The Google Pixel lineup, be it smartphones or wearables, is known for a simple and clean experience. It has been a minute since we got the Pixel Buds 2a, but they follow the same thinking, designed to fade into the background while remaining proactively useful. They sat in my rotation as daily-use earbuds, and after extensive use, it became clear what they do well and where they fall short. At Rs 12,999, they sit in a crowded and unforgiving segment. This is where spec-heavy options like OnePlus Buds Pro 3 (review) and Nothing Ear (review) dominate conversations, and where buyers expect wireless charging, high-resolution codecs, and big battery numbers. Google, however, takes a different route: less hardware flexing and more focus on comfort, software, and ecosystem polish.
Clean and portable design
The Pixel Buds 2a case is plain white, which inevitably reminds you of AirPods, but the shape is more oblong and pebble-like rather than tall and boxy. It is one of the easiest to carry around. It is compact, light, and slips into a jeans pocket without creating a bulge. There is no Google or Pixel logo anywhere on the outside, giving the case a clean aesthetic.
The buds have a G logo, and the right orientation of that G helps in rightly placing them in the case. Another small usability issue is identifying left and right earbuds. They look identical at a glance. Thankfully, the L and R markings are placed on the side that faces your ear, which helps once you get used to checking before putting them on.
While the default ear tips felt slightly loose for me, switching to a smaller ear tip immediately improved fit. The earbuds themselves are very light. Once inserted, you have to twist them anticlockwise slightly to lock them in place.
Touch controls are very responsive, and you don’t have to put much pressure to trigger the touch functions. Overall, they don’t cause fatigue over long hours.
The Pixel Buds 2a are rated IP54 for dust and water resistance, but the case is only IPX4 rated. You need to be careful during monsoons, as that ‘4’ means they can withstand splash only.
Basics for Android, A bit more for Pixels
Pairing the Buds 2a with a Pixel phone does make a qualitative difference. Advanced spatial audio, Super Wideband voice, and deeper assistant integration are all Pixel-exclusive. This creates a tiered experience. But these, I feel, are not super important features and pairing the earbuds with a non-Pixel phone like my Galaxy S23 and OnePlus 13 worked just fine.
You get only AAC and SBC codecs and no advanced codecs like LDAC, LHDC, etc, which its competitors like Nothing Ear (2024), JBL Live Beam 3, Sennheiser Accentum, EarFun Air Pro 4, and even budget options like Noise Master Buds offer.
Hands-free digital assistant support works through Google’s wake-word detection. You can trigger Gemini or Google Assistant without touching the buds. In practice, this works reliably and feels faster than many third-party implementations. It can be useful for navigation, quick queries, and reminders while walking, but I don’t feel comfortable using this feature on Indian roads or indoors.
Another nifty ecosystem feature is Audio Switch. The device supports multipoint, but Audio Switch is different, as it lets you automatically move audio between signed-in devices like your Pixel phone, Chromebook, or Android tablet. Multipoint, on the other hand, allows the Buds 2a to stay connected to two devices at once, for example, a phone and my MacBook Air.
Wear detection works flawlessly. Music pauses instantly when you remove an earbud and resumes reliably when you put it back in.
The Pixel Buds app is simple. Too simple, some might feel. There are fewer toggles and customisation options compared to Samsung or Nothing. For instance, there are single tap, double tap, and triple tap gestures, along with press-and-hold. The downside is that these gestures are largely pre-configured. You cannot freely map everything the way you can with Nothing or Samsung earbuds. That said, the basics are covered.
So, the app is easy to use and rarely confusing. Even the Bluetooth menu on phones like the Galaxy S23 shows some quick-access toggles, if you don’t want to use the app.
Also Read: Apple Beats Powerbeats Fit review: Secure workout earbuds that also work for everyday use
Warm, friendly sound
The Pixel Buds 2a deliver a warm, rounded bass rather than a sharp slam. On tracks like Kehlani’s ‘Folded’, the bass drops have depth and weight, but they do not hit aggressively. This works well for long listening sessions and modern R&B, but bass lovers may find it slightly soft compared to some options out there.
The midrange is where these earbuds shine. Vocals sound natural and forward without becoming shouty. This tuning works well for podcasts, calls, and Indian music where vocals carry emotional weight. Instruments like guitars and pianos have a body rather than an edge.
Treble is relaxed. There is no harshness, but also no sparkle. Cymbals and high-frequency textures sit in the background. This makes poor recordings easier to tolerate, but listeners who enjoy crisp detail may find it a bit dull.
So, they are for those who prioritise warmth, vocal clarity, and low-end depth over sparkle and openness.
Spatial Audio is available, but only when paired with compatible Pixel phones and supported content. In real-world use, it adds a mild sense of width and depth and is good for occasional fun.
Respectable ANC and call quality
Active noise cancellation is present, though it isn’t tuned to block out everything around you. In an office setting, softer sounds like murmurs, keyboard taps, and background chatter can still be heard to some extent, and on busy streets, sharper noises such as horns and whistles do come through.
Once music starts playing, however, the ANC feels far more effective for everyday use. Low-frequency sounds like engine hum and road rumble are reduced well, making daily commutes more comfortable. Running the Ear Seal Check in the app also helps improve consistency and is worth doing, especially after switching ear tips.
Transparency mode works reliably too. Voices sound natural with very little artificial processing, which makes it feel safe to use while walking outdoors, an important consideration in Indian traffic conditions.
Call quality is consistent across devices. On non-Pixel phones, calls sounded clear on both ends with no noticeable issues. Paired with a Pixel 8 or newer phone, features like Super Wideband and Clear Calling add an extra layer of clarity, making calls sound a bit cleaner and more focused.
Fine battery life and charging
Battery life is solid for everyday use, even if it isn’t class-leading. With ANC on, using the AAC codec and volume set at around 80%, the Pixel Buds 2a lasted close to 8 hours and 45 minutes in my testing. That comfortably beats Google’s own conservative claims, though there are rivals in this segment, such as the Galaxy Buds 3 FE, that manage longer runtimes.
A quick top-up is useful too. Around five minutes of charging is said to deliver roughly an hour of listening, while a full charge takes about two hours. Wireless charging isn’t supported, which some buyers may miss at this price, especially given how common it has become in this segment.
Should you buy Pixel Buds 2a?
The Pixel Buds 2a reflect what the Pixel lineup has always stood for: a clean, low-friction experience that prioritises essential features and usability. The earbuds are light, the case is chic and compact, and together they feel genuinely portable and comfortable. Their strengths fall into three layers. You get the must-haves like responsive touch controls, reliable call quality, accurate wear detection, and stable Bluetooth multipoint. Then there are the good-to-have features, such as Audio Switch and hands-free Google or Gemini Assistant. On top of that sit a few Pixel-only extras like Spatial Audio that add polish if you are inside Google’s ecosystem.
What the Pixel Buds 2a do well becomes clearer once you live with them for a while, rather than judge them by a spec sheet. The sound tuning is easygoing and works well for long listening sessions. ANC and transparency are not class-leading, but they are consistent and effective enough for everyday commutes and office use.
Where the Pixel Buds 2a feels a little less competitive is on the pure feature front. At Rs 12,999, the absence of wireless charging and limited codec support are things buyers will inevitably notice. That said, the Pixel Buds 2a are clearly aimed at a certain kind of user. If you are using a Pixel phone and prefer comfort, stability, and seamless system integration, these earbuds fit that bill well. Even with other Android phones, they remain reliable, comfortable, and largely invisible in daily use. Of course, they may not win a spec-sheet battle, but for listeners who value ease of use and consistency, they still hold their ground.
Keep reading Digit.in for similar reviews.
Also Read: CMF Headphone Pro review: Flashy design and fun sound at a compelling price
Google Pixel Buds 2a Key Specs, Price and Launch Date
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| Market Status: | Launched |
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G. S. Vasan
G.S. Vasan is the chief copy editor at Digit, where he leads coverage of TVs and audio. His work spans reviews, news, features, and maintaining key content pages. Before joining Digit, he worked with publications like Smartprix and 91mobiles, bringing over six years of experience in tech journalism. His articles reflect both his expertise and passion for technology. View Full Profile
