Pixel Buds A-Series vs. Pixel Buds (2020): Which should you pick?

[@chrishill8688]

I've had my Google Pixel Buds (2020) when they first came out in the UK. I instantly fell for the the design and the Google Assistant mechanics as well as the touchpad for the sound and skipping songs. They are my main earbuds, however, there can be connectivity issues which does annoy considering the price I paid at the time. For some reason if I wear a wool hat which goes over my ears the connection keeps cutting out when listening to music. If I hadn't bought my original buds, I would be tempted by the A-series... although I do like wireless charging and touch controls...so maybe not?

[@Rac3r4Life]

I've got the Galaxy Buds + and I absolutely love them. When I was shopping for earbuds my two main considerations were the Pixel Buds and the Galaxy. I use a Pixel 5 and I love Google products, but I went with the Samsung for their ambient mode and battery life mainly. I am very happy with them.

[@zeldastorms]

These just became pre-orderable in Australia, and thanks to your review I've just purchased them. Thank you.

[@doowtnehpets]

Thanks for the comparison. I was contemplating getting the Pixel Buds 2 last week. Decided to wait for the latest iteration and boom, yesterday Google announced the A series. I have original buds with the wire between and I still like them. I think I can sacrifice wireless charging and the swipe controls for better connectivity. I read it was a hardware design flaw in the Pixel Buds 2 that caused so many issues. The bluetooth connects to only 1 bud and then that bud connects to the other bud. Which also caused battery to be drained quicker on the one doing most of the work. Only so much you can do with firmware updates to try and fix that. Google was just handing out refunds if you complained enough about them. They knew it was a bad design.

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

I don't like the A series. I mean they're comfortable and they sound fine. But you removing swipe gestures and touch for assistant functionality. And wireless charging! Those are probably my three favorite features on the Pixel buds. I know a lot of people said their pixel buds too or buggy and hand connectivity issues but mine have been fine for 6 months since I got them. I didn't pay full price. I paid $80 for a brand new pair so it was still cheaper than the Pixel bud a. Walmart had a deal for prime day

[@skullcrusher_1]

Still have the pixel buds 2020 and don't have nearly as many problems as others have. I'm one lucky SOB! 😂. I'd still prefer to have all the controls on the buds including volume control. I turned off attention alerts as they seem to drain the battery quicker

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

I got a pair of brand new from Walmart on Amazon prime day for 80 bucks. Only the white version was on sale. I'm two weeks in and I haven't had any problems. Not a long sample size but I'm pretty thrilled so far. The only complaint I have is that the volume doesn't decrease when I'm having a conversation with other people. It does when I'm voice typing . But I've had no connectivity issues at all

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

Hi very much would have missed volume controls. Wouldn't have to be a swipe but I still need volume controls on here if I'm paying 100 bucks.

[@herfen]

Mine stoped working again yesterday. After the first PB 2020 had Connection Issues i RMAed them. But now the battery of the right one died. So 2 Pair died in 12 months. This together with the verry bad Performance of my Pixel 5(slow as heck) against my old 3XL, and the worse performance of my 12 Google Home, NestHubs and so on drives me away from Google as a Hardware Brand. awa

[@Vonnite1]

I have zero connecting issues with the 2020 Pixel buds so I would still go for the original or other brands

[@yorgeabouttstudio]

Just preordered my pair

[@baylor3894]

Me too

[@yorgeabouttstudio]

@@baylor3894 I was so shook when I saw the price almost fell out of my seat I have airpods pro because I use them with my iPad so now I have some for my 4a 💪

[@terrypace2083]

@@baylor3894 p

[@mard192837]

@@baylor3894 how are they as compared to pixel buds 2?

[@ChadWicKeD]

Thanks for the comparison! Almost got the Buds A for my wife last night due to the stronger connection, but saw the heavily discounted price at Walmart for the Buds 2020 at $79. Ended up cancelling the Buds A order and bought two sets of the Buds 2020. One for myself! couldn't pass up the deal. Hopefully we don't run into too many connection issues.

[@ubgreatful]

How's it going with the buds after some time?

[@ChadWicKeD]

@@ubgreatful heh it ended up being a crapshoot. First pair was broken on arrival; only one side would connect. Google support was unhelpful and they had me return it to Walmart rather than giving me a replacement. Second pair has been working fine this whole time!

[@johnknoop42]

Hopefully the next version of the buds keeps the connection improvements. After my issues with the originals just a few months ago I switched to galaxy buds pro and have been much happier. The connection issues were just so bad. I even got them on sale but it was so bad I had to return them.

[@WilliamTGeorge]

I have two pair of Pixel Buds 2 (White and Black). I have never had any hissing or disconnect problems. I am not concerned about absolute noise cancellation, I believe it's important to hear environmental sounds (sirens and people who may be asking relevant questions). I like the swipe volume controls on the Pixel Buds 2. I'm interested in the improvements to the "wings" that hold the Pixel A Buds inside the ear fold. I understand wireless charging reduces the battery life of devices, so I can live without wireless charging. I imagine Google will release another series of Pixel Buds which will improve upon the Pixel Buds 2 and the Pixel Buds A series. I think I'll wait for a few months to get the next release. I believe in Moore's Law.

[@jjakkad]

Excellent review - but no microphone sample comparison?

[@zig131]

I'd really like to hear a microphone test of these before I am 100% on board to get them. Reportedly the sound quality is very similar to the 2020 Pixel Buds but the mic could still be worse or hopefully better as there is definitely room for improvement.

[@turbodarkle]

Apparently only the Pixel Buds 2 have the active wind noise cancelling, won't get it on the Pixel Buds A unfortunately

[@JarrodBush]

Being an admitted fanboy of Google I bought the 2020 buds on launch day. However, I got a free pair of Pixel Buds A with my Pixel 6 Pro preorder and I actually like them a little more. They are more stable and actually, for some reason, seem to sit in my ear better.

[@Johneyap]

Just got the a series, damn I'm impressed. My buddy can hear my music when it's at max, that's impressive

[@arress2052]

There are reviews out there still saying that the connection issues exist for the new buds. That's a shame.

[@gcforreal]

Yep I saw that. Either is a hard no with connection issues . You can get 50 dollar decent buds with no connectivity issues smh

[@arress2052]

@@gcforreal I have buds from Soundpeats, Edifier, and earfun and not only do they not have connection issues but they sound great. Apple, Google, and Sony charge too much for their buds.

[@gcforreal]

@@arress2052 true ...I have soundcore buds that sound great , but google is the worst offender in this regard ...the pixel buds 2 didn't even have anc but we're almost two hundred bucks Samsung buds mopped the floor with them in terms of features and price ratio even regular airpods were cheaper or airpods pro when on sale were in the same range . Google just seems clueless with buds remem how awful the first pixel buds were and overpriced smh

[@LoboTheLegend]

@@gcforreal all I hear is that you are broke af if you can't afford 100 buds😂

[@gcforreal]

@@LoboTheLegend I have airpods pro , Galaxy buds pro and Galaxy buds live all which retail more than 100 bucks. Buying a bad product because you think it's some status symbol MIGHT be the dumbest thing you can do with tech but to each his own

[@JustinDanielDunn]

The A-Series pretty much addressed every problem I have with my 2020 pixel buds - They're too expensive so if you lose them or if they are stolen it's heartbreaking, uncomfortable after extended wear, and broken connection in one of the buds when I put my phone in my pocket. The sound quality is good on the original, it's debatable sacrificing more sound quality for cheaper price though.

[@BetoTheButcher]

I have seen the originals refurbished at Best Buy for like US$89.00. i hear too much about connectivity issues so i just bought the Pixel As instead.

[@anthonywilliams9415]

I hate that the most about my Pixel buds

[@bryanthaley7734]

Have no connection problems with original ones and haven't since the connection stability update

[@tyresehilton1593]

I got my buds 2 on sale, loved them, lost them for a few months somehow, got them back after buying the samsung buds2 and Sony wf1000xm4, still love my pixel buds

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

Walmart had the pixel buds too for $80 on prime Day. $20 less and you get all the features that matter in my opinion. I don't know how you can remove swipe gestures since that's basically the flagship feature.

[@jsixxplays]

I'm definitely getting the A series. $100 is the perfect price point for me. I recently got the email to preorder the white ones.

[@xxxxxxxxdd1291]

You can get the google pixel buds 2 for 130 at best buy

[@thebasicbartender6352]

I think the connection issue isnt significant enough in my case to lose all the fuctionality features

[@SamPattonMusic]

The pair I owned had a major flaw. They didn't work if you put your phone in your pocket. They just cut in and out constantly. When I would go for a walk, I would pop my AirPods in and get some tunes going on my iPhone X, then drop my phone in my back pocket. I never gave it a second thought. I recently switched to a Google Pixel 4a and Pixel Buds A Series. I start on a walk and drop the 4a in my pocket and the Buds just cut in and out constantly. They were unusable with the phone in my pocket. I went through Google support and they heard it on the call and would have replaced them. I chose instead to swap them at Best Buy. The second pair I got had the same flaw so I took them back as well and got the Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro. They work great with my phone in my pocket! The Pixel Buds A Series have a serious flaw.

[@YoungDen]

I have the Pixel buds 2A gotta say, the battery on them has been really good at 5 hours before it needs charge. Wireless charging and volume controls are not important because they (case) stay charged for days so no issue there when I get home. The volume, I use on the device is no bummer so as long as the connection is great which is the main selling point here with really good sound quality. The base on these are really good and does it for me. Couldn't see why spending the extra money when I have the Sony MX4's for even better sound quality with noise cancellation for when I get home. When I am out and about the comfort of the buds are great and I never feel discomfort.

[@JoshsBookishVoyage]

The connectivity of my 2020 buds is so bad that I'm excited to get A-series with my new P6 order. The connectivity was so bad, I had to resort to listening to one bud at a time. It was rarely connectivity with the phone so much as each other, and very time it dropped it would reset the audio for syncing and it would be unusable. Now the right one won't connect at all. I even reset them and it connected for a few seconds before deciding it doesn't want to

[@DeadmanInc336]

I had so many issues with last year's Pixel Buds. Constant connectivity issues, meh battery life, and the first pair I ordered were defective. I just had enough after a while of so many connectivity issues and switched over to the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro which are a major improvement. I'm hoping the next flagship iteration of the Pixel Buds will be a major upgrade since I loved the touch controls and Google Assistant interface. Hopefully they come up with a Pro version of the Buds.

[@jjab7996]

I NEED a website where you input what features you want and it gives you what earbuds you should consider

[@RE-vl8ii]

Pixel buds a full price or pixel buds for $130?

[@cecilereyna]

Light indicator is different too.

[@qunkers3597]

thx good review

[@06Mikeymo]

Great review. Thank you. Just pre-ordered series A.

[@amizan8653]

Looking at this now since the preorder of the pixel 6a comes with a pair of those a series pixel buds

[@yippeekyay]

The 2020 Pixel buds drove me mad! The connection issue was real! It would cut out entirely when passing a certain area on my bus ride and sometimes only one of them would reconnect! It is so frustrating because I like the sound quality, the look and the fit! I wished early reviewers would talk about the connectivity issue more though as that's a deal breaker for me! (and I had the original Pixel buds, the connection was solid! I didn't think 2nd gen product could go sidewise!)

[@coreyjones4485]

I just bought the a series. And I love them

[@EricK-iv3lw]

Heads up to anyone out there who is having issues with there original buds if you go to a retailer to exchange them they will likely show they don't have the originals anymore but they do have the A- series. Drove an hour to Best B to exchange and they said they didn't have any. I return them and get my money back. Drive back home and look to see where to buy them... The A-series is fully stocked. Very very frustrating

[@leuzephyr]

I bought the pixel buds 2 for my mom a few months back for $150. I was able to find some at $129 for myself a few days ago. I was going to get the A series, but the extra $30 are worth it.

[@trevorng2786]

Funnily enough, I got mine from Walmart for 80$, less than the A series! Hopefully they should arrive tomorrow.

[@axsaull3350]

I'm on my second set of pixel buds 2 2020. I had to send my first set back. The connection plates on the buds, for whatever reason. After about 4-5 months of use, begin to fall inside the ear piece, which prevents charging the earbud. Sad to say, my second set is now doing the same thing. Also I have constant connection issues. I really want to love them so much. But if they can't cover basics like charging and connection stability, it's just hard to recommend them.

[@FelipeImperio]

Which model should I buy? The 2020 model still has connection issues?

[@JimAtHome]

Let's hope Google sorted out the constant audio disconnects that the Pixel buds 2 suffered, I owned a Pixel 2 phone too and every few minutes they would loose connection with my phone indoors outdoors and in the middle of nowhere, apart from that I really liked them and found them very comfortable to wear and I thought they sounded really okay, but with afore mentioned problem which google was very aware of and promised to fix with a firmware update which for me didn't help either so back they went to the chocolate factory for a full refund. I'm hoping these new ones have fixed the issue in which case I'll give them another whirl, thanks for the review

[@watchonwrist3101]

Thanks for the review. Is it possible to include the connectivity with zoom/skype/MS team/G meeting for these earbuds. I use zoom for most of my meetings over windows machine and had a lot of connection issues with the industry leading earbuds. I am guessing many people can benefit from this.

[@itsbiju]

I'd like to see a comparison to Sony's WM004

[@sahejbhatia]

Is the white noise issue on super low or 0 volume with media playing still an issue on these similar to the pixel buds 2 ? I returned mine last year because of the same. There was a persistent static buzz at low volumes or even all the way down to 0 with music still playing on the phone or laptop.

[@Endy_Ou]

I had that same issue plus the connection issue I'm really hoping these new ones fixed them. They'll be returned if they do.

[@badtzstoise]

I had a pair of 2020 pixel buds and they weren't bad but the connection problems made return them. I missed having wireless earbuds so I purchased them again and this set was basically unusable. Wound up buying Skullcandy sesh on sale for 30 bucks and have not looked back.

[@salahharb3357]

I like this comparison thanks 😊 Btw, there is some noise in the sound, better check the mic 🎙 Thanks 😊

[@holydukk]

How does removing only some gestures even justified? I thought you either have all gestures or remove them to cut the price.

[@badoing7390]

Here in the UK, the Pixel Buds are £175 on the Google Store and the Buds A are £99, which makes them seem like a nice, lower coat alternative with only a few missing features. However, in most major third-party retailers (currys, argos etc...) the Pixel Buds are £109 and have been for months. So when you compare £109 vs £99, the Buds A suddenly seem overpriced considering the missing features. I have used my Pixel Buds for 2 months now and have not noticed any connection issues.

[@DerNesor]

wait the normal premium buds are no longer for sale? Why ?

[@t.j.wooldridge8269]

Pixel buds 2020 would constantly cut out. My wife got me the Pixel Buds A for XMas and they are awesome. No cuts outs and a great connection. Nothing is worse than headphones that do not work properly.

[@endowpanda]

LOVE YOUR WATCH BAND

[@richardlong4390]

I have the pixel a but set works great. very happy with it and only paid $69 for it. can't beat it

[@Word_is_out]

I'd like to know when they go on sale wasn't it supposed to be June 17 in UK ?

[@badoing7390]

not worth it in the UK mate you can get Pixel Buds 2 from Argos for just £10 more and with the updates the connection issues are fixed - at least in my experience.

[@adamkish7]

Great review!

[@kyb7795]

Can the new 2021 buds fit in the old pixel buds case that way we can have wireless charging?

[@ajs5018]

Don't think so. There's 2 connectors on the A series, the originals have 3.

[@the-shork]

no

[@kyb7795]

Bummer

[@spirocz3414]

Have the old 2020...looks like it will fit on the wireless charger !?

[@amardaman3371]

Just got my pixel buds series a and I have only been using them for five minutes I love them and prefer them over my airpods

[@parkarras]

I loved the wing tips

[@SamiurRahmanTonmoy]

Will it be a better buy than Sony WF-1000XM3? I own Pixel phone, Windows laptop and an iPad which I use every day. Suggestions please! Thanks in advance.

[@theharesbreath]

No, those are higher end earbuds

[@voxelhat]

I have the original pixel buds 2 and I really like them. At first they were so bad but after an update they are well worth it 👍

[@scoobdoo2008]

I have the google pixel buds 2020. My left bud just went out 😭 and I'm out of warranty. So now I'm having to get the a-series

[@jamesmyers6739]

Or u could just order a replacement left earbud for cheaper

[@ruben79nyc]

I prefer the original for the volume touch control but I do like the A series for the better connection. Here's hoping a premium version will come from Google.

[@Tja-oz8bj]

I don't use that anyway. You have a phone for volume

[@kcscorner954]

@@Tja-oz8bj and when your phone isn't in hand?

[@dafoex]

I recently picked up the original (2017) pixel buds new in box from eBay. I didn't want the 2020 ones because I didn't fancy earphones with tips made by Bad Dragon

[@krzysztoffolta4823]

Would these work ok with a oneplus?

[@amalik995]

Yes

[@mineral520]

Anyone have the 2nd gen battery only last an hour. I swear I got an update to the pixel buds app a few weeks ago and my battery life dropped instantly.

[@fufkathebluetongueskink9572]

I have 2020 standard version and naves had problems with them.

[@SFwheelman]

I'd prefer to keep my 2020's. I don't experience any issues.

[@scottposton6770]

I have a hard time buying pixel buds again. I have had great products from Google but this product is nothing but bad. Looks good but they don’t stay connected. I’ve done everything recommended 10 times.

[@mard192837]

Pixel buds still have connectivity issues. Hope they are fixed on series A.

[@mannys616]

1:27 looks like those were made for his ear. They mold perfectly. 🤣

[@mundopixel23]

I want to know how is tha bass sound???

[@alexandroskumar9612]

OG buds are on sale in the UK for 109

[@ScientistInvests]

Still waiting for series A to be realised in Australia :/

[@Mr123robert1999]

When's it coming out in the UK lol

[@aarongarrett4184]

You can pre-order now! 😁

[@Mr123robert1999]

@@aarongarrett4184 yep did that last nigh I can't wait to get em lol

[@al3mlaq]

I have both, the A series is a cheaper feeling but the connection is MUCH better my only issue is the volume level is very low

[@Slifer-yq8ep]

Just got mine today and I love them good by Samsung buds live

[@brownboii305]

I can't wait to try the a series! I pre ordered the day they were announced.

[@TungNguyen-tt6ez]

Có bán ở VietNam không?

[@HarisAftab]

In UK most retailers are selling pixel buds on £109 while the a series is rumoured to be £99. There's no difference!

[@justaguy2567]

Well they're not available yet :(

[@Sparkyflr]

I wanted to love my pixel buds 2, but connectivity made them unusable. If they fixed that on these new ones then they should give us a free replacement.

[@ziplock5330]

My original pixel buds are bad ass and have no issues you speak of ...

[@alexandroskumar9612]

They're on sale in the UK for 109 too

[@RohitSharma-kz4wq]

Thanks you

[@mall231]

Got my pixel buds Argos outlet ebay 112 quid sweet

[@ZubiForce]

Not even for a 100 or cheaper than the A do I recommend anyone to get the 2020 Buds. I have had 4 pairs (and google is finally going to offer me a refund) they ALL had either Audio cut-off issues or an aggressive hiss in the right unit. The build quality is utter rubbish, a shame because otherwise, they are great. If you want more, I'll say wait for them to release a new Buds where they should fix the issues (hopefully).

[@adriansz4227]

And you use one bud without the other?

[@serpentvert]

Looks like I'm waiting for the Pixel Buds Pro

[@tommcdowall1]

No mention of the constant hiss in the originals in any of the reviews which is pretty poor

[@Endy_Ou]

I had that same issue it drove me crazy

[@Faze-2]

I never use any of those features on my pixel buds. Also my connection on my pixel buds is garbage

[@876Silly]

I'll stick with my pixel buds 2

[@joshdiditt]

You can get the 2nd generation on Best Buy for $129.99

[@YasinHasan]

pixel buds are $130 now

[@HiFiInsider]

the housing design is bad. hard to grab.

[@josedavalos1223]

I have a pixel phone 4 and very good, But the pixel buds a terrible product, hard to connect, bad instructions, sometimes disconnect from Bluetooth, not friendly to use, and I dont have time to figure out how to connect it. My recommendation, just buy Bose, beats or Sony earphones, easy to install bluetooth.

[@zachariahstovall1744]

Go with the new ones. Trust me

[@scoobdoo2008]

I enjoy my original

[@richardewingfrance]

Please STOP saying "OK Google", try OK G or something else when talking about activating assistant.

[@victormelendez2124]

I prefer the first ones that came out the 2020

[@bpid1851]

No hate but, am I the only one that thinks that the way that he says bUds and thUmbs Up is annoying? 😂

[@bishopscore]

Yup, you are the only one mate.

[@Endy_Ou]

That's just how British people talk Lol

[@regoat]

I got already Jabra 75t with noise cancelling

[@ZainullahKhan-xb7gb]

noti gang

[@MsMytube75]

Google for US and the likes, Xiaomi for Asia