Google Pixel Buds 2a review: A successful pair of headphones that should have existed long ago

In September, tech giant Google introduced the flagship Pixel 10 phone series, and along with them, showcased this year’s generation of accessories. I personally was looking forward to the Pixel Buds 2a headphones. They are the successor to the 2021 model, with which I spent several months before switching to the flagship Pixel Buds Pro 2.

With their October arrival on the domestic market, Pixel Buds 2a filled a huge gap in Google’s catalog – and I’ll explain why right away. The company behind the most used search engine had paid no attention to mid-range headphones for several years, which is why customers desiring such a model had only two not-very-attractive options: either opt for the original Pixel Buds A, which were already significantly lagging behind much cheaper competition in terms of features, or purchase the Pixel Buds Pro 2, currently priced at 5 699 Kč.

The new addition to Google’s portfolio embodies exactly what we’ve been missing in recent years. With a price of 3 690 Kč, it tries to be relatively affordable, and compared to its predecessor, it’s better in almost all aspects (though after more than four years, that was somewhat expected). So, let’s take a closer look at what makes these headphones stand out and where they could use a bit more refinement.

Design and build quality: clearly a step in the right direction

Compared to the original Pixel Buds A, which had a large and relatively sophisticated design with a hook for better in-ear retention, the “twos” are tiny. Google, apart from a few details, copied the design from the more expensive Buds Pro 2 – and did well. The headphones are small, light, and also look good. Just like the flagship model, the silicone ear tip is not the only rubber element on their body. They also feature a protruding stabilizer, which ensures they stay perfectly in the ear even during physical activity. 

Google didn’t go overboard with color variants. It offers only two versions: black (Hazel) and light purple (Iris). I received the latter for testing and must admit I was thrilled. The shade is beautiful, yet not too flashy. However, for formal attire, I would still prefer my white Pixel Buds Pro 2, as they appear a bit more elegant. 

If we delve into the complete details, on the exterior of the Pixel Buds 2a, we notice only one microphone opening, whereas the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have two (however, the total number of microphones for both models is the same, each having a pair per earbud). The Google logo on the new “A-series” model is merely printed on the earbuds, while the “Pros” have it engraved directly into the body.

If you’ve ever seen Pixel Buds, the case of the new 2a model probably won’t surprise you. This time, too, it’s a white egg with a matte finish, which, however, isn’t as pleasant to the touch as the Pro model. The glossy interior is colored in the same shade as the earbuds themselves. What I find utterly incomprehensible are the visible screws on its bottom, which slightly detract from the overall aesthetic impression. 

The case communicates with you via a two-color LED light located just below the seam. Unlike the more expensive Buds Pro 2, it does not have a speaker, and unfortunately, it also doesn’t support wireless charging, which I personally got used to very quickly. As a result, the case is noticeably lighter. On its back, you’ll find a button for pairing or factory reset.

Finally with noise cancellation and transparency mode support

Although the design has changed beyond recognition, the most appreciated new feature is active noise cancellation support. Its absence was the main reason why investing in Pixel Buds A in recent years slightly lacked meaning. This year’s model uses Silent Seal 1.5 technology (the Pro model offers Silent Seal 2.0), which works very well in practice. When traveling by bus or walking through a big city, it dampens ambient noise exactly as I would expect. You can have the ANC quality checked in the Pixel Buds app.

I was slightly less satisfied with the transparency mode. Although I appreciate that the headphones now include it, it’s nowhere near as pleasant as on the Buds Pro 2. I’m bothered by the much more distinctly audible hiss, which makes its use a bit unpleasant. With the Pros, the pass-through is so perfect that when I’m talking to friends, I feel like I don’t have headphones in my ears at all. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the A-series model. You would also look in vain for an adaptive mode that reacts to sounds from your environment in these new mid-range headphones. 

Controls with two shortcomings

Where I felt slightly limited with the Pixel Buds 2a was the controls. While the headphones have large touch surfaces and using gestures with them is very pleasant, it doesn’t allow me to perform all the actions I would need. Specifically, I miss the ability to control the volume of playback – while Pixel Buds Pro 2 respond to “swiping” to increase or decrease music volume, the new A-series models do not have this option. They only offer switching between noise cancellation and transparency mode, activating the Gemini voice assistant, pausing/playing playback, skipping a track, or returning to the previous track.

It’s also annoying that you cannot assign gestures to individual actions as you please. Google simply tells you, “this is how it is, adapt.” With Xiaomi models, I could choose whether a double tap on the surface would pause or skip music, but Pixel Buds simply won’t accommodate you in this regard.

Sound quality

Frankly, I can say that Pixel Buds 2a will not disappoint most users with their sound quality. When transitioning from a cheaper model, some might even be pleased or surprised. Personally, however, I have a few reservations about the audio. 

Despite the Pixel Buds 2a featuring the same 11mm custom-designed driver and identical Tensor A1 chip as the Pixel Buds Pro 2, they don’t match the sound quality of the more expensive model. In the default settings, the music felt dull to me, so I immediately started adjusting with the equalizer (in the end, I attenuated the mids and boosted the low and high frequencies).

The equalizer, by the way, is very user-friendly, so even if you don’t consider yourself an audiophile, you’ll easily be able to create an optimal preset with it. However, if you don’t want to bother with five sliders, Google has prepared five relatively well-functioning specific modes for you (e.g., Strong Bass or Vocal Boost).

Where Google clearly fell behind the times is codec support. For some reason, Pixel Buds 2a only support AAC and SBC – even the more advanced aptX or LDAC are not supported by Pixel Buds Pro 2. Given the price of both models, Google could have come up with a slightly longer list.

The way they sound, Pixel Buds 2a certainly won’t offend, but they definitely won’t captivate you as much as the more expensive Pro version, which offers richer low frequencies, better-managed mids, and overall more detailed-sounding audio.

Smart features

As one of the most significant players in software, Google has equipped its new Pixel Buds 2a headphones with a host of smart features (although they naturally don’t offer as many as the Buds Pro 2). You’ll appreciate, for example, the option to add the headphones to the Find My Device network, which helps you pinpoint their location if lost. Also handy is the hearing protection monitoring center, an audio switcher that automatically switches between sound sources depending on your activity, or in-ear detection. Spatial audio support is also worth mentioning.

If you’re used to voice communication with artificial intelligence, then you’ll certainly welcome the integration of the AI assistant Gemini. It can be invoked directly from the headphones, which can save you a few hand movements to pull your phone out of your pocket or bag and enter a query. You can even speak Czech to your virtual partner.

Battery life

Compared to the previous generation, the Pixel Buds 2a headphones have made a significant leap in battery life. While their predecessor promised a maximum of five hours of music listening – and from my own experience, I remember that battery life was indeed quite limiting – the new A-series models offer up to 10 hours of listening without ANC. With active noise cancellation enabled, the manufacturer states up to seven hours.

With a fully charged case, these numbers naturally increase further. While the original Pixel Buds A offered a maximum of 24 hours of listening, the Pixel Buds 2a boast up to 27 hours of operation. Compared to competitors, where we often talk about 40 hours, these are still slightly lower values, but if I were to focus purely on the intergenerational improvement, I would have no problem giving Google a thumbs up.

Price and availability

Google Pixel Buds 2a are available on the Czech market in Hazel (black) and Iris (purple) colors with a recommended retail price of 3 690 Kč.

Verdict: Are the Google Pixel Buds 2a worth buying?

Pixel Buds 2a are exactly the headphones Google should have released a year or two ago. At a price still corresponding to the mid-range, they finally bring active noise cancellation and transparency mode, complemented by a more modern and comfortable design. The improvement in battery life is also enormous, which was a painful thorn in the side when using the 2021 Pixel Buds A.

Regarding sound quality, if you tinker a bit with the Pixel Buds 2a, you’ll get a very solid output. While they still fall short of the Pro model, it’s then up to you whether you’re willing to pay extra for even better audio. The absence of wireless charging support for the case is understandable, but I have trouble forgiving Google for the compromises in controls – the inability to adjust volume directly from the headphones is unfortunate, to say the least, and competitors offer better customization. Conversely, I can be less critical of the features, where with Gemini integration, the new A-series models represent an excellent choice (not only) for tech enthusiasts.

So, should you buy the Pixel Buds 2a? Despite the aforementioned criticisms, I definitely don’t hesitate to recommend these headphones, especially to owners of Google Pixel smartphones, with which the headphones offer seamless connectivity. However, you won’t make a mistake by purchasing them even if you own a smartphone from a competitor – that is, if you don’t feel that any of the minor shortcomings would significantly limit you.

Editor’s rating: 80 / 100 %

Would you buy the Google Pixel Buds 2a headphones?

We thank the Czech representation of Google for providing the headphones