Google Pixel Buds 2a specifications and in-depth review

Google Pixel Buds 2a

Manufacturer: Google

The Google Pixel Buds 2a are a pair of true wireless earbuds designed for everyday use. These earbuds feature a snug in-ear fit and come with wingtips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit during activities. With their sleek, lightweight design at just 9.4 grams, they are sweat-resistant, making them a practical choice for workouts and outdoor use.

In terms of performance, the Pixel Buds 2a deliver high-quality sound with active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise isolation, powered by an 11mm driver unit. The earbuds offer up to 10 hours of continuous playback and 27 hours with the charging case, with fast charging capabilities for convenience. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, they support seamless connectivity, while features like ambient sound mode and a 4-microphone array with noise-canceling capabilities enhance the user experience.

Pros
  • True wireless design for a completely cable-free listening experience.
  • Includes ambient sound mode for awareness of surroundings while using the earbuds.
  • Fast charging support allows for quick power-ups when in a hurry.
  • Equipped with a noise-canceling microphone for clearer calls and recordings.
  • Compact and lightweight at 9.4 grams, providing comfort during long listening sessions.
  • Comes with a travel bag for convenient storage and portability.
Cons
  • No wireless charging support for more convenient charging options.
  • Does not support advanced audio technologies like LDAC or Dolby Atmos.
  • Limited battery life with ANC on, lasting only up to 7 hours.
  • No built-in translator or notification reading capabilities.
  • No NFC pairing support for faster connection with compatible devices.
Who is this for?

The Google Pixel Buds 2a are ideal for users seeking a lightweight, comfortable pair of true wireless earbuds with a focus on call clarity and sound isolation. The inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC) and a noise-canceling microphone makes these earbuds a great option for people who often take calls in noisy environments or who prefer a more immersive listening experience. Their sweat-resistant build and long battery life also make them suitable for gym-goers and outdoor activities.

Who is this NOT for?

These earbuds may not be the best choice for users who demand advanced audio features like LDAC support or spatial audio, as the Google Pixel Buds 2a do not support these technologies. Additionally, those looking for a more flexible charging experience may find the lack of wireless charging a limitation. Users who need very long battery life while using ANC continuously, or those requiring full integration with device notifications, may also find these earbuds lacking in their capabilities.

Design:

Fit In-ear
Ingress Protection (IP) rating IP54, IPX4
water resistance Sweat resistant
weight 9.4 g
has no wires or cables
are neckband earbuds
wingtips included
has RGB lighting
has stereo speakers
has UV light
Has a display

The Google Pixel Buds 2a offer a true wireless design with a secure in-ear fit and include wingtips for added stability during use. These earbuds are sweat-resistant, rated with an IP54 and IPX4 ingress protection, making them ideal for workouts or outdoor activities. Weighing just 9.4 grams, they are lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions. Notably, the Pixel Buds 2a do not feature neckbands or RGB lighting, maintaining a simple, streamlined design.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)
has passive noise reduction
driver unit size 11 mm
lowest frequency 20 Hz
highest frequency 20000 Hz
supports spatial audio
has Dolby Atmos
has Dirac Virtuo
has a neodymium magnet

The Google Pixel Buds 2a deliver clear and immersive sound with their 11 mm driver unit, producing a frequency range from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. They feature both active noise cancellation (ANC) and passive noise reduction to enhance the listening experience, blocking out unwanted ambient sound. However, they do not support spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, or Dirac Virtuo, focusing instead on delivering solid, straightforward sound quality.

Power:

Battery life 10 hours
Battery life of charging case 27 hours
Battery life (ANC) 7 hours
has wireless charging
Has a solar power battery
has a battery level indicator
has a rechargeable battery

The Google Pixel Buds 2a offer a battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge, with an additional 27 hours provided by the charging case. When using active noise cancellation (ANC), the battery lasts for up to 7 hours. While these earbuds do not support wireless or solar charging, they feature a rechargeable battery and a battery level indicator to keep you informed of remaining power.

Connectivity:

has fast pairing
Has USB Type-C
Bluetooth version 5.4
has LDAC
has LDHC
has Bluetooth LE Audio
has aptX Adaptive
has aptX Low Latency
has aptX HD
has aptX
has aptX Lossless
has aptX Voice
has Auracast
maximum Bluetooth range 10 m
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC
Can be used wirelessly
has AAC

The Google Pixel Buds 2a are equipped with Bluetooth 5.4 for reliable wireless connectivity and offer a maximum Bluetooth range of 10 meters. They also support fast pairing for quick and easy connection with compatible devices. The earbuds feature a USB Type-C port for charging but do not support technologies like LDAC, NFC pairing, or aptX codecs.

Features:

release date August 2025
has ambient sound mode
has find device feature
Supports fast charging
can read notifications
Has a built-in translator
has a mute function
can be used as a headset
control panel placed on a device
Has voice prompts
travel bag is included
Has a temperature sensor
Has a built-in camera remote control function

The Google Pixel Buds 2a come equipped with several useful features, including ambient sound mode for awareness of surroundings and a find device feature to locate lost earbuds. They also support fast charging for quick power-ups, and offer a mute function for calls or music. Additional features include the ability to use the earbuds as a headset, a control panel placed on a device, and voice prompts to guide you through operations. A travel bag is included for convenience, though the earbuds do not support reading notifications or a built-in translator.

Microphone:

number of microphones 4
has a noise-canceling microphone

The Google Pixel Buds 2a feature a 4-microphone array designed to capture clear audio, even in noisy environments. These earbuds are equipped with a noise-canceling microphone that helps reduce background noise during calls and recordings, ensuring better communication quality.

Final Verdict

The Google Pixel Buds 2a offer a solid and reliable true wireless earbud experience, with notable strengths such as active noise cancellation and a noise-canceling microphone for clear calls and immersive listening. Their lightweight design, comfortable fit, and sweat-resistant build make them well-suited for active users and those looking for a hassle-free, everyday audio solution. While they lack some advanced features like wireless charging and LDAC support, they deliver dependable performance for casual listeners and users seeking straightforward functionality. Overall, these earbuds are a practical choice for those prioritizing comfort, call quality, and solid sound isolation in their wireless audio experience.

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