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Google’s Pixel Buds line has long appealed to Android users who want the convenience of AirPods without paying flagship-earbud prices, and the Google Pixel Buds 2a continue that approach with several meaningful upgrades over the older Pixel Buds A-Series. Right now, they are down to $99 from $129 on Amazon—their lowest price so far, according to price trackers. That discount makes them much easier to recommend for anyone looking for everyday earbuds with “almost pro-level specs but for much less,” as our writer put it in her review.

Part of the reason the Pixel Buds 2a stand out is that Google did not treat them like stripped-down budget earbuds. PCMag even called them the best earphones for Android users, and the hardware helps explain why. Google added active noise cancellation to the A lineup for the first time, improved the battery life, and redesigned the fit so the earbuds sit deeper in the ear canal and twist into place more securely, much like the more expensive Pixel Buds Pro 2. They also use the same Tensor A1 chip found in the Pro model, which means features like Gemini voice access, adaptive audio processing, and the customizable five-band EQ are just as good.

Sound-wise, the 11mm drivers deliver balanced sound that works especially well for podcasts, pop, hip-hop, and casual streaming, even if these are not earbuds aimed at audiophiles chasing the most detailed sound possible. Comfort is another strong point, especially since Google includes four silicone tip sizes, and getting the seal right noticeably improves both fit and noise cancellation. Speaking of, the ANC handles airplane engines, subway rumble, and traffic noise fairly well, although voices still come through more clearly than they do on premium earbuds from Sony or Bose. As for battery life, it’s respectable at up to seven hours with ANC enabled and around 20 total hours with the charging case.

There are still a few compromises, including the lack of wireless charging and the absence of a charging cable in the box. You also lose some extra sensors and a microphone compared to the Pro model, so call quality and fitness tracking are slightly less advanced.