Meet: These are Pixel Buds 2a. The headphones Google has truly been missing for a long time

Google will finally fill a gap in its headphone portfolio. After we pointed out in December the lack of modern mid-range headphones in the Californian giant’s offering, the first official renders of Pixel Buds 2a have now appeared. The new headphones could bring long-awaited features like active noise cancellation at an affordable price.

Finally, modern mid-range headphones

Already at the end of last year, we pointed out the problematic situation in Google’s portfolio. While the company offers top-of-the-line Pixel Buds Pro 2 for over five thousand, their cheaper alternative, the Pixel Buds A from 2021, are already desperately insufficient against today’s competition. They lack basic features like active noise cancellation or transparency mode, which can now be found even in significantly cheaper models from Xiaomi or Nothing.

Pixel Buds 2a should be precisely the missing link that Google needs. Four years after the predecessor’s introduction, it’s high time for a modernization of the mid-range headphones with the search giant’s logo.

What the new model will bring

Leaked renders reveal interesting details about the upcoming headphones. Pixel Buds 2a will be available in three color variants – Iris, Strawberry, and Fog Light. The case will retain its familiar design, but this time the entire interior will be color-matched with the headphones.

Most interesting, however, is the presence of new cutouts on the headphone body, similar to those on Pixel Buds Pro 2. On the premium model, these openings serve as microphones for active noise cancellation. Their presence on Pixel Buds 2a thus strongly suggests the implementation of ANC – a feature we have so far searched for in vain on cheaper Google headphones.

We can also expect improved battery life and better sound quality compared to the four-year-old predecessor. Google cannot afford to fall behind the competition, which commonly offers 8–10 hours of playback on a single charge today.

Unveiling in August with Pixel 10

Google plans the official unveiling for August 20, 2025, when it will simultaneously reveal the entire Pixel 10 series, the new Pixel Watch 4 smartwatches, and the Pixel Buds 2a. In European countries, including the Czech Republic, you might get the headphones for free with a pre-order of one of the new phones – a similar strategy Google regularly employs.

However, if you don’t want to wait until August and wish to get quality headphones from Google now, the premium Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a top-tier choice with the best active noise cancellation on the market and up to 12 hours of playback time.

Are you looking forward to the new Google Pixel Buds 2a headphones?

Sources: Android Headlines, 9to5Google