Google Pixel Buds 2a / Apple AirPods 4 (Active Noise Cancellation)

Google Pixel Buds 2a: Pixel Buds 2a in-ear earbuds with a USB-C charging case; the Fog, Berry, Iris and Hazel colours share the same hardware. The Pixel Buds A-Series and Pixel Buds Pro 2 are separate models.

Apple AirPods 4 (Active Noise Cancellation): AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation; USB-C case with speaker and wireless charging. The AirPods 4 without ANC and the AirPods Pro models are separate.

SpecificationGoogle Pixel Buds 2aApple AirPods 4 (Active Noise Cancellation)
Release year20252024
TypeIn-ear true wireless; wing-tip stabiliser, four ear-tip sizes (XS, S, M, L) Google—
ProcessorGoogle Tensor A1 in each earbud Google—
Driver11 mm dynamic driver Google—
Noise cancellingActive noise cancellation (Silent Seal 1.5); transparency mode; active in-ear pressure relief

Pressure relief adjusts pressure in the ear canal to reduce the blocked feeling of a sealed in-ear design.

Google		—
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.4; pairs with Bluetooth 4.0+ devices

Full features need an Android 6.0+ phone and a Google account; on iPhone basic listening works but app settings are unavailable.

Google		Bluetooth 5.3

Works as standard Bluetooth earbuds with non-Apple devices; features such as automatic switching, Spatial Audio and Adaptive Audio need current Apple software.

Apple
CallsTwo microphones per earbud; Bluetooth super wideband; Clear Calling; wind-blocking mesh

Super wideband carries a wider audio range on calls with compatible Pixel phones.

Google		—
BatteryANC on: 7 hours (20 hours with case); ANC off: 10 hours (27 hours with case); 5 minutes of charging gives 1 hour Google—
Charging caseUSB-C charging; no wireless charging listed GoogleCharges via USB-C, an Apple Watch charger or a Qi-certified charger; speaker for Find My

No USB-C cable is included. The speaker helps locate a lost case by sound.

Apple
DurabilityEarbuds IP54, case IPX4

IP54 protects against dust and splashing water; the earbuds are not designed to be submerged.

Google		IP54 dust, sweat and water resistance

Not intended for water sports; resistance can decrease over time.

Apple
SensorsCapacitive touch controls; IR proximity sensor for in-ear detection; Hall sensor in the case Google—
Size and weightEarbud 23.1 × 16.0 × 17.8 mm, 4.7 g; case 50.0 × 24.5 × 57.2 mm, 47.6 g with earbuds GoogleEarbud 30.2 × 18.3 × 18.1 mm, 4.3 g; case 46.2 × 50.1 × 21.2 mm, 34.7 g Apple
UpdatesAutomatic security updates for at least three years from first availability on the US Google Store Google—
ColoursFog, Berry, Iris, Hazel Google—
Chip—Apple H2 headphone chip Apple
Noise control—Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness

Without ear tips the ear canal is not sealed like with silicone-tip earbuds, so ANC mainly reduces low-frequency rumble. Adaptive Audio blends ANC and Transparency based on surrounding sound.

Apple
Audio—Custom high-excursion Apple driver; high dynamic range amplifier; Personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking; Adaptive EQ; vent system for pressure equalisation Apple
Microphones and sensors—Dual beamforming microphones and inward-facing microphone; Voice Isolation; optical in-ear sensor; motion- and speech-detecting accelerometers; force sensor

The force sensor lets you press the stem to control playback, calls and listening modes.

Apple
Battery life—Earbuds: 4 hours with ANC on, 5 hours with noise control off; with case: 20 hours with ANC on, 30 hours off; 5 minutes in the case ≈ 1 hour of listening Apple