The Pixel Buds 2a, priced at AU$239.00, serve as Google’s newest value proposition, bridging the gap between the budget-friendly A-Series and the flagship Pixel Buds Pro. By incorporating Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and the powerful Tensor A1 chip, the 2a series delivers features once 1reserved for high-end earbuds, making them an excellent choice for Android users prioritising value and ecosystem integration.
DESIGN AND COMFORT
The Pixel Buds 2a have adopted the refined aesthetic and comfort of the Pixel Buds Pro 2, moving away from the bulkier design of the original A-Series. They are noticeably smaller and lighter (4.7g per bud), making them exceptionally comfortable for long listening sessions. The ergonomic, secure fit is enhanced by a twist-to-adjust stabiliser, allowing users to lock them into place slightly—a crucial feature for those with fit issues. The earbuds are rated IP54, offering solid resistance against sweat and rain for daily workouts and commutes, while the case carries an IPX4 rating. The charging case itself is compact and uses USB-C, though users must note a key sacrifice: there is no wireless charging support at this price point.
ANC AND THE TENSOR ADVANTAGE
The most significant upgrade in the Pixel Buds 2a is the inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Powered by the Google Tensor A1 chip, the same silicon found in the premium Pro models, the ANC performance is surprisingly strong for this price category. Google’s Silent Seal™ 1.5 technology helps create a decent acoustic seal, effectively reducing low-frequency background noise like engine hums and city drone.
• Audio Quality: Sound is delivered through a custom-designed 11mm dynamic driver. The audio profile is clean and accurate at low to mid volumes, offering a pleasingly powerful bass without overwhelming the soundstage. A five-band equaliser is available in the Pixel Buds companion app, allowing users to customise the sound with presets like “Heavy Bass” or “Clarity.” However, some reviewers noted that the audio can struggle and distort slightly when pushed to maximum volume.
• Call Quality: Call quality is excellent, benefiting from the Tensor A1’s processing power and wind-blocking mesh covers, ensuring clear voice transmission even in busy environments.
BATTERY LIFE AND ECOSYSTEM INTEGRATION
Battery life is another area where the Tensor A1 chip shines. With Active Noise Cancellation on, the earbuds provide up to 7 hours of continuous listening, extending to 20 hours total with the charging case—a very competitive figure. Turning ANC off boosts listening time to a substantial 10 hours. Beyond battery endurance, the 2a’s true value lies in its Google ecosystem integration.
Users get hands-free access to Gemini AI (Google’s AI assistant, requiring a compatible Pixel phone and the Gemini app), which allows them to get real-time summaries, directions, and instant assistance simply by saying “Hey Google.” Furthermore, the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.4 and Multipoint support ensures Seamless Switching, allowing for smooth, instant transitions between connected Pixel devices (phone, watch, tablet) and other compatible Bluetooth devices. Finally, the case features a ringtone speaker for the Find Hub feature, making misplaced buds easy to locate via sound.
THE USER EXPERIENCE
The Google Pixel Buds 2a are engineered to deliver a seamless and deeply integrated experience, particularly for users embedded within the Google ecosystem. This starts with effortless, hands-free access to Google Assistant and the newly integrated Gemini AI, activated simply by saying “Hey Google.” This powerful combination unlocks a suite of smart features, including real-time translations, the ability to execute complex queries instantly, and continuous assistance for tasks like managing calls, music, and smart devices.
Beyond smart features, the physical user experience prioritises comfort and reliable connectivity. The refined, lighter A-Series design ensures a secure, comfortable fit that remains stable during active use, while the IPX4 rating provides resistance to sweat and splashes, making the earbuds durable for workouts. For connectivity, the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.4 provides a stable and wide-ranging wireless connection. Android and Pixel users benefit from features like Fast Pair, which allows for quick, one-tap connection right out of the box, and intuitive capacitive touch controls on the earbuds for easy management of media playback and phone calls. Furthermore, call quality is excellent, as the powerful Tensor A1 chip processes audio and the wind-blocking mesh covers ensure clear voice transmission, even when navigating noisy environments.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The Google Pixel Buds 2a are already available through the online Google Store and retail channels for AU$239.00
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Google Pixel Buds 2a are an outstanding mid-range wireless earbud choice, particularly for those already invested in the Pixel/Android ecosystem.
Buy them if:
- You want quality ACN and sound at a competitive price.
- You own a Pixel phone and want seamless integration with Gemini access.
- You prioritise long-term comfort and secure fit.
Look elsewhere if:
- Wireless charging is a must-have feature.
- You require high-res audio codecs.
- You rely on on-ear volume controls.
The Pixel Buds 2a successfully democratises premium earbud features, making Active Noise Cancellation and powerful AI integration accessible without breaking the bank. They are, for many, the perfect “just right” choice in Google’s audio lineup.
