Pixel Buds Pro 2
Best features
- Silent Seal 2.0 noise cancellation
- Adaptive Audio and Conversation Detection
- Case charges wirelessly
Compared
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Pixel Buds 2a
Google's best earbuds, or the cheaper pair that keeps noise cancellation?
By the Google Devices Guide editorial team. Compiled from manufacturer listings, not hands-on testing.
Quick Verdict
Which should you choose?
The comparison between Google's Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Buds 2a comes down to premium acoustic features versus everyday value. Both pairs share Google's Tensor A1 audio processor, 11 mm dynamic speaker drivers, and Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency mode. The flagship Pixel Buds Pro 2 features superior Silent Seal 2.0 noise cancellation, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Detection, beamforming call microphones, onboard swipe volume controls, a wireless charging case, and approximately 8 hours of battery with ANC enabled. The budget-friendly Pixel Buds 2a delivers approximately 6 hours 45 minutes of playback with Silent Seal 1.5 noise cancellation but omits swipe volume controls, wireless case charging, and advanced microphones. Choose the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for frequent calls, travel, and hands-free volume control; select the Pixel Buds 2a for reliable, affordable sound and noise cancellation on everyday commutes.
Pixel Buds 2a
Spend less
- Silent Seal 1.5 noise cancellation
- Same Tensor A1 chip
- 5-band equalizer
What is different
| Pixel Buds Pro 2 | Pixel Buds 2a | |
|---|---|---|
| Noise cancellation | Silent Seal 2.0 | Silent Seal 1.5 |
| Adaptive Audio | Yes | No |
| Conversation Detection | Yes | No |
| Loud Noise Protection | Yes | No |
| Wireless case charging | Yes | No |
| Onboard volume controls | Yes, swipe controls | No |
| Battery, ANC on, measured | 7 h 55 min | 6 h 46 min |
| Finish | Matte | Glossy |
Same on both: the Tensor A1 chip, an 11 mm driver and Active Noise Cancellation with Transparency mode. Differences are from SoundGuys and Engadget, whose battery times are their own tests, not Google's claims.
How the differences play out
Noise cancellation and extras
Google keeps its best noise cancellation for the Pro 2. It lists Silent Seal 2.0, against Silent Seal 1.5 on the 2a. Engadget says the 2a's noise cancellation is nowhere near the best available but better than nothing in most situations. The Pro 2 also adds Adaptive Audio, Loud Noise Protection and Conversation Detection, which the 2a lacks.
Battery and charging
SoundGuys measured 7 hours 55 minutes on the Pro 2 and 6 hours 46 minutes on the 2a with noise cancellation on. That is about an hour more on the Pro 2. Only the Pro 2 has a case that charges wirelessly. Both are SoundGuys' tests, so your results will vary with volume and settings.
Controls and calls
The 2a has no onboard volume controls, which Engadget calls its biggest dealbreaker. It also lacks the Pro 2's beamforming microphones, so Engadget says voice calls sound weaker. If you take many calls, that gap matters more than the music differences.
Who each pair suits
SoundGuys recommends the Pro 2 for Pixel owners who need strong noise cancellation and listen for more than four hours at a time, and the 2a for Pixel owners who want to save money and do not need the best noise cancellation. Compare current prices on Amazon before deciding.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Pixel Buds Pro 2
- You want the strongest Google noise cancellation
- You listen for long stretches and want a wireless-charging case
- You make a lot of calls and want better microphones
Choose the Pixel Buds 2a
- You want to spend less
- You still want noise cancellation and Transparency mode
- You can live without volume controls on the buds
We have not tested either pair. Check current prices on Amazon.
Common questions
Is the Pixel Buds Pro 2 better than the Pixel Buds 2a?
On features, yes. Both SoundGuys and Engadget say Google keeps its best noise cancellation and extras for the Pro 2. The 2a is the value pick, and Engadget scores it 82/100.
Do they use the same chip?
Yes. Both listings name the Google Tensor A1 chip and an 11 mm driver.
How do the batteries compare?
SoundGuys measured 7 hours 55 minutes on the Pro 2 and 6 hours 46 minutes on the 2a with noise cancellation on. Only the Pro 2 case charges wirelessly.
What is the biggest drawback of the 2a?
Engadget calls the lack of onboard volume controls the biggest dealbreaker, and says call quality is weaker because the 2a lacks the Pro 2's beamforming microphones.
Buy Pixel Buds Pro 2 on AmazonBuy Pixel Buds 2a on Amazon