Google's entry-level wireless earbuds have received a significant price cut, making them an even more compelling option for budget-conscious consumers looking for quality audio without breaking the bank. The Pixel Buds A-Series, originally launched at USD $99.99, are now available for just USD $59.99, representing a 40% discount on these already value-oriented earbuds.
Google Pixel Buds A-Series Specifications
- Original Price: USD $99.99
- Current Price: USD $59.99 (40% discount)
- Available Colors: Sea, Dark Olive, Clearly White
- Water Resistance: IPX4 (sweat and splash resistant)
- Battery Life: ~5 hours per charge (earbuds), ~24 hours total with case
- Charging: USB-C (no wireless charging)
- Special Features: Adaptive sound, Google Assistant integration, touch controls
- Limitations: No volume controls on earbuds, no active noise cancellation
Design and Comfort
The Pixel Buds A-Series sport a minimalist design that emphasizes simplicity and functionality. Available in Sea, Dark Olive, and Clearly White colorways, these earbuds feature a distinctive look that sets them apart from competitors. The built-in rubber stabilization fins (which Google calls stabilizer arcs) are permanently attached to the buds, eliminating the need to swap them out while ensuring they stay firmly in place during activity. For personalized comfort, Google includes three different sizes of silicone ear tips, allowing users to find their ideal fit. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, the Pixel Buds A-Series can handle sweat from workouts and light rain, though they aren't designed for submersion or heavy water exposure.
Audio Performance
When it comes to sound quality, the Pixel Buds A-Series deliver clean audio that works well for everyday listening. Bass notes come through clearly even at maximum volume, though users who prefer heavy bass might find them somewhat restrained. These earbuds excel with pop music, podcasts, and general media consumption rather than bass-heavy genres. One notable feature is the adaptive sound capability, which automatically adjusts volume based on environmental noise levels, saving users from constantly adjusting settings as they move between different environments.
Smart Features and Controls
The touch controls on the Pixel Buds A-Series offer straightforward functionality without overwhelming users with options. Simple taps allow for playing and pausing music, skipping tracks, and activating voice assistants. The touch surfaces are thoughtfully designed to be easy to locate without looking, and they offer good sensitivity without being prone to accidental activation. One limitation worth noting is the absence of touch-based volume controls—users must either adjust volume from their connected device or use voice commands with Google Assistant. For Android users, the integration with Google Assistant is particularly seamless, enabling hands-free commands for checking weather, controlling smart home devices, and other voice-activated functions. While iPhone users can connect via standard Bluetooth, they'll miss out on these Assistant-specific features.
Battery Life and Charging
The compact, egg-shaped charging case provides approximately 24 hours of total battery life, while the earbuds themselves offer around five hours of listening time per charge. While not class-leading, this battery performance is competitive at the USD $59 price point. The case features a USB-C port for charging but lacks wireless charging capabilities found in more premium models.
Value Proposition
At their new USD $59 price point, the Pixel Buds A-Series represent an exceptional value in the wireless earbuds market. While they lack premium features like active noise cancellation and wireless case charging, they deliver solid audio quality, comfortable fit, and useful smart features that make them worth considering for anyone seeking reliable wireless earbuds without spending a fortune. The significant 40% discount from their original price makes them an even more attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who don't want to compromise on essential functionality.