A Pixel Buds 2a deal reported on August 10 put Google’s wireless earbuds at $99 new, down $30 from their $129 list price. Amazon carried that price, according to PhoneArena and 9to5Toys. The Verge also reported $99 new listings at Amazon, Best Buy and Google’s own store.
There is a cheaper number in the mix, with a condition label attached. 9to5Toys reported that Best Buy listed its “excellent” open-box Pixel Buds 2a at $70 in Iris and $74 in Hazel. Those are open-box offers, not reported new-unit prices.
According to 9to5Toys, Best Buy described those units as looking and working like new, with their parts and accessories included. That is Best Buy’s reported condition description, not an independent inspection. The difference matters: the $99 comparison is for new earbuds, while $70 and $74 are prices for open-box stock.
Are the $70 Pixel Buds 2a offers new or open-box?
The $70 Iris and $74 Hazel offers reported by 9to5Toys were Best Buy “excellent” open-box listings. Readers seeking a reported new pair were looking at $99 listings as of August 10. These are dated retail reports, not a guarantee that any price or listing remains available.
The available reporting also leaves a small color-count wrinkle. The Verge and 9to5Toys said the $99 new pricing covered four colors, while Google’s Pixel Buds 2a specifications page lists Hazel and Iris. Without current retailer verification, the full selection at the discounted price is unresolved.
What do Pixel Buds 2a include for $99?
Google lists the Pixel Buds 2a with active noise cancellation using Silent Seal 1.5, a Transparency mode, an 11 mm dynamic driver, Bluetooth 5.4 and USB-C charging. Active noise cancellation is intended to help block outside noise; Transparency mode is for hearing the surroundings while wearing the buds, according to the product feature descriptions cited by 9to5Toys.
Google estimates up to 10 hours of listening from the earbuds alone, or 27 hours including the charging case, with active noise cancellation off. Its estimates fall to seven and 20 hours, respectively, with cancellation on. Those figures are lab-style estimates based on continuous music playback at 50% volume, and Google says actual battery life varies with use, device and enabled features.
The buds can pair with Bluetooth 4.0-or-newer devices, including iPhones, Android phones, tablets and laptops. Google says full feature access requires a Google Account, an Android 6.0-or-newer companion phone and an internet connection. Gemini requires Android 10 or later plus current Gemini, Google and Pixel Buds apps, a Google Account and internet access.
That makes the $99 offer the clean comparison for buyers who want new hardware. The lower Best Buy figures may appeal to shoppers comfortable with an open-box listing, provided the condition and included accessories are checked before purchase.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.
