Users have expressed mixed opinions about the Pixel Watch 3's speaker quality. Several reviews and user comments reveal key points about its audio performance:
Some users note that the speaker quality on the Pixel Watch 3 is not exceptional, especially compared to competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra and Apple Watch. In direct sound comparisons, the Galaxy Watch Ultra's speakers are described as sounding much better, with a wider soundstage, more depth, and better bass without distortion at full volume. The Pixel Watch 3's speaker, while functional, is said to produce a sharper sound with less bass and a slight crackle at high volumes. Some users report that the speaker can be easily blocked because it is quite small, impacting the sound projection noticeably.
On community forums such as Reddit, several users shared experiences consistent with these impressions. One user mentioned that the speaker sounds best with the volume turned down to reduce distortion, implying that higher volumes exacerbate sound quality issues. Some users are frustrated that the Pixel Watch 3 continues a trend from previous models where the speaker quality is not improved significantly, which they attribute to cost-cutting or design compromises. There is a perception among some that Google's speaker quality on the Pixel Watch does not match those of other flagship competitors like Apple and Samsung, which are praised for crisper and louder speaker performance.
Despite this, some users find the speaker quality acceptable or an improvement over earlier Pixel Watch generations. For example, one user commented that the Pixel Watch 3 sounds much better than the original Pixel Watch 1, reflecting an incremental improvement over time. There is recognition among users that the small size of the speaker inherently limits how much quality and bass can be achieved, thus managing expectations is important. A few users pointed out that a watch speaker cannot be expected to match phone speaker quality or high-end Bluetooth speakers, and earbuds may be preferable for audio clarity.
Video reviews generally show the Pixel Watch 3's speaker working well enough for voice assistant commands, notifications, and casual listening, though the audio quality is not comparable to larger devices. For instance, reviewers described the speaker as operational and responsive but limited in fidelity. The speaker enables functions like Google Assistant queries with clear enough audio to understand responses, but the sound is not notably rich or immersive. Some reviews mention that at regular volume levels, the speaker is usable without distortion, but increasing volume too much introduces crackling noises.
Users also remark on the general expectation for flagship smartwatches to offer a premium experience, including speaker quality, which leads to disappointment when the Pixel Watch 3's speaker falls short of these expectations. Some directly compare it unfavorably with the Apple Watch Series 9's speaker, which they find superior in clarity and volume. Comments reflect that the Pixel Watch 3's speaker may be adequate for basic functionality but not competitive in sound performance among flagship smartwatches.
In summary, the speaker on the Pixel Watch 3:
- Produces clear, functional audio but lacks depth and bass compared to competitors.
- Can crackle or distort at high volumes.
- Is small and easily obstructed on the device.
- Is best used at moderate volume settings for optimal sound clarity.
- Represents an improvement over earlier Pixel Watch models but still is not top-tier in the smartwatch market.
- Suffices for voice assistants, notifications, and casual listening but not for high-quality audio playback.