Pixel Buds Pros just gained a handy noise-cancelling feature

Pixel Buds Pros just gained a handy noise-cancelling feature
(Image credit: Google)

The Google Pixel Buds Pro just got a lot more user-friendly – thanks to new active noise-cancelling controls (via 9to5Google).

Previously, users wanting to adjust the earbuds' ANC in the Pixel Buds app had to navigate over to 'Sound' and then fiddle with the Active Noise Control strip. Hardly ideal when you're running to catch a train.

To save you from an embarrassing fall, Google has moved the ANC control strip to the top of the Pixel Buds app, making it a lot easier to access. Phew. The same strip also appears in the 'Sounds & vibration' section, meaning it can be tweaked via the volume slider.

There's no need to update the Pixel Buds app; the changes are said to be a 'server-side' update, meaning they should appear automatically. Google has yet to confirm any of this, but it looks like the update is rolling out to Android 13 devices now. We'd expect Android 12 to get the update in short order.

Google's Pixel Buds Pro – a cheaper alternative to the likes of the Apple AirPods 2 (2022) and Sony WF-1000XM4 – went on sale back in July. Total battery life is said to be 31 hours, while multipoint connectivity lets users automatically switch between devices, including iOS and Android.

It's not all good news, though... 

Pixel Buds Pro owners are still waiting for the promised spatial audio and volume balance updates. Spatial audio with head tracking, which is not expected to work with iOS devices, is set to arrive in the "coming months". Volume balance, which lets users change the balance between the left and right buds or listen in mono, is "coming soon".

MORE:

These are the best wireless earbuds going

See our pick of the best noise-cancelling earbuds

Read our Google Pixel Buds A-Series review

Tom is a journalist, copywriter and content designer based in the UK. He has written articles for T3, ShortList, The Sun, The Mail on Sunday, The Daily Telegraph, Elle Deco, The Sunday Times, Men's Health, Mr Porter, Oracle and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include mobile technology, electric vehicles and video streaming.

Read more
AirPods Pro 2 on a chair outside
Apple's latest patent teases major usability upgrades for the AirPods Pro line of wireless earbuds
Bose QuietComfort Ultra charging case with a single earbud outside
Best noise-cancelling earbuds 2025
Dali IO-8 wireless over-ear headphones
These stunning five-star Dali wireless headphones omit one major feature – but don't suffer for it
AirPods Pro 2 on a chair outside
AirPods Pro 3: release date rumours, price predictions, and 5 features we want
Noise cancelling headphones: Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e
Ask The Industry: Bose, Sennheiser and other headphone experts explain how active noise cancellation works – and how it can hurt sound quality
AirPods 3 vs AirPods 4 graphic
Apple AirPods 4 vs AirPods 3: what's new and should you upgrade?
Latest in Wireless Earbuds
The AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 in their charging cases standing side by side on a wooden surface with a hand out flat behind them.
All three current in-ear AirPods are up to 32% off at Amazon – here's which pair you should buy
HMD amped buds in blue on a blue background
Never worry about your smartphone running out of juice again: these earbuds' charging case has a super-useful feature
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro in a black carry case, next to white and silver carry cases, on a grey background.
The world's first wi-fi earbuds are here... but there's a catch
Sony WF-C700N held in the hand
I can’t wait for new flagship Sony wireless earbuds – but I’m more excited about its leaked cheaper pair
Sony WF-C700N held in the hand
Sony WF-C700N sequel leak teases improved ANC and battery, but will they get better codec support?
Final ZE3000 SV ANC earbuds
Hate that blocked feeling? Final’s wireless earbuds have a Comfort ANC mode to help take the pressure off
Latest in News
Audiolab 6000A MkII amplifier in silver
Audiolab upgrades its five-star 6000A amplifier with a new DAC chip, enhanced circuitry and HDMI ARC
Qobuz
Qobuz reveals average payout per stream – and claims it is higher than rivals
Sonos Beam Gen 2
Quick! This five-star Sonos Dolby Atmos soundbar has dropped close to its lowest price
The Google Pixel 9a being held horizontally at waist-height so only the back is visible.
The Google Pixel 9a launches at £100 less than the iPhone 16e with a better screen
A woman flicking through stacks of vinyl records in a Rough Trade shop.
Vinyl records and music streaming both hit landmark highs – but the one growing faster in revenue may surprise you
Vertere DG X turntable in black finish
Vertere's gorgeous DG X turntable features significant updates for a more refined performance overall