The new Buds arrive with a refreshed design, active noise cancellation (ANC), and spatial audio support, all significant upgrades over the original. But the earbuds market in 2025 is vastly different from what it was in 2021 — and with a $30 price bump over their predecessors, the Pixel Buds 2a aren’t quite the value-packed proposition you might hope for.
Design & Build: Smaller, Sleeker, More Practical
The Pixel Buds 2a have undergone a noticeable redesign, with both the earbuds and the charging case now smaller and lighter. The case retains Google’s signature smooth, pebble-like shape and, unlike bulkier options from brands like Bose, easily slips into a pocket. They’re small enough to become your go-to “why not?” earbuds — the kind you grab on your way out the door, even if you’re not sure you’ll use them.
The matte finish on the case feels secure in hand and hides most smudges, while the only glossy plastic is tucked safely inside. It’s a tried-and-true design, and I especially appreciate that Google managed to hide a replaceable battery under the main shell — not hot-swappable, but potentially extending the case’s life for years. Sadly, the same can’t be said for the buds themselves, but that’s the price of true wireless convenience.
The earbuds are now significantly smaller and more comfortable than the first-gen A-series. Those earlier buds, while lightweight, became painful after less than an hour due to their bulky size and long stabilizing wing tips. The Buds 2a, however, fit naturally and securely. The smaller wing tips actually improve grip and prevent slippage, even during workouts. Google’s recommended “insert and twist” method keeps them stable with little effort.
Comfort will vary by ear shape, but Google has done an excellent job creating stemless earbuds that feel light, stable, and unobtrusive — without suffering from major flaws like poor battery life or weak microphones. The tips aren’t replaceable, but they’re small enough that few users will find them uncomfortable, and four ear tip sizes ensure a decent fit for most.
Controls: A Frustrating Weak Spot
There’s still room for improvement before Google gets the Buds 2a hardware just right. Touch controls remain a major flaw. For the second generation in a row, physical volume control is locked behind the pricier Pro models. You can tap to play/pause or skip tracks, and press-and-hold to toggle ANC, but volume adjustments require your phone’s buttons or voice commands — and no one in 2025 should have to say “turn up the volume” out loud.
Even worse, the touch system is inconsistent and unreliable. During testing, taps often failed to register, and the buds sometimes confused taps for holds (and vice versa). The result: music that won’t pause, ANC toggling unintentionally, and general frustration. This is precisely why many rivals have moved back to stem-based controls.
Still, I appreciate that Google is sticking to a minimalist, stemless design. It makes these earbuds perfect for lying in bed or resting your head against a plane window without discomfort. Despite their flaws, there’s a lot to like about the Buds 2a’s design.
Software & Battery: Clean, Seamless, Very Google
I’ve been using the Buds 2a with a Pixel 10 since launch, and — unsurprisingly — they deliver one of the smoothest Android experiences available. Initial setup had a minor hiccup (Fast Pair didn’t trigger automatically), but beyond that, everything worked flawlessly. The buds connect almost instantly when removed from the case, and all settings are integrated directly into Android’s system menus — no separate app required.
Quick tweaks take a second longer without a companion app (unless you add the Pixel Buds widget), but I prefer that over cluttering my app drawer. The interface — styled with Google’s latest Material Design — is cleaner and more polished than anything most competitors offer. Battery status, transparency controls, EQ settings, and shortcuts are all easy to access.
Some settings worth enabling: multipoint pairing (found under “More Settings”) for switching between devices, and Find My Device support in case the buds go missing.
Gemini support remains unchanged from last year’s Pixel Buds Pro 2. I still think earbuds are the best way to interact with Gemini — no awkward wake phrases needed — but you do still have to say, “Hey Google, let’s chat directly,” to enter Gemini Live. It’s functional but clunky, and I hope Google simplifies it.
Connectivity has been generally reliable, though I did experience occasional signal drops in my kitchen while my phone was on my desk — a rare glitch but worth noting.
Battery life is solid if not exceptional. Google’s estimate of 7 hours with ANC on matches my real-world use. The case, however, is less impressive — its small size limits it to about 20 hours total charge, meaning you’ll likely need to top it up every 2–3 days. And without wireless charging, that’s a missed opportunity.
Audio & ANC: Good — But Never Great
“Good, but not great” is the recurring theme with the Buds 2a’s sound quality. With a balanced EQ, basslines hit with satisfying depth without drowning out mids or highs, but the overall sound profile feels slightly muted and distant, as if there’s a thin barrier between you and the music.
That said, they still deliver enjoyable listening. Guitars feel punchy and alive, synths retain their atmospheric shimmer, and vocals are clear. But you won’t hear every subtle breath or micro-detail the way you would with premium headphones.
ANC performance is similarly middle-of-the-road. It handles steady background noise extremely well — air conditioners, fans, and purifiers virtually disappear, and even vacuum cleaners are heavily reduced. But dynamic, irregular sounds like TV dialogue or keyboard typing remain partially audible, which can be distracting.
Transparency mode fares worse — it’s frankly poor. It struggles to adjust ambient sound levels correctly, often drowning out voices with nearby background noise. Conversations longer than a minute or two will likely have you removing the buds entirely.
Call quality is serviceable. Voices sound clear, though not as crisp as on a phone, and background noise like air conditioning is filtered out. However, louder noises like typing remain audible to the other caller.
Verdict: Pixel Simplicity with Room to Grow
Google may have taken a four-year break from the midrange earbuds market, but its competitors haven’t. Stylish options from Nothing and discounted OnePlus Buds Pro 3 models offer stiff competition — and in some areas, outperform the Buds 2a.
Yet, like the Pixel 10 itself, the Pixel Buds 2a are more than the sum of their parts. I like them far more than their predecessors, and none of their flaws are dealbreakers. Google has built a true all-rounder here — a pair of earbuds that do most things well, if not exceptionally.
At $130, they’re a decent buy. But if you can find them on sale for under $100, they suddenly make a lot more sense — and might just become the go-to Android earbuds for 2025.
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