Google has introduced its Pixel Buds 2A, a pair of earbuds designed to provide a balanced audio experience with a few key upgrades at a competitive price point. While they may not be the flashiest earbuds on the market, they deliver great sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC), and a comfortable fit—all at an accessible price. Let’s dive into what makes these earbuds a good choice for Android users, particularly those in the Pixel ecosystem.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dust and Water Resistance | IP54 dust-resistant and splash proof (case IPX4) |
| Weight | 4.7 grams per bud |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Chip | Google Tensor A1 |
| Speaker Driver | Custom-designed 11mm dynamic driver |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | Silent Seal 1.5 |
| Transparency Mode | Yes |
| Pressure Relief | Active in-ear pressure relief |
| Bluetooth Super Wideband | Yes |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | Up to 7 hours with noise cancelling on |
| Battery Life (Case) | Additional 20 hours with charging case |
| Battery Replacement | Replaceable battery in charging case |
| Clear Calling | Yes |
| Wind-Blocking Mesh Covers | Yes |
| Microphones | Two microphones per bud |
| Voice Assistant | Hands-free Gemini voice assistant |
| Controls | Capacitive touch sensors for music, calls, and voice assistant |
| In-Ear Detection | IR proximity sensor to play/pause automatically |
| Case Detection | Hall Effect sensor for case open/close detection |
| Find Hub Feature | Ringtone speaker in the case for Find Hub |
| Charging | USB-C charging |
| Colors | Iris (purple), Hazel (black) |
| Price | S$199 |
| Availability | Google Store, Amazon SG, Best Denki, Courts, Harvey Norman, Singtel, Shopee, Lazada, Metapod |
Design: Familiar Yet Functional
The design of the Google Pixel Buds 2A closely mirrors that of the previous Pixel Buds Pro 2, but with a few modest tweaks. The charging case is notably smaller and more compact, making it easier to hold and carry around. The buds themselves feature a twist-to-adjust ear tip design, similar to what we’ve seen in other Pixel Buds, ensuring they sit securely in your ears. While the overall design language remains simple and sleek, it’s worth noting that Google has kept the familiar fit that users are accustomed to, so there’s little to complain about in terms of comfort.
The addition of stability wings ensures that the earbuds stay in place, even during activity, which is perfect for people who plan to use them while running or working out.
Unfortunately, wireless charging is still missing, so you’ll have to rely on the USB-C charging port. Despite this, the case itself is easy to use and still offers a decent battery life.
Sound Quality: Balanced and Clear
Sound quality is one area where the Pixel Buds 2A really shine, especially considering their price tag. Equipped with a custom-designed 11mm dynamic driver, these buds deliver clear and punchy sound. The bass is deep and impactful, while the treble provides just enough sparkle without being overly sharp. Songs with rich instrumentals sound great with tight bass and clear vocals. If you enjoy a balanced sound, the Pixel Buds 2A will serve you well.
What impressed me the most was how dynamic the sound was. Whether I was listening to live recordings or studio tracks, the soundstage felt open and spacious, with good separation between instruments. That said, the overall soundstage could be a bit more expansive, and the mids are just a bit recessed. Still, these are solid earbuds for the price.
Active Noise Cancellation: Good, but Not Perfect
The ANC on the Pixel Buds 2A works well for low-pitched sounds like the hum of an HVAC unit or the rumble of a subway. I found it quite effective in reducing background noise during my commute and when working in noisy environments. However, the ANC doesn’t perform quite as well with higher-pitched sounds like wind or conversations in a crowded space. Still, for the price, it offers a satisfying level of noise reduction that makes the earbuds worth considering for daily use.
The transparency mode is also respectable, allowing you to hear your surroundings when needed, though it could benefit from a bit more natural-sounding audio, particularly for outdoor use.
Battery Life: Impressive Performance for the Price
Battery life is another area where the Pixel Buds 2A impress. With ANC turned on, you can expect up to 7 hours of listening time on a single charge, which is on par with most premium earbuds. The charging case adds an additional 20 hours of playtime, giving you plenty of juice for long trips or multiple uses throughout the day.
In my experience, battery life remained consistent, and I was able to use the buds for extended periods without worrying about recharging. If you’re someone who tends to forget to charge devices frequently, the replaceable battery in the case is a nice touch, even if it doesn’t come without some complications (more on that later).
Multipoint Connectivity and Other Features
One feature that adds significant value to the Pixel Buds 2A is multipoint connectivity, which allows the buds to be connected to two devices simultaneously. This is incredibly convenient if you want to switch between, say, your laptop and phone without constantly reconnecting. While multipoint is turned off by default, it can be easily enabled in the settings.
Google’s Tensor A1 chip powers the Pixel Buds 2A, which means they’re capable of running Google’s AI features, including the hands-free Gemini voice assistant. You can use voice commands to control your music, check your schedule, or get answers to queries without needing to reach for your phone.
Additionally, the buds support stereo spatial audio on Pixel phones, providing a more immersive audio experience when watching movies or listening to certain types of music. However, head tracking is not supported, which is a slight drawback for those who enjoy a more dynamic audio experience.
The Catch: Replaceable Batteries, But Not by You
One of the most talked-about features of the Pixel Buds 2A is the replaceable battery in the charging case. It’s a refreshing change compared to most earbuds, which have non-removable batteries that die after a couple of years. However, while it’s theoretically possible to swap out the battery, Google only allows users to send in their device for battery replacement. This means that while the concept of replaceable batteries is exciting, it comes with a catch—the process is not as convenient as you might think.
For those willing to go through the effort of sending in their earbuds, this is a potentially great feature. But for the average user, it’s a bit of a letdown that Google doesn’t offer the option to buy replacement batteries directly from their store.
Verdict: A Great Choice for Pixel Fans
The Google Pixel Buds 2A are a great choice for Pixel users and those seeking affordable, well-rounded earbuds with ANC and good sound quality. The addition of multipoint connectivity and hands-free voice control makes them a valuable option for Android users, and the improved battery life is certainly appreciated.
While the lack of wireless charging and the complicated battery replacement process may be drawbacks for some, the Pixel Buds 2A are still solid earbuds for their price. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to more premium options, these earbuds are definitely worth considering. They offer great performance, a comfortable fit, and some useful features that make them stand out in the crowded wireless earbuds market.
