Here’s a comparison of the two current models of Google Pixel Buds.
**Google Pixel Buds 2a**
*The economical choice*
Google has enhanced the Pixel Buds 2a by providing improved sound quality, active noise-canceling, and extended battery life, all while keeping it budget-friendly. These earbuds deliver a snug fit and come equipped with a Tensor A1 chip, though they miss some features found in higher-end models.
**Pros:**
– Snug fit with four sizes of ear tips and a stabilizer
– ANC and transparency mode driven by Tensor A1 chip
– Customizable five-band EQ within the Pixel Buds app
– Extended battery life with a serviceable charging case
**Cons:**
– Lacks some features of Pixel Buds Pro 2
– Touchpad supports playback only, lacking swipe functionality for volume adjustments
– Audio quality declines at maximum volume
– Charging case does not support wireless charging and lacks a speaker
**Google Pixel Buds Pro 2**
*Packed with features*
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are Google’s comprehensive wireless earbuds, delivering exceptional sound and ANC alongside the longest battery life. They are powered by the Tensor A1 chip and come with unique features like Adaptive Audio and Conversation detection.
**Pros:**
– Superior sound quality that remains crisp even at high volumes
– Noteworthy ANC with support for Adaptive Audio
– Up to 48 hours of battery life with the charging case
– Additional sensors and volume control swipes on the earbuds
– Often available at significant discounts
**Cons:**
– Spatial audio with head tracking accessible only on Pixel smartphones
– Live translation may seem superficial
– Lacks support for Dolby Atmos
– Higher price point
**Design and Fit**
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 have moved away from the design of the Pixel Buds A-series, eliminating the wingtip design in favor of a silicone stabilizer. This approach has resulted in the Pixel Buds Pro 2 being compact and secure, without large wings. The newer Pixel Buds 2a adopt a similar design to the Pixel Buds Pro 2.
This design revision decreases the overall size and enhances comfort by removing the wingtip. Like the Pixel Buds Pro 2, the more affordable Pixel Buds 2a feature a silicone stabilizer and come with four sizes of ear tips. There are minor design variations, with the Pixel Buds Pro 2 appearing a bit smaller.
Additionally, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature a small “G” logo embossed into their plastic surface, while the Pixel Buds 2a have a flat painted logo. The main body of the Buds 2a is shiny, whereas the Buds Pro 2 has a matte finish. Only the Pixel Buds 2a come in solid colors — the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will have a matte black exterior except for the outer-facing area of the buds.
These are merely cosmetic design distinctions. In terms of comfort, both the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a are suitable for users who favor compact earbuds. Lacking a stem, neither model is prone to falling out. Weighing 4.7 grams each, there is no difference in weight across these Google earbud models.
A useful trick for achieving the ideal fit is to insert the buds and rotate them until the “G” logo is upright. When it aligns properly, you can be confident that either the Pixel Buds 2a or Pixel Buds Pro 2 are correctly positioned. Both sets of earbuds also come with an ear tip seal check feature that utilizes software to confirm the correct ear tip size.
In comparison to earlier models like the Pixel Buds A-series, the Pixel Buds 2a and Pixel Buds Pro 2 should provide enhanced comfort and stability for the majority of users. Nonetheless, the distinctions between the Buds 2a and Buds Pro 2 will likely feel minimal, if noticeable at all.
**Hardware and Specs**
On the specifications sheet, the Pixel Buds 2a and Pixel Buds Pro 2 appear quite alike. Both sets of earbuds utilize custom 11mm dynamic speaker drivers and the Google Tensor A1 chip for audio and active noise-canceling (ANC) functions. They both incorporate capacitive touch sensors, an IR proximity sensor for automatic play/pause, and Hall effect sensors in the case.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 distinguish themselves by including swipe capabilities for on-earbud volume control, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a speaker in the case.
The case also allows for wireless charging and is noticeably taller than the Pixel Buds 2a case. This is likely due to the larger battery in the Pixel Buds Pro 2 case, enabling up to 48 hours of cumulative listening time with the case and earbuds when ANC is deactivated.
While both earbuds are equipped with the Tensor A1 chip, this only provides part of the overall picture. The Google Pixel Buds Pro
