Are Google's $99 Pixel Buds A-Series a supreme bargain? (review)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ส.ค. 2024
- Google's latest true-wireless earbuds leave off a few features but basically look and sound the same as the Pixel Buds 2 -- and they cost a lot less. So are they a great deal for Android users? CNET's David Carnoy has you everything you need to know in his hands-on review.
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lol no likes
Every time he says “A- series” it triggers my Siri voice assistant
"Eh, Siri?"
Ayyy Siri!
Touché for Google chosing the name🤣
🤣🤣🤣
Lol
I don't care about active noise canceling because I like to know a little bit what's going around me while I listen to music. just better sound quality always!
Certainly enough. Total silence, more so with no music on is just odd. I have to take buds out to hear the cashier or something and that's annoying, so these sound great.
2 years later but i gotta comment.. i was debating myself if i need to buy the pro for the anc but i found myself wearing only one for the past 2 years with other earbuds. and yes i agree with your comment
@@FelaIV That's okay because I sometimes find myself replying to 7-year-old posted videos, the 7 haha
I have these and they have turned into my daily driver buds. I went from galaxy bud pros, not by choice, they broke. The pixels are lacking in features and functions, that's inevitable since the lower price range but the audio quality is surprisingly great, even compared to the buds pro. The simple strait forward app ui and super simple pairing makes these in my opinion the best $100 buds you can buy. Great lows, mids and crisp highs are great. I am using a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra and they just sound great. I do use the paid version of poweramp eq app for better audio control and these buds handle the Frequencies perfectly. If your in the market, I recommend them.
I have a s21 ultra too I looking at these and Galaxy buds 2
How do these handle noisy cars on the road?
@@Cleisthenes607 they are actually like open back over the ears, and I know that's heresy but it's true. They are loud enough to keep your attention on the media being played but they are not noise cancelling. Again, I still recommend these before any other ear bud for the price range and since my original post, they have come along way with updates and app based sound control. I have bought another set cause they're that good. Hope this helps.
Dude, 👍🏼 I couldn't agree more. The galaxy buds 2 hurt my ears really bad. I don't really use anc or passthrough sound, so the pixel buds were a no brainier. Really surprised how good they sound.
@@Cleisthenes607 they can get loud enough to block any ambient noises, just know that everyone around you will know what your listening too at high volumes lol
Wow, didn't know they were out, great price for A smartphone users
Google just sent me an email about them lol
Yeah I agree! I have the pixel 4a 5g, and the pixel buds 2 are good even though I got them refurbished. I feel as though, since they are higher in price at least base price anyway, not counting deals. I feel like I have to be more cautious with them even though they are more durable. With these I think I'll be less concerned with ruffing them up, and the google assistant makes up for some loss in features.
You can get the older ones for the same price and they have wireless charging and swipe controls. But I'm worried about the connectivity.
@@michaelcorcoran8768 Yeah good point!, I have a some refurbished pixel buds 2 I got lucky but I've heard from others sometimes it's not the case. The new ones might not have that issue. I guess it's just a what you want more kinda situation.
@@michaelcorcoran8768 I'm curious about the connectivity, I don't encounter that problem at all
big fan of the Pixel platform / and these A-series are awesome - specially excited to hear they play well with conference calls.
I’ve been using these buds since November 2021. They fit perfectly in my ear. They’ve never been uncomfortable. The right ear bud volume decreased dramatically after 30 days of use, but Google sent me a new pair. Since then the only disappointment is that I can’t tap them to redial last number called or turn up the volume 😞 Other than that they’ve been great!
usually when that happens , its due to wax build up
@@g0ud77 nope, no wax. Just defective a bud.
They're so much better. The buds 2 still drop out after updates. The A version is so much better. And the in ear detection is top notch. Not to mention that it recognizes when it's in the case unlike the 2 which was my biggest gripe.
The previous buds were too expensive for me but the new buds sound just right for what I need so I am on the waiting list. Thanks for the review 😊
I'm sold. Can't wait to have these in my ears jammin. Touch controls is a great perk but at the price point, Who cares!!
You can still tap to play/pause/skip & hold for Assistant (just the volume swipe removed) :)
@@NikiVaghela was not aware of that. thanks for the info i was a bit confused
@@MydniteVisions no worries!
Anyone tried these on galaxy phones? I tried them but they sound so low even on max volume. Sound loud on my iPhone but not Samsung wonder why
I've just purchased - two sets & cords , will comment after using for awhile .🙂
How are they?
Thoughts? Looking to buy them today.
so?
Got this with the pixel 6 pro. Super excited.
Wait! I thought these were still being leaked!! I didn't know they were released!! Can't tell the difference these days with Pixel devices 😂😂
@@Demiray95m As far as I know, the leaks were for Pixel buds A, with that said, I would be really keen to see the Pixel buds 3/pro gets released alongside the Pixel 6 series around October.
They dropped today.
They dropped today.
I'm sold. Always wanted to try these. Thanks for the review!
Not being able to control volume on the buds is a serious miss on Google's part. This alone wipes out a good percentage of users in the workout/exercise market. I was about to throw down on these until I noticed this. Big deal breaker for me as this is available on the most simplistic $15 BT ear buds.
Just preordered a pixel 6 and got these for free. Total bonus and I can't wait for them to arrive
How long did it take for you to receive your phone? Or have you not received it yet.
Anything that competes with Apple I'm supporting
That’s irrational. Support my patreon since it’s not apple.
@@cavemanvi Any tech company*
@@Rationalist101 support my tech start up
Its not apple
@@athul_c1375 Does it compete with Apple?
@@cavemanvi
How are you providing competition for Apple?
Great review. Covered all the things I was looking for.
Great video, I'll probably get them for the price and what they offer they will work just fine. I'll use these with my Pixel 4a until tbe 6 come out. Thanks!
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.
What I've learned from having 10 different ear buds is.... the mid range $40-70 ear buds are just as good. You just need to choose what options you want on the buds
Some chinese brands now give you great ANC and sound for 70-80$
After trying a lot I'm super bummed that the galaxy buds plus don't have like any bass at all because they're perfect in everything else. Battery life, durability, comfortable, really good connection and pairing, good call quality, good touch controls, etc. I think the Jabra elite series would be a better choice but they don't have the battery life and slightly slower charging and they are a bit chunkier
Edifiers are a great set for $50
Yeah I'm the same way I agree. I honestly think neck bands are underrated as well. These days if you're in the 50 to $70 price point you can even get decent active noise cancellation and transparency mode.
Yes, but the achilles heel on $40-70 ear buds is call quality. If someone wants a all around package for around $100 it's either Galaxy Buds Plus and Jabra 75T. It's kinda like for awhile midrange phones were great but the camera sucked. Once the cheaper ear buds solve that, it's game over for the expensive and more established brands.
Got these from my brother because he doesn’t use em. I‘m actually surprised that they sound this good and sit so comfortably. I usually have pretty small and weirdly shaped ears but they haven’t even been close to falling out, yet! Pleasantly surprised :) thanks for this video
Got these for free with the Pixel 6 !!! Wanted to watch this video to get caught up ! Thanks
They look like if someone took the regular buds CAD files and then 3d printed the model
They are ugly. I want my earbuds to be pretty invisible.
Mine should be in Thur, can't wait to give them a try! Gotta catch up on my podcasts!
Honestly you could even get a good refurbished pair of Samsung buds Plus and let me tell you those sound really good the battery lasts a very very long time I think I went like eight or nine hours one time just listening straight throughout the day the only reason I traded them in is because I got the buds Pro but the buds plus you could probably get for 50 bucks
I got some refurbished Gen 1 and they work fine. I love them actually. I only use them at the gym and calls around the house occasionally. I just wish they got a TAD louder. But that's it.
@@taylorjbrost I'm actually on the fence on getting them because I've seen failure complaints.
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.
they are coming for free with my Pixel 6 purchase. I hope they are at least half as food as my galaxy buds +. Excited to have one set of headphones per phone. I will be sure to let people know how this goes. I will try and keep in mind the price difference on Galaxy buds plus vs these though. I probably have to minimize my expectations on these but I love tech.
Were they more food or less food than the galaxy buds?
🤭
@@rizingzun Google ripped me off and never sent them because of some weird clause they never explained on their requirements. I will never buy a Pixel product again lol
No access to volume is a deal breaker for me. Bummer 'cause I was initially excited about them.
I mean at least you can still change the volume with Google assistant that way you're not pulling out your phone.
@@BlackRainbow1990 True but fiddley. I hike a lot with my current ear buds and it would be a bummer to have to grab the phone or activate the assistant for frequent (podcast related) volume changes.
I agree. I stopped watching the video at that point.
I love my Google pixel buds 2 and yeah the swipe feature is really good. If I was you i would get the buds 2.
Yeah I have to agree. That's a must have feature really for wireless headphones, even cheaper ones
My Pixel A Buds was a bonus for an early purchase of the Pixel 6. Although the phone arrived in November the buds didn't show up till today. The one feature i was interested in is real time language translation. Have you tested that feature with the Pixel Buds? Do you know if the language translation would work with other headsets?
how did it turn out?
I'm hoping this finally gets us some more case options, bring back the later case 😭
Congratulations to a great coverage, well done
Looks good. Have you tried pairing this with a smart watch or something inline like a Garmin 245 Music? My Plantronics can play music from my Garmin and it sounds pretty good
Just ordered the olive color. They arrive June 18 or so. Looking forward to them
Got em. They sound fantastic, but they hurty ears. Ugh. Just my luck. They gotta go back.
Thoughts after a month? Looking to buy them for the gym
No volume controls is a no go for me
I was one of the suckers that bought the expensive one with all of the connectivity issues. It bothers me that instead of making those work better or maybe coming out with a new generation that fixed all the problems they decide to go budget and leave us who bought the more expensive version out to dry. I hope they are coming out with a new version of the expensive kind.
I am very impressed so far after whole day of trying these ear buds...well done google...great product
I ordered the pixel 6 and got these headphones for free.
Lucky
Had the soundcore air pro 2 but lost one side. And they don't sell separate replacements 😒 so I'm glad these are out. Get the buds to go with my 4a 5g 😁 btw, the soundcore sounded great. Much better than the similarly priced airpods.
Seems like a perfect pair for my pixel 4a
You can get the Sony WF SP800N which have much better battery life and active noise cancelling for the same price.
Those things are humongous f*** that
They don't sit tight in my ears during the run probably because of the huge battery they have and sticking out of my ears
If they were matte plastic, I would 100% get them. I can't stand glossy plastic.
Agree, Looks like cheap plastic.
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.
How’s the live translating on these new ones?
uhmm...ANC N/D, Multipoint N/D, Wireless charging N/D. I don't know if is really a good price, today, with a thousand competitors with better soud, spec and price (!)
Thankyou this was helpful and I will be purchasing. For me I am mostly going to be using for podcasts and audiobooks, and in a lab environment so exceptional sound quality or noise cancelling is not required (in fact, for safety reasons is better not to really have)
For 100 dollars, they could've added mechanical controls on these buds- if not touch controls. You don't wanna reach for you device when running or commuting, you'll rather tap on your bud and change a song. Voice commands don't work that great in my native tongue anyway.
The swipe to raise volume is a deal breaker for me
I am using Realme buds pro (designed by José lévi) which is ₹5000 INR about 68 USD. Comes with active noise cancelling, base boot, in-ear detection, game mode (which reduces latency), ambient mode and above average battery life (i mean battery lasts long). I have been using it over a year now, still works as it worked in day 1. 😊
I've had 3 replacement pairs of the Pixel Buds 2s. They are perfect indoor, but useless outdoor. Terrible sound quality, static, and alternating sound depending which side I hold my Pixel phone.
Ur glowing dude
Looking pretty good
great review thanks
You can actually buy the galaxy buds + from Best Buy for $10 more currently so I’m not sure how much of a bargain these actually are
My thoughts exactly
Yup. The Buds + were better than last year's Pixel Buds and these A series ones are a knockdown version of those. I'd even take Jabra 75T's over these.
Buds+ are great imo
*Those are significant trade-offs...but I guess for $99, it's acceptable.* @1:21
I'll keep my Pixel Buds 2 though.
Thanks for the review 👏
It would be nice if you had an example of the microphone quality, rather than just telling us that call quality was good.
I got them for my Google Pixel 6 because I lost my Jabra Elite 75t about a month ago. I like them so far, day 1 here but I'm sure they'll good to use my assistant and hear notifications while I'm working on the road or lawn mowing.
The Jabra Elite didn't like working with my Google Assistant or anything Android & they only worked sometimes with iPhone features..
They sound clearer on the PC Bluetooth than my Jabras did but they're lacking bass & that tight fit in my ear.
I've been wanting some wireless buds but never really pulled the trigger because of the price (I'm a bit frugle with phones/phone accessories) but this has me interested. The reason why I've always wanted to choose the Google buds over any other pair was the translator, I thought it was a cool feature. Anyone with Google buds, do you even use Google translate, should I just go for another pair of buds that are around the same price point that maybe a bit better? I feel I'm being a bit silly wanting to buy google buds over another product because of something I may use as a few times lol
I'm asking my self that right now. Did you end up getting these?
@@Regiochamp I did buy them! And of course I don't even use the Translator lol. But I do use the ear buds! They are pretty good for the price, I would recommend them if you have a Pixel! The one con I had is (and I'm not sure if it was due to the buds or just my Pixel A4) when I had my phone in my pocket and doing yard work constantly bending down the connection randomly cuts, and music or whatever I'm listening to stops and once I'm back up turns back on. Other than that it's a great ear bud, for a good price, that I don't regret buying. If you're lucky you can maybe even find a used pair.
@@xTheTamingx Noted.
Why, in the shot of the buds on the rooftop from about 0:28 to 0:34, does the unit appear to wobble or shiver? Makes it look like a super-imposed 2D image...
Probably stabilization.
Can you use one without the other?
Do we reckon that because google is offering a cheaper wireless earbud that the Pixel 5a won't have a headphone jack?
I mean, the 4a already doesn't, so...
@@LTMotions I just checked and it does I'm pretty sure
@@elidaw2322 my mom has a 4a and it doesn't have one lol
Unless I'm stupid
@@LTMotions idk I just looked it up on google
If you get them for free like us Pixel 6/pro to be owners, than it's really a bargain and a no brainer.
There has to be a premium version in the works, otherwise why bother with wireless battery share on the pixel 5?
The 2020 Pixel Buds 2 are the premium version haha (with wireless charging)
Thanks you for the video!
I have the Google buds 2nd gen but i am not pleased with it. When I am in a call ppl tell me they can barely hear me. They can hear more of the background noise. Is there a fix for that or someone experience something similar.
Im hoping google will come up with a non in ear version. The pixel buds 2 was great other than discomfort after using..
wouldnt they constantly fall out if they were open-ears tho??
I thought they were pretty comfy for the most part, just the damn bugs they had
@@somberone8259 hmm. I would reference apple airpods design. Or any other normal wired open-ear earphones.
The galaxy buds plus are far better at the same price.
Definitely
Do you have any idea how they work with Pixel phones? I know you need to download Samsung's wearable app, but I want to know what I'm missing (because I don't think the EQ stays with the Pixel phones).
@@estinic7712 all android phones and ios devices need the galaxy wearable app to pair with galaxy buds,and yes eq works well with all devices
@@estinic7712 you're just missing out on 'find your earbuds' which only works with Samsung devices
@@farhanakthar2101 I see, thank you
I've noticed that the back has a magnet. Any reason for that if it doesn't have wireless charging?
I had no idea those were out! That is a great price.
Glad to hear they may have resolved the audio drop out issue that still plagues the Buds 2. I loved the fit but no volume swipe is a deal breaker.
Do they work individually?
Pixel buds 2 would’ve been great if connectivity wasn’t an issue, u have the swipe gestures, sound was decent, fit was secure only problem was the ear buds cutting in and out.. if these were an upgrade I would be hesitant on getting them bcuz of that connection issue, however they DO sound better than the AirPods Pro’s but the pro’s are better with connection
And Google never fixed the issue
I bought these and returned the same day because they were so quiet at 100% volume. Did or is anyone else having this problem? I went through all my setting and reset my Bluetooth, the pixel buds and my phone multiple times. Please let me know as I really enjoy the form of these but the function deems them just about useless as I can barely hear em at 100%.
Ordering Now 🤗
Yooooooooooo the BGM is fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiire!!!!
What's the name of the track?
Darude - sandstorm
*slow clap*
@@vish720p please tell me you actually fell for it hahahhaha
@@johannesalbrecht2503 I was not born yesterday
@@vish720p dang it, it's harder to trick someone with darude than to Rick roll them
Very informative video, many thanks 👍 😊
How do these compare to the wyze earbuds?
This ore the Cambridge audio melodia plus? Fore music listening?
no wireless charging is a deal breaker for me. Also the glossy finish will probably be annoying when you sweat.
If they fixed the hissing then I might get one
apparently some reviews found it's still there...
@@EjaxPlus That's tuff. I'll stick to Galaxy Buds/Airpods series then
@@fightnight14 Why do you have both?
@@FahadAyaz My airpods were old, the 1st gen. I got the Galaxy ones for the gym because they block more noise and I like the no stem design
0 hissing on my pair
will this work great on iPhone ?
Awesome review 👍
Luckily I got it for free after buying the Pixel 6.
Does it not have wireless charging? I've got a pair, it's magnetic on the back of my case and using my pixel 6 pro with battery share, it began to charge.
Will they be available in Indian market.
No wireless charging? This is disappointing. I'm waiting for my free set included with my pixel 6 pro. Why would they make a phone with reverse wireless charging and include earbuds that don't support it? 🤦♂️
Do these have a ambient mode that you can toggle like the Galaxy buds?
No marketing around pixel buds A other than a 'coming soon' landing page.. pretty weird for a massive tech company. Also, im struggling to understand why i wouldnt spend £30 more and get a more premium product from Jabra etc. Not really sure if these are the best choice to be honest, perhaps I need to wait for the Pixel buds 3.
Anyone compare these with the Sabbat e12 Ultras? I have Sabbats already and love them, but these are coming as a promo item with the pixel 6.
hello, can you make a short comparison between sabbat and these buds?
Can you skip songs by swiping?
No. You can skip songs by tapping twice and pausing by tapping once. But Volume swipe has been taken off
@@LoboTheLegend Ok. Thank you
What about the case's IP rating? Can it resist water or will it die if we forget it within clothes going to laundry?!!
As a person with many experiences washing my cellphones, a word of advice... make a big sign and tape it to your washing machine that reads, "Locate ear buds and phone before washing!"
That might save you hundreds of dollars someday. 😊
Thanks 😄👍🏻
Dude I'm just pissed off that they sell earbuds for like two months then discontinue them and release a new version for 50% more
which is better
buds a or wf h800 from sony
I just bought the AirPod Pros
I'm so happy I got these for 60 even bigger steal for the price
Question, didn't watch the full vid yet. But can the series-a buds be charged/used in the original buds case? Thus giving them wireless charging.
how long should I long press to activate the Assistant ?
When is the third gen coming out?
WHAT HAPPENED TO PIXEL BUDS 2??? recalled?
I do have the pixel buds series a , there really comfortable and they sound amazing for the price but they still sound amazing.