Google’s Pixel Buds 2a arrive as a new player in the wireless earbud market, with a thoughtful design, practical features and a price tag that undercuts many of the competition. At $129, these earbuds aim to deliver premium quality without the premium price tag, making them a great option for anyone looking for an AirPods alternative.
Google scanned millions of ears to create a shape that’s smaller and lighter than the Pixel Buds A-series. Weighing 4.7 grams per bud, they fit snugly without feeling intrusive, even during long listening sessions. A twist-to-adjust stabilizer, borrowed from the pricier Pixel Buds Pro 2, lets you dial in the perfect fit—twist counterclockwise for a tighter seal or clockwise for a looser, more relaxed feel. Four eartip sizes come in the box so most people will find a comfortable fit. IP54 rated so sweat and light rain won’t kill them, so they’re good for workouts or unexpected drizzles.
- Google Pixel Buds 2a deliver lightweight comfort, crisp audio, Active Noise Cancellation, and a dependable battery, all for less[1]
- Hear only what you want to hear; Google Tensor A1 powers Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5 to help block external noise; or switch to...
- Immerse yourself in clear, crisp audio with the 11 mm dynamic speaker driver, or customize the levels of bass, treble, and more with the 5-band...
Sound quality takes a big jump forward thanks to the Tensor A1 chip, a custom 11mm dynamic driver and a new high-frequency chamber. Music sounds clear and deep for the price, handling basslines and vocals with ease. Podcasts and audiobooks sound crisp with voices standing out against background music. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a first for the A-series, uses Silent Seal 1.5 to block out ambient noise like traffic or office chatter. It’s not as powerful as the Silent Seal 2.0 in the Pixel Buds Pro 2 but it’s good enough to make commutes or crowded spaces more bearable. A Transparency Mode lets you hear your surroundings—like a barista calling your name—without removing the buds. For calls, two microphones per bud, with wind-blocking mesh covers and AI-driven Clear Calling, ensure your voice comes through clear even in windy conditions.
With ANC on, the Pixel Buds 2a get 7 hours of playback – 20 hours with the charging case. Turn ANC off, and you get up to 10 hours from the buds alone, 27 hours with the case—double the endurance of the original A-series. A 5 minute charge gives you about an hour of listening which is great for quick top-ups. The case uses USB-C for charging, but there’s no wireless charging to keep costs down.
In a rare move for earbuds, the case’s battery is user replaceable. Unscrew two Torx screws at the bottom of the case, slide out the battery compartment and swap in a new one—Google promises to sell replacement batteries for at least 5 years after the product’s end of life. This is a game changer, extending the life of the buds and reducing waste, but the Torx screws might annoy anyone without the right screwdriver.
