Neglect the Pixel Buds 3, Google Ought to Make an AirPods Max Killer

Google has loads in retailer for us beginning subsequent month. I do know this, not due to some insider data or gadget-centric ESP, however as a result of final week all of its upcoming bulletins were leaked in succession, leaving valuable little as much as the creativeness. Among the many upcoming Google drops is an entire household of Pixel 10s, a Pixel Fold, one other Pixel smartwatch, and a minor replace to Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2, that are getting a brand new coloration. A few of these product drops could also be thrilling to somebody, however I solely need one factor from Google, and it’s bought nothing to do with telephones or watches and the whole lot to do with AirPods Max.

Briefly, I would like Google to make over-ear headphones, not simply because I personally need extra out of Pixel-branded audio, however as a result of there’s clearly house for headphones made by tech giants that aren’t Apple. For proof of that, see Nothing’s Headphone 1. I not too long ago reviewed the Headphone 1, Nothing’s first-ever pair of over-ear headphones, and it’s abundantly clear (no pun supposed) that Nothing made the suitable option to push into audio cans.

First, there’s the worth. Nothing’s Headphone 1 are $299, which remains to be some huge cash for headphones, don’t get me incorrect, however effectively beneath the ridiculous $550 premium of Apple’s AirPods Max. Sure, AirPods Max nonetheless have an edge with regards to sound, however I discovered that Nothing’s Headphone 1 nonetheless hit excessive marks each as a first-time entrant into the house and as an alternative choice to AirPods Max by way of audio high quality. And the factor is, if Nothing can do it, I feel Google may too. I’m not the one one who thinks that, both. These renders of (albeit faux) Google Pixel headphones say all of it.

Rattling these are hearth. (Idea)

If Google ever drop Over-ear headohones, this must be it.

Grabbed these from Threads. Not my work. pic.twitter.com/MViY66j5jg

— Dalevon Digital (@dalevon_digital) July 26, 2025

These ideas, even when they’re only a enjoyable train, appear to be one thing Google would/may really make, and I’ll be sincere: in the event that they did, I’d purchase the shit out of those headphones. They’re minimalist however nonetheless fashionable, and that orange button on the white pair smacks of Teenage Engineering. One other factor that Google may convey to the over-ear headphone get together is one other design ethos price shopping for. I don’t love the look of the Pixel Buds, however lots of people do, and if there’s one factor we don’t want extra of within the house, it’s AirPods Max dupes. Google may pivot its audio experience to convey extra design choices to the house and, hopefully, extra viable choices for customers seeking to hit that candy spot between minimalism and high quality sound.

Plus, let’s be sincere, the Pixel wants an ecosystem growth. As good as Pixel phones are, they’ve struggled to realize a foothold, particularly in a U.S. market dominated so closely by Apple. The factor is, headphones, not like telephones, don’t must be so ecosystem-dependent, which is a chance for Google, but additionally for customers who typically get locked into ecosystems that they generally need to broaden exterior of. Briefly, loads of iPhone house owners would respect having another choice for over-ear headphones in the event that they don’t need to pull the set off on a pair of AirPods Max for cash or design causes. So, that is my name to you, Google: give us a pair of over-ear Pixel headphones. They could not unseat AirPods Max, however they’d nearly actually make a compelling case for my over-ear headphones of selection.