Google has dropped a new pair of earbuds that do all the good things an A-series product always does, but should you skip the Pixel Buds 2a and go straight to the Pixel Buds 2 Pro? Here’s everything you need to know.
Table of contents
Hardware and design
Think of the latest pair of Pixel Buds as a remix of a remix. The 2020 design has come a long way, but still bears many classic hallmarks. As for the Pixel Buds 2a and the Pixel Buds 2 Pro, these earbuds are very similar but have some key changes to help them stay at various ends of the price spectrum.
A cheaper product usually has some drawbacks or cost-saving changes, and that is true here. The Pixel Buds 2a case is a lot smaller and made from marginally different materials. It’s lighter, almost round, and there is no room for a speaker on the case to help you find it using Find Hub if you misplace it.
Some of the weight differential is due to the lack of wireless charging, which is still disappointing on a $130 pair of earbuds. The hinge is a little less robust, and clasping shut isn’t as secure, but it isn’t insecure. Even the pairing button has a little less travel and doesn’t have quite the same satisfying “click” when you press it. You can sort of tell the materials aren’t quite in the same league as the LED light, and it also isn’t as sharp.
Each earbud has a similar shape. Sizes are marginally adjusted with the new model with an inserted vent and mesh cover. Only two colors are available versus four on the Pro 2.
You might notice that the Buds 2a are a tad thicker and chunkier, and the redesigned stabilizing fin has a bigger overall surface area. This feels like a tweak to address some potential complaints, but it could also be due to some cost-cutting measures around using specific materials. Something to note is that the metal-painted vent covers on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are still prone to scuffs and dings. Paint can even rub off here, which this adjusted design addresses.
Even though the dome touch panel is larger, there are some things to note. While the increased surface area is great for touchpad recognition, you miss out on the embossed ‘G’ logo, and swipe gestures are missing for audio controls. You only get tap and long-press gestures. It does limit the experience a little and means you get out your phone or tablet, which can be quicker to make all adjustments simultaneously.
Sound quality
Google has yet to hit a high note with the audio quality on a pair of earbuds yet, so know that you are getting some compromises for a more cohesive software experience on your Android phone – likely a Pixel.
Because they are Google’s flagship audio accessory, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have a lot more going on in the audio and sound stakes, including a low-latency gaming option, a head-tracking Spatial Audio, Adaptive Audio, Loud Noise Protection, Conversation Detection, and the Silent Seal 2.0 tech.
The Pixel Buds 2a come with ANC, a marginally adjusted Silent Seal 1.5 tech, Transparency Mode, Hearing Wellness, Clear Calling, and Spatial Audio. They’re not quite as comprehensive, but they’re still a big jump over the previous Pixel Buds A-series buds.
As we note, the sound and listening experience is acceptable on both pairs of earbuds. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 do sound better in almost every situation. Deeper bass, better handling of the midrange, overall a superior audio product versus the Pixel Buds 2a. That said, the 2a are fine. Fairly inoffensive Bluetooth earbuds. You might not be blown away, but you’ll have a fairly good time. Anecdotally, I find that the spoken word and podcasts sound better on the Pixel Buds 2a than the Pro 2.
One thing to note is that the transparency mode is a major step down. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have arguably the best transparency mode of any wireless earbuds. At times, the sound can be uncanny, how clear it can be. On the Pixel Buds 2a, this is not the case, and you will not get such clear audio when using the transparency function. It does so without your ears feeling plugged. It’s the key selling feature for the Pixel Buds Pro 2 by some margin. ANC is a very welcome upgrade. While it is fairly solid, a good ear seal or fit will eliminate more noise than just using ANC alone.
Comfort and fit
One of the major complaints I have about the Pixel Buds 2 Pro is the that the earbuds almost float in your ears and that can cause some issues with rustling when they are fitted or seated. Another bone of contention is that neither pair are able to sit flush with your ears. Depending on your ears, Tthe Pixel Buds 2a can stick out a little further outwards. This poses some problems for comfort, but also means you might not get a secure fit.
The upgraded screw in fit is better and more comfortable than the old stabilizing arc or fin. This doesn’t dig into your ears quite as drastically. Each earbud sits further back in your ear, too. This means that you can get a more comfortable fit as the Pixel Buds Pro 2 float and protrude outward by a few extra millimeters.
Several hours of wear won’t cause major discomfort for most people, as the “plugged” feeling is less prominent than before.
Battery life and charging
With a smaller carry charge case, comes lots of compromises. The lack of wireless charging for a pair of earbuds at over $100 is a little bit disappointing given how many other competitors are able to offer it. You also miss out on a decent chunk of charging capacity.
We’re seeing around 7 or so hours of battery per earbud when ANC is active on the Pixel Buds 2a at 60% volume. It’s about 9-10 hours on the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Disabling ANC does increase lifespan to around 10 and 12 hours, respectively.
The case is where longevity issues arise, as the 2a case can only offer an extra 20 hours of power. That’s mostly due to the smaller form factor. It’s quite disappointing compared to the 30+ hours you can get from the Buds Pro 2 case.
Pixel Buds 2a vs. Pixel Buds Pro 2: Which earbuds should you buy?
About upgrading: NewGeekGuide often gives specific product recommendations. Sometimes, we may suggest not upgrading, due to various reasons including, but not limited to: increased device cost, negligible performance gains, or environmental impact. Whether to upgrade is always your call, but our aim is to help you make as informed a decision as possible.
Depending on the current pricing of each pair of earbuds, hands down, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a better buy if you can snag a discount. With the greater battery longevity, the improved build quality, and the added features that this brings, it’s hard to see why anyone would pick the Pixel Buds 2a, given the frankly silly $130 price tag.
You do get a competent, cohesive accessory that plays nicely with any Android product. Some people value this more than overall audio quality. Google doesn’t require a dedicated app to access any extra features. Everything is fully accessible from the Settings app, and that is a big reason you might choose either pair of earbuds over a competitor.
That said, alternatives like the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 offer exponentially better audio, and cost just $149 right now. It’s tough to recommend the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or 2a when such high quality options exist and undercut the competition.
For anyone insistent on using Pixel Buds, then the Pro 2 at a discounted $169 are a far better buy than the 2a. It’s tough to recommend the 2a unless you can score a big discount to take the price below that $100 barrier.
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