Google Pixel Buds A-Series Review: Wireless Earbuds Under $100

Originally released on June 17, 2021, the A-Series are a worthy choice with fantastic audio quality, clear calling, and good build quality, all at a reasonable price between $80–$100.

The Google Pixel Buds A-Series are a great set of truly wireless earbuds that boast excellent Android integration. Though Google's Pixel lineup is known for phones, such as its ultra-popular Pixel 9 Pro, these earbuds also fit into that ecosystem. 

Discover why you should get the Google Pixel Buds A-Series in this hands-on review.

Why We Recommend The
Google Pixel Buds A-Series

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The Google Pixel Buds A-Series is a mid-range (pricewise) pair of wireless earbuds that hold their own against high-end picks.

What we like: Excellent audio quality

Google's Pixel Buds A-Series earbuds deliver outstanding audio quality through a balanced soundstage. Their bass boost is plenty powerful without overshadowing the lows, mids, and highs. 2Pac's "Ambitionz az a Ridah" thumped with ample bass, yet it didn't feel as if I strapped a pair of subwoofers on my ears.

"Friend of the Devil" by the Grateful Dead played with enough delineation to discern its layered instrumentation. Vocals from podcasts sounded crisp. Likewise, calls feature crystal clear reception thanks to the dual onboard mics, which pick up voices well.

What we like: Comfortable, secure fit

Often with wireless earbuds, I find they are difficult to keep in my ears while moving. Thanks to their ear hooks, the Pixel Buds A-Series fit securely but comfortably. Since the A-Series are lightweight, I kept forgetting I had the earbuds nestled in my ear canals. I went running several times with the Pixel Buds and experienced no issues.

And IPX4 water resistance, while not enough protection for a dunk in the pool, ensures that the Pixel Buds can handle a quick jaunt from the car to the house while raining.

What we like: Android and Google integration

Since the Pixel Buds A-Series hails from Google, there's seamless integration with Android devices and Google services. Pairing the A-Series with my Google Pixel 6 Pro was as simple as opening the case, tapping connect, and following a few prompts. Non-Pixel devices can also work with the Fast Pair feature but require the Pixel Buds app. 

Once you're set up, the Pixel Buds offer ample Android integrations such as Google Assistant support, fast pairing, and a robust companion app. There's also location tracking in case you lose a bud. In all, the Pixel Buds A-Series works flawlessly with Android devices, both Pixel and otherwise.

What we don't like: App required

Although Pixel Buds software comes baked into Pixel phones, Android phones from Samsung, Motorola, and OnePlus require an app. The app lets you toggle on features such as a Bass Boost EQ. For example, you can see real-time battery levels, select Google Assistant preferences, or view touch controls. Although installing another app isn't ideal, it's not a major inconvenience.

What we don't like: No active noise cancellation

Unlike many high-end earbuds or headphones, the Pixel Buds A-Series lack active noise cancellation (ANC). Instead, that's a feature reserved for premium earbuds like the A-Series's Pixel Buds Pro. However, Google throws in Adaptive Sound instead.

Adaptive Sound relies on auditory masking through volume optimization. For instance, if you're doing a load of laundry and have the washer running, the Pixel Buds raise the volume. While on a quiet walk around the park, the A-Series will lower the volume. 

The feature worked well in my testing, but it's not as smooth as ANC since you occasionally experience noticeable volume changes. Adaptive Sound is available in the Pixel Buds app or the settings menu for the A-Series on Pixel handsets.

Google Pixel Buds
A-Series Features

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Despite their modest price tag, the Google Pixel Buds include amenities that make everyday use a treat.

Google and Android integration

Android fans will appreciate robust Google and Android integration. Fast Pair works out of the box with Google Pixel phones or by using an app on other Android handsets. Google Assistant fires up quickly with a long-press of the on-earbud touch controls or by saying, "Hey, Google."

Lost earbud finder

Since earbuds are notoriously easy to misplace, the Pixel Buds A-Series sports a lost earbud finder. It works similarly to the location tracking abilities of Apple AirTags and Samsung Galaxy SmartTags. This location-tracking feature makes it simple to recover an earbud that fell out while running.

Google Pixel Buds A-Series
vs. Competitors

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Now that we've looked at what we love and don't about the Google Pixel Buds A-Series, let's see how they stack up against the competition.

Google Pixel Buds A-Series vs. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2

The Google Pixel Buds A-Series and Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 set you back about the same amount of money. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 2 offer over double the battery life, ANC, and Spotify integration. On the other hand, the Pixel Buds A-Series tout a higher IP rating (IPX4 vs. IPX2), Google Assistant compatibility, and a neat Adaptive Sound mode.

Samsung phone owners benefit more from the Galaxy Buds, while Pixel users should look to the A-Series. The Galaxy Buds 2 perform slightly better, although the Pixel Buds A-Series are slightly cheaper. We give a slight edge to the Galaxy Buds 2 (which is one of our favorite Samsung accessories), but it's a close call.

Google Pixel Buds A-Series vs. other competitors

Thankfully, you'll find plenty of wireless earbuds on the market. Let's see how the Google Pixel Buds A-Series stack up against its rivals in the OnePlus Buds Pro and Jabra Elite 4 Active.

The Jabra Elite 4 and OnePlus Buds Pro include longer-lasting batteries and higher IP ratings. However, the Pixel Buds A-Series offers Android integrations and a significantly better value. We recommend the Google Pixel Buds A-Series for most people, especially Pixel phone users, because of the fantastic price-to-performance ratio.

Recap: IS The Google Pixel Buds
A-Series Right for You?

Overall, the Google Pixel Buds A-Series is a top-notch pair of truly wireless earbuds that won't break the bank. Although we'd like active noise cancelation, Qi wireless charging, and a higher battery capacity, it's tough to complain at this price point.

Here's what you get from the Google Pixel Buds A-Series:

• Refined Android integration
• Superb sound quality
• IPX4 water-resistance
• Great comfort
• Solid case

Particularly for Pixel phone owners—and Android users in general—the Google Pixel Buds A-Series are a compelling solution for wireless earbuds. The secure fit and comfortable design coupled with excellent audio quality make the A-Series an outstanding mid-range pair of earbuds.

FAQs: Google Pixel Buds A-Series

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