Pixel Buds 2a — 4 things I want to see from Google's new budget buds

Google Pixel Buds A-Series have helpful tap gestures to control music

(Image credit: Future/Ian Morris)

It's almost time for Google's 2025 event, when we see what the last chunk of the year has in store for Pixel devices. There's going to be phones, AI updates and loads more — but I'm most interested in Google's next pair of in-ear buds.

The Google Pixel Buds 2a are pegged for an announcement at the show, and I'm hoping for some big improvements. Unfortunately, rumors and rumblings are slim, so instead this is a list of things that I want — and the list is long.

So, from never-before-seen features on budget Google Buds to important updates to specs we've already got, here are the four most important things that I'd like to see in the Google Pixel Buds 2a.

1. ANC, please

The Pixel Buds A-Series case is small, light and compact and roughly the same size as the Airpods case — (Image credit: Future/Ian Morris)

The first Pixel Buds A didn't feature any kind of ANC, but it would be nice to see some form of noise canceling in Google's more approachably-priced product.

There's precedent in the space to expect it as well, rather than just pie-in-the-sky thinking: Sony's excellent WF-C710N feature some truly epic noise canceling for the price, so it would be nice to see something from Google.

It doesn't have to be incredible noise canceling, just enough to make your commute a little more tolerable when the world gets noisy.

It doesn't have to be incredible noise canceling, mind you, just enough to make your commute a little more tolerable when the world gets noisy. That would give them the leg up on the AirPods 4 without ANC — they currently cost $129, so should the Google Buds coming in at a lower price with more features, they'll have an easy fight on their hands.

2. Improved sound

Google Pixel Buds A-Series on their case — (Image credit: Future/Ian Morris)

For the record, Google's buds don't sound bad. However, neither model quite matches up to the competition with some sonic trip-ups in soundstage and bass.

I'd like to see the Pixel Buds 2a buck the trend with some better sound, so that they can stand up to the Sony and Apple earbuds at a similar price. Competition at this price is very strong, so some form of audio upgrade is going to be important to stand out amongst the crowd. Perhaps even some form of spatial audio like that found on Apple's cheapest option could work...

Either way, I'd like to see some form of better sound quality in the Buds 2a.

3. Improved battery life

Google Pixel Buds A-Series — (Image credit: Future/Ian Morris)

The battery life of the Pixel Buds A series is okay when you compare it to that found in Apple's cheapest AirPods, but it falls down when stacked up against other similarly priced options. The WF-C710N, for example, offer you 7.5 hours of battery life, and they have ANC.

At the moment, you only get 5 hours of battery in the buds themselves, and then 24 hours in the charging case. That's fine, but more is always nice to have.

A boost in both the buds and the case would be most appreciated in the Pixel Buds 2a. I'm not asking for loads of extra hours out of either part of the package, but something extra would be very appreciated. That would be another big step up over its predecessors and key rivals.

4. More volume

Pixel Buds vs. AirPods — (Image credit: Future/Ian Morris)

One of the biggest problems I experienced with the Pixel Buds A was their volume — they were way too quiet. Whether connected to a TV, a phone or a tablet, they simply weren't all that loud. In quieter environments, it wasn't as much of a problem, but it became far more annoying when I had to take a call.

While overall call quality was pretty good, the volume of our call partner was never quite enough. Some form of volume boost out of the Buds 2a would be most welcome indeed.

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Tammy and her generous collection of headphones have found a new home — Tom's Guide! After a two-and-a-half-year stint as iMore's resident audiophile, Tammy's reviews and buying guide expertise have more focus than ever on Tom's Guide, helping buyers find the audio gear that works best for them. Tammy has worked with some of the most desirable audio brands on the planet in her time writing about headphones, speakers, and more, bringing a consumer focussed approach to critique and buying advice. Away from her desk, you'll probably find her in the countryside writing (extremely bad) poetry, or putting her screenwriting Masters to good use creating screenplays that'll never see the light of day.

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