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

Google has so much in retailer for us beginning subsequent month. I do know this, not due to some insider information or gadget-centric ESP, however as a result of final week all of its upcoming bulletins have been leaked in succession, leaving treasured little as much as the creativeness. Among the 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 shade. Some of these product drops could also be thrilling to somebody, however I solely need one factor from Google, and it’s obtained nothing to do with telephones or watches and every thing to do with AirPods Max.

In brief, 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 just lately reviewed the Headphone 1, Nothing’s first-ever pair of over-ear headphones, and it’s abundantly clear (no pun meant) that Nothing made the precise option to push into audio cans.

First, there’s the value. Nothing’s Headphone 1 are $299, which remains to be some huge cash for headphones, don’t get me unsuitable, however nicely underneath the ridiculous $550 premium of Apple’s AirPods Max. Yes, AirPods Max nonetheless have an edge on the subject of 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 might too. I’m not the one one who thinks that, both. These renders of (albeit pretend) Google Pixel headphones say all of it.

Damn these are hearth. (Concept)

If Google ever drop Over-ear headohones, this needs to 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 like one thing Google would/might really make, and I’ll be trustworthy: 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. Another factor that Google might deliver to the over-ear headphone occasion 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 might pivot its audio experience to deliver extra design choices to the house and, hopefully, extra viable choices for customers trying to hit that candy spot between minimalism and high quality sound.

Plus, let’s be trustworthy, the Pixel wants an ecosystem enlargement. As good as Pixel telephones are, they’ve struggled to realize a foothold, particularly in a U.S. market dominated so closely by Apple. The factor is, headphones, in contrast to telephones, don’t need to be so ecosystem-dependent, which is a chance for Google, but in addition for customers who usually get locked into ecosystems that they often need to develop outdoors of. In brief, loads of iPhone homeowners would recognize 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 definitely make a compelling case for my over-ear headphones of alternative.