The life cycle of a Google {hardware} product often takes one among two instructions: it begins filled with bugs and slowly, with software program updates, finally ends up being a stable product with a whiff of repute injury; or it begins seemingly flawless and, over time, loses its luster as small points crop up and do not get solved.The firm’s first true wi-fi earbuds, 2020’s Pixel Buds, have been the latter. In April 2020, because the pandemic began raging throughout the nation, Google appeared triumphant as early opinions praised the earbuds’ sound high quality, consolation, and common ease of use. But it grew to become shortly obvious that customers would uncover endemic connectivity points as they spent extra time sporting their new buds. Google chalked it as much as early firmware and promised fixes, however even after a number of updates, the issues have but to totally abate — even right now, Google’s help boards are filled with posts concerning the Pixel Buds’ choppiness.Google Pixel Buds A-Series at Amazon for $94 (opens in new tab)For that purpose, I waited so long as potential to evaluate the brand new Pixel Buds A-Series, which Google says it has inoculated towards related connectivity issues in a number of vital methods. The excellent news is that after greater than two weeks of each day use out and in of the house, in areas the place the unique Pixel Buds at all times give hassle, the A-Series, regardless of their lower cost, have but to expertise a lot as a crackle or dropout. The higher information is that, however for a few options, the Pixel Buds A-Series are almost equivalent to the Pixel Buds in all of its constructive attributes.That makes these, at $100, among the best true wi-fi earbuds you should buy — so long as you might be OK with a number of notable compromises.Today’s finest Google Pixel Buds A-Series offersGoogle Pixel Buds A-Series: Price and availability(Image credit score: Andrew Myrick / Android Central)The Pixel Buds A-Series have been introduced on June 3, 2021, and launched on June 17 within the US and Canada. More nations will probably be added to the roster within the coming months. Available for $100 USD and $140 CAD, the Pixel Buds A-Series debuted $80 cheaper than their Pixel Buds counterparts, although the older, costlier mannequin is accessible cheaper at some retailers.You can get the Pixel Buds A-Series in 4 colorways: Clearly White, Dark Olive, Charcoal, and Sea. Since the unique launch, Google hasn’t seen the necessity to supply an upgraded iteration of those earbuds, and most just lately launched the Sea shade choice following the announcement of the Pixel 7a at I/O 2023.Google Pixel Buds A-Series: Hardware and design(Image credit score: Daniel Bader / Android Central)The Pixel Buds A-Series look virtually precisely just like the 2020 Pixel Buds, which implies they give the impression of being very very similar to true wi-fi earbuds designed by Google. The rounded plastic exterior, full with a “G” emblem, is totally touch-sensitive, permitting for single, double, and triple faucets — although, not like final yr’s mannequin, no swipes for quantity adjustment.With the A-Series, Google’s gone with a much less contrast-heavy shade palette, which is ok, however what I’m much less enamored of is the cheap-looking shiny plastic, each on the buds themselves and the within of the in any other case well-designed case.Image 1 of 3Google Pixel Buds A-Series in-hand with lid open exterior (Image credit score: Daniel Bader / Android Central)Back of the Google Pixel Buds A-Series charging case (Image credit score: Daniel Bader / Android Central)Google Pixel Buds A-Series charging port (Image credit score: Daniel Bader / Android Central)The buds slot in my ears completely, and I’d enterprise to say they are going to slot in yours simply as nicely, too. That’s as a result of Google is, along with providing three silicon tip sizes, insisting on the location of a everlasting “fin” that sits contained in the ear concha, conserving the bud from shifting round. In my sporting, these proved to be, like their predecessors, among the many most snug earbuds I’ve ever worn for lengthy durations, with an entire absence of ache or fatigue.The venting makes these among the many most snug earbuds I’ve ever worn, however that consolation comes on the expense of isolation.That’s partly as a result of earbud’s semi-open design; whereas sticking them in your ear canal produces a seal, there’s a vent on the underside of every bud that releases a few of that conventional stress brought on by conventional closed earbuds. It’s a compromise, although, as a result of that vent additionally means the Pixel Buds let in additional exterior noise than lots of its rivals, which, mixed with a scarcity of energetic noise cancelation, make them much less appropriate for some loud environments. The buds are IPX4 rated, too, which makes them applicable for exercises and different out of doors actions, however I would not threat a dip within the pool or some other type of immersion.Google did not mess with a superb factor when it got here to the case, which although a number of grams lighter (the buds themselves are barely lighter too), remains to be an awesome fidget toy due to the satisfying magnetic clunk of the lid. The earbuds relaxation gently of their charging cradles, and whereas the case lacks wi-fi charging, they prime up comparatively shortly over USB-C.Google Pixel Buds A-Series: Sound high quality & options(Image credit score: Daniel Bader / Android Central)Despite the A-Series’ $100 worth level, Google did not compromise on the sound high quality. I requested the corporate whether or not they used the identical 12mm drivers because the costlier Pixel Buds and acquired a affirmation, however the sound signatures aren’t equivalent. I’m glad I’m not the one one who skilled this — different reviewers stated the identical factor — although I would not go as far as to say the earbuds sound “hollow” like I learn at a number of different locations.The Pixel Buds A-Series have a impartial sound signature that does not emphasize bass, which might come throughout as tonally underwhelming or boring relying on the supply materials. But the default equalization additionally means they don’t seem to be fatiguing, and the A-Series shipped with the identical “Bass Boost” function that finally got here to the common Pixel Buds final August. That little low-end bump does wonders for hip-hop and home music, although I would not essentially advocate these in case your major concern is huge, thumpy digital tracks.But in December 2021, Google introduced out few new options to the Pixel Buds A-Series, which included further bass controls. With a slider that may be adjusted from -1 to +4, there may be the potential of twice as a lot bass as was out there beforehand utilizing the easy “Bass Boost” toggle.(Image credit score: Daniel Bader / Android Central)To save a number of {dollars}, Google eliminated one of many Pixel Buds’ sensors when designing the A-Series, and there is additionally one fewer microphone. Unfortunately, meaning you lose out on the so-called Attention Alerts, which stand in for a conventional transparency mode on the Pixel Buds. I by no means actually discovered Attention Alerts all that helpful, although, restricted as they’re to “baby crying, dog barking, and emergency vehicle siren,” based on the August 2020 documentation.These are as plug-and-play because it will get on an Android cellphone, and the sound high quality is simply as accessible, although it will not blow you away.The sensor elimination would not have an effect on any of the A-Series’ skills, although: there’s nonetheless auto-play/pause when one bud is eliminated, which I like, and always-on Google Assistant remains to be one of many Buds’ marquee options — extra obligatory now as a result of it is the one option to modify quantity with out utilizing your cellphone. Note, although, that after Google Assistant is enabled, there is no option to utterly disable the “ping” that arrives with an incoming notification — you may disable the assistant from studying them as they arrive in, however you are caught together with your supply reducing in quantity barely for an immediate every time your coworker messages you on Slack. Not supreme.(Image credit score: Daniel Bader / Android Central)I spent quite a lot of time utilizing a single Pixel Bud for Google Meet calls related to my MacBook, or strolling exterior listening to podcasts, and actually loved the expertise. Callers instructed me that the sound high quality was “AirPod-level,” which I discover tough to imagine, however I recorded myself and performed it again, and whereas I would not essentially agree, it is shut sufficient. Definitely up there with Apple and Jabra.What Google is lacking in comparison with these costlier earbuds, and even some on the $100 mark, is energetic noise cancelation. As nice and clean-sounding because the A-Series are, in the event you’re utilizing them in noisy environments, there are in all probability higher choices on the market.Google Pixel Buds A-Series: Connectivity & battery life(Image credit score: Daniel Bader / Android Central)I’ll be trustworthy: I wished to attend a number of weeks after receiving the Pixel Buds A-Series as a result of I acquired burned when utilizing the Buds simply over a yr in the past. So after I first began testing them, like everybody else, I had a reasonably flawless expertise. But it shortly grew to become obvious there have been hardware-related connectivity points that flared up in areas of excessive 2.4Ghz interference. To this present day, after half a dozen firmware updates, I can not reliably use the Pixel Buds exterior with out fixed cutouts and syncing issues.Thankfully, the A-Series solves the Pixel Buds’ largest challenge: instability.Those points have been brought on by how the Buds related to their supply: the appropriate bud related to the cellphone, and the left one routed via the appropriate one as in a relay. This was once the best way all true wi-fi earbuds related to telephones and computer systems, and whereas that did not essentially pose connectivity hassle, it definitely elevated the danger in areas of interference or the place the sign wasn’t robust sufficient for the relay to be maintained.(Image credit score: Daniel Bader / Android Central)Google instructed Android Central that they mounted these issues in two methods, first through the use of a stronger amplifier than within the previous-gen mannequin, and second by routing every bud independently to the cellphone. And I’m pleased to say it labored. After two weeks of each day listening, I’ve but to have a single second of crosstalk or interference, and never one disconnection.Where I have never seen any enchancment over the unique Pixel Buds is battery life. Each bud is rated for 5 hours, and the case provides an extra 19 hours. That’s a superb quantity, however I hoped that Google may eke an additional hour or two with a extra environment friendly chip powering them. Alas, 5 hours is all you get.Finally, I wish to speak about Fast Pair. Now the Pixel Buds are clearly not the one Fast Pair-enabled true wi-fi earbuds, however they work extraordinarily reliably on any Android cellphone you open the case close to. Your cellphone detects their presence, they shortly pair, and on a Pixel cellphone, the app is already preloaded, and also you’re able to go; on one other Android cellphone, you are required to obtain the Pixel Buds app to alter options.Google Pixel Buds A-Series: CompetitorsSource: Daniel Bader / Android Central (Image credit score: Android Central)The under-$100 tier of the true wi-fi earbud market has exploded over the previous couple of years, as upward stress from Amazon-first corporations within the low-end — Tozo and Anker, amongst many others — meet downward stress from last-generation model names — Samsung and Jabra — within the high-end.At $100, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 are the closest well-known competitor to the Pixel Buds, providing an analogous strategy by way of sound and Android integration, although clearly extra extremely optimized for Samsung gadgets. I discover the Buds 2 far much less snug than the Pixel Buds A-Series, and Bixby is much much less helpful than Google Assistant, however the Samsung product almost doubles the battery lifetime of the Google ones, they usually have a correct transparency mode, together with wi-fi charging.If you wish to hold the consolation however add ANC, Anker’s Soundcore model has quite a bit to supply. I actually just like the Jabra Elite 4 earbuds, additionally $100 proper now, which supply an analogous in-ear design however sound fuller than the A-Series, particularly within the low-end, and have extra customization due to an EQ personalization function within the app. Plus, they’ve very respectable energetic noise cancelation.Lastly, you may simply be higher served by saving a number of extra doubloons and grabbing the Pixel Buds Pro. These have been launched in July 2022 and have develop into a staple for a lot of in search of the most effective wi-fi earbuds. You’ll take pleasure in all the things from unbelievable battery life to a well-known match, and there is even multipoint connectivity built-in. But the most effective half is that the Buds Pro can often be discovered on sale for between $140 and $160, and we’d go as far as to say that the additional couple of dollars is price it.Google Pixel Buds A-Series: Should you purchase it?(Image credit score: Daniel Bader / Android Central)You should purchase this if …You desire a snug pair of true wi-fi earbuds for an Android cellphoneYou need always-on Google AssistantYou need clear, accessible sound high quality with out boominessYou wish to keep away from the connectivity issues of the Pixel Buds (2020)You should not purchase this if …You want energetic noise cancelationYou want all-day battery lifeYou need aptX codec helpI’ll be trustworthy: I did not anticipate liking the Pixel Buds A-Series as a lot as I do. Granted, the 2020 Pixel Buds nailed quite a lot of the basics, however at $180, they caught out as missing one function, ANC, that lots of its rivals have been already jamming in for a similar worth. That and the endemic connectivity points (which persist right now) made me cautious of a successor. Retaining many of the core options that made the 2020 Pixel Buds so good, fixing the dropouts, and dropping the worth to $100 was sufficient for me to provide these an unqualified advice.
Google Pixel Buds A-Series
Still an unbelievable worth
At $100, Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series stay as much as the value-but-not-cheap repute cast by the Pixel A cellphone line. Excellent sound and luxury mixed with helpful options like always-on Google Assistant and an outstanding onboarding expertise forgive a scarcity of wi-fi charging and energetic noise cancelation.
Google Pixel Buds A-Series: Price Comparison