Pixel Buds A-series review: A great value for Android users

The Pixel A-series Buds are an excellent choice for Android users on a budget

Pixel Buds A-series review
Bottom Line
If you're an Android user who is looking for an affordable pair of truly wireless earbuds, the Pixel A Buds are an excellent choice.
Pros
Great sound (comparable to the Pixel Buds 2)
Comfortable
Sweat and water-resistant
Ear detect
Solid battery life
Good call quality
Hands-free Google Assistant voice control
Real-time language translation
Low Price
Cons
No volume touch controls
Ear hooks are non-removable
No ANC
Occasional audio cutouts
4.2

The Pixel Buds A-series is Google’s first affordable truly wireless earbuds. To that effect, the Pixel Buds A-series manages to offer the same great sonics, and many of the same features as the Pixel Buds 2, but for $80 less.

Pixel Buds 2 (left) vs Pixel Buds A-series (right)
Pixel Buds 2 (left) vs Pixel Buds A-series (right)

The design of the Pixel Buds 2 and Pixel Buds A-series seems nearly identical at first glance, and that’s a good thing since the design is attractive and minimalist. The major difference is that the Pixel Buds A-series has an LED charging indicator at the top of the case, while the Pixel Buds 2 has an indicator at the bottom of the case. Also, the Pixel Buds A-series is only available in two color choices – Clearly White and Dark Olive, whereas the Pixel buds 2 come in a choice of Clearly White, Oh So Orange, Quite Mint, and Almost Black.

Our biggest gripe with the Pixel Buds 2 was that they quickly became uncomfortable to wear and created some pressure in our ears. Fortunately, The Pixel Buds A-series manage to outshine the Pixel buds 2 in terms of comfort. When we tested the Pixel Buds A-series we discovered that they’re a whole lot more comfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time. This is likely thanks to the Pixel Buds A-series being lighter, and probably because its wings are smaller and softer too. We just wish that the Pixel Buds A-series’ ear hooks were removable.

Pixel Buds A-series review

When it comes to sound, the Pixel Buds A-series offers the same strong sonics as the Pixel Buds 2. So while the Pixel Buds A-series may not be the best sounding wireless earbuds on the market – both the Beats Studio Buds and the Sony WF-1000XM4 beat them out in terms of audio, the Pixel A-series Buds earbuds sound great, and they may just be the best sounding wireless earbuds you can get in the $100 price range.

Bottom line

The Pixel A-series Buds are more comfortable than the Pixel Buds 2 AND they sound just as good. While we do miss the volume swipe controls of the Pixel Buds 2, we actually recommend the A-series Buds over the Pixel Buds 2 because of their superior comfort and lower price tag. As a matter of fact, we think that the Pixel Buds 2 are currently overpriced and due for an update since they lack ANC. However, if you’re an Android user who is looking for an affordable pair of truly wireless buds, the Pixel A-series Buds are an excellent choice.


The Pixel Buds A-series was gifted to us by Google. All thoughts and opinions are 100% our own