Phones like the Google Pixel 7a, known for their outsized performance compared to the price tag, deserve a pair of earbuds that likewise offer a great listening experience without the $300 to $400 price tag of some best wireless earbuds. While you can certainly go with costly models, some excellent, wallet-friendly options pair very well with this Pixel phone. This list of worthy contenders was selected based on not just price but sound quality, features, and compatibility, which is why two of the top three picks are also made by Google.

  • Sony WF-C700N white background pair
    Sony WF-C700N
    Best overall
    $87 $120 Save $33

    It’s not much of a stretch to consider the Sony WF-C700N the budget version of the Sony WF-1000XM5 in that they’re among the best in just about every category for their price point. The clarity you get from the audio quality is impressive at any price point. Though these are not as feature-filled, not to mention the surprisingly weak battery life, there’s still plenty else to offer, including multipoint connectivity, fast charging, and Google Fast Pair.

  • Google Pixel Buds Pro in Bay colorway
    Google Pixel Buds Pro
    Premium pick

    With tons of features and powerful performance, the Google Pixel Buds Pro earbuds are a technological marvel. These IPX4-protected earbuds can stream sweet music via Bluetooth 5.0 using SBC and AAC codecs, tuned to perfection for general usage. With the powerful ANC on, they can run 7 hours straight (11 without), and they have a sweet transparent mode. With multipoint connectivity and wireless charging support, these are clearly built to win.

  • Pixel Buds A series charcoal white background
    Google Pixel Buds A-Series
    Best value

    The Google Pixel A-series earbuds are not packed with too many features, but they deliver absolutely great performance where it counts. The 12 mm dynamic drivers are well-balanced to produce the sound that most people will come to love, and the variable-sized ear tips hold them snugly in your ears. Connecting via BT5.0, they stream AAC and SBC codecs. Also, you can converse fluently with Google Assistant thanks to the "Hey Google" detection feature.

  • Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 in Lavender colorway, white background
    Samsung Galaxy Buds 2
    Best sound
    $110 $150 Save $40

    Samsung has been producing some of the truly consumer-favoring earbuds for some time now, and the Galaxy Buds2 earbuds are a shining example. First off the bat, they sound wonderful. The AKG-tuned dual complex drivers deliver rich sound optimized to entertain the general-purpose user band, so these can go everywhere with you. The ANC is respectable for the price, and the multipoint connectivity works like a charm. Though made for Bixby, they work just fine with Google Assistant too.

  • EarFun Air Pro 3 earbuds on a white background
    EarFun Air Pro 3

    The EarFun Air Pro 3 are the kind of earbuds that make you reconsider how much you need to spend for a good pair. They sound great with big bass and crisp treble, solid ANC and Ambient mode (though they’re not adjustable), and have very good battery life. Though the app can sometimes struggle, it’s easy to use. Plus, there’s fast as well as wireless charging on hand.

  • Jabra Elite 4 Active true wireless earbuds
    Jabra Elite 4 Active
    $80 $120 Save $40

    The Jabra Elite 4 Active earbuds were created with working out in the mind, but they are good enough to use anywhere. These durable buds can stay in your bag without charging for days, plus they shake off standard gym sweat with a shrug. Piping through Bluetooth 5.2, these buds produce the Jabra signature tuned sound that would please most ears. They support Google Fast Pair and Google Assistant features effortlessly and do not crash your bank account!

  • The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
    Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC

    The fact that the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC cost just under $100 is almost unbelievable. The performance-to-price ratio on this pair of earbuds is hard to match. They're not perfect: the bass is a little out of control, the call quality is a bit subpar, and the capacitive controls are finicky. But, the sound quality is on par with earbuds at twice the price, and the feature set includes adaptive ANC and a customizable EQ profile.

  • Skullcandy Dime 2 true wireless earbuds
    Skullcandy Dime 2
    $25 $30 Save $5

    Say what you want about Skullcandy, but they have again proved their funky sense of colors with the new Dime 2 earbuds. Available in some seriously cool colorways, including one that looks like a good fit for Harley Quinn, these buds produce superb bass and crisp mids in your ears. In addition, they have an ergonomic build that's quite comfortable in the ear, the buds are compatible with Tile, and Google Assistant works perfectly well through these, though the battery could be better.

  • Jabra Elite 10 earbuds in case
    Jabra Elite 10

    Though the Jabra Elite 10 seem a little pricey for what you get, they are among the most comfortable earbuds out there. They fit as snug as a glove, and the sound and call quality are very solid, as are the ANC and transparency modes. The in-app EQ is underwhelming. But that’s a small price to pay for easy-to-wear earbuds with an IP57 rating.

  • Audio Technica ATH-SQ1TWBK in black white background
    Audio-Technica ATH-SQ1TWBK
    $48 $79 Save $31

    These earbuds are among the most unique looking with their square shape and striking colors. Though there’s no ANC, there’s a HearThrough mode, aka Transparency or Ambient mode, and a low latency mode when gaming. Overall, they’re somewhat stripped down when it comes to features. There isn’t even an app. However, they provide great audio, especially for the price, with solid imaging and a fun sound that works across multiple genres.

  • JLab Go Air Pop true wireless earbuds floating above case, in white background
    JLab Go Air Pop

    Though not as enchantingly sounding as some of the bigger ones on this list, the JLab Go Air Pop hold their own place. The buds are built well and sound good enough for regular generic usage, and they come with two years of warranty. However, the case ergonomics leave a lot to be desired. For example, in solo mode, the controls can be problematic. Still, you can double-tap the left bud to summon Google Assistant easily.

  • Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone conduction neckband headphones positioned at an angle
    Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones

    If you’re looking for something a little different, the Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones are an excellent choice, especially if you run a lot. They transmit solid audio through your cheekbones instead of ear canals so you can be more aware of your surroundings. They’re durable and have an IP55 rating, so you could run in the rain if it suits you. Plus, they last ten hours on a single charge.

Choose the best aural companion for your Pixel 7a

The most redeeming feature of any audio equipment is its sound quality, and that's true for earbuds. Next comes its ability to last long before you plug it in again and how comfortably they fit in your ears. Anything you wear should not cause you fatigue or irritation. Last but not least, small additional features make up our minds, such as ANC, waterproofing, voice control, etc. In fact, voice control is paramount in this case since these earphones are supposed to take full advantage of Pixel 7a's excellent Google Assistant feature.

With all that under consideration, we feel that the Sony WF-C700N are one of the best, if not the best, overall here for their audio quality and features. They're essentially a budget version of the best-in-class Sony WF-1000XM5. Beyond that, Pixel's A-series buds are fantastic for the money and have that first-party compatibility with Google's A-series phones. Their big brother, the Pixel Buds Pros, can steal the show with a sheer performance, but only with a considerable amount of money thrown at them. But you don't always have to spend so much on quality earbuds.

The other contenders in this list are also worth having. Since no pair of ears is equal, it's pretty normal to find your match in unique products. For example, you may want to consider products from Jabra, Anker, and Skullcandy — any of them can fit your needs, as they all come with a solid combination of features and strengths. Just don't forget to download some high-bitrate quality audio files before you try the earbuds; otherwise, you may not be hearing their full potential.