Google’s upcoming Pixel Buds 2a have just leaked in detail ahead of their official debut on August 20, set to coincide with the Pixel 10 launch event. While the spotlight will also be on the new Pixel Watch 4, these budget-friendly earbuds are shaping up to be an intriguing option for those wanting solid features without breaking the bank.
According to the leak, the Pixel Buds 2a will be priced around €150 and borrow much of their styling from the premium Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Expect a sleeker design with smaller wingtips than the original A-series model, plus a case almost identical to the Pro 2’s – likely offered only in white. The buds themselves are confirmed in two colors so far, Gray and Iris, with whispers of Fog Light, Hazel, and a recently spotted Moonstone variant possibly joining the lineup.
An interesting touch is that the hinge seal on the case may match the color of the earbuds, though it’s a subtle detail only visible up close. Cost-cutting changes include a printed rather than embossed Google logo, redesigned external mic grilles, and repositioned proximity sensors compared to the Pro model. The 2a will also skip certain premium features such as Adaptive Silent Seal, head tracking for spatial audio, wireless charging, and extended battery life.
Still, Google isn’t leaving users high and dry. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Spatial Audio – both absent in the original budget Pixel Buds – are included here, even if in a more basic form than the Pro series. For casual listeners or those seeking good sound quality without a hefty price tag, the Pixel Buds 2a could strike the right balance.
We’ll know the full story when Google officially unveils the Pixel Buds 2a alongside the Pixel 10 lineup and Pixel Watch 4 on August 20.