The newer, cheaper Pixel Buds A-Series are here, and they could give their predecessors a run for their (and your) money.
Following weeks of speculation, Google has announced its latest true wireless earbuds. The Google Pixel Buds A-Series are the third generation in the Pixel Buds series, and pick up where the Pixel Buds (2020) left off. As the ‘A-Series’ name suggests, the new wireless earbuds are a more budget-friendly version of the Pixel Buds, just like Google’s cheaper Pixel phone variants, which include the Pixel 3a and Pixel 4a. The difference in price is quite stark; the Google Pixel Buds A-Series cost just $99 / £99.99 (about AU$130), making them far cheaper than the previous Pixel Buds ($179 / £179 / AU$279). To keep costs down, Google has done away with some of the more premium features boasted by the previous Pixel Buds, including wireless charging and swipe controls. However, you’re still getting hands-free access to Google Assistant, real-time translation, and an IPX4 water-resistance rating, in spite of the lower price. So, if you’re trying to decide which Google earbuds are best for you, there are lots of things to consider. Do you opt for the cheaper model and make a few concessions when it comes to premium features, or do you splash your cash on the 2020 Pixel Buds? While we haven’t tested the new Pixel Buds A-Series for ourselves just yet, we’re very familiar with the previous Pixel Buds, and that means we can help you make an informed decision ahead of our full Pixel Buds A-Series review. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Google buds, and how they compare to their predecessors. The new Google Pixel Buds A-Series cost just $99 / £99.99 (about AU$130), making them far cheaper than the previous Pixel Buds ($179 / £179 / AU$279). They’re also less expensive than what are arguably the most popular true wireless earbuds on the planet, the Apple AirPods. You’ll be able to buy the new earbuds from June 17, though you can join a waiting list now in the US, and UK. You can also join that waiting list if you’re in Australia, though the price is still to be confirmed in this region. It’s worth bearing in mind that the Pixel Buds (2020) could be discounted now that there’s a new model — especially as Prime Day deals will be rolling in on June 21 — 22. The new Pixel Buds A-Series look very similar to their predecessors, with flat, circular housings and an egg-shaped charging case that looks sleek and modern. They come in a range of colors, including white, gray, and a new, rather fetching, olive green shade. The earbuds themselves have a new ‘stabilizer arc’, which is designed to keep them in place and ensure a good seal against your ear canal. They also come with vents to prevent that feeling of in-ear pressure that often comes with earbuds. Otherwise, there’s not a huge amount of difference between the A-Series and the previous-gen Pixel Buds in terms of looks.
