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Google has unveiled its affordable new earbuds, Pixel Buds 2a.
Available to preorder for £129, the Pixel Buds 2a are the newest addition to Google's wallet-friendly A-series lineup. These Bluetooth earbuds mark the first time Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has been included in the A-series of Pixel Buds, so you won't have to spend more to quash distracting background sounds.
ANC means you won't need to worry about cranking up the volume to hear your favourite playlist or podcast on a train or flight. Google says it's also improved the sound quality compared to the first-generation of Pixel Buds A-series. A new custom-designed 11mm driver and high-frequency chamber in the 'buds should improve music and podcast sound.
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These lightweight 'buds include a new wind-blocking mesh cover. Combined with the latest AI models from Google, the Californian company has promised clear call quality for both you and your caller. during hands-free calls.
Taking design cues from the much pricier Pixel Buds Pro 2 (£219), these new Google earbuds arrive with an adjustable twist stabiliser and four different eartip sizes to ensure you find your ideal fit. Pixel Buds 2a should feel secure enough in your ears that you'll be able to wear them to the gym or on a run.
Coupled with the carry case (and it's built-in battery) Google Pixel Buds 2a can last over 20-hours
|GOOGLE PRESS OFFICE
And thanks to the IP54 rating for sweat and water resistance, you won't need to worry about sweat or an unexpected downpour ruining your new Bluetooth buds. Pixel Buds 2a ship in two colourways — Iris and Hazel — that are designed to complement other Pixel devices from the lineup.
Google's new Bluetooth 'buds will compete head-to-head with the likes of the ChatGPT-equipped Ear (a) 'buds from British brand Nothing, the newly-launched Galaxy Buds 3 FE from Samsung, and Apple AirPods 4. While the latter are available at a similar price point, you'll need to spend more if you want active noise-cancellation.
Pixel Buds 2a let you access Google's chatty AI assistant without pulling out the phone from your pocket
|GOOGLE PRESS OFFICE
But back to the latest budget-friendly buds from Google.
Buds 2a are powered by the Tensor A1 processor, specifically engineered for audio processing. This is the brain that enables the Silent Seal 1.5 noise-cancelling technology that blocks out unwanted ambient sounds. It also enables Gemini AI, so you can access Google's chatty AI assistant without reaching for your phone.
Simply say "Hey Google" or use customised press-and-hold gestures to get assistance, request information, or control your audio hands-free.
Inside the Buds 2a is the Tensor A1, a custom-designed system-on-a-chip built from the ground up by Google to handle audio processing, clear call quality, and active noise-cancellation
|GOOGLE PRESS OFFICE
The efficiency of the Tensor A1 silicon ensures battery life gets a welcome boost. Google says each earbud can deliver seven hours of playback when Active Noise Cancellation is enabled. If you turn-off the noise-cancellation, then you'll be able to listen continuously for 10-hours without taking out your Pixel Buds 2a.
Popping the earbuds in the carry case will refill the battery when they're not in-use. With ANC enabled all the time, the total listening time with the charging case is 20-hours. Without, total playback tops-out at 27 hours.
After that, you'll need to plug-in the case via USB-C.
For the first time in Google's earbud range, you'll find a replaceable battery in the charging case, extending the product's lifespan and addressing sustainability concerns.
In a boost for repairability, Google has designed the charging case to house a removeable battery — dramatically the lifespan of these clever 'buds
|GOOGLE PRESS OFFICE
If you misplace your earbuds, Google has integrated support for its Find Hub app, whcih will display the precise location of the lost 'buds on a map. You can even trigger an audible alert to locate them when nearby.
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Elsewhere, the Pixel Buds 2a support Fast Pair technology to ensure you're set-up as quickly as possible. These 'buds can also be paired to multiple devices at the same time, so you can switch between your phone and tablet without digging into the Settings menu to start pairing (and unpairing...).
Available to preorder now, Google Pixel Buds 2a will land on shelves at the Google Store and other high stree and online shops on October 9, 2025.