Related Articles
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
The earbud market is more crowded than ever, with brands cramming in new features to stand out. Some are genuinely useful (the heart rate monitor on Apple’s new AirPods), some less so (the built-in mic in Nothing’s earbuds case). But I’d wager that most consumers are interested in earbuds that get the basics right: good sound, a comfortable and secure fit, reliable controls, and dependable noise-canceling — ideally, for a price that doesn’t break the bank. Google’s latest Pixel Buds, the 2a, get the basics right.
In a year that’s seen a lot of good but iterative upgrades, Google’s Pixel Buds 2a are a serious improvement over the original A-Series, first released in 2021. The biggest upgrade is the addition of noise-canceling, powered by the same Tensor A1 chip used in the Pixel Buds Pro 2. At $129, $100 less than the Pixel Buds Pro 2, the 2a earbuds are an excellent value, with a handful of fairly minor trade-offs. Here are my initial impressions.
Pixel Buds 2a Earbuds
$129.00
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now at target
Pros: Comfortable and compact; enjoyable sound quality; good value; Solid battery life
Cons: Others have stronger ANC; so-so mic quality
Design and Construction
The Pixel Buds feature a similar design to the original Buds-A and Pro 2 lines, with a pod-shaped design that fits in the ear. The earbuds have a small wing that secures them in place, making these somewhat more workout-friendly than the Pro 2. The earbuds are rated for IP54 water and dust resistance, which should be sufficient for the average gym session.
The earbud case comes in matte white, while the inside of the case matches the earbud’s color. The earbuds themselves are available in two colors. I opted for Iris, a poppy purple hue that stands out from the all-white minimalism of Apple’s AirPods and the Robocop futurism of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds. If your tastes run more neutral, the gray “hazel” color is a good alternative.
The standout feature of the design is how tiny they are. The pod is barely bigger than an Altoid mint, making them easy to fit in the ear. I’ve never had problems with larger earbuds, but if you have smaller ears or have a hard time finding earbuds that fit, the Pixel Buds 2a are a great option.
Controls and Features
Given the Pixel name, it shouldn’t be surprising that these earbuds are optimized for Pixel phones. But they’re a good option for any Android phone, thanks to the compatible Pixel Buds app for Android. They’re not, however, a great option for iPhone users, as there is no iOS app. The uncluttered, intuitive app lets you customize the EQ, set controls, and locate the earbuds with Google’s Find Hub.
The controls themselves are fairly basic, but reliable; a single tap controls playback, while a long press can be customized to either toggle through ANC modes or activate Gemini, Google’s new voice assistant. Double-tapping and triple-tapping skip back and forth. It’s less comprehensive than the controls of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which let you swipe up and down for volume, but it does most of what you need from touch controls.
As for battery life, the earbuds have up to 10 hours with the earbuds and 27 hours with the case, with ANC turned off. With ANC on, you can expect up to 7 hours of listening time and up to 20 hours with the charging case. It’s solid performance, particularly given the earbuds’ small size.
The battery in the earbud case is now user-replaceable, with Google planning to sell replacement batteries in the future. While the batteries in the earbuds themselves are not replaceable, it’s a step in the right direction for sustainability and user repairability.
Sound Quality and ANC
These Pixel Buds deliver impressive audio quality, particularly at this price. They’re competitive with earbuds that cost twice as much, with crisp-sounding vocals and a surprisingly expansive soundstage. The bass is solid, but not overly aggressive, and the five-band EQ lets you tweak the sound profile to your preference.
As for noise-canceling, it’s reliable, effectively quieting loud street traffic and electrical humming to a whisper. Loud noises and voices can still sometimes filter through, but the ANC performance is dependable for everyday use, especially considering the first generation had no ANC at all.Ultimately, you can expect these earbuds to reduce noise, even if they don’t fully cancel it.
As for microphone quality, these earbuds sound fine in a quiet room. But when I recorded my voice on a busy street, background noise filtered in, and my voice occasionally cut out. You’re unlikely to have any trouble at the office or home, but if you’re frequently taking calls in loud environments, these earbuds may struggle somewhat.
Verdict
Google’s Pixel 2a earbuds are a great value at $129. For context, that’s the same price as the base AirPods 4, which, unlike these, don’t have noise canceling. Where these earbuds excel is their superb comfort and lightweight fit. They’re small, but they fit securely enough to wear during workouts or on the go.
Sound quality and ANC rival earbuds costing twice as much. While these earbuds make some sacrifices compared to the Pixel Buds Pro 2, such as a shorter battery life and less comprehensive touch controls, you still get many of the same features of Google’s flagship earbuds, for considerably less. Plus, the fun, colorful design adds to the appeal.
Ultimately, these earbuds offer one of the best value propositions, particularly for Android users. They’re not a great option for the iPhone, but Samsung, Pixel, and other Android users looking for an alternative to stemmed earbuds will be well served by these affordable earbuds.
Pixel Buds 2a Earbuds
$129.00
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now at target
Buy this if: You’re an Android user in need of comfortable, compact earbuds with good sound and decent ANC.
