Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Pixel Buds A-Series: Premium features or budget-friendly basics?

When it comes to Google’s wireless earbuds lineup, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the latest premium flagship offering, while the Pixel Buds A-Series, now a few years old, are still the only budget-friendly option next to the original Pixel Buds. While both pairs promise seamless Android integration, their features, performance, and price points tell very different stories.

Editor’s note: this article was published on November 27, 2024, and is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.

What’s it like to use the Pixel Buds Pro 2 compared to the Pixel Buds A-Series?

Both earbuds focus on ergonomic design but take different approaches. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 features a smaller, lighter build with an oval-shaped nozzle and soft rubber fin that provides excellent stability. The A-Series opts for a more traditional design with wing tips that some users might find equally comfortable, though less refined.

Both models offer IPX4 water resistance for the buds, though the Pro 2’s case adds dust resistance with an IP54 rating.

Do the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Pixel Buds A-Series have more features?

The Pro 2 significantly outpaces the A-Series in features. It offers active noise cancelation, Gemini AI integration, conversation detection, spatial audio support, and wireless charging.

The A-Series provides basic features like touch controls and Google Assistant integration, along with Adaptive Sound – a feature that adjusts volume based on ambient noise, though this can be more distracting than helpful.

How do the Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds A-Series connect?

The Pro 2 utilizes Bluetooth 5.4 with support for SBC and AAC codecs, plus future LC3 support and Auracast capabilities. The A-Series uses older Bluetooth 5.0 technology with just SBC and AAC codecs. Both offer good Android integration, though the Pro 2’s multipoint connection gives it an edge for users who frequently switch between devices.

Is battery life better on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Pixel Buds A-Series?

The Pro 2 takes the lead here with nearly 8 hours of playback with ANC enabled, while the A-Series manages about 4 hours and 44 minutes. Both offer fast charging, but the Pro 2 adds wireless charging capability that the A-Series lacks.

Do the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Pixel Buds A-Series block noise better?

There’s a clear winner here – the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers significant noise cancelation, blocking about 79% of outside noise with ANC on.

The A-Series provides minimal isolation and lacks ANC entirely, making it less suitable for noisy environments. Google has designed the A-Series to keep you aware of your surroundings rather than isolated from them.

Do the Pixel Buds Pro 2 sound better than the Pixel Buds A-Series?

The Pro 2 delivers more refined sound with better bass control and treble extension. While the A-Series sounds decent with Bass Boost enabled, it suffered from volume issues in earlier firmware versions. The Pro 2 offers more EQ presets and better tuning overall, making it the superior choice for audio quality.

Objective Measurements

The frequency response measurements reveal distinct tuning approaches between the models as they compare to our house curve. The Pro 2 maintains a relatively neutral signature with a moderate bass shelf and extended treble response past 10kHz, though it has a notable peak around 2kHz. In contrast, the A-Series shows significant under-emphasis in frequencies below 400Hz in its default mode, with a boost in upper mids that suggests voice-focused tuning. Its Bass Boost mode adds substantially more low-end emphasis than the Pro 2’s maximum bass setting.

Do the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Pixel Buds A-Series have a better microphone?

Both models perform well for calls, but the Pro 2 edges ahead with better noise rejection and clarity. The Pro 2 also offers special features like Clear Calling and super wideband calling for Pixel phone users, though these require newer Pixel models to work.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 microphone demo (Windy conditions):

Google Pixel Buds A-Series microphone demo (Ideal conditions):

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Pixel Buds A-Series: Price and availability

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 retails for $229 at Amazon, while the A-Series comes in at a much more affordable $94 at Amazon. Both are widely available through Google and major retailers.

Should you get the Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Pixel Buds A-Series?

Ultimately, the choice between these earbuds comes down to your priorities and budget. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 represents Google’s best wireless earbuds to date, offering a comprehensive feature set that justifies its premium price point. However, if you’re looking for a simple pair of earbuds that integrate well with Android and handle the basics competently, the A-Series offers solid value at less than half the price.

Either way, both models demonstrate Google’s ability to create earbuds that work seamlessly with the Android ecosystem, just at different levels of sophistication.

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