The Google Pixel 2 is an older phone, so you might expect it to have a 3.5mm headphone jack. Unfortunately, you’re going to need a quality pair of Bluetooth headphones thanks to the lack of the headphone jack. Luckily, there are a plethora of options to choose from. We’ve tried to round out a list that offers a good variety of styles and price points, so you should be able to find the right pair for your needs.
Perfect pairing
Google Pixel Buds
Staff Pick
Following a mixed reaction to the first-gen Pixel Buds, the new true wireless model for 2020 improves on their predecessor in virtually every single way. These new Pixel Buds have an outstanding wire-free design, great audio quality, and can automatically change your volume for you. It’s also nice having the Google Assistant built-in, making these some of the smartest headphones you can buy.
$180 at Best Buy
$179 at Walmart
$179 at B&H
Ultra premium
Sony WH1000XM3
If money isn’t an object and you just want the best wireless headphones money can buy, look no further than the Sony WH1000XM3. Bad naming aside, these headphones deliver phenomenal sound quality, active noise canceling, and a battery that lasts up to 30 hours on a single charge. It also features a comfy design and charges via USB-C just like the Pixel 2.
$348 at Amazon
$350 at Best Buy
From $330 at Walmart
Buds on a budget
Anker Soundcore Spirit Pro
Anker may be more famous for battery accessories than headphones, but its Soundcore series of wireless Bluetooth headphones are fantastic. Anker spent a lot of time making sure the Soundcore Pros sound great, from deep bass to smooth highs and pleasing mids. A single charge gets about 10 hours of battery life, and they have an 18-month warranty in case anything goes wrong.
From $38 at Amazon
$33 at Walmart
$39 at Newegg
Workout companion
Adidas RPT-01
You know Adidas for its workout shoes and clothes, but were you aware that the company also makes sports headphones? If you’re looking for headphones you can use at the gym or on a hike, the RPT-01 are for you. They have big and booming sound, long battery life, and a super functional design that’s also easy to clean. Assuming you’re OK with on-ear headphones, these are excellent.
$117 at Amazon
$170 at Best Buy
$150 at B&H
Block out everything
Bose QuietComfort 35 II
The QuietComfort 35 II aren’t the newest headphones from Bose, but they’re still among the best you can buy for high-quality noise cancelation. Bose’s QC35 II block out a stupendous amount of background sound, all while delivering excellent audio and top-notch craftsmanship. They aren’t cheap, but thanks to their age, they’ve come down from the original retail price.
From $235 at Amazon
From $280 at Best Buy
$299 at Walmart
Surprise hit
Anker Soundcore Life Q20
If you want over-ear headphones that can keep ambient noise to a minimum while keeping costs as low as possible, you owe it to yourself to check out the Anker Soundcore Life Q20. These headphones have a hybrid noise-canceling system that can reduce background sounds by up to 90%, all while offering up to 40 hours of battery life. You also get hi-res audio and a super comfortable design.
From $55 at Amazon
$60 at Walmart
$60 at Newegg
Outstanding battery life
ENACFIRE E60
There are plenty of headphones out there with good battery life, but the ENACFIRE E60 take things up another level. You can expect up to eight hours of continuous listening time, and with the included charging case, you get a total battery package of 48 hours. Add all of that together with an IPX8 water-resistance rating, wireless charging, and great sound, and you get a lot for your money.
$50 at Amazon
$77 at Newegg
Cheap champion
Aukey EP-T21
Looking at the dirt-cheap price for the Aukey EP-T21, you might think they’re super mediocre and not worth considering. However, you’d be very, very wrong. Sound quality is surprisingly good, the earbuds are super comfy to wear, and you get 25 hours of battery life between the buds and charging case. Throw in an IPX4 water-resistance rating, and there’s not much to complain about.
$30 at Amazon
AirPods clone
TOZO T6
Design-wise, the TOZO T6 are some of the most shameless AirPods clones you’ll find. Behind that mimicry, however, are truly outstanding headphones for the price. The TOZO T6 produce rich, bass-heavy sound, a reliable wireless connection thanks to Bluetooth 5.0, and a trusty IPX8 water-resistance rating. They’re lightweight, Qi wireless charging is supported, and you get around 30 hours of total battery life.
$43 at Amazon
$79 at Walmart
$60 at Newegg
So many headphones to choose from 🎧
The Pixel 2 continues to be a reliable Android phone here in 2020, so it’s only fair that you get it a pair of headphones that are every bit as good to go along with it.
Overall, our top recommendation would have to go to the new Google Pixel Buds. Using Google headphones with a Google phone just feels right, and the Pixel Buds just happen to be downright excellent with almost everything they do. The design is virtually perfect, sound quality is very good, and you get plenty of smart features to round out the whole experience.
If you’re trying to keep costs a bit lower, the Aukey EP-T21 are an excellent alternative. The design isn’t as flashy and they don’t sound as great, but for the low price, you can’t do much better.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Sony WH-1000XM3 stand out as the best of the best. They’re expensive and certainly not for everyone, but if you have the budget to afford them, go for it. Sony’s headphones sound amazing, block out virtually all background noise, and have long-lasting battery life.
