Best headphones with Google Assistant support Android Central 2020
Smartphones get smarter every year. One of those features is Google Assistant. You can find it on many different devices. One example of these features is headphones. The trusty Assistant can speak to you by voice command or simply press a button. Google's Pixel Buds A-Series (Google's version of the Pixel Buds) is the best example of making this access simple, functional, consistent.
Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central
The 2020 version of the Pixel Buds was an enormous departure from the original design in that they were wireless earbuds. The Pixel Buds A-Series takes much of the 2020 model and comes out with a lower-cost variant that performs better. These earbuds are highly recommended for their tight integration with Google Assistant. This integration feels natural and is one of the best reasons to buy them. You can activate it by touching the earbud or using your voice to wake it up. Voice features are a key part of what you can do with them. They are excellent in their own right, but the Transcribe mode, which allows Spanish, French and Italian speakers to translate into English, is a great addition. The translations can be used by both English and Spanish speakers. Google added the ability for users to completely disable touch controls by speaking. Other integration stories are possible, such as how they seamlessly pair with Android phones right out of the box. You can share your earbuds by using Sharing Detection. Each earbud has its own volume control. This is useful for times when you want to be on the same podcast or phone call. The sound quality is excellent, but it is important to get the right fit. Bass Boost mode adds some thump to the sound, which amounts to a fantastic mid-range and recessed tops. There is no way to adjust the sound level, except for Bass Boost. However, the default sound is very solid. There aren't any swipe gestures that can control the volume of the Pixel Buds 2020, but it's still a good option. The A-Series sounds exactly the same as before. The Pixel Buds can last for up to five hours on a single charge. A case adds 19 hours to the battery life. It is smaller than other models and compatible with wireless chargers. You always have USB-C available to charge your device quickly. The Pros: Great integration with the Assistant
Wireless charging case and USB-C wired charging
For most people, comfortable fit
Good sound
Great media controls. Cons: No active noise cancellation
The battery life of earbuds could be extended
No swipe gestures
No wireless charging case
The best overall Google Pixel Buds A-Series talking Google Assistant. The Pixel Buds A-Series can be worn and listened to just like they are to use with Google Assistant. Get yours at $99 from the Google Store
Best Buy: $99
Upgrade pick: Sony WF-1000XM4
Source: Ara Wagoner / Android Central
Sony's WF1000XM4 wireless earbuds are the best. They have active noise cancellation (ANC), and provide seamless access to Google Assistant. Although you won't have the ability to wake it up by simply saying "OK Google", you can use the controls on your earbuds to do so. Sony has not changed the way it works with these new earbuds. The default setting is that the right earbud controls media controls and the left controls ambient sound mode. It is possible to reverse the process, but it will not allow you to map all features onto one earbud. Google Assistant is compatible with any earbud. Tap and hold to hear the familiar chime. Touch controls should be easier to use because of the larger surfaces on the earbuds. It works well with the Assistant. The WF-1000XM4 is a great audio performer, too. These headphones have a balanced sound that you can adjust via the companion app Sony Headphones Connect. ANC is a great feature on true wireless earbuds. The battery life is solid, with a maximum of six hours per charge and an additional 18 hours from the case. A quick 10-minute charge via USB-C is all it takes to give you 90 minutes of uninterrupted listening. Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging available for this case. You will need to have a cable on hand in the event that you need to recharge it again. The pros: Excellent sound quality
Excellent ANC support
Great app integration
USB-C is for charging
Decent battery life
Wireless charging case not available
The case is a little too big
Google USB-C Earbuds are the best value
Source: Google
The Pixel Buds have all the wires removed, but the Google USB-C Earbuds keep them. However, they use a USB-C port instead of the traditional 3.5mm jack. These earbuds are wired so you don't have to worry about battery life, and you can access Google Assistant quickly with ease. They are also very affordable. Although the earbuds are designed to look more like the original Pixel Buds than the latest, they will still be comfortable. The earbuds should feel stable and the cable isn't too heavy. These headphones are no longer included in Google's Pixel phones. However, they can be purchased separately. These headphones do not have exceptional sound quality. Unless you can get a good seal that allows for more low-end, the bass is reduced. You won't be able to get as far streaming services unless you use a third party equalizer to playback audio files. You can't invoke Google Assistant the same way you did with the Pixel Buds. There, just talking, is sufficient. To bring up the Assistant, you will need to press the button on your inline remote. Once you have done that, all of the features, including translation, will apply. Pros: Easy Google Assistant access
Wired, so no batteries
Inline controls
Cons of low price: Average quality
It's not possible to be hands-free with an assistant
The best value Google USB-C Earbuds Wired Assistant Amazon: $25
JBL Live 400BT is the best on-ear assistant
Source: JBL
JBL did not enable Google Assistant on the Live 400BT by default. This is because you need to first open the JBL app. These on-ear headphones support Amazon Alexa so you will need to select Google's voice assistant. It's simple to activate the Assistant by simply tapping the earcup. These onboard controls can also control features such as Ambient Aware or TalkThru. This is JBL's terminology to describe an ambient sound mode. You can listen to your surroundings without needing your headphones. The sound quality is excellent, especially considering the price. The battery lasts for up to 24 hours on a single charge. You will need to charge them via Micro-USB. This also prevents fast charging. You'll need to wait for two hours before they fully charge. The pros: Excellent sound quality
Ambient sound mode
Google Assistant is as easy as a tap
Pros: Long battery life
JBL Live 400BT is the best on-ear assistant. The JBL live 400BT is a budget-friendly assistant that offers excellent sound quality, access to Google Assistant in one tap, and long battery life. $100 on Best Buy
$100 at Newegg
Best over-ear assistant: Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700
Source: Bose
Bose continues to be known for its high-quality headphones with the NCH 700. This is due to a subtle improvement in sound quality, but enough to make it stand out from other similar over-ears. Their excellent ANC performance is what makes them stand out from other over-ear pairs. You can customize ANC up to 11 times. You can wake Google Assistant instantly by pressing the dedicated voice assistant button on your headphones. It's simple to send a request or make a command from there. The NCH 700 headphones are slightly larger than other Bose headphones but they can be worn for long periods of time. They don't fold so you can take them with you when you go on trips. Although the battery life is not great, it is still good at around 20 hours on a single charge. You can listen to audio for as long as two hours if you plug them in for just 15 minutes via USB-C. Unfortunately, you can't charge your device and listen simultaneously. The pros: Excellent ANC performance
High quality sound quality
Very comfortable
Battery life is excellent
Fast charging cons: Bulky, non-foldable design
Battery life is outperformed by competitors
There is no simultaneous listening and charging
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 - The best over-ear assistant. These Noise Canceling headphones 700 drown out the noise around you. These headphones are renowned for their battery life and sound quality. They also support hands-free Google Assistant. Amazon: Starting at $379
Best Buy: $379
Walmart: $379
Sony WH-1000XM4 is the best noise-canceling assistant
Source: Peter Cao / Android Central
Sony puts its best foot forward with the WH1000XM4. The WH-1000XM4's audio quality and ANC performance are unsurpassed. The dual noise sensor and QN1 processor do a better job blocking ambient sound. You can activate the onboard Google Assistant with just one hand. The Assistant can be activated by simply saying the wake word. The sound signature is recognizable by its bass-heavy balance, which sometimes takes over the highs and mids. You can adjust the sound quality of your headphones by using the Sony Headphones Connect app's equalizer. The Precise Voice Pickup feature and Speak to Chat play an important role in improving call quality. You can ask the Assistant to make a call and it will not interfere with the conversation. It is possible to pair up two devices at once, so that you can both listen to music and make calls. They are very comfortable to wear and can last up to 32 hours on a single charge. This is dependent on volume and ANC. Fast charging allows for up to five hours of playback with a 10-minute charge. You can't charge your device and listen simultaneously. The pros: A class-leading ANC performance
Battery life is long
Customizable sound
Fast charging
Great phone call quality
You can pair with up to two devices simultaneously.
No difference in design
No improvement in overall audio quality
Best in-ear assistant: Sony WF-SP800N
Source: Apoorva Bhardwaj/ Android Central
As much as the value they provide for Google Assistant, the Sony WF-SP800N is on this list for their uniqueness. These earbuds are more ruggedized and can be used for running or exercising. They also make a great addition to this list. These earbuds offer all the great features that make Sony earbuds so special, such as excellent ANC support. You have plenty of options, including the ability customize the sound through the equalizer in Sony’s Headphones Connect App. Google Assistant is easy for you to use when you need it, and the same goes for another Sony feature in your earbuds. They fit most ears well, but they can be bulkier so small ears might not like them as much. With ANC turned on, you get up to 9 hours of battery life. It can last as long as 13 hours if it is left off. Although the case does not offer wireless charging, you can plug it in via USB-C for quick charging. Pros: Bass-heavy sound
Support for the ANC
Comfortable fit
Optional App-Based EQ
Protection of IP55 is excellent
Long battery life. Cons: Finicky touch controls
No wireless charging
There are no aptX and LDAC codecs
Sony WF800N is the best in-ear assistant. These earbuds pack a punch audio and are less expensive than other brands. The Sony WF800N rugged earbuds also have an open line for Google Assistant, so you can access it when you need. Amazon: $198
The best neckbuds assistant: LG Tones Flex XL7
Source: LG
While neckband earbuds may not be for everyone, they are easy to appreciate when done well. They have been made by LG for many years. The Tone Flex XL7 has a few advantages. The dedicated Google Assistant button is located on the neckband. This button allows you to quickly access the voice assistant by pressing and holding the button. The AAC codec support LG provided ensures that the sound quality is excellent. You should expect higher fidelity at this price, but it is nice to know that it exists. They are not for bass-lovers, because the sound profile is more skewed towards the highs and mids. While it works for certain genres, you won't get enough thump to support EDM and hip-hop. This is a shame, as the built-in DAC can actually make music sound better. The battery life is good with about 8 hours of playback, maybe even more per charge. You can charge the battery quickly by plugging it in for 10 minutes. This will give you approximately three hours of playback. You don't need to increase the volume, as they are loud by default. This helps conserve some battery. Pros: Easy Google Assistant access
Built-in DAC
Great sound
Battery life is excellent
Cons of fast charging: Not as bold as bass
