Technologies
Google Pixel Buds 2A Review: A Sound Choice for Pixel Users
The $129 Pixel Buds 2A don’t seem to vary much from Google’s flagship Pixel Buds Pro 2, but there are some key differences. Are they a good deal?
Our Experts
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Pros
- Lightweight design with comfortable, secure fit
- $100 less (list price) than Pixel Buds Pro 2, they feature the same strong sound quality and look the same in your ears
- Smaller charging case with solid build quality and a replaceable battery
- Decent noise canceling
Cons
- Not everybody will get a tight seal with the included ear tips
- Missing some features found in the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and performance is a step behind
- Though mostly appealing, they don’t necessarily rise above the competition in this price range
Like Samsung’s «fan-edition» FE products, Google’s A series models are more budget-friendly, leaving off a few features and a premium design element or two while not delivering quite the performance.
Case in point: Google’s Pixel Buds 2A ($129, £129, AU$239), which are essentially a «light» version of Google’s excellent flagship Pixel Buds Pro 2 ($229). They look pretty similar to their step-up sibling and serve up very similar sound quality, but they look and feel a tad cheaper and don’t offer the same noise-canceling or voice-calling performance.
Many people may find the trade-offs are worth the savings, but I can’t tell you that the Pixel Buds 2A, while appealing earbuds overall, truly rise above the competition in this price range.
Read more: Best Wireless Earbuds of 2025
Google says the Pixel Buds 2A’s design was «inspired» by the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s design, and at first glance, I had a tough time figuring out what’s different about them.
While the Pixel Buds 2A are also powered by Google’s Tensor A1 chip, they’re missing a microphone in each bud (they have two mics per bud while the Buds Pro 2 have three). The Buds 2A also leave out wireless charging, a voice accelerometer, head tracking for spatial audio and a ringtone speaker in the case for Find My Device. They do add the ability to replace the battery in their charging case — and that new charging case is smaller than the Pixel Buds Pro 2’s case.
Though the Buds 2A weigh exactly the same as the Buds Pro 2 (4.7 grams) and also have 11mm drivers, their battery life is rated for an hour less — seven hours instead of eight with noise canceling on. They also feature Silent Seal 1.5 for noise canceling instead of Silent Seal 2.0, which presumably means their noise canceling isn’t quite as good.
Here’s a full list of the differences between the two earbuds that I found.
How the Google Pixel Buds 2A are different from the Pixel Buds Pro 2
- Two microphones per bud instead of three
- No wireless charging (there is a ringtone speaker in the case for Find Hub)
- No voice accelerometer to help detect when you’re talking
- No Conversation Detection feature that automatically lowers volume when you speak and activates transparency mode so you can have a conversation
- No motion-detecting accelerometer and gyroscope (no head tracking for spatial audio)
- Silent Seal 1.5 for noise canceling instead of Silent Seal 2.0
- Up to seven hours of battery life instead of eight (with noise canceling on)
- The charging case is about 20% smaller, weighing 47.6 grams (with earbuds inside) instead of 65 grams
- Made out of 41% recycled materials instead of 24%
Similar fit and same eartips as the Pixel Buds Pro 2
The two models fit similarly, with a stability wing on each bud and a twist-to-fit design. The buds are lightweight and compact, and should fit most ears well. But I did have some trouble getting a tight seal with the Buds Pro 2’s included eartips (I ended up using my own tips), and the same thing happened with the Buds 2A.
The shape of the included eartips is a little too conical for my ears, and the lack of a good seal affected both sound quality and noise-canceling performance.
Since I review a lot of earbuds, I have dozens of eartips sitting around, and I was able to find a set that got me a tight seal. I should point out that the post or nozzle on the buds is pretty wide, so only a limited number of eartips from my collection fit on the buds. But once I got the right tips on, the buds stayed in my ears securely, and I was able to run with them without a problem. They’re IP54 splash-proof and dust-resistant.
Pixel Buds 2A’s sound is a strong point
To my ears, the sound quality of the Pixel Buds 2A and Pixel Buds Pro 2 seems very similar, which should be the case since they both have the same 11mm drivers, the same redesigned acoustic chamber for improved treble performance and the same Tensor A1 chip.
I’ve been using Spotify’s new «lossless» audio streaming quality for playback and was generally impressed with the sound quality. The sound is relatively open and well-balanced, with the bass and treble accentuated only slightly, while the mids are only a touch recessed. (You can tweak the profile with a five-band equalizer in the Pixel Buds app.) The buds sound pretty dynamic, with good energy in the bass and some sizzle in the treble.
I thought the Pixel Buds 2A could sound slightly more refined and accurate, but they’re not boring to listen to, and their sound should appeal to most people. Also, I mostly avoided any listening fatigue over longer listening sessions.
That said, when I compared their sound to that of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 FE, which retail for $150, I slightly preferred the sound of the latter. Their sound is slightly cleaner, smoother and more even-keeled — and slightly mellower overall. The Galaxy Buds 3 FE have a single 11mm dynamic driver, while the step-up Galaxy Buds 3 Pro have a 10.5mm dynamic driver paired with a 6.5mm planar magnetic. Samsung’s done a good job tuning the Buds 3 FE.
While some people faulted the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for not supporting so-called high-resolution audio codecs like Sony’s LDAC and Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive or Lossless (LDAC is more widely supported by Android phones), and the Pixel Buds 2A don’t support those codecs either, I don’t think it’s a big deal. We’re not exactly dealing with high-end equipment here that might allow you to hear a difference. Some people may feel differently, but I think the AAC codec is just fine.
Noise canceling is good, but not top-notch
As I said earlier, if you don’t get a tight seal, noise-canceling performance will be affected. We have a major HVAC unit running in our offices, pumping out air conditioning, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 were able to almost completely muffle the unit’s sound. The Pixel Buds 2A also did a good job muffling the low rumble of the unit, but I definitely noticed that the Pixel Buds 2A didn’t reduce as much of the noise. The same was true outdoors on the streets of New York, with a wider range of frequencies.
There wasn’t a huge difference between the Buds 2A and Bud Pro 2, but the Buds Pro 2 were a little more effective at muffling the sound around me. I used the same eartips with both buds.
Particularly in the streets of New York, the noise-muffling capabilities of the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) and Apple AirPods Pro 3 were a level up from both the Buds 2 Pro and Buds 2A in their noise canceling.
The AirPods Pro 3’s transparency mode is also a tad more natural-sounding and the current gold standard for transparency. But Pixel Buds 2A’s transparency mode is respectable.
Voice-calling performance falls a little short
Apparently, having one less microphone and no voice accelerometer to help detect when you’re talking does have an impact on voice-calling performance. From my torture tests in the noisy streets of New York, it doesn’t appear to be as good as what you get with the Pixel Buds Pro 2, though it should be noted that to get optimal voice-calling performance, you need to use one of the newer Pixel phones to take advantage of the Super Wideband and Clear Calling features.
Callers did tell me that traffic noise was basically eliminated, but they could hear people’s voices in the background, and my voice warbled occasionally. They could also hear some wind noise, even though the microphones have a mesh covering them that’s supposed to help cut down wind noise.
Final thoughts on the Google Pixel Buds 2A
Aside from my inability to get a tight seal from the included earbuds, I don’t have any major gripes with the Pixel Buds 2A. I liked how they sounded and felt in my ears once I got some tips that fit. While they look and feel a tad cheaper than the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and are missing some of those buds’ features, they look very similar and have a smaller charging case with a replaceable battery and slightly larger stability wings that should help you get a secure fit. They also have Google’s hands-free Gemini voice assistant, stereo spatial audio and multipoint Bluetooth pairing.
How good a value they end up being will largely depend on their street price. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 list for $229 but generally sell for around $190 and are currently $169 for Prime Day. They seem to have followed the street pricing of Apple’s AirPods Pro 2, since they were essentially Google’s answer to the AirPods Pro 2 when they shipped in September 2024. (It’s unclear when the newer AirPods Pro 3’s price will dip below $200.)
Given the past pricing history of Google earbuds, including the previous Pixel Buds A-Series, which didn’t have active noise canceling and were listed for $100 but typically sold for around $80 or less, one would look to buy the Pixel Buds 2A at closer to $100.
While they don’t clearly rise above the competition in this price range, and I slightly prefer Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 FE, they’re mostly appealing earbuds for Android users — and Pixel users in particular — that will be even more enticing when they’re $20 to $30 less.
Google Pixel Buds 2A key specs
- IP54 dust-resistant and splash proof (case is IPX4 splash proof)
- Weight: 4.7 grams per bud
- Bluetooth 5.4
- Google Tensor A1
- Custom-designed 11mm dynamic speaker driver
- Active noise cancellation with Silent Seal 1.5
- Transparency mode
- Active in-ear pressure relief
- Bluetooth Super Wideband
- Battery life: Up to 7 hours with noise canceling on, with an additional 20 hours in the case
- Battery in charging case is replaceable
- Clear Calling
- Wind-blocking mesh covers
- Two microphones per bud
- Hands-free Gemini voice assistant
- Capacitive touch (tap) sensors for music, calls and voice-assistant controls
- IR proximity sensor for in-ear detection to play and pause automatically
- Hall Effect sensor for case open and close detection
- Ringtone speaker in the case for Find Hub
- USB-C charging
- Colors: iris (purple) and hazel (black)
- Price: $129, £129, AU$239
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Smartphone vs. Dumb Phone: Why People Are Going Basic
Here’s how to ditch your smartphone for a dumb phone. It’s digital detox done right.
Over the past couple of decades, smartphones have become an integral part of our lives. According to the Pew Research Center, about 91% of Americans own a smartphone. Statista reports that the number of global smartphone owners is estimated to reach 6.1 billion in 2029. For many, a smartphone is an always-on internet device that keeps us connected to the world.
But there are also significant downsides to having one. If you’re concerned about how much time you spend on your phone, you aren’t alone: Some people feel addicted to their smartphones, checking their email and social media feeds hundreds of times a day. Perhaps you find yourself doomscrolling through the news or wasting time on mindless apps and games rather than being productive at work or spending quality time with your family. Sure, you could simply limit your screen time, but that takes willpower that you might not have.
This rise in this obsessive behavior toward smartphones explains the resurgence of so-called dumb phones in recent years. Sometimes referred to as feature phones, dumb phones are essentially stripped-down cellular devices that lack the bells and whistles of modern smartphones. Some only let you call and text, while others have a few more features such as a camera or a music player. Dumb phones typically offer only the most basic of features, minimal internet and that’s about it.
If that intrigues you, read on. In this guide, we’ll highlight the different kinds of dumb phones on the market, what you should look for when shopping for one, and whether a dumb phone is even right for you.
The differences between a dumb phone and a smartphone
A smartphone is essentially a tiny computer in your pocket. A dumb phone lacks the apps and features that smartphones have. More advanced dumb phones, or «feature phones,» offer a camera and apps like a calendar or a music player. Some even have minimal internet connectivity.
Many dumb phones are reminiscent of handsets with physical buttons from decades ago. Others have a T9 keypad where you press the numbers with the letters on the keypad and the phone «predicts» the word you want.There are even feature phones with touchscreens and more modern interfaces.
What should you look for when getting a dumb phone?
The dumb phone that’s best for you will depend on the reason you’re getting it. Do you want to go without internet access entirely and do it cold turkey? Then, perhaps a basic phone is what you want. Basic phones are also great if you just want a secondary emergency backup handset. Do you want at least some functionality, like Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities or navigation directions? Then look into «smarter» dumb phones that have those features.
Alternatively, if you think you still need certain smartphone apps like WhatsApp or Uber, you could look into «dumbed down» Android phones with smaller screens and keypads (sometimes called Android dumb phones). They don’t qualify as dumb phones technically, but they’re often seen as an in-between solution for those who can’t quite commit to a lifestyle change.
What are the different kinds of dumb phones on the market?
As more people seek smartphone alternatives, a large number of modern dumb phones have emerged on the market. If you’re on the hunt for one, we recommend using Jose Briones’ excellent Dumbphone Finder, which lets you filter and browse a dizzying array of choices based on your preferences and network provider. We also suggest perusing the r/dumbphones subreddit, where you’ll find a community of dumb phone enthusiasts who can assist you in your dumb phone journey.
Here are a few different kinds of dumb phones that caught our attention.
Smarter dumb phones
If you have a tough time letting go of your smartphone, there are a few smarter dumb phones on the market that might be a good gateway into the smartphone-free world. They often have touchscreen interfaces and more features you’d find on smartphones, like a music player or a camera.
Perhaps the smartest dumb phone on the market right now is the Light Phone 3, which has a 3.92-inch OLED screen and a minimalist black-and-white aesthetic. Its features include GPS for directions, Bluetooth, a fingerprint sensor, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, a flashlight, a 50-megapixel rear camera, an 8-megapixel front-facing camera and a music player. It also has 5G support, which is something of a rarity among dumb phones.
However, it’s expensive at around $700, which is almost the same price as a higher-end smartphone. Light also sells the Light Phone 2, which lacks cameras and a flashlight, but it’s much cheaper at $300 (about the price of a midrange smartphone). It uses an E Ink screen instead of OLED. However, some reviews have said that the texting speed is pretty slow.
Another touchscreen phone that’s similar to an e-reader and is fairly popular with the dumb phone community is the Mudita Kompakt. It has wireless charging, an 8-megapixel camera, GPS for directions, a music player, an e-reader and basic apps including weather, a calendar and more.
Barebones phones
On the other hand, if you’re ready for a full digital detox, then you could consider just a basic phone that lets you call, text and not much else. Simply harken back to the phones of decades ago and you’ll likely find one that fits that description.
One of the major brands still making basic phones is HMD Global, which also makes Nokia-branded handhelds like the Nokia 3210 and the Nokia 2780 Flip. HMD makes its own line of phones too, such as the iconic pink Barbie phone, complete with a large Barbie logo emblazoned on the front. It even greets you with a cheerful «Hello Barbie» each time it powers on. We should note, however, that HMD has said it’s exiting the US, so the only way to get one might be through third-party reseller in the near future.
There are still basic phones being sold in the US. The Punkt MP02 is one of the more interesting models, thanks in part to its unique slim design and clicky buttons. You can even send messages via Signal with it, though you’ll have to text via the old-fashioned T9 method.
Android dumb phones
Some dumb phone purists might argue that anything Android doesn’t belong in this list, but if your main goal in quitting your phone is to be free of the social media algorithm, then perhaps a scaled-down smartphone is a good halfway point for you. A couple of examples are the Unifone S22 Flip phone (formerly the CAT S22 Flip phone) and the Doov R7 Pro candy bar (available outside of the US), both of which are Android handsets but have traditional cell phone designs (The Unifone S22 Flip runs Android Go, a simplified version of Android).
This way, you still have access to your «must-have» apps, and might be able to better withstand the temptation of social media because of their tiny size and shape (or at least that’s the theory).
Should you buy an old or used dumb phone? Will it work on a carrier’s 5G network?
There’s nothing wrong with buying an old or used dumb phone, but you should make sure that it works with your cellphone network. Not all phones work with all networks, and certain carriers in the US aren’t compatible with every device, so check their restrictions. AT&T, for example, has a whitelist of permitted devices and you generally can’t use something that isn’t on that list.
As for 5G support, that’s pretty rare when it comes to dumb phones, mostly because they often don’t really need it (they typically won’t see the benefit of faster data speeds, for example). Some, however, do have 5G support, such as the Light Phone 3, the Sonim XP3 Plus 5G and the TCL Flip 4. If 5G support is important to you due to network congestion concerns, then that’s something you can keep an eye out for.
What if I’m not able to give up my smartphone just yet?
Maybe you need your smartphone for work or emergencies, or maybe you just don’t find any of the existing dumb phones all that appealing. If you don’t mind exercising your willpower, there are existing «wellness» tools on both Android and iOS that could help limit your screen time by allowing you to set app timers or downtime modes.
You could also disable and uninstall all your most addictive apps and use parental control tools to limit your screen time. Last but not least, there are several apps and gadgets designed to help you cut back on doomscrolling, like the Brick and the Unpluq tag.
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