It looks like the AirPods 4 have another competitor to worry about. Google just announced its latest pair of affordable earbuds, the Google Pixel Buds 2a. They seem to be improved in just about every way, too, with some key extras that could be the nail in Apple's sub-$130 earbuds coffin.
Yup, the price is $130 instead of the $99 for the original Pixel Buds A-Series. But it looks like it's given Google the opportunity to pack the buds with loads of extra features in an attempt to make our best wireless earbuds list. From ANC and Google Gemini AI assistant to a completely new fit, here's everything that's new with the Pixel Buds 2a.
Finally... ANC!
The Google Pixel Buds A-series did not launch with ANC. Instead, it was a feature reserved for those who spent $100 more for the Google Pixel Buds Pro That's all changed now — the Google Pixel Buds 2a are going to feature what Google calls "Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5."
The ANC was impressive on the Buds Pro, so things are looking pretty rosy for the Pixel Buds 2a. It's all thanks to the Tensor A1 chip from the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which brings some extra bonuses along the way.
Improved call quality is one, which is boosted more thanks to "wind-blocking mesh covers." Previous call quality was good but not impeccable, so I'm excited to see this AI boosted version when I put them in my ears.
Improved sound
Google claims there's going to be a "significant leap forward in audio performance" thanks to a new custom speaker driver and a "high frequency chamber." Google's buds have always lagged slightly behind when it comes to their audio quality, so a boost in musical fidelity is always welcome.
Unfortunately, there's no mention of spatial audio, so it looks like Google made a choice between ANC and surround sound. Apple chose spatial audio over noise canceling, while Google has done the opposite. Gotta say that I'm with Google on this one — I'll always take a quieter commute over more spacious audio.
AI features
As you'd expect from something with the Pixel name, there's Gemini built into the Pixel Buds 2a. Just say "Hey Google," and you can ask for just about anything. As long as it's not a pet whale.
Instead, you could ask Gemini where the nearest coffee shop is, and then receive directions without having to reach for your phone. Maybe you're looking for the best place to buy comic books — just ask Gemini. It's already packed into the A-series, but it looks to gert a performance boost here.
New, better fitting design
You could be very easily fooled into thinking that the Pixel Buds 2a are the Pixel Buds Pro 2. They both now feature the "twist to adjust stabilizer," which makes the buds much easier to fit into your ears. It also makes sure they stay in without falling out for a much more secure fit.
They're also smaller and lighter than the first pair of A-series buds, and feature IP54 dust and water resistance so that you can take them for a run without worrying that your sweat will break them.
There are two colors this time around — Iris and Hazel — similar to the brand new Pixel 10 phones. The cases match the buds' color, and I think their almost ceramic, matte tones look very fetching.
Improved battery life — and everything else
The battery life in the Pixel Buds A-series wasn't very good. There were rated for only 5 hours of use, and that's without any form of ANC. The Pixel Buds 2a should get 7 hours of use out of the buds with the ANC turned on, and 10 hours when you turn the ANC off. There's an extra 20 hours in the charging case.
That's a whole lot more than the 5 hours of the AirPods 4, although not quite as much as the Sony WF-C710N. Still, any increase in battery life is most welcome, and the staying power here is very good.
Easy to pair (and find)
They'll connect super easily with your Pixel phone, and "seamlessly switch" between your other devices with multipoint. Fast pair means you just have to move the buds case close to your phone or tablet, and they'll connect in seconds. Find Hub means that you can locate the earbuds on a map, a lot like Apple's Find My. They'll even ring when you're close to make them even easier to find.
A larger price
So pretty much every single issue that I had with the Pixel Buds A-series has been addressed with this new version — but it has come at a price. The Buds 2a start at $129, compared to $99 for the previous model.
That makes them the same price as the AirPods 4 and the Sony WF-C710N, although all those new features make them an excellent buy. You can pre-oder a pair now, but they'll land on shelves October 9th.
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