC
Yes — 2x vs original Pixel Buds Pro
Yes — 2x vs original Pixel Buds Pro
Spatial audio
Yes — with head tracking
Yes — with head tracking
Health sensors
None
None
Ecosystem
iOS + Android — full features on both
iOS + Android — full features on both
Status
Available now
Available now
Reported features
Tensor A1 chip — 90x faster audio processing
Google's custom Tensor A1 processes audio at 90 times the speed of sound — far faster than competing chipsets. This enables 2x stronger ANC, on-device Gemini processing without cloud latency, and ultra-low-latency audio for calls and gaming.
Hands-free Gemini — works on iPhone and Android
Ask questions, get message summaries, and control your phone entirely by voice. Works identically on iPhone and Android — unlike Galaxy Buds' Galaxy AI which requires a Samsung phone.
Full features on iOS and Android
ANC, Gemini, spatial audio with head tracking, and automatic device switching all work on both platforms. This is Pixel Buds Pro 2's clearest competitive advantage over Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.
2x ANC vs original Pixel Buds Pro
Tensor A1 processes noise faster and more accurately than the H1 chip in the original Pro. Solid ANC for the category. AirPods Pro 3 and Sony WF-1000XM6 still lead on raw ANC power at the same price.
8 hours ANC on / 30 hours total
8 hours of ANC-on listening per charge. 30 hours total with the charging case. 5 minutes in the case gives 1 hour of playback. Charging case uses USB-C.
Now ~$170 discounted from $229 launch price
Pixel Buds Pro 2 has dropped from $229 to around $170 at major retailers — likely creating room below an incoming Pro 3. At $170 the value proposition is exceptional relative to AirPods Pro 3 at $249.
Pixel Buds Pro 3 expected late-summer 2026
No official confirmation. Google announces hardware at Made by Google in August. Tensor A2 chip is the most anticipated upgrade. No leaked specs, renders, or supply chain reports as of June 2026.
Timeline
Late-summer 2026
Pixel Buds Pro 3 expected
Pixel Buds Pro 3 expected at Made by Google in August 2026 alongside Pixel 11. Tensor A2 chip anticipated — would narrow the processing gap with Sony's QN3e. No confirmed specs, renders, or supply chain leaks as of June 2026. Google refreshes Pro earbuds on a 2-year cadence: Pro 1 in 2022, Pro 2 in 2024, Pro 3 in 2026.
HeadphonestySeptember 2024
Pixel Buds Pro 2 launched — Tensor A1, 2x ANC
Google launched Pixel Buds Pro 2 at $229 with the custom Tensor A1 chip. 90x faster audio processing than the original enabled 2x better ANC. Body is 27% smaller and 24% lighter than Pro 1. 8 hours battery with ANC on. Hands-free Gemini in 4 colors: Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, Peony.
GoogleOctober 2025
Pixel Buds 2a — ANC and Gemini at $129
Google launched Pixel Buds 2a at $129 alongside Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel 10. Same Tensor A1 chip as Pro 2 but lighter ANC (Silent Seal 1.5), no head tracking in spatial audio, and smaller case with replaceable battery. First affordable Pixel Buds with ANC.
Android CentralMay 2022
Pixel Buds Pro — Google's first ANC earbuds
The original Pixel Buds Pro launched at $199 as the first Pixel Buds with active noise cancellation. Custom H1 chip, 11-hour battery per charge, multipoint Bluetooth, IPX4. Established the Pro tier at Google.
Google2021
Pixel Buds A-Series — 4 years at $99 without ANC
Google's affordable Pixel Buds A-Series launched at $99 without ANC in 2021 and persisted until 2025. The Pixel Buds 2a at $129 finally brought ANC to the budget tier, retiring the A-Series after 4 years.
GoogleOutlook
What's next
Pixel Buds Pro 3 is the next step. After that, Google's $52 million in audio acquisitions between 2020-2021 (Dysonics, Tempow, Synaptics, RevX Technologies) has not fully surfaced in a product yet. Pro 4 could be where that IP finally ships — potentially enabling spatial audio and ANC capabilities well beyond the current generation.
Headphonesty