Google’s New Pixel Buds Are a Perfect Example of What It Does Best

There was a time not too long ago when it matte like a lot of Google ’s devices lacked an identity . But since the release of thePixel 3a , Google has really chip at out a niche when it come to making dewy-eyed but still low-cost gadgets that are big on value . Google is now applying this approach to wireless audio with the newPixel Buds A - series , which distill the best elements of last year’sPixel Budsinto an even cheaper package that starts at just $ 99 .

Just like its precursor , thePixel Buds A - seriescome with an include charging case that look and feels like a futuristic space egg . There ’s a hidden indicator light that lives in the center of the case , and its matte finish is a joy to partake and throw you want to cradle it like an unborn chick even more . Around back , there ’s a handy geminate push button that sits flush with the subject , so you do n’t press it by stroke . And while thePixel Buds A - seriesdo come in two color choice ( white and Olea europaea green ) , it ’s hard to tell just by looking at the character unless you peep the lean lot that run around the bottom of the lid .

Pixel Buds A - serial publication

Photo: Sam Rutherford/Gizmodo

What is it ?

A pair of affordable wireless earbuds from Google

Price

Photo: Sam Rutherford/Gizmodo

$ 99

exceedingly comfortable , crisp open audio , simple design and setup , compendious recharging case , built - in touch controls

Photo: Sam Rutherford/Gizmodo

Photo: Sam Rutherford/Gizmodo

Do n’t Like

Battery life could be farseeing , no included power brick , support for wireless charging would have been prissy

Average Battery Life, No Wireless Charging

The one main difference with the pillow slip is that or else of patronize both wired and wireless charging , thePixel Buds A - seriesonly feature wired blame over USB - C. Now I all get that as part of the cognitive operation of turning the Pixel Buds ( which launched at $ 180 ) into something more low-priced , hard decisions had to be made , so I ca n’t blame Google for axing wireless charging in social club to hit that $ 99 price shred .

But even so , there ’s a part of me that wishes Google had managed a way to admit Qi wireless institutionalise for gizmo sake , because the ability to simply dismiss your earbuds on a agitate pad of paper and know they ’ll be full juiced up when you return is implausibly handy — even more so for earbuds than for headphone or watches .

While thePixel Buds A - serieslive up to Google ’s stated claims of lasting around five hours on a individual heraldic bearing ( plus three to four more full charges stashed in the case ) , I find myself wanting just a little scrap more in this department too . It ’s not bad enough to be a complete deal surf , but these days , 5 - 60 minutes battery life for wireless earbuds is somewhat intermediate .

To put thePixel Buds A - series ’ barrage life story into better position , five hours of juice is the same as last year ’s Pixel Buds , theGalaxy Buds Prowith ANC on , and the received Apple AirPods . However , other wireless earbuds all offer significantly longer runtimes : theGalaxy Buds+lasts 11 hours per charge ; theGalaxy Buds Livelast 6 - 7 hours ; and Sony’slikely soon to be replacedWF-1000XM3around six hours . They ’re all more expensive than thePixel Buds A - series , so the the A ’s battery life , while not capital , is n’t painful for a pair of $ 99 earbuds .

Simple Setup, Comfortable Fit

Aside from just OK battery life , everything else about the Pixel Bids is unproblematic , straightforward , and easy to utilize . If you ’re using a Pixel earphone or pre - set up the Pixel Buds app , pairing thePixel Buds A - serieswith your equipment is as simple as opening the case and tap a couple virtual buttons on your speech sound . And if you do n’t , the bud will either prompt you to download the app and guide you through frame-up , or you could plainly give the pairing button in back until the indicant spark starts flashing if you want to do thing manually ( which you ’ll have to do if you ’re using an Apple or Windows equipment ) .

Google also included built - in speck control condition so you may play / intermission with a individual hydrant on the buds themselves , tap double to skip a cart track , or threefold rap to go back . And like with pretty much everything Google makes today , you may summon the Google Assistant with your voice , or tap and make if you prefer a slightly more discerning wake method acting . As a small bonus , along with things like interpret out your notification or help you translate alien languages , you’re able to even ask the Google Assistant to increase or lower the volume .

Critically , Google did n’t mess with the Pixel Buds ’ design , with thePixel Budsretaining the same ear tips and work up - in annexe that help oneself the bud abide strong even during example , while still being overall some of the most comfortable earbuds I ’ve ever worn . Google bring home the bacon a choice of three silicone polymer spike tips in the corner ( humble , intermediate , and large ) , and while fit is always immanent , right out of the box , the pre - installed medium ear tips suit me utterly . And between thePixel Buds ’ low - profile figure and comfortable fit , I sometimes even rule myself fall numb with them on . ( I know that ’s not a full habit , but hey , I ordinarily watch a TV or two at Nox to assist wind down . )

Solid Audio but No ANC

Google even do to make thePixel Buds A - seriessound the same as their more expensive predecessor , too , which delivered crisp , exculpated sound similar to Google ’s billet of voguish speakers . When I listened toPnau ’s “ Go Bang,”the buds were more than up to of recreating Kira Devine ’s shimmery vocals while keeping highs and mids relatively tight and distortion free . And even though the Pixel Buds do n’t have a customizable EQ or even other EQ presets , there is a Bass Boost setting that delivers some extra thump .

Now at this degree it should n’t be a gravid surprisal to learn that the$99 Pixel Buds A - seriesdon’t have any kind of combat-ready noise cancellation . However , the nice fit provided by the bud ’ ear peak and wing do a good job of passively block out audio , with tiny intimate vent assure that aura pressure does n’t progress up uncomfortably , while also letting in just enough ambient haphazardness so you ’re still aware of your environs . For urban center - dwellers like me that have to walk everywhere , that ’s a big plus when commute , with Google also providing a handy Adaptive Sound setting that mechanically adjusts the volume to suit your environment . And at long last , thanks to two build - in beamforming mics , using the buds for call or video schmooze leave in good voice calibre , too .

Are Pixel Buds A-series Worth Buying?

appear , thePixel Buds A - seriesaren’t a universe denting product — they’re not going to metaphorically snap their finger and instantly make people bury about half of all the other wireless earbuds on the market . But for just $ 99 , they do n’t have to .

For me , they ’re right smart more well-off ( and cheaper ) than Apple ’s received AirPods with their pissed , hard - tipped design , and I think they sound better than AirPods , too . I would even say thePixel Buds A - seriesare more pleasing to wear and use than the originalGalaxy Buds , though the 11 hours of battery lifespan you get with the Galaxy Buds+ is tempting , especially for anyone whose biggest priority is barrage life .

But if all you really want are good , wide-eyed wireless earbuds , thePixel Buds A - serieshave you covered . And for anyone who already owns an Android telephone , thePixel Buds A - seriesmake a great default option when it come in to wireless audio . So even though they ’re not flashy or sexy , the Google ’s newest earbuds are another instance of how the company is get reasonably good at making outstanding , bare , affordable technical school .