Google has unveiled the Pixel Buds 2a at its Made by Google event, alongside thePixel 10 seriesand thePixel Watch 4.
The Pixel Buds 2a are the latest addition to Google’s A-series earbud lineup, offering a more affordable alternative to thePixel Buds Pro 2, which launched last year. The design of the Pixel Buds 2a is reminiscent of the Buds Pro 2, with Google stating that they are the “lightest, smallest” A-series buds yet, and have been designed for “maximum comfort.”
Additionally, for the first time ever in the A-series, the Pixel 2 Buds 2a offer active noise cancellation (ANC). The original Pixel Buds A-Series, which came out in 2021 and cost $100, didn’t feature ANC. The Pixel Buds 2a will cost $130 ($179 CAD), which is $100 less than the Pixel Buds Pro 2, priced at $230 ($299 CAD). The Pixel Buds 2a are now available for pre-order in two colors: hazel and iris, with a release date of October 9.
Google Pixel Buds 2a
The Pixel Buds 2a have a few compromises
They have weaker battery life compared to the Pixel Buds Pro 2
With the Pixel Buds 2a priced at $130, there are some notable trade-offs compared to the Pixel Buds Pro 2. First, the Buds 2a lack Conversation Detection, which automatically pauses any music and switches the earbuds to Transparency mode, allowing you to hear someone talking to you. Second, while the Buds 2a support spatial audio, they do not feature spatial audio head tracking, unlike their Pro counterpart.
For listening time, the Pixel Buds 2a can run for up to seven hours with ANC on and up to 20 hours with the charging case. That’s shorter than the Buds 2 Pro, which can go for up to eight hours with ANC on and up to 30 hours with the charging case. Also, the Pixel Buds 2a’s case doesn’t support wireless charging.
What the Pixel Buds 2a and Pixel Buds Pro 2 have in common is their chipset, since both feature the Google Tensor A1 chip, which Google claims makes audio “crisper, richer, and more detailed.” Additionally, the Buds 2a use the same 11mm dynamic speaker driver as the Buds Pro 2. Of course, a major focus for Google right now is Gemini, and with the Buds 2a, you can also talk to and interact with Gemini without pulling out your phone.
Overall, the Pixel Buds 2a have a few compromises compared to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, but will still provide a very similar listening experience, and for $100 less. The Buds 2a are available for pre-order now and will launch on October 9. In addition to releasing the Pixel Buds 2a, Google is also releasing a refresh of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in the new moonstone color, to match the new Pixel 10 phones. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 will also get Adaptive Audio support in September through a software update.
