Yes—firmware 3.14 appears to have fixed the original Pixel Buds Pro’s most distracting problem: severe gaming latency. In Robby Payne’s October 14, 2022 hands-on report for Chrome Unboxed, audio that had arrived nearly a second after on-screen action instead felt broadly in line with competing wireless earbuds. That was a reviewer’s practical judgment, not a laboratory measurement or a promise of zero delay.
What firmware 3.14 changed
Before the update, Payne described a delay of nearly a full second when using Pixel Buds Pro for real-time listening. Video services can conceal this by postponing the picture, but an interactive game cannot reliably compensate: the shot, jump or menu action happens first, then the sound reaches your ears.
Firmware 3.14 also introduced a five-band equalizer and left/right balance controls. Payne considered the latency reduction the consequential change because it affected whether the earbuds were usable for games and other interactive audio.
How much better was the gaming delay?
Payne tested the updated earbuds in Apex Legends and compared them with Anker Soundcore earbuds, Wyze Buds Pro and AirPods Pro. His conclusion was that the Pixel Buds Pro now had the “minimal lag” he associated with most modern wireless earbuds. In practical terms, the delay no longer stood out as an obvious disadvantage.
#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]
This evidence has limits. It is a dated editorial test and personal impression, not a repeatable latency figure in milliseconds. Results can vary with the phone, game, Bluetooth conditions and current firmware. The update reduced the problem; it did not create zero-latency audio.
Do not confuse the 2022 fix with later Pixel Buds updates
Google’s October 4, 2023 rollout was a separate, broader update for Pixel Buds Pro. It added or expanded several features, including:
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
- Bluetooth Super Wideband on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro for fuller voice bandwidth.
- Expanded Clear Calling.
- Conversation Detection, which pauses music and switches to Transparency Mode when you speak.
- Reduced audio delay for compatible games on Pixel phones.
- Hearing-wellness suggestions.
- A Chromebook web app for settings management and firmware installation.
Those additions should not be presented as part of the original 3.14 report. They also do not turn the 2022 observation into a universal guarantee for every Pixel Buds Pro unit, device or game. Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a different product and should be evaluated separately.
How to update Pixel Buds Pro now
Automatic update on Android
- Use the earbuds with a Pixel or another Android device running Android 6.0 or later.
- Keep the earbuds in a sufficiently charged case. Google says the download and installation normally take about 10 minutes.
- Leave the case and phone connected while the process runs. If an installation is interrupted, it resumes later.
Check or start an update manually
- Open Pixel Buds settings on your phone.
- Choose More settings, then Firmware update.
- If Manual update available appears, follow the on-screen instructions. Google says this route takes about 15 minutes.
Use the web companion app
Google’s Pixel Buds web companion app, mypixelbuds.google.com, can check battery status, adjust audio preferences and manage firmware. Google lists ChromeOS 128+, macOS Sonoma 14+ and Windows 11+ as supported operating systems, with Chrome or Edge recommended. Browser and operating-system support can change, so check the current requirements before relying on a computer for an update.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
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.
What the fix means if you are deciding whether to buy
The 3.14 change removes the clearest historical objection to the original Pixel Buds Pro for gaming. It does not by itself establish that they are the best gaming earbuds or that every title will feel identical. A sound buying comparison should examine the following separately:
- Gaming latency: whether delay is acceptable in your phone and games, rather than assuming a single universal number.
- Fit and comfort: secure placement matters during long sessions.
- ANC and transparency: useful for travel, concentration and hearing surroundings.
- Call clarity: especially if the earbuds double as a work headset.
- Phone-platform integration: Pixel-specific features may not carry over equally to other Android phones or non-Android devices.
- Update support: later firmware can add features or change behavior.
- Current price: verify the live retailer listing, stock and regional pricing at the time you buy.
Bottom line on the original complaint
Firmware 3.14 was a meaningful correction for the original Pixel Buds Pro: a reviewer who had experienced almost unplayable real-time delay found the updated earbuds broadly comparable to other contemporary wireless models. Treat that as strong practical evidence that the worst gripe was addressed—not as a laboratory-certified latency score or a guarantee of perfect synchronization on every setup.
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.
