Pixel Buds 2A are a Pleasant Surprise

Nearly four years have passed since the launch of the first generation, and the most affordable earbuds by Google have now been updated with the proper refresh, and that is the Pixel Buds 2A. The earbuds are all about meeting the necessary criteria and are great for those who want premium features for not-so-premium prices. The new earbuds, priced at 11700, offer great features, with some compromises along the way.

Design That Feels Just Right with Pixel Buds 2A

Firstly, it sports the same kind of case that is always soft, rounded, and pebble-like, making it very pocketable and portable. It is both lightweight and smooth, and it is certainly not heavy or awkward in any way. It is also fingerprint-resistant with its matte finish. One of its biggest updates is that it now boasts a replaceable battery, which is a gigantic leap for anyone considering its long-term viability.

As for the earbuds, they are smaller compared to the A series, which makes the earbuds more comfortable to wear for long hours. The new earbuds do not protrude much, which means you won’t have to worry if you have to wear hats or glasses. These earbuds feel comfortable to wear, with Google claiming they used data from more than 45 million ear scans to provide that perfect comfort for the entire day. The earbuds come with four ear tip sizes and an IP54 rating, making them ready for work, workouts, or even running in the rain.

Touch Controls Are a Bit of a Letdown on Pixel Buds 2A

One thing about the Pixel Buds 2A that falls a bit short is the lack of touch controls. Unlike the newer, more pricey Pro version, you can't change the volume with the buds alone. Instead, you must use the function with your phone and/or voice command, which feels a bit dated for 2025. In addition, the touch controls are not very reliable and could do absolutely nothing when you tap them or turn the noise cancellation feature on or off at the wrong time.

Works Well with Pixel Phones

Where these earbuds stand out is in software integration, particularly for Pixel phone owners. The pairing process is straightforward, and all controls are integrated into the operating system for easy use without any additional apps necessary. Battery levels are readily viewable, and the ability to have multiple devices connected simultaneously is a feature known as multipoint technology. The inclusion of Gemini enables voice command assistance, the same feature already available for Pixel Buds Pro owners.

Battery Life Represents a Compromise

Battery life is a bit of a mixed bag. The earbuds themselves last around 7 hours when using active noise cancellation, which is solid. The battery on the charging case, however, is limited. Since the case is small and portable, it may require recharging every other day, which is more frequent than some competing models.

Sound Quality is Good but Nothing Out of the Ordinary

The audio system uses Google Tensor A1 processors and 11mm drivers. Generally, the audio quality is good at this price. Music plays smoothly, and podcasts are listenable, though voices can sound slightly muddy at times. Thankfully, the built-in equalizer allows users to experiment—balanced EQ works fine for music, and boosting voices helps podcasts sound clearer.

Noteworthy Custom Features

• Active noise cancellation performs reasonably well with low, constant sounds like fans or air conditioners but struggles with sharp, sudden noises.
• Transparency mode works but doesn’t feel natural, amplifying background sounds and making conversations tricky in noisy environments.
• Microphone quality is strong for calls, effectively blocking background noise so the other person hears clearly.

Should You Consider the Pixel Buds 2A

All in all, the Pixel Buds 2A embody the classic Google A series. They pack advanced features like Gemini Live, the Tensor A1 chip, and enhanced noise-cancellation capabilities into a budget-friendly price tag of 11700. Comfort is significantly improved from the previous generation, and the software experience is smooth and intuitive.

However, some compromises remain. Touch controls can be erratic, volume adjustments are missing, the charging case battery is limited, and transparency mode could be better. Still, for those prioritizing comfort, decent sound, and convenient software support on a budget, the Pixel Buds 2A are a solid choice. They prove that sometimes, less is more, focusing on delivering great audio without breaking the bank.