The Pixel Buds 2a are $100 cheaper than the Pixel Buds Pro 2, but can they stand toe-to-toe with them? I tested them to find out.
Google Pixel Buds 2aGoogle Pixel Buds 2a
The Pixel Buds Pro were one of my favorite buds for a couple of years, and then the Pixel Buds Pro 2 displaced them on that throne thanks to their smaller size, more comfortable fit, and the super cool twist-to-fit feature that gives me two different fits with one pair of buds.
I never thought another pair of buds would take over the Buds Pro 2 this soon, but Google has surprised me with its new Pixel Buds 2a ($129 at Amazon). I expected these to become a secondary pair of buds I keep at home for short listening sessions, not the buds I take with me everywhere, but they’re so good that I don’t find myself really missing anything about my Pixel Buds Pro 2. And for nearly half the price? It’s a steal, especially for any Pixel user.
Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority?Everything I love about the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is in the Buds 2a
Switching to the Pixel Buds 2a was so incredibly easy because everything about them was familiar. They slot in my ear exactly the same way as the Buds Pro 2 do because, as far as I can tell, they’re precisely the same physical size and shape. Not a fraction of a millimeter off in any direction. Physically, the only difference is their shiny plastic versus the matte of the Pro version, which could be detrimental if I were running a lot and getting sweaty with these on, but at most, I’m just fast-walking.
I’m so glad Google returned to the twist-to-fit design. It’s the most versatile thing about these buds: Point the ear tip down for a loose fit, then twist it to lodge better against the ear canal, and it’s suddenly tighter. They’re perfect for chill listening sessions in a safe environment, and just as ideal for bopping to music while dashing through the Parisian metro. I don’t think I can go back to a pair of buds without this simple trick because it effectively transforms one pair of buds into two.
I am not an audiophile — our sister site SoundGuys will probably have a proper review of these if you care about graphs and numbers — so I only know what I can hear. And the Buds 2a sound good to me. Gun to my head, I couldn’t tell you if there’s any difference between them and my Pixel Buds Pro 2; I’m sure there are some minor differences, but for my untrained ears listening to Pocket Casts and compressed Spotify, I’ll be honest and say it’s insignificant.
I’m just glad to see proper ANC and transparency on the A series buds, finally. If either of these were missing, I’d go back running to my Pixel Buds Pro 2.
