Google Pixel Buds A-series Review: More for less

Google Pixel A-series phones - the Pixel 4a and Pixel 3a - have brought some of their best features down to more affordable price points, and now the search giant has done the same with its earbuds. The somewhat clunkily named Pixel Buds A-series take the great sound quality offered by the $279 2020 Pixel Buds and puts it in a $159 package.

Despite being $120 cheaper, the Pixel Buds A-series sound identical to their more expensive sibling. While some may like a little more oomph in the low-end, the Pixel Buds A-series are fantastic everyday headphones with clear, dynamic sound. There's a bass boost feature in the companion app if you really want to dial it up, but you don't have any other EQ options. Sound quality doesn't hit the same kind of highs as Sony's wire-free buds, but it's in step with the likes of Apple's AirPods Pro and Samsung's Galaxy Buds Pro, both of which sell for over $300. At $159, that’s awfully impressive.

Of course, the Pixel Buds A-series aren't quite as full-featured as the competition, let alone their more expensive siblings. You miss out on noise-cancellation (which admittedly, the mainline Pixel Buds didn't have either), wireless charging, and the charging case isn't sweat-resistant. The Buds themselves still are, however. Google's also removed the gesture where you can swipe on the Buds to adjust volume levels. From my perspective, these aren't unreasonable compromises to make for a lower outright price.

One area where the Pixel Buds A-series improve over the 2020 Pixel Buds is comfort. Everyone's ears are different, but I found the 2020 Pixel Buds made mine sore after maybe half an hour or so of listening. Thankfully, this is no longer the case with the Pixel Buds A-series. There have been times where I've had them in for over an hour without any discomfort. Fit is also great, and I've found the Pixel Buds A-series secure enough for running.

Naturally, the Pixel Buds A-series work best with Android devices. Features like Google Assistant, adaptive sound (which raises and lowers the volume based on your environment), and real-time translation only work if you're using the Buds with an Android handset. You can still pair the Pixel Buds A-series with an iPhone or Windows PC, you'll just miss out on some smarts.

Battery life is the only real ding against the Pixel Buds A-series. They'll last up to five hours per charge, which is on the shorter side for wire-free buds. It's certainly not unreasonable, and you'll get up to 24 hours with the included charging case. And while it's not that important, the case has one the most satisfying hinges I've seen on a pair of wire-free buds. It's got an oh so excellent click, and it's way too much fun to fidget with.

All in all, if you're looking for a cheapish pair of wire-free earbuds to use with an Android phone, the Pixel Buds A-series are easy to recommend. They're easily Google's best earbuds to date and don't compromise on audio quality or comfort in bringing down the price. As with the Pixel 4a and Pixel 3a, the Pixel Buds A-series are a clear example of how Google manages to do more with less.

Alex Choros

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Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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