Any updates on this?

^ This. Also, people really underestimate how much that internal DAC chip matters for the Pixel series. Summarizing the thread so far: the official Google gear is basically a no-go for durability, and those Moondrops mentioned earlier are a solid shout. I have been using a pair of <a href=" https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw= OnePlus+Type-C+Bullets+Earphones&_sacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p4624852.m570.l1311&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5337998953&customid=22&toolid=10001&mkevt=1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow sponsored">OnePlus Type-C Bullets Earphones for over a year now and honestly, im totally satisfied. No complaints about compatibility or sound cutting out on my Pixel 9. Specs-wise, they are pretty solid:

• Internal Cirrus Logic DAC avoids that annoying hiss you get with cheap adapters
• Flat cable is basically tangle-free even if it isnt braided
• Clicky remote buttons that actually work with Android volume controls They usually run around $20 which is a steal tbh. Its just nice having something reliable for those long commutes where bluetooth feels like too much effort...

> I’m on the hunt for a solid pair of USB-C headphones that won’t break the bank—ideally something under $40.

In my experience, finding good USB-C buds for Pixels is kinda a nightmare cuz of the DAC issues you mentioned. Honestly, I’ve had issues with the official Google ones too—the cable is soo thin and they basically fell apart after three months.

I highkey recommend the Sony MDR-EX15AP Wired In-Ear Headphones with a separate Google USB-C to 3.5mm Adapter if you want reliability, but for a direct plug-in, the Samsung Type-C Earphones (EO-IC100BBEGUS) are actually the hidden gem. They have a braided cable and the audio is tuned by AKG, so music sounds way better than it should for the price. Plus, the mic is super clear for Zoom calls! gl!!

Honestly, I feel u on the whole 'missing the reliability' thing. I've been a Pixel user for like... seven years now? Since the original one. Over the years, I've tried basically every budget wired setup you can think of cuz I also can't stand when my Bluetooth decides to cut out during a Zoom call.

In my experience, the biggest headache isn't even the audio quality, it's that internal DAC stuff you mentioned. I've bought countless cheap pairs off Amazon that just... didn't work. The phone would literally just ignore them. Sooo frustrating. What I eventually learned after wasting way too much money is that you gotta look for ones that explicitly mention being 'digital' or having a built-in chip.

My current setup for my daily commute is a pair I got that has a braided nylon cable. Seriously, if you're throwing them in a bag, the braided stuff is a total game-changer... I don't think I've had a single knot in months. The ones I'm using now have a decent inline mic that's actually better than my expensive wireless ones for calls. I've tried many different brands, but the ones from some of the bigger phone manufacturers (the ones that don't have jacks anymore lol) tend to be the most reliable with Pixels. Just make sure the ear tips are comfortable cuz I've had some that feel like literal rocks after 20 minutes. Ngl, it's a bit of a gamble, but sticking to the bigger brands usually solves that 'picky' compatibility issue you're worried about. Good luck!

@Reply #4 - good point! It really seems like the thread agrees that the official Google gear is a letdown and hunting for that built-in DAC is the only way to survive. Im late to the party but I have been through this brand war for years! I used to swear by accessories from the phone makers themselves, thinking theyd have the best compatibility. Wrong!! I went through like four pairs from one big brand before I finally gave up because the cables were so flimsy. I finally switched to a dedicated audio brand for my current setup and its been a total game changer for my Zoom calls. The mic is amazing and the reliability is just night and day. I basically learned that phone companies are great at making phones, but when it comes to wired audio, you gotta look at the specialists to get your moneys worth... definitely worth the jump!

Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.

Seconding the recommendation above! Honestly, I feel you on the DAC struggle—it's super annoying when stuff just won't work. If you want a REAL hidden gem that's dirt cheap, check out the Moondrop CHU II DSP In-ear Headphone with USB-C. They're usually under $25 and actually sound better than most high-end buds. The cable is decent, it works perfectly with my Pixel 9, and the audio is SO crisp for podcasts. Best value for the money, tbh!