Pixel Buds A-Series vs Pixel Buds Pro 2: Similarities & Differences
Naila Syifa
Updated January 2025
Google Pixel fans have two great true wireless earbud options to choose from, the 2021-released Pixel Buds A-Series and the newer Pixel Buds Pro 2, which was released in 2024 as an upgrade to the original Pixel Buds Pro. Being quite far apart in their release timelines, the two models have some significant differences, but also share several notable similarities that we'll unpack in this comparison.
Key Takeaways
Pixel Buds A-Series has no volume control on the earbuds but can automatically adjust volume based on the surroundings. Pixel Buds Pro 2 has volume controls on the earbuds with no automatic volume adjustment but offers more advanced audio features like noise cancellation, conversation detection, and spatial audio. The Buds Pro 2 also edged out the Buds A-Series in terms of battery life, dust and water resistance, and connectivity features.
Pixel Buds A-Series
Rich Sound, For Less
✓ Adaptive Sound
✓ Real-Time Translation
✓ IPX4 Earbuds
✓ 5-Hour Listening Time
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Light Ears Ahead
✓ Active Noise Cancellation
✓ Conversation Detection
✓ Real-Time Translation
✓ 8-Hour Listening Time
Design
Pixel Buds A-Series
Similarities
Both earbuds share a similar round, stemless in-ear design with silicone ear tips for a comfortable and secure fit. Their charging case also has a very similar pebble-like shape, which I think looks sleek and compact.
The outer shell of both earbuds features capacitive gesture-based touch controls. We can tap it once to play/pause music or answer calls, tap it twice to skip to the next track or reject calls, tap it thrice to rewind to the previous track, and tap-hold it to activate the voice assistant.
Differences
One difference is that the Pixel Buds Pro 2's touch surface can also be swiped forward/backward to control the volume up/down. The Pixel Buds A-Series doesn't support swipe controls, so adjusting the volume has to be done manually or by asking Google Assistant.
Another difference concerns the stabilizer, which affects how the earbuds stay in your ears. Thanks to its twist-to-adjust stabilizer, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can be twisted, locking in more securely to your ears for a more stable fit, especially during workouts. After that, you can untwist them again for a more relaxed but stable fit. Meanwhile, the A-Series relies on a fixed stabilizer arc that cannot be adjusted.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also has a better IP rating than the A-Series. Its earbuds are rated IP54 (meaning it is protected from limited dust ingress and water spray), while the charging case is rated IPX4 (meaning it can withstand water splashes). In comparison, the Pixel Buds A-Series earbuds are just rated IPX4 while the charging case is not rated for water or dust resistance.
Features
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Similarities
Both earbuds support Google Assistant and Gemini, which means you can ask them to do various tasks hands-free, like getting directions, looking up information, setting reminders, or getting real-time translations.
However, there are some caveats for the real-time translation feature — you will still need to use your phone and there has to be the Google Translate app installed. Here's how it works.
You speak in your language, the earbuds will pick it up and send it to the Google Translate app on your phone, which then translates it and plays the translation through the phone's speaker.
Conversely, when another person speaks in a different language, the Google Translate app on your phone will pick it up, translate it, and play the translation through the earbuds.
In case you're wondering if there is a way to do real-time translations entirely through the earbuds without needing your phone, I guess not for now. Samsung Galaxy Buds' Live Translate feature is also similar in how it works.
Read also: Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs Galaxy Buds 3 Pro
Pixel Buds A-Series
Differences
Remember that the Pixel Buds A-Series has no volume control on the earbuds themselves? I said you have to adjust the volume manually or by asking Google Assistant, but there's actually a useful feature that makes up for this limitation — the earbuds can automatically adjust the volume based on your surroundings.
When it detects high noise levels around you, the earbuds will automatically increase the volume to compensate, and vice versa. This feature is known as Adaptive Sound and is exclusively available in the A-Series.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has no Adaptive Sound feature, but it offers much more advanced features that the Pixel Buds A-Series lacks, such as active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency mode, and conversation detection. ANC basically blocks out external noise, transparency mode lets in some ambient sound for better awareness, while conversation detection automatically switches between the two modes when it detects you're speaking.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 also offers spatial audio. It means the audio sounds more immersive as if the sound is coming from all around you. However, the content you're listening need to support spatial audio (usually with 5.1 or higher audio tracks). Movies and TV shows from streaming services like Netflix typically support it more often than music.
All the features and settings for both earbuds can be accessed through the Pixel Buds app, including EQ settings. However, EQ settings on the Pixel Buds A-Series are limited to just Bass Boost, which you can toggle on or off. Meanwhile, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 offers 6 EQ presets with the ability to customize the EQ settings yourself across 5 bands. Therefore, audio customization options are more extensive on the Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Battery Life
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Similarities
None.
Differences
Pixel Buds Pro 2 packs more impressive battery life than the Pixel Buds A-Series. With ANC on, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can last up to 8 hours on a single charge, and turning off the ANC extends the battery life to up to 12 hours. With the charging case, the total battery life goes up to 30 hours with ANC on and 48 hours with ANC off.
In comparison, the Pixel Buds A-Series can provide up to 5 hours of listening time on a single charge while the charging case provides an additional 19 hours of battery life, for a total of 24 hours.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 also supports wireless charging that the A-Series doesn't support, though you still need a Pixel Stand or other Qi-certified wireless charger sold separately.
Connectivity
Pixel Buds A-Series
Similarities
Pixel Buds A-Series and Buds Pro 2 are equally compatible with any Bluetooth device, including Android and iOS phones. However, we don't really recommend it for iPhones, as most of their great features (like real-time translation, Adaptive Sound, and ANC) are only available on Android 6.0+ devices.
The Pixel Buds app is also currently not available on iOS, so you won't be able to fully customize the earbuds or access their advanced features on an iPhone.
Differences
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 has two extra connectivity features that make it a more capable wireless companion compared to the Pixel Buds A-Series. The first is Bluetooth Super Wideband, which improves call quality by increasing the bandwidth for voice calls. So, with the Buds Pro 2, you can expect clearer and more natural-sounding voice calls.
The second feature is Multipoint Connectivity, which allows the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, making it easy to seamlessly switch between them. For example, while joining a video conference on your laptop, you can quickly switch the earbuds to take a call on your smartphone without having to manually disconnect and reconnect.
Pixel Buds A-Series vs Pixel Buds Pro 2
Final Thoughts
Pixel Buds Pro 2
In summary, the Pixel Buds A-Series and Pixel Buds Pro 2 share a similar design and some core features, but the Pro 2 model offers a number of added capabilities. The Buds Pro 2 has a more adjustable fit with its Twist-to-Adjust stabilizer, better dust and water resistance for both the earbuds and the case, a longer battery life, and more advanced audio features like ANC, conversation detection, and spatial audio. It also includes enhanced connectivity options like Bluetooth Super Wideband and multipoint pairing.
While the A-Series is a more affordable option featuring just the most essential features, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 delivers a more comprehensive and premium wireless earbuds experience.
If you like to read more about wireless earbuds, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Wireless Earbuds
Pixel Buds A-Series vs Galaxy Buds FE
Pixel Buds A-Series vs AirPods 4
Pixel Buds A-Series vs Beats Studio Buds
Pixel Buds Pro 2 vs AirPods Pro 2
Pixel Buds 2 Pro vs Sony WF-1000XM5
Author
Naila Syifa
Content Manager at Synced. She crafts insightful content on the latest trends in technology, consumer electronics, and smart home gadgets.
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