Google’s Pixel Buds 2a Have Almost Pro-Level Specs, but for Much Less

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Last year, Google released its Pixel Buds 2 Pro, which were a welcome respite for anyone who was sick of Apple's stem-style earbuds. While the earbuds featured the same active noise canceling and easy pairing that users have come to expect from premium earbuds, plus a decently attractive price point that's only gotten cheaper over time (they're now $61 cheaper than the AirPods Pro 2), the standout feature here was a new stabilizing mechanism that allowed you to lock the earbuds in place by twisting them after placing them in your ears. Now, as is tradition, Google's making a budget version of these, which is great news for any Pixel Bud A-series fans, as the company's previous budget earbuds are now out of stock at popular sites like Best Buy and Amazon.

The Pixel Buds 2a have noise cancellation for less Black Pixel Buds 2a in front of Pixel 10 Pro Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt

As Google did with the Pixel Buds Pro, there's now a cheaper version of the Pixel Buds 2 Pro, called the Pixel Buds 2a. And as Apple did with the AirPods 4, these are getting a serious upgrade over Google's previous budget earbuds. That's right: Both active noise cancelling and the twist-to-fit mechanism are here.

That's enough to make these seem essentially like Pixel Buds 2 Pro to the casual listener, but these also have the same Tensor A1 chip, which helps power a new app that comes with a customizable 5-band equalizer.

The biggest losses compared to the Pro model? Some reduced battery life (about one to three hours less, depending on if you have noise canceling on), one less microphone, and no accelerometers or gyroscopes for fitness tracking. Touch controls, however, are still here, and the drivers that power the sound are the same size as on their pro counterparts (11mm).

The charging case also has less capacity, making for 20 hours of total listening time rather than 30 on the Pro, and does not have a speaker. But the base experience here is still pretty similar to what you'll get on the more expensive option. The battery is also replaceable now, either by Google (if your warranty is active) or you. Google says it'll sell replacement parts for up to five years after the product's end-of-life, and that the replacement process won't require any adhesive or heat.

The only real downside is that the Pixel Buds 2a are more expensive than their predecessors. (More on that below.)

Free software updates for the Pixel Buds 2 Pro, and a new color

To help the Pixel Buds 2 Pro stand out against their cheaper sibling, Google's adding a few new features to it via software updates. Because the 2 Pro run on the same chip as the 2a, I'm not sure why most of these need to be reserved for the more expensive model, but money talks.

First, there's some ear protection. While Google's pro Pixel Buds already tout Adaptive Sound" that can intelligently adjust volume depending on whether you're in a quiet or noisy environment, the Pixel Buds 2 Pro will now be getting Adaptive Audio," which throws intelligent active noise cancelling into the mix. Also new is Loud Noise Protection, which will kick in to help dampen sound for one-off loud noises, like a train going by. Previously, adaptive sound mostly focused on sustained noise.

Second, there's some extra use for those accelerometers and gyroscopes that aren't in the A-series model. With a new update, Google will allow you to answer calls with a nod, or even nod to start a speech-to-text response to a text thread.

Finally, Google really wants you to use Gemini with these. Because Gemini Live, the company's speech-to-speech AI chatbot, can now interact with Google apps like Keep or Calendar, Google is suggesting using the Pixel Buds 2 Pro to organize your day while walking about. That alone isn't novel, but the company says Gemini conversations with the Buds 2 Pro will soon adapt to your environment, allowing you to chat with the AI even when surrounded by noise.

These updates are all slated for September, although a specific date isn't yet available.

Pricing and availability Pixel Buds 2a in black (left) and violet (right) Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt

As I mentioned earlier, the Pixel Bud 2 Pros are the same price as the previous model, but the Pixel Bud 2a is getting a price bump-up from $99 to $129. For their new, pro-level features, I do feel like that's a fair price, although the lack of a cheaper option is a bit of a shame, given how hard it can be to find old A-Series Pixel buds.

The Pixel Buds 2a come in black (hazel) and violet (iris) and are available for pre-order now. They'll start shipping on Oct. 9.

Also, if you don't yet have a pair of Pixel Buds 2 Pro, Google's also releasing a new, gray/black color for them called Moonstone. These are available now, although they're selling for the Pixel Buds 2 Pro's original $229 MSRP, as opposed to the more common $189 price point on existing pairs.