At its Made by Google 2025 event, Google officially unveiled the Pixel Buds 2a, the newest addition to its A-Series wireless earbuds. Priced at $129.99, these buds pack serious upgrades—like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), hands-free Gemini AI support, and a repairable charging case—making them a standout value in the budget audio space.
Key Features & Upgrades
Active Noise Cancellation Powered by Tensor A1
The Pixel Buds 2a are the first A-Series earbuds to feature ANC with Silent Seal 1.5, delivering stronger noise cancellation than previous budget models and on par with Google’s higher-tier options. A transparency mode is also included.
Smarter with Gemini AI
Built with the Tensor A1 chip, these earbuds unlock Gemini AI integration, enabling you to get hands-free help for tasks like message summaries or daily updates—just say “Hey Google” or tap a customizable gesture.
Long Battery Life & Fast Charging
With ANC on, expect ~7 hours of playback; turning it off extends battery life up to 10 hours. The compact charging case adds 20–20+ hours, and a quick 5-minute charge gives roughly 1 hour of playback.
Lightweight, Comfortable Design
Inspired by Pro-level aesthetics, the Buds 2a are lighter and smaller than their predecessors. They feature a twist-to-adjust stabilizer for secure wearing, paired with four eartip sizes for a personalized fit.
Water Resistance & Durability
These earbuds come with an IP54 rating for sweat and water resistance (the case is rated IPX4), making them suitable for workouts or light weather.
Replaceable Battery Case—A First
Notably, Google designed the charging case to be repairable. Users can replace the internal battery insert—boosting sustainability and longevity. The Verge
Pixel Ecosystem Compatibility
Quick Pairing is seamless with Pixel phones via Fast Pair. The Buds 2a also support Multipoint connectivity, Find Hub location tracking, and Clear Calling for improved call clarity.
Price, Availability & Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 (pre-order available) |
| Release Date | Ships on October 9, 2025 |
| Colors Available | Iris and Hazel |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.4, Multipoint, Fast Pair |
| Charging Port | USB-C (no wireless charging) |
| Battery | ~7h (ANC on), ~10h (ANC off); +20–27h case |
| Design | Lightweight, twist-fit stabilizer |
| Water Resistance | IP54 (buds), IPX4 (case) |
| AI Integration | Gemini voice assistant via Tensor A1 |
| Repairability | Replaceable case battery insert |
| Special Features | ANC, transparency mode, Find Hub, Clear Calling, Equalizer |
Final Take
The Pixel Buds 2a redefine what “budget earbuds” can offer. With industry-standard features like ANC and competitive battery life, plus the added benefits of Gemini AI and a replaceable case battery, they’re packed with value. Whether you’re deep into the Pixel ecosystem or exploring new earbuds, these are a compelling choice—especially at $129.99.
