Google Pixel Buds A-Series

Google has tried to break into the wireless headphone market twice, and failed both times. The first Pixel Buds had obvious problems with ergonomics, while the second had sky-high prices and constant Bluetooth dumps. And in the summer of 2021, the company introduced the third generation — an inexpensive, stylish and functional headset Pixel Buds A-Series. In our market, headphones cost about $150. Are they worth buying?

More comfort for less money

Externally, Buds A remained almost the same as their predecessors, similar to a snail. But now there are not 4 colours, but two, and not the most attractive ones: white and olive. The oval case is only white on the outside and only inside is made in the colour of the headphones. At the bottom of the case is a button to connect to the source, not far away is a USB-C charging connector and an LED charge status indicator.

The Buds A sit quite comfortably if you choose the right size of ear pads, which come with three pairs. Thanks to the behind-the-ear hooks, the TWS are securely held, you can go for a run or train in the gym in them.

There was an infrared detection sensor responsible for auto-pause, and IPX4 water protection. Now you can not be afraid to get wet, neither the headphones nor the case, but it’s better not to get into heavy rain and not immerse the device in water.

Extended Bluetooth Range

Buds A did a good job on communication. Despite the no longer new Bluetooth 5.0., the antenna and chipset architecture has been optimized to increase transmission power and range. There are significantly fewer breaks compared to the previous model, and the connection range has increased several times. We used the headphones in a fairly large room, and they never once lost contact with the phone.

fast charging

Buds A does not have wireless charging, but there is a fast one. In 15 minutes they can be charged for 3 hours of use, and in total they work in music mode up to 5 hours on a single charge and up to 24 if you use the case resource. Not bad, but it could have been better. In headset mode, immediately divide the numbers by two, and this, frankly, is not enough for TWS headphones in 2021.

Perfect Sound

But with the sound, everything is more than good. 12mm dynamic drivers and Bass Boost option make listening to music a real pleasure. The highs and mids are detailed and clear, the bass is deep, powerful yet pleasant. Let's just say that for headphones of this price category, the sound is almost exemplary.

Good Buds A and for talking on the phone. Still, two microphones with beamforming (Beamforming) do their job. Even in spite of gusts of wind or loud ambient sounds, your voice will always be loud and clear. And Google Assistant will clearly recognize the commands addressed to it.

Adaptive volume

Many expected that Google would add active noise cancellation to the third generation of Pixel Buds, but alas. Instead of ANC, there's an Adaptive Sound feature that adjusts the volume level according to your surroundings. It works quite reliably, turning on only with significant changes in the level of external noise.

Quick pairing

Connecting with a new Android device is easy and fast thanks to Google Fast Pair technology. But with iOS, not everything is so rosy. You can only connect them to the iPhone through manual Bluetooth settings. Apple devices and the Pixel branded application do not support, in which you can reassign the touch control buttons, turn on the locator (headphone search mode), check the charge level.

So should you buy the Pixel Buds A or not? The answer is ambiguous. On the one hand, Google has finally managed to create a more or less competitive product with a relatively affordable cost. On the other hand, for that kind of money you can take TWS with ANC and better battery life. For example, Galaxy Buds2 or JBL Reflect Mini NC.