We look at the new Pixel Buds 2a, see more about them here.

New Pixel Buds 2a, reviewed

Out of the box our testers liked a few things about the earbuds, in a way that they felt that perhaps the manufacturers had responded to user feedback. Our team quickly noticed that the charging box was back to a smaller more snug size. They quickly pulled out the last iteration, larger, and then the ones before that, smaller, which they felt was better, more mobile and less obtrusive. Similarly they pointed out that some degree of an ear clip was now back again, also absent in the previous version, but to be found in earlier types. This was again a thumbs up, as they felt it meant that they were less likely to slip, and consequently easier to avoid catastrophic fails such as one falling out while you were cycling, rock climbing or using the local ferry out at sea in rougher waves.

Moving onto the colour, while not everyone might like the subtle lilac colours, it was again a hit with our female testers. If you are not so wild on this, you can always go for more conventional darker hues too. The noise cancelling has always been a good to strong feature of the Pixel Buds, and this continues with this version of the ear buds too. Battery time is pretty decent, charging quickly, and delivering a long period of usage too. Overall our testers were pretty happy with these earbuds and more than happy to give them a definite thumbs up.

More about Pixel Buds 2a

Do Pixel Buds 2a have Active Noise Cancellation?

Yes, Pixel Buds 2a has pro-level Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5 to help block external noise for clear and uninterrupted sound. Or you can switch to Transparency Mode when you still want to hear the world around you while you listen.

How is the sound quality?

Pixel Buds 2a are the first A-series buds with Active Noise Cancellation. They combine Silent Seal 1.5 and technology from the pro-level Active Noise Cancellation of our Pixel Buds Pro 2 to block out distractions so that you can stay immersed in the moment.

With the 11 mm dynamic speaker driver, you can always listen to clear, balanced, round sound, with opportunities to further personalise the levels of bass, treble and more with the five-band equaliser.

Pixel Buds 2a are also powered by the Tensor A1 chip, the same processor used on our Pixel Buds Pro 2.

What is in the box?

Your Pixel Buds 2a come with:Earbuds with medium eartips installed

Charging case

Eartips with four size options: extra small, small, medium (pre-installed), large

Quick start guide

Safety and warranty information

Are Pixel Buds 2a compatible with Android and iOS?

Yes, Pixel Buds 2a pair with any Bluetooth® 4.0+ device, including Android, iOS, tablets and laptops. To get full access to features, you need: Google Account

Google Assistant-enabled companion phone running Android 6.0 or newer Internet connection

You can also use the Pixel Buds web companion app on Chrome OS, MacOS and Windows. To get started, visit mypixelbuds.google.com. For minimum OS and hardware requirements, along with available Google Assistant languages, visit the Pixel Buds Help Centre

What's the battery life?

With Active Noise Cancellation off, up to 10 hours of listening time and up to 27 hours total listening time with the charging case.

With Active Noise Cancellation on, up to eight hours of listening time and up to 20 hours of total listening time with the charging case.

A five-minute charge of earbuds in the charging case delivers up to one hour of listening time with Active Noise Cancellation turned on.

Pixel Buds 2a do not include wireless charging (available on Pixel Buds Pro 2).

How is the call quality with Pixel Buds 2a?

With Pixel Buds 2a, you can have peace of mind that you'll hear and be heard on calls, no matter where you are. Clear Calling helps block background noise so your conversations aren't interrupted by wind, external chatter, or other distractions in your environment. Your voice will come through loud and ...