Google’s latest entry into the wireless earbud market, the Pixel Buds 2A, represent a familiar strategy: offering a more affordable version of a premium product. At $129, these earbuds aim to undercut the flagship Pixel Buds Pro 2 while retaining much of their core appeal. But do the trade-offs make them a compelling alternative, or are they lost in a crowded field of competitors?
Stripped-Down, But Not Entirely Compromised
The Pixel Buds 2A closely resemble the Pro 2 model in design, making it difficult to tell them apart at first glance. However, key differences exist under the surface. Google has removed a microphone from each bud (down to two per earbud), eliminated wireless charging, and dropped features like head tracking for spatial audio. This results in a slightly cheaper feel and a noticeable reduction in noise-canceling and call quality.
This approach is typical of “A series” or “fan edition” products – deliver a similar experience at a lower price by sacrificing some premium features. The question is whether these cuts are worth the savings.
Sound Quality Remains Strong, But Not Class-Leading
Despite the hardware reductions, the Pixel Buds 2A largely maintain the sound quality of the Pro 2. They utilize the same 11mm drivers and Tensor A1 chip, resulting in a well-balanced audio profile with slightly emphasized bass and treble. Spotify’s lossless audio streaming sounds impressive, with minimal listening fatigue over extended sessions.
However, when compared to competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 FE (priced at $150), the Buds 2A fall slightly short. The Galaxy Buds offer a cleaner, smoother, and more even-keeled sound profile. While good, the Pixel Buds 2A don’t definitively outperform their rivals in this price range.
Noise Canceling and Call Quality: Noticeable Trade-Offs
The reduction in microphones and the use of Silent Seal 1.5 (instead of the Pro 2’s Silent Seal 2.0) impact both noise cancellation and call performance. While the Buds 2A still provide good noise reduction, they don’t match the effectiveness of higher-end models like Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds or Apple AirPods Pro 3.
Call quality also suffers, with background noise leaking through and occasional voice distortion reported by callers. If clear calls in noisy environments are a priority, these earbuds may not be the best choice.
Fit and Comfort: A Common Struggle
Like their Pro 2 counterpart, the Pixel Buds 2A suffer from fit issues for some users. The included eartips may not provide a secure seal for all ear shapes, impacting both sound quality and noise cancellation. Finding the right tips is crucial, but the wide nozzle limits compatibility with aftermarket options. Proper fit is essential, but not guaranteed out of the box.
A Value Proposition That Depends on Price
The Pixel Buds 2A are a solid choice for Android users, particularly those already invested in the Google ecosystem. They offer a good balance of features, sound quality, and affordability. However, their true value hinges on street pricing.
Given Google’s history with A-series products, the Buds 2A will be most appealing when priced closer to $100. At the current MSRP of $129, they face stiff competition from alternatives that offer similar or better performance for the same money. Waiting for a sale or discount may be the smartest move for budget-conscious buyers.
Ultimately, the Google Pixel Buds 2A are a respectable pair of earbuds that don’t quite rise above the competition in their price bracket, but remain an appealing option for Pixel owners willing to wait for a better deal.
