When it comes to true wireless earbuds, Google’s Pixel Buds lineup has always been a good choice for Android users. The new Google Pixel Buds 2a aims to bring a touch of premium features down to a mid-range price point of S$199. Let’s dive in and see if these earbuds are worth your hard-earned moolah.
- Price: S$199, get it at Shopee, Lazada and Google Store
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4
- Weight: 5g (earbud), 39g (charging case without earbuds)
| PROS | CONS |
| Good sound quality for its price | No wireless charging |
| Comfortable and secure | Sound falters at high volume |
| Great ANC performance | |
| Sound can be customised with 5-band equaliser |
From far, the Pixel Buds 2a looks similar to its pro cousin Pixel Buds Pro 2. But its pebble-like case is shorter and wider, making it easy to pocket and hold. The earbuds themselves are smaller and lighter too.
Designed for a snug fit, it features twist-to-adjust stabilisers that will fit your ears. All you need to do is to twist to find the most comfortable position for your ear. Bonus points for the subtle “G” logo, which doubles as a handy guide to ensure you are wearing them correctly. It also comes with four ear tip sizes to choose from, so you can definitely find your fit. Overall, the earbuds are really comfortable and stay secure for hours.
The Pixel Buds 2a brings some much-needed upgrades, starting with active noise cancellation (ANC). For a midrange pair of earbuds, the ANC is surprisingly effective. It blocks out low-frequency hums like air conditioning or train noises with ease. In fact, during a recent flight (yeah, on vacation!), it filters out everything in the cabin apart from the constant groan of the jet engines.
However, strong wind or crowded environments can still seep through, especially during calls. The transparency mode, on the other hand, is a standout, allowing clear conversations without needing to pop the buds out.
Multipoint connectivity is another win here, allowing you to seamlessly switch between two devices. It is turned off by default. But once enabled, it works flawlessly.
Powered by custom 11mm dynamic drivers and Google’s Tensor A1 chip, the audio feels clean and well-balanced at moderate volumes. The bass has a satisfying punch without overwhelming the mids and highs. Instruments are well-separated, and vocals come through crisp and clear.
However, at maximum volume, the sound quality starts to falter, with bass muddiness creeping in and vocals losing their edge. If you are someone who loves cranking up the volume, this might be a dealbreaker. Stick to around 70% volume, and you will enjoy a much better listening experience.
Not to mention, the Pixel Buds app has a 5-band equaliser for you to customise how you want your music to sound. You can also customise the earbud to initiate Gemini to help you search for the nearest coffee shop or reply texts.
Battery life is another strong point, with up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge (with ANC on) and a total of 20 hours with the case. In real-world usage, I managed nearly 9 hours at moderate volume, which is impressive for buds in this price range. The case, however, lacks wireless charging.
VERDICT: The Google Pixel Buds 2a is a great pair of mid-range earbuds, especially for Pixel phone users who can take full advantage of features like Gemini voice integration. It is comfortable, sounds great at moderate volumes, and comes with useful features like ANC and multipoint connectivity. If you are on a moderate budget and prefer the smaller form factor, the Pixel Buds 2a is a solid choice.