Google Pixel Buds 2a: Smaller, Lighter Earbuds with Noise Cancelling and Replaceable Case Battery

Google’s Pixel Buds 2a are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable earbuds with active noise cancelling. The charging case features a user-replaceable battery.

The Buds 2a adopt the design of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 at a price of £109 (€129/$129/A$239), undercutting competitors. They are among the smallest earbuds available, with a disc-sized speaker protruding from the ear canal and no stalk.

Each earbud includes a silicone stabiliser for secure fit without pressure on soft tissue, ensuring comfort during extended use and vigorous activity.

The touch-sensitive disc controls playback, noise cancelling, and Gemini access, though it lacks the Pro 2's swipe volume control.

Battery life offers seven hours with ANC on, with the case providing 1.8 additional charges for 20 hours total. The white case shows marks easily.

Specifications include IP54 water resistance, Bluetooth 5.4 (SBC, AAC), 11mm drivers, earbud dimensions of 23.1 x 16 x 17.8mm (4.7g each), and case dimensions of 50 x 57.2 x 24.5mm (47.6g) with USB-C charging.

The Google Tensor A1 chip ensures reliable connectivity with Android, iOS, tablets, consoles, and computers. The Pixel Buds app works on Android; a web app supports other platforms. Multi-device pairing and standard codecs are supported. Call quality is reasonable but quiet in silent areas.

Earbuds integrate with Gemini Live for notifications on compatible phones.

Sustainability features 41% recycled materials. Case battery is replaceable; earbud batteries are not. iFixit rates repairability 4/10. Google provides environmental impact data and free recycling.

Sound quality suits most genres with good bass, separation, and detail, though classical lacks nuance. Spatial audio works without head-tracking on compatible phones.

ANC reduces low-frequency noise effectively for the price but struggles with high tones like keyboard clicks.

Comparisons: Pixel Buds Pro 2 (£169), Nothing Ear 3 (£149), Fairphone Fairbuds (£66.75), Apple AirPods 4 (£119+), AirPods Pro 3 (£219).

The Buds 2a excel in comfort, size, battery, sound, and ANC for everyday use across platforms, with sustainability improvements, despite missing premium features.