Pixel Buds 2a update available

Google updates its affordable Pixel Buds with active noise cancellation and a replaceable battery in the case.

Pixel Buds 2a Add ANC and a Replaceable Battery

Google updates its budget Pixel Buds with active noise cancellation and a new Tensor A1 chip, aiming to improve sound and efficiency in the entry level range. Google says the Buds 2a offer up to 7 hours of playback with ANC on, and the charging case features a replaceable battery for longer life. The earbuds are lighter and arrive in Iris and Hazel, with the Pixel Buds 2 Pro receiving a Moonstone color and a software update planned for next month.

Preorders for the Pixel Buds 2a are live now, with official shelves set for October 9. The update positions Google to compete in a crowded mid tier where many earbuds hover around the same price point, roughly $130 to $150, depending on retailer. The company also ties Gemini AI features to the Buds 2a, offering message summarization on Pixel phones, and notes a continued emphasis on compact design and usability as it expands the AI voice assistant reach across devices.

The Pixel Buds 2a signal a shift in what budget audio devices promise. By bringing ANC and a replaceable case battery to the affordable segment, Google is nudging consumer expectations toward longevity and practical upgrades over flashy gimmicks. The Tensor A1 chip could push better efficiency and sound balance, but the real test is whether users notice a meaningful difference in real-world listening. This move sits within a broader trend: value products that still lean on AI features to justify premium feel without raising prices.

Highlights

Longevity and useful upgrades may define the future value of budget audio.