Sony XM5 is highly recommended!

Get this one, Beats Studio Pro:

just caught up on the thread and honestly i'm a bit wary of all the hype. i tried to go the sleek and premium route for my wifes birthday last year and it was a total letdown. unfortunately, the experience was not as good as expected and it actually caused more frustration than joy.

• first, be careful with those minimalist hinges. they look amazing but mine snapped within four months just from being in a backpack.
• connectivity can be a nightmare. we had issues with one side constantly desyncing, which is a known problem that brands rarely admit to until youve already paid.
• pay attention to the warranty service. when ours failed, the customer support was basically non-existent, leaving us with an expensive paperweight. it really sucks when a thoughtful gift turns into a technical chore. just make sure youre looking at actual long-term durability reports rather than just how they look next to the phone. i've learned the hard way that style usually comes at the cost of actual reliability.

If you prefer earbuds, I'd recommend the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2. Since they're made by Google, they integrate perfectly with Pixel phones. You get features like real-time translation and touch controls that are optimized for the Pixel experience. Plus, the sound quality and comfort are great for daily use.

Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro work surprisingly well with the Pixel 9 Pro XL despite being from a competitor. The Android integration is solid, and they frequently go on sale. Just download the Galaxy Wearable app to access all features.

Did this last week, worked perfectly

Pixel Buds Pro, totally love it.

Any headsets are recommended, just based on your budget.

If you want a budget option that doesn't sacrifice much, check out the Nothing Ear (2). Clean sound signature, good ANC, and fantastic app support. At $149, they compete with buds costing $100 more. Been using them with my Pixel and zero issues.

Sony WF-1000XM5 for superior sound quality. Works beautifully with Android, has LDAC codec support that Pixels can utilize, and best-in-class ANC. Around $300.

I'd recommend wired USB-C earbuds if you want zero latency for gaming or videos. The Moondrop Aria Snow Edition sounds amazing for the price and works perfectly with the Pixel's USB-C port.

Also recommend the Sony XM5.

I recommend the Bose QC Ultra Headphones for the Pixel 9 Pro XL. They offer excellent noise-canceling, great sound quality, and are comfortable for long wear, perfectly complementing the Pixel's sleek design.