Google Unveils Pixel Buds 2a with AI-Powered Features and Active Noise Cancellation

Google brings improved Gemini features to its new Pixel Buds | TechCrunch

Similar to last year, the Made By Google event held on Wednesday showcased numerous Gemini features, including AI photo-taking and editing tools for the Pixel 10 series, along with enhancements for the Pixel Watch 4. So, it was expected that Google would unveil Gemini functionalities for its latest earbuds -- the Pixel Buds 2a and a revamped Pixel Buds Pro 2. Some key features showcased at the event include the introduction of active noise cancellation and an AI feature that minimizes background noise for the Pixel Buds 2a. Additionally, the Pro 2 earbuds will receive a major update that allows users to accept or decline calls and messages by shaking or nodding their heads. The Pixel Buds 2a represent the second generation of the A-Series earbuds, which are the tech giant's more affordable option in the earbud lineup. They come with significant upgrades, making them almost up to par with the original Pixel Buds Pro. For the first time, the A-Series earbuds now include active noise cancellation, a significant upgrade from the previous version, which offered zero noise reduction. Now, the Pixel Buds 2a can block disruptive external noises, allowing for clear conversations. Another feature coming to the earbuds is Clear Calling, which uses Google AI to reduce background noise and works in conjunction with the earbuds' wind-blocking mesh covers to eliminate distractions, ensuring that both the user and the person on the other end can hear each other well. Additionally, the Pixel Buds 2a is getting Transparency Mode, a feature that was previously available only on the Pixel Buds Pro. This mode lets users hear their surroundings while still listening to audio, helping them stay aware of what's going on around them. The Pixel Buds 2a also comes with Gemini hands-free support, allowing you to communicate with the AI assistant to help with tasks like finding nearby restaurants, getting directions, reading new emails, pausing songs, and more. You can go live with Gemini just by speaking, without needing to take out your phone. The battery life is also getting a major boost, exceeding that of the original A-Series by twofold. In terms of design, these are the smallest and lightest A-Series earbuds to date, accompanied by a compact charging case. They are also IP54-rated, making them sweat and water-resistant, ideal for workouts or unexpected rain. Another new design feature that brings the budget-friendly earbuds closer in line with the Pixel Buds Pro is the twist stabilizer. This allows users to adjust the fit by twisting counterclockwise for a snug fit or clockwise for a more comfortable, looser fit. Reflecting the new features, the Pixel Buds 2a come with a higher price tag. They retail for $130, compared to their predecessor under $100, and are available in two new colors: Hazel and Iris. The Pixel Buds Pro 2, first released last year, are also receiving significant upgrades. As expected, these earbuds feature Gemini hands-free support, but they come with additional perks as well. Now, you can accept or decline calls and texts by simply shaking or nodding your head. The earbuds will detect these gestures using built-in accelerometers and sensors. Plus, when interacting with Gemini, you can now connect with other apps, such as adding items to a grocery list in Keep or scheduling events in Calendar. Other notable features include Adaptive Audio, which automatically adjusts to the noise level around you to reduce distracting sounds in noisy settings while still helping you stay aware of your environment. Additionally, Loud Noise Protection automatically dampens abrupt loud sounds, protecting your hearing from loud noises like the siren of a nearby fire truck. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 retail for $230 and come in a new Moonstone color. However, it's important to note that most of these new features won't be available; they'll be introduced via a software update later in September. All existing Pro 2 users will get the new features. Customers can pre-order the Pixel Buds 2a and improved Pro 2 earbuds today. The Pro 2 will ship on August 28, whereas the Pixel Buds 2a won't hit the shelves until October 9.

Google's Pixel Buds 2A add Gemini, noise cancellation, and a replaceable battery

The 2A also adds a Tensor A1 chip, which Google says "unlocks the power of Google's advanced AI and Gemini features." That Gemini access was heavily emphasized during my briefings, though in practice it mostly replaces Google Assistant on the buds. For most people, the most exciting feature enabled by the new Tensor chip is active noise cancellation and a transparency mode. The acoustics have been re-engineered -- there's also AI-powered wind and background noise reduction for calls. Google says battery life has increased to roughly seven hours with ANC on and 10 hours with it off. The case holds an extra 20 hours of juice. Five minutes of charging also gets you about an hour of playtime. The buds also have improved IP54 water and sweat resistance, while the case gets an IPX4 rating.

Google brings ANC to its A-Series earbuds with the Pixel Buds 2a

As a result of the upgrade, this model is more expensive than its predecessor. Apple brought active noise cancellation (ANC) to its "regular" AirPods last year, and for 2025, Google is doing the same. Google announced the Pixel Buds 2a ($130) today alongside its slate of Pixel 10 phones, marking the first time the company's so-called A-Series earbuds have come equipped with ANC. Google also took design cues from its pricier Pixel Buds Pro 2 while outfitting this new model with a Tensor A1 chip. Sadly, all of the upgrades come with a price increase as the Pixel Buds 2a are $30 more than the previous version. For the 2a's design overhaul, Google ditched the "stabilizer arc" for the "twist-to-adjust stabilizer" from the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Like before, the company promises this element allows you to have both a secure and a more relaxed fit on the same earbuds simply by rotating them one way or the other. In terms of overall size, the Pixel Buds 2a are the lightest and smallest A-Series earbuds thus far. What's more, this new version is IP54 rated for dust and water resistance (buds only), which is an improvement over the A-Series' IPX4 rating. The charging case didn't have any ingress protection previously, but it's now IPX4. The biggest update on the Pixel Buds 2a is the addition of ANC that's paired with Google's Silent Seal 1.5. As you might expect, transparency mode is available when you need to tune in to your surroundings. That ANC should help you to hear the retooled acoustics and 11mm dynamic drivers better, including spatial audio and customized sound via a 5-band EQ. The Tensor A1 chip is the component that's in the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Here, it provides improved performance across audio and calls. Google says the chip processes audio 90 times faster than the speed of sound, adapting to changes in your environment to cancel noisy distractions. Plus, the Tensor A1 allows you to use Gemini and other AI features with the Pixel Buds 2a. Google doubled the battery life on this new model compared to the Pixel Buds A-Series. You can now expect up to 10 hours of use on the earbuds with another 17 hours in the case. With ANC enabled, those figures drop to seven hours and 13 hours, respectively. So even with noise cancellation turned on, battery life on the Pixel Buds 2a is still better than the previous model. The Pixel Buds 2a are available for pre-order starting today for $130. General availability is scheduled for October 9 and you can choose between Hazel (pictured) and Iris color options.

The Pixel Buds 2a are a big step up for Google's budget true wireless earbuds

The Google Pixel Buds 2a are the 2025 budget-friendly Pixel Buds offering. As the smallest and lightest A-series buds yet, the Buds 2a are equipped with ANC, a twist-to-adjust stabilizer, and the Tensor A1 chipset. They integrate with Gemini AI tools, and offer an IP54 rating. Don't let the word "budget" fool you, the Buds 2a offer up to 10 hours of music playback per charge, an easily repaired charging case, Binaural audio support, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity with Multipoint switching. Unlike the Pixel 10 series, Google has made some big changes to the A-series buds with its latest entry. One change that's immediately noticeable is the design, which has adopted a new look. Google has replaced the old wingtips with stabilizers and added cutouts. Overall, it's harder to visually tell the difference between the 2a and the Pro 2. These earbuds will be available in your choice of Iris or Hazel and will come with four eartips for a comfortable fit.

Google Just Gave Its Pixel Buds 2a Something Everyone Needs in Wireless Earbuds

If you love not hearing other people around you, you're going to love this generation of Pixel earbuds. Google's annual 'Made by Google' Pixel hardware drop is here, and it's not all about new phones. This year Google's Pixel Buds A-series (the cheaper line of Pixel wireless earbuds) is getting an update with some features that should make them a lot more appealing to anyone looking to save a little bit of money on non-pro earbuds. The biggest addition in the Pixel Buds 2a is active noise cancellation (ANC), which is very much not a cutting-edge feature at this point, but maybe one of the most critical capabilities of any pair of wireless earbuds in the year of our lord 2025. It's hard to believe that any pair of wireless earbuds would dare exist without the option to listen with ANC at this point, but it's still a notable improvement over the last generation, which came out all the way back in 2021. Google says there should also be some sound quality improvements to the Buds 2a thanks to the addition of a new Tensor A1 chip, including more bass, but it's hard to say how drastic the improvement is until we hear for ourselves. Notably, Google also says the Tensor A1 will lead to significant battery life gains gen-over-gen. Specifically, Google says you can now get 7 hours of playback with ANC activated, which is a solid amount of timeâ€"most wireless earbuds in this price range get between 6 and 6.5 hours typically. One thing I love to see here is that Google made the battery replaceable on its case, which is surprisingly a rare thing in the world of wireless audio. Batteries are often the first thing to bite the dust on any gadget, so being able to replace the battery when it inevitably goes kaput is a big win for longevityâ€"especially if you're not in the market for a new pair of wireless earbuds in the first place. Naturally, given Google's emphasis on AI, there are some Gemini tie-ins here. With the Pixel Buds 2a, you'll be able to summon Gemini as a voice assistant on your Pixel phone to do stuff like summarize your messages. Again, not a novel feature by any means. but nice to have. Speaking of nice to have, the Pixel Buds 2a will also be the smallest and lightest A-series buds yet thanks to a notable redesign. Oh, and these wireless earbuds will come in two new colors: Iris and Hazel. It's not all about the Buds 2a; the Pixel Buds 2 Pro will get a minor update with a new color, Moonstone, and Google says a software update dropping next month will bring improvements to various features on the buds. The Moonstone version of the Pixel Buds 2 Pro can be preordered today for $229 and will be in stores starting August 28. As for the Pixel Buds 2a, there's nothing groundbreaking on paper, but they seem fairly solid based on what we know. The biggest question will be how the new Tensor A1 chip affects sound. There are a lot of wireless earbuds in the $130-150 range, so Google has a lot of competition to that end. If you're dying to hear the improvement for yourself, you can preorder the Pixel Buds 2a right now or wait until October 9, when they hit shelves officially.

Google's New $130 Pixel Buds 2a Have ANC

The Pixel Buds A-Series are great, but they lacked one big thing compared to their Pro relatives: active noise cancellation. This is now becoming commonplace in mid-range and even budget earbuds, and Google's new mid-range earbuds, the Pixel Buds 2a, are finally addressing that complaint. Google has announced the Pixel Buds 2a, the successors to the Pixel Buds A-Series after a long four years, and they are quite the improvement over their predecessors. Perhaps the biggest improvement here is the fact that we now have active noise cancellation. This has been a common feature in the Pro range, but not so much in Google's cheaper earbuds. I personally find the Pixel Buds Pro 2's ANC to be particularly good even when compared to some more expensive competitors. With ANC not being a "premium" feature anymore, it's good to see Google finally bring it to the A-Series earbuds. There's also a transparency mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings when needed. Audio is delivered through custom-designed 11 mm dynamic speaker drivers. For further audio customization, you can access a 5-band equalizer to adjust bass, treble, and other frequencies. The earbuds also support stereo spatial audio on compatible Pixel devices. At the core of the new earbuds is the Google Tensor A1 processor, which powers both audio processing and advanced AI features. The earbuds have hands-free access to Gemini, which lets you quickly ask questions, get answers, or get directions without your phone, though it still needs to connect to your phone with an Internet connection to work properly. In case you're wondering, yes, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are also getting Gemini support through a software update. For calls, there are two microphones per earbud, wind-blocking mesh covers, and AI-driven noise reduction for what Google calls "Clear Calling". The Pixel Buds 2a are its smallest and lightest A-Series earbuds yet. The design, according to Google, was tweaked using data from over 45 million ear scans, so these should, in theory, be more comfortable throughout long wear sessions compared to the Pixel Buds A-Series. If you want to secure them a tad more while you're working out, the earbuds feature a "twist-to-adjust" stabilizer and come with four eartip sizes (extra small, small, medium, and large). The earbuds have an IP54 sweat and water resistance rating, while the charging case is rated IPX4. Battery life should also be pretty good, though ANC will cut into that, as with any other pair of wireless headphones or earbuds. With ANC turned off, the earbuds provide up to 10 hours of listening time, extending to a total of 27 hours with the charging case. With ANC enabled, the listening time is up to 7 hours, or a total of 20 hours with the case. A 5-minute charge in the case can deliver up to 1 hour of listening time with ANC enabled. Again, this will vary depending on your specific usage. Google says the batteries in the charging case are replaceable, so if they ever start going bad, a repair and a battery replacement should actually be possible. Many earbuds are extremely repair-unfriendly and just wind up in landfills, so if that's true, it's a nice chance of pace. Full feature access requires a companion phone running Android 6.0 or newer, a Google Account, and an internet connection, but they work with any Bluetooth device if you don't care too much about Gemini. And they cost a mere $130, so they're actually pretty cheap considering the package you're getting. They are now available for pre-order on the Google Store. Source: Google

4 shiny new features coming soon to Pixel Buds Pro 2

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are some of my favorite earbuds. When they launched last year, they marked a big leap for Google's audio lineup. At a time when great audio quality is table stakes, these earphones lean into intelligence, adaptability, and deep integration with your everyday life. They're designed not just to play music or handle calls but to act as smarter, more useful companions throughout your day by leveraging Google's AI-powered assistants. And this year, Google is making them even better. With a new software update rolling out soon, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is set to be supercharged with tighter Gemini integration, gesture-based call and text responses, tools to enhance audio quality, and features that protect your hearing. Instead of launching a brand-new product, Google is focused on improving the pair you already own (or plan to buy), signaling a clear shift in the company's approach to hardware. Here's everything you should keep an eye out for. 4 Gemini Live interactions Better AI interactions make the Pixel Buds Pro 2 a perfect everyday assistant Google is all-in on AI, and the centerpiece of the upcoming software update is the Pixel Buds Pro 2's hands-free Gemini access. Instead of unlocking your phone or pulling up an app, you can summon Google's AI assistant directly through your earbuds. Whether you need to draft a quick idea, check your calendar, or build a grocery list, Gemini Live is always just a voice command away. Think of things like drafting a quick idea into a Google Keep note, adding a Google Calendar appointment, and more. While much of that has been possible already, Google is improving the experience dramatically with its upcoming software update. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 will soon use advanced audio filtering and processing to prioritize your voice in high ambient noise settings. That means you could be walking down a crowded street or be at a busy café, and the on-board processing will eliminate background noise and prioritize your voice so that your conversations continue without you having to raise your voice. This also makes Gemini far more practical as an everyday assistant, as using AI tools in noisy environments often leads to frustration. Be it constant repetition, pulling your phone out to type a query, or ignoring it altogether, improving the listening experience ensures that the earbuds fix the biggest point of friction and let you use Gemini like a genuine personal assistant rather than a fussy piece of software that doesn't quite work. While people who already use Gemini in their workflow would benefit from it, I can see it bringing more users into the fold as well. 3 Answering calls and texts without touch A big boost to accessibility If you've ever felt the frustration of having to take a phone call while moving groceries or holding a laptop in your hand, this upcoming feature is for you. You'll soon be able to answer calls or reply to messages using nothing more than a nod or a shake of your head. Coming in September, the upcoming software update will unlock the full capabilities of the earphones' built-in accelerometers and sensors, allowing the earphones to read and react to gestures subtly. If you are cooking, carrying bags, or don't want to reach for your phone or earphones, you can nod to accept the call or shake your head to decline it. Simple as that. Going a step beyond, these gestures will also apply to text messages, letting you send a standardized reply to incoming messages. Paired with Google's other telephony-related enhancements like Clear Calling, these features make interacting with your earphones more natural and less disruptive to your ongoing workflow. Moreover, gesture controls might sound like a novelty, but they can quickly become second nature after you start using them. Think riding a bike or being on a crowded train. You no longer need to reach out for your earphones to tap them. It's also an excellent accessibility addition for users who might otherwise find it difficult to reach their earphones. 2 Adaptive audio No more switching noise cancellation modes As someone who works in a café often enough, this is one feature that I'm particularly looking forward to. Switching between active noise cancellation and transparency mode has always been extremely annoying to me. Placing a coffee order, switching to transparency mode, back to noise cancellation, speaking to someone across the table, back to transparency mode, you catch my drift. Google is attempting to eliminate that with its upcoming Adaptive Audio feature. With this setting switched on, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be able to analyze your surroundings and change how much sound passes through automatically. So, if you're talking to someone, the earphones should automatically switch to transparency mode. Stepping out on the street with blaring traffic, it'll seamlessly transition to and boost the noise-canceling feature depending on the ambient noise levels and needs. This subtle transition might sound like an obvious feature, but I'm glad that Google is finally implementing and making it a key part of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 experience. I can see myself using it all the time. 1 Loud noise protection Keep your ears protected Alongside seamless transitions between the various noise-canceling features, Google is also placing a lot of focus on ear health. The new Loud Noise protection feature automatically dampens sharp, unexpected sounds. Think walking past a construction site, or a blaring ambulance, or perhaps fireworks going off, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will instantly soften to protect your ears instead of blasting through at full volume. If you find yourself out and about often enough, this feature is one to watch out for when it rolls out in September, as it has serious potential to protect your ear health while still offering excellent sound quality. While the feature might sound like a gimmick, lasting hearing damage through sudden high-volume spikes is a real issue. By filtering them out in real time, the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 should offer a tangible benefit to hearing health. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 proves that you don't need fresh hardware for major updates Google's approach to the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is interesting as it underlines the philosophy that hardware is effectively a solved problem and real advances are made through software. It also prevents making devices like earbuds a disposable gadget that loses value after a year or two. Longevity and upgrades through software matter just as much as hyped-up new hardware releases. Especially with the upcoming software update for the Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google is pushing wireless earbuds into a new role. They are no longer just a way to listen to music or take a call, and are being positioned as personal companions that respond to gestures, offer ear health protection, integrate deeply into your AI workflows, and more. Some of the top upcoming features, like better Gemini Live, gesture-based call and text responses, adaptive audio, and loud noise protection, are incredibly subtle, yet smart improvements that are poised to make life much easier. While Google isn't announcing a fresh new pair of earphones this year, the upcoming software updates are set to give your existing pair or a new pair of Pixel Buds Pro 2 a fresh lease on life and a whole range of software features geared towards making them more aware, personal, and helpful. Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Like Follow Followed Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 8.5 / 10 Battery Life 8 hours with ANC (30 hours with case) Noise Cancellation Yes, active Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.4 Microphones Yes The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 features an enhanced design, new audio drivers, and new AI features. $230 at Best Buy Expand Collapse

Google Pixel Buds 2a announced -- and they could the best budget earbuds of the year

It looks like the AirPods 4 have another competitor to worry about. Google just announced its latest pair of affordable earbuds, the Google Pixel Buds 2a. They seem to be improved in just about every way, too, with some key extras that could be the nail in Apple's sub-$130 earbuds coffin. Yup, the price is $130 instead of the $99 for the original Pixel Buds A-Series. But it looks like it's given Google the opportunity to pack the buds with loads of extra features in an attempt to make our best wireless earbuds list. From ANC and Google Gemini AI assistant to a completely new fit, here's everything that's new with the Pixel Buds 2a. The Google Pixel Buds A-series did not launch with ANC. Instead, it was a feature reserved for those who spent $100 more for the Google Pixel Buds Pro That's all changed now -- the Google Pixel Buds 2a are going to feature what Google calls "Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5." The ANC was impressive on the Buds Pro, so things are looking pretty rosy for the Pixel Buds 2a. It's all thanks to the Tensor A1 chip from the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which brings some extra bonuses along the way. Improved call quality is one, which is boosted more thanks to "wind-blocking mesh covers." Previous call quality was good but not impeccable, so I'm excited to see this AI boosted version when I put them in my ears. Google claims there's going to be a "significant leap forward in audio performance" thanks to a new custom speaker driver and a "high frequency chamber." Google's buds have always lagged slightly behind when it comes to their audio quality, so a boost in musical fidelity is always welcome. Unfortunately, there's no mention of spatial audio, so it looks like Google made a choice between ANC and surround sound. Apple chose spatial audio over noise canceling, while Google has done the opposite. Gotta say that I'm with Google on this one -- I'll always take a quieter commute over more spacious audio. As you'd expect from something with the Pixel name, there's Gemini built into the Pixel Buds 2a. Just say "Hey Google," and you can ask for just about anything. As long as it's not a pet whale. Instead, you could ask Gemini where the nearest coffee shop is, and then receive directions without having to reach for your phone. Maybe you're looking for the best place to buy comic books -- just ask Gemini. It's already packed into the A-series, but it looks to gert a performance boost here. You could be very easily fooled into thinking that the Pixel Buds 2a are the Pixel Buds Pro 2. They both now feature the "twist to adjust stabilizer," which makes the buds much easier to fit into your ears. It also makes sure they stay in without falling out for a much more secure fit. They're also smaller and lighter than the first pair of A-series buds, and feature IP54 dust and water resistance so that you can take them for a run without worrying that your sweat will break them. There are two colors this time around -- Iris and Hazel -- similar to the brand new Pixel 10 phones. The cases match the buds' color, and I think their almost ceramic, matte tones look very fetching. The battery life in the Pixel Buds A-series wasn't very good. There were rated for only 5 hours of use, and that's without any form of ANC. The Pixel Buds 2a should get 7 hours of use out of the buds with the ANC turned on, and 10 hours when you turn the ANC off. There's an extra 20 hours in the charging case. That's a whole lot more than the 5 hours of the AirPods 4, although not quite as much as the Sony WF-C710N. Still, any increase in battery life is most welcome, and the staying power here is very good. They'll connect super easily with your Pixel phone, and "seamlessly switch" between your other devices with multipoint. Fast pair means you just have to move the buds case close to your phone or tablet, and they'll connect in seconds. Find Hub means that you can locate the earbuds on a map, a lot like Apple's Find My. They'll even ring when you're close to make them even easier to find. So pretty much every single issue that I had with the Pixel Buds A-series has been addressed with this new version -- but it has come at a price. The Buds 2a start at $129, compared to $99 for the previous model. That makes them the same price as the AirPods 4 and the Sony WF-C710N, although all those new features make them an excellent buy. You can pre-oder a pair now, but they'll land on shelves October 9th.

I tried Google's Pixel Buds 2a, and these budget earbuds offer my favorite parts of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in a cheaper package

Just days after Samsung made its Samsung made its Galaxy Buds 3 FE official, Google's ushering in a new pair of similarly affordable, value-oriented earbuds, and I got to briefly try them. That's right, the Pixel Buds 2a are officially official with a much more compact carrying case and in-ear design that resembles the more expensive Pixel Buds 2 Pro. Google's Pixel Buds 2a are priced at $129 / £129 / AU$239 and are up for preorder right now. However, just like the just-announced Pixel Watch 4 or Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and even the Pixel Buds 2 Pro in 2024, these earbuds won't ship until October. Specifically, October 9, 2025, is the Pixel Buds 2a's actual launch and when deliveries are expected to begin. Even with a long time to wait, there is a lot to like here, especially factoring in the price you pay. It starts with the overall design. The Pixel Buds 2a take up less space than the original Pixel Buds A earbuds and were easy to place in my ears. I especially like that the twistable stabilizer has trickled down from the Pixel Buds 2 Pro and allows you to sort of lock these in your ear for when you'll be active, or to choose a slightly looser fit for gentler use. There is an ear-tip fit test you can conduct in the companion app for Android devices, and Google ships four ear tips in the box. I wouldn't sleep on the fun new Iris color option (shown above), either. It's more of a light lilac in person, but I especially like the subtle pop of color it provides. Pixel Buds 2a are also coming in Hazel, which is a shade of black (shown below). You'll also find a "G" for Google engraved on each bud, and that same spot has a capacitive touch sensor for controls, such as pausing music or engaging Google Gemini, though you can also call upon the AI to help using the phrase, 'Hey Google.' Google's also stepping up battery life here - Pixel Buds 2a should last for 10 hours on a full charge or for up to 27 hours with recharges in the case, though that's with active noise cancellation turned off. With it on, you're looking at seven hours from the buds and 20 hours from the case. The carrying case is smaller and very palm-able, making the buds even more tempting to take every with you. The case recharges via a USB-C port and, like the Pixel Watch 4, now has a battery that can be replaced, making it more serviceable for long-term use. Aiding in the improved battery life over the previous Google Pixel Buds A-Series is the Google Tensor A1 chip. It should make things a bit more efficient and speed up responsiveness, but it also powers another new feature - active noise cancellation. Google promises that ANC on the Pixel Buds 2a is as good as the first-generation Pixel Buds Pro, and we'll need to put that to the test. Without music playing, though, I was able to engage the ANC on the Buds 2a, and it brought a fairly packed hands-on space to a whisper. It put me in the zone, to a degree, and with a track playing it should be even more effective, though Google didn't allow us to play music during this early look, which obviously means we'll be holding off from a full verdict until we can do our full review. The Pixel Buds 2a will also feature a transparency mode for times when you want to let in environmental noise or someone chatting with you. While I didn't get to try audio playback on the Pixel Buds 2a, we do know that an 11mm dynamic driver powers the experience, and these affordable earbuds will boast an adjustable five-band equalizer via the app. For when you want to be immersed in sound, spatial audio is supported here as well, though it only works with certain Pixel devices (from Pixel 6 and later). And if you misplace the case, you can see the location on a map, and if the earbuds are inside, you can ping it to have it play a sound. This way, the game of hide and seek will be done a little quicker. On paper, the Pixel Buds 2a are shaping up to be a pretty compelling pair of earbuds, but even at $129 / £129 / AU$239, these are entering a pretty packed world of the best earbuds, with strong options at the same price and lower. As we approach the official launch and arrival date of October 9, 2025, we'll put the Pixel Buds 2a through their paces and see just how good these new Google earbuds are. If you're sold, though, the Google Pixel Buds 2a are up for pre-order now in either Iris or Hazel.

Google Pixel Buds 2a could be the world's smartest $129 ANC earbuds

Noise cancellation, Gemini AI smarts and a 27-hour battery life - what's the catch, Google? As well as pulling the cloth off its Pixel 10 smartphone lineup, Google has just revealed its latest budget wireless earbuds - and they appear to be proper little smarty pants, the emphasis on 'little' and, even more so, 'smart'. Indeed, the all-new Pixel Buds 2a, which arrive as the successors to the 2021-released Pixel Buds A‑Series and join the flagship Pixel Buds Pro 2 in Google's two-strong earbuds lineup, could well be the smartest-ever earbuds available for a price tag as modest as $129. Recommended Videos I haven't yet seen, let alone heard, the latest Google earbuds - they are almost as fresh into the world as these words and, by the way, aren't available to buy until October 9th. But their on-paper offering has already raised my eyebrows (I sadly don't have the facial skills to raise one at a time) and had me muttering, "What's the catch?" Allow me to very briefly set the budget wireless earbuds scene for you: there are plenty that cost $129 or less, but few of those have active noise cancellation onboard, fewer deliver a total battery life above 24 hours, and fewer still offer AI features. So the fact that the Pixel Buds 2a boast all of those things, and wrap them up into a compact and seemingly smart, Google-standard aesthetic, is why I will be lining up to try them out. Unprecedented intelligence So, noise-canceling technology comes to Google's A-Series model for the first time, alongside a Transparency mode that allows owners to temporarily easily hear useful sounds (a station platform announcement, say) without having to remove the buds from their ears. That's a notable one-up on the price-matching AirPods 4. It's doubtful that the Pixel Buds 2a will perform the exact same level of sound-blocking tech as their more premium sibling, considering Google names their ANC 'Silent Seal 1.5' compared to the Buds Pro 2's 'Silent Seal 2.0', but if they can get even close to the same effectiveness in reducing street noise and office chit-chat, I'd say that's a boon for the new budget buds. Google has sensibly tapped into its AI abilities to integrate its Gemini AI assistant, allowing owners of compatible smartphones running the Gemini app to get answers to questions, have emails read out, and conversations translated, for example, through the earbuds. I remember it all working very well in the Pixel Buds A-Series, so four years down the line I'm intrigued to see how far the seamlessness of such conversation-like exchanges has come. Find Hub, which can pinpoint the precise location of your earbuds on a map if you misplace them, is another smart extra, in a similar vein to Apple's Find My for its AirPods 4. Powering all this capability is a Tensor A1 chip (at the heart of the Buds Pro 2 too), which is also partly responsible for the Buds 2a's generous battery claims of seven hours (in the earbuds) and 20 hours (with the case) with ANC on, and 10 and 27 hours respectively with ANC off. If these purported figures translate to real-world use, that's another big tick in a box for the Buds 2a. What about unprecedented performance? Of course, what's the point of such durability and feature competence if they don't perform their core job well: playing music. I was pleasantly surprised by the A-Series' clear, detailed and somewhat lively sound when I first heard them upon their debut, but the uber-competitive budget wireless earbuds category waits for no one, and Google will certainly need to have bumped up its audio performance here if it's to compete with today's $100-$150 Sonys, AirPods and Soundcores in the sound department. There are promising signs - 'redesigned acoustics', a decently sized (11mm) dynamic driver, and even some sort of stereo 'spatial audio' effect when partnered with the Pixel Tablet and Pixel 6 and newer phones - so I very much hope they back up their apparent cleverness with audio competitiveness. Indeed, if Google hasn't compromised that in order to pack these smart Tensor A1 chip-powered features and their supposedly lightest, smallest A-Series design (with IP54 water resistance!) into a $129 package, we could be a) looking at the most sophisticated and appealing budget earbuds yet - at least for non-Apple device users, and b) wondering how Google will advance all of this for its next pair of Pixel Buds Pro.

Google Pixel Buds 2a hands on: strong earbuds at a compelling price

If you've been looking at Google's new Pixel 10 phones, you may have also seen that the company unveiled the new Google Pixel Buds 2a. Built to offer the best parts of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 experience at a much more affordable price, the Pixel Buds 2a offer Active Noise Cancellation, excellent battery life, and some impressive reparability chops. Recommended Videos This is paired with a new redesign build, two color choices, strong sweat and water resistance, and the same Tensor A1 chip as Google's Pro headphones. Despite several new improvements, the Buds 2a are available at an incredibly affordable price. I spent half an hour with Google's new entry-level headphones at its event in New York City, and they've left me impressed. Here's the Buds 2a key specs, and why I'm excited: Google Pixel Buds 2a Key specs It's all about the Tensor A1 and Active Noise Cancellation If there's one sole reason you should buy the Pixel Buds 2a, it's the Tensor A1 chipset, which is found in each earbud. Google's custom chipset makes its way from the Buds Pro 2 to the Buds 2a and brings with it the biggest highlight feature for Google's entry-level buds: Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) with Silent Seal. The Tesnor A1 is paired with a custom-designed speaker driver and a new high-frequency chamber, which maximizes the quality of music and vocal reproduction. Google also claims that the wind-blocking mesh covers work in tandem with on-device AI to ensure that call quality is not impacted by background noise. However, it's unclear whether the drop from three mics to two mics per bud in the Buds 2a will affect the call quality. Of course, you won't always want ANC enabled, so there's also a new transparency mode (for the first time on the A-series), which is ideal for when you want to hear your environment (e.g., when walking in a city ) or when someone is chatting with you. The battery is vastly improved Of course, Active Noise Cancellation comes at the expense of battery life, but even here, Google has struck the right balance. Crucially, the new Buds 2a offer more than double the battery life of the original Pixel Buds A. The Buds 2a should last for 10 hours on a full charge with Active Noise Cancellation disabled, while the case can extend this by an additional 20 hours. If you choose to have ANC enabled, this drops to seven hours from the buds and up to 20 hours total, including recharging with the case. The carrying case is small and very reminiscent of the Pixel Buds 2 Pro and recharges via a USB-C port at the bottom. Google hasn't specified how long the case will take to recharge to full, but did say that a 5-minute charge in the case can offer enough battery life for 1 hour of listening with ANC enabled. Strong hardware, complete with Find My The Pixel Buds 2a feature an 11mm dynamic driver for excellent audio playback, as well as a five-band equalizer that can be customized via the app. There's also support for spatial audio if you have a Pixel 6 or later; before you get excited, however, this feature is limited to just Google's phones. One of my biggest frustrations with small charging cases is what happens when you lose them. Apple solved this by adding the AirPods charging case to the Find My network, and Google has followed suit with the Pixel Buds 2a charging case. Although the new Pixel 10 Pro Fold gains IP68 dust and water resistance, the Pixel Buds 2a feature an IP54 rating, which should protect against sweat and water damage during workouts. The case isn't quite as durable, but IPX4 should still keep it fairly protected. One of the most interesting Pixel Buds 2a features is in the case, as it joins the new Pixel Watch 4 and features a battery in the case that can be easily removed. However, this isn't something you can do as a user, and rather, you'll need to send this off to Google or an authorized third-party repair center. Google says this should help extend the lifespan of the Pixel Buds 2a. Strong sound at a compelling price The Pixel Buds 2a are a fascinating product. They offer most of the Pixel Buds 2 Pro experience at a more affordable price, set new repairability standards for earbuds, and feature strong ANC and hardware. All of this is priced at just $129, and while there are many excellent earbuds in the market, the Pixel Buds 2a has every chance of challenging the best earbuds once it goes on sale on October 9. If you choose to buy the Pixel Buds 2a, they are available in two colors: the new Purple-like Iris color is striking, but if you want something more reserved, the Hazel color is the one to pick.

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

The Pixel Buds 2a are a little more expensive than their predecessor. 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. 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.) 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. 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.

The Google Pixel Buds 2a inherits enough Pro features it could be a must-buy | Stuff

It's not just Google's A-series smartphones that are creeping out of affordable territory. The new Pixel Buds 2a wireless earbuds have seen a modest price hike over their predecessors, but in return bring most of what makes the firm's Pro in-ears such a great choice for Android owners. They're also Google's first audio effort with a replaceable battery, bringing a welcome boost to sustainability. The successor to the Pixel Buds A-Series take their design cues from the more recent Pixel Buds Pro 2, including the twist-to-fit shape that should keep 'em nicely wedged into your ear canals even while you're working out. They slot into Google's smallest Pixel Buds case yet, and have IP54 resistance to cope with sweaty exercise as well as unexpected rain showers. While you shouldn't need to swap out the case's battery for at least a few years, being able to do so at all makes these earphones more environmentally friendly than anything Apple and Samsung - or Sony and Bose, for that matter - currently make. That said, the buds themselves are still destined for the scrapheap once their cells give up the ghost. Google reckons you should get seven hours of ANC-on listening from the buds themselves, or 20 hours with a few trips to the charging case. That's right, these are the first A-series earbuds with active noise cancellation. Google's Silent Seal 1.5 tech and Tensor A1 chipset should work together to deliver almost as much background chatter deletion as the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can manage. Wind-blocking mesh covers will help keep voice calls clear, too. Sound comes courtesy of a custom 11mm dynamic driver, paired with an acoustic chamber that should help maintain a decent amount of low-end oomph. Google is promising a five-band custom equaliser through its companion app, for those who like to tweak things to their own tastes. They've got all the software goodies you'd expect from Google, including dual device Multipoint connectivity, Android Fast Pair, Find Hub support in case you misplace them, and support for the Gemini AI voice assistant. The Pixel Buds 2a will launch on October 9 for $130/£129. You'll be able to snag a pair in Hazel or Iris colours. Google also has something for fans of the pricer, more feature-packed Pixel Buds Pro 2. They're now available in a Moonstone colour, to better match the Pixel 10 smartphone line, and get a bunch of new software upgrades. You can start a Gemini Live voice chat directly on the buds themselves, responding with a shake of the head for no or a nod for yes; unread text and notification summaries can be read out, saving you from reaching for your phone; and an Adaptive Audio listening mode adjusts the noise cancelling to your surroundings. The updated Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be on sale soon for $230/£229. Existing owners can expect the new features to arrive as an over-the-air update.