Now that the Pixel Buds 2a are here, there's no reason to buy the Buds 2 Pro

The first Google Pixel Buds A-Series were clearly a notch below the Pixel Buds Pro in performance. They were lacking mainstream features such as ANC, and we found the sound quality didn’t hold up to the Pro model. But with the arrival of the Pixel Buds 2a, it feels like something has fundamentally shifted. These budget-friendly earbuds not only undercut the Pixel Buds Pro 2 on price by $100, they also match—and in some cases exceed—them on practical features. And that raises a pretty uncomfortable question: why would anyone still choose the Pro model?

Pixel Buds 2a vs Pixel Buds Pro 2

The Pixel Buds 2a mark the first time Google has brought active noise cancelling (ANC) to its A-series. That alone might have been enough to grab attention, but the company went further: the Silent Seal 1.5 system reportedly delivers 1.5x the noise cancellation performance of the original Pixel Buds Pro. Add in active pressure relief, transparency mode, Spatial Audio (with Pixel devices), wind-resistant call quality, and hands-free Gemini access, and you’re looking at a spec sheet that competes head-on with earbuds twice the price.

The trade-offs? No wireless charging, a slightly shorter battery life (7 vs. 11 hours with ANC), and a case that’s smaller but lacks premium finishes. But for most users, those are minor inconveniences compared to the sheer value offered by the 2a.  Until we run both sets through our SoundGuys lab testing, we won’t know how they truly compare, but early signs suggest there may not be much daylight between them. The Pixel Buds 2a deliver everything most people care about, for $100 less.

So here’s the bottom line: unless you’re deeply committed to longer battery life or wireless charging, there’s very little incentive left to spend more. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 may still be “Pro” in name, but the Pixel Buds 2a are likely the smarter buy.