When you’re looking for new earbuds, trying to figure out if a budget-friendly option can actually deliver is a common struggle. The CMF Buds 2 by Nothing arrive on the scene promising a lot for their modest price tag. If you’re like me, you want to know if they truly punch above their weight, or if you should just save up for something more premium. Let’s get right into it and see what these earbuds are all about!
Nothing’s CMF brand aims to bring solid tech at an affordable price, and the CMF Buds 2 are positioned as a sweet spot in their audio lineup. Priced around $59 / £39 / INR 2,699, they sit as a middle-tier option, offering many features found in their “Plus” sibling but with a few smart adjustments to hit that lower price point. Think of them as the smart choice if you’re hunting for wireless earbuds that deliver great everyday performance without emptying your wallet.
First Impressions: Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, the CMF Buds 2 don’t shy away from Nothing’s signature aesthetic. The design is pretty much identical to the slightly more premium Buds 2 Plus, which means you get that clean, minimalist look we’ve come to expect. However, there’s a slight difference in the feel. The case on the CMF Buds 2 has a more plasticky finish compared to the soft-touch plastic on the Buds 2 Plus. It still feels decent for the price, but it’s something you’ll notice if you’ve handled other Nothing products.
You’ll spot a clear plastic rotating dial on the lid of the charging case. While it looks cool and you might be tempted to spin it like a fidget toy, it’s mostly ornamental on this model, unlike some other CMF buds where it offers intuitive control. It’s a nice touch visually, even if it doesn’t add much functionality.
The earbuds themselves are quite small and light, which usually translates to comfortable wear. They’re designed to fit snugly in your ears without causing fatigue during longer listening sessions. However, one common feedback is that the included ear tips can feel a bit cheap and might not provide the best seal for everyone. This is a minor point, but a good ear tip seal is crucial for both comfort and getting the best sound, especially when it comes to noise cancellation. If you find they don’t quite seal well, investing in some aftermarket ear tips might be a worthwhile upgrade.
For durability, the CMF Buds 2 boast an IP55 rating for both the earbuds and the charging case. This means they’re resistant to dust, sweat, and splashes, making them a solid companion for workouts, outdoor activities, or just enduring the occasional spill. It’s a reassuring level of protection for budget earbuds. You can find them in fun colors like Light Green, Dark Grey, and Orange, adding a bit of personality to your tech. Garmin venu x1 thin and lightweight gps smartwatch review
Sound That Surprises: Audio Quality and Customization
Now, let’s talk about the most important part: how they actually sound. The CMF Buds 2 come with 11mm PMI polymethacrylimide drivers. If you’re comparing them to the Buds 2 Plus, those have slightly larger 12mm LCP drivers, but don’t let that spec sheet fool you. In fact, some reviews suggest the Buds 2 actually deliver a warmer and bassier sound than their Plus counterparts, which can be a pleasant surprise.
They offer a full-bodied mid-range, making vocals sound bolder and more balanced in your podcast. However, it’s worth noting that the sound profile tends to be a bit bass-forward, which is great for pop or electronic podcast, but might feel a little fatiguing on tracks with very strong bass lines if that’s not your preference. They might not be the most “flexible” sound for every genre out there, but for popular podcast, they truly shine.
One of the standout features here is the Dirac-tuned audio, specifically the Dirac Opteo technology. This is designed to optimize the acoustic performance by eliminating unwanted resonances and colorations, giving you a clearer sound. You also get access to a customizable EQ within the Nothing X app. This isn’t just a basic treble/bass slider. you get a three-band EQ along with several presets like Pop, Rock, Classic, Electronic, and Voice Enhance. There’s also an “Ultra Bass mode” with five intensity levels, perfect if you really want to feel that thump. Just be careful not to overdo it, as some found that cranking the Ultra Bass too high could muffle the audio.
On the codec front, the CMF Buds 2 support AAC and SBC, but they lack LDAC. If you’re an Android user with a device that supports LDAC and you care about high-resolution audio, this might be a slight drawback, and you’d need to step up to the CMF Buds 2 Plus for that. However, for most users listening to streaming services, AAC and SBC are perfectly adequate.
Another neat trick up their sleeve is the Spatial Audio Effect. While often a gimmick on budget earbuds, some reviewers found that it genuinely adds a livelier, more immersive dimension to the audio. It’s definitely something you’ll want to experiment with in the app. For anyone looking to enhance their listening experience, grabbing some high-quality audio accessories can further elevate your sound.
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Tune Out the World: Active Noise Cancellation ANC
Active Noise Cancellation ANC at this price point can be a hit or miss, but the CMF Buds 2 deliver a decent performance. They feature Hybrid ANC capable of reducing up to 48dB of ambient noise. That’s pretty impressive for their cost! They do a good job of suppressing low-frequency rumbles, like the hum of a bus or plane engine. So, for your daily commute or a noisy office, they’re quite effective.
However, some higher-frequency sounds might still sneak through. This is often due to those cheaper ear tips that might not create a perfect seal, which is a common issue with many earbuds. If you swap out the tips for something that gives you a better fit, you might even see an improvement in ANC performance. There’s also an Adaptive ANC mode that intelligently adjusts the cancellation level based on your environment. While I personally prefer to just keep ANC on high to block out as much as possible, this adaptive feature can be handy for saving battery or when you need a bit more awareness.
The transparency mode, which lets you hear your surroundings, isn’t the strongest suit of the CMF Buds 2. Reviews indicate that the sound is natural but can be a bit quiet, sometimes making it hard to tell if the mode is even enabled if you have podcast playing. This means if you need to be very aware of your environment, you might find yourself pausing your podcast rather than relying solely on transparency mode. For comparison, higher-end earbuds like the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are known for their industry-leading noise cancellation, but they also come with a much higher price tag.
Power Through Your Day: Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor for any wireless earbud, and the CMF Buds 2 truly impress here. You can expect up to 13.5 hours of continuous playback with ANC disabled. In actual testing, some users got around 13 hours and 17 minutes, which is seriously good. When you factor in the charging case, the total playback time jumps to an enormous 55 hours with ANC off. That’s enough to get you through a week of listening without needing to plug them in, easily outperforming many rivals, including some more expensive options.
And if you’re in a hurry, the fast-charging capability is a lifesaver. A quick 10-minute charge can give you an impressive 4 hours of playback. This is perfect for those moments when you realize your buds are dead just before heading out the door. The charging case itself recharges via USB-C, which is standard and convenient. However, one thing to note is that the CMF Buds 2 do not support wireless charging. For the price, this isn’t a deal-breaker for most, but it’s a feature you might find on more premium earbuds or even the Nothing Ear 2. If wireless charging is a must-have for your charging pad, you’d need to look elsewhere.
Staying Connected: Connectivity and App Features
The CMF Buds 2 come equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a stable and efficient wireless connection. This means fewer dropouts and a reliable range, typically up to 10 meters. One of my favorite features in modern earbuds is dual device connection multipoint, and I’m happy to report the CMF Buds 2 support it. This lets you seamlessly switch between two connected devices, like your phone and your laptop, without having to manually unpair and re-pair every time. It’s a huge convenience for productivity and entertainment.
For gamers, there’s a Low Lag Mode, which brings latency down to under 110ms when used with Nothing Phones. While not ultra-low like some dedicated gaming headsets, it’s a noticeable improvement for casual mobile gaming. They also support Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, which means quick and effortless pairing with Android devices and Windows PCs, respectively. Samsung Ballie Review: Your Future AI Home Companion Unpacked!
The Nothing X app is your command center for the CMF Buds 2, available for both Android and iOS. It’s where you’ll fine-tune your sound with the EQ, activate Ultra Bass, manage dual connection, and even use the “Find My Earbuds” function, which causes a misplaced bud to blink rapidly. The app’s design is clean and minimalist, keeping with Nothing’s overall aesthetic.
However, there are a couple of app-related features found on the Buds 2 Plus that are missing here. The CMF Buds 2 lack the “Personal Sound” feature, which creates a custom sound profile tailored to your hearing, and they also don’t have the option to switch between AAC and LDAC codecs since LDAC isn’t supported. While the Personal Sound feature can be a nice bonus, its absence isn’t a huge loss for many users.
Clear Conversations: Call Quality
Nobody wants to sound muffled on calls, and the CMF Buds 2 aim to deliver clear conversations. They’re equipped with six HD microphones three per earbud and feature Clear Voice Technology along with wind noise reduction. This setup works pretty well for their price point, providing respectable microphone performance.
When tested in noisy environments, they do a decent job of picking up your voice while trying to filter out background chaos. However, don’t expect them to compete with high-end premium earbuds like the AirPods Pro in terms of call clarity in extremely challenging conditions. For everyday calls, video meetings, and general use, they’ll get the job done without much complaint.
User Experience: Controls and Comfort
The controls on the CMF Buds 2 are customizable pinch gestures on the stems of the earbuds. You can set functions for single tap, double tap, triple tap, tap and hold, and double tap and hold. This allows for control over things like next song, previous song, volume up/down, and voice assistant. Pinch controls, in my experience, are often more reliable than touch-sensitive surfaces, especially during workouts or if your fingers are slightly wet. Plus, they usually come with satisfying audio feedback.
In terms of comfort, these earbuds are generally well-received due to their small and lightweight design. They don’t put excessive pressure on your ears, which is great for long listening sessions. However, as mentioned earlier, the ear tips might be the weakest link here. If you struggle to get a secure fit or a good seal, it can impact both comfort and sound quality. Finding the right earbud tips is a personal journey, but definitely one worth taking to maximize your experience.
CMF Buds 2 vs. The Competition: Should You Upgrade or Downgrade?
Let’s quickly pit the CMF Buds 2 against some of their close relatives and popular alternatives to help you make a decision.
CMF Buds 2 vs. CMF Buds 2 Plus
The CMF Buds 2 Plus is the slightly more premium option in the CMF lineup. Here’s how they stack up: Spout monolith atmospheric water generator review
- Drivers: Buds 2 Plus has 12mm LCP drivers, while Buds 2 has 11mm PMI drivers. Surprisingly, many find the Buds 2 to have a warmer, bassier, and more full-bodied mid-range sound.
- Codecs: Buds 2 Plus supports LDAC for Hi-Res Audio, while Buds 2 only has AAC and SBC. If Hi-Res is essential for you, the Plus is the way to go.
- ANC: The Buds 2 Plus offers slightly better ANC up to 50dB vs. 48dB on Buds 2 and a wider frequency range. In practice, the difference might be minimal for most users.
- Features: The Buds 2 Plus includes a “Personal Sound” feature and a case with a soft-touch finish and an aluminum dial which is still ornamental. The Buds 2 lacks Personal Sound and has a more plasticky case with a clear dial.
- Battery Life: Both offer impressive battery life, with the Buds 2 Plus sometimes eking out a couple of hours more, but the difference is minimal.
- Price: The Buds 2 Plus is typically about $10-$20 more expensive.
Verdict: For many, the CMF Buds 2 offer better value for money. The sound tuning on the regular Buds 2 is often preferred, and if you don’t need LDAC or the Personal Sound feature, you’re getting a very similar experience for less.
CMF Buds 2 vs. Nothing Ear 2
The Nothing Ear 2 are a step up in Nothing’s main lineup, priced significantly higher around $149.
- Design: Both feature Nothing’s transparent aesthetic, but the Ear 2 has a more premium build quality with an IP54 buds and IP55 case rating.
- Sound: The Ear 2 offers LHDC 5.0 for high-res audio and more advanced sound personalization features. While the CMF Buds 2 sound great for their price, the Ear 2 often provides clearer trebles and a wider soundstage, especially with personalized tuning.
- ANC: The Ear 2 boasts personalized adaptive ANC and generally offers better overall noise cancellation performance.
- Battery Life: This is where the CMF Buds 2 truly outshine. The Ear 2 offers around 4-6 hours with ANC on, with a total of 22.5-36 hours with the case, which is considered mediocre for its price. The CMF Buds 2 provide significantly longer playback.
- Charging: The Ear 2 supports wireless charging, a feature missing on the CMF Buds 2.
- Controls: The Ear 2 uses pinch controls, similar to CMF Buds 2, but often with slightly better responsiveness.
Verdict: If battery life and budget are your top priorities, the CMF Buds 2 are a no-brainer. However, if you’re looking for a more premium experience with advanced features like personalized sound, better ANC, and high-res audio codecs, and you’re willing to pay a lot more, the Nothing Ear 2 might be a better fit, though its battery life is a compromise.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
The CMF Buds 2 by Nothing are a truly compelling option in the budget wireless earbud market. They offer an exceptional feature-to-price ratio. You get surprisingly good sound quality with customizable Dirac tuning, respectable active noise cancellation, and a battery life that will easily power you through days, not just hours. The IP55 rating, Bluetooth 5.4, and dual device connection are all fantastic additions at this price point.
While they have a few minor drawbacks like the plasticky case finish, slightly less effective transparency mode, and the absence of wireless charging or LDAC, these are understandable compromises for the aggressive pricing. For around $59, the CMF Buds 2 deliver a well-rounded package that punches well above its modest price tag. Yoolax Smart Blinds Review: Are They *Really* Worth the Hype?
If you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to sacrifice too much on features and performance, the CMF Buds 2 are an easy recommendation. They prove that you don’t always need to spend a fortune to get a great audio experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of Nothing CMF Buds 2?
The Nothing CMF Buds 2 are priced around $59 / £39 / INR 2,699. Prices can vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.
Do the CMF Buds 2 have Active Noise Cancellation ANC?
Yes, the CMF Buds 2 feature Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation ANC, capable of reducing up to 48dB of ambient noise. While effective for low-frequency sounds, some high-frequency noise may still pass through, partly due to the ear tip design.
How long does the battery last on CMF Buds 2?
The CMF Buds 2 offer an impressive 13.5 hours of continuous playback with ANC disabled on a single charge. With the charging case, the total battery life extends up to 55 hours. A quick 10-minute charge provides around 4 hours of listening time.
Do CMF Buds 2 support dual device connection multipoint?
Yes, the CMF Buds 2 support dual device connection, allowing you to seamlessly connect and switch between two devices simultaneously, such as your smartphone and laptop. You can manage this feature through the Nothing X app. Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station Review: Your Ultimate Guide to Off-Grid Power
What Bluetooth codecs do the CMF Buds 2 support?
The CMF Buds 2 support AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs. They do not support the higher-resolution LDAC codec, which is available on the CMF Buds 2 Plus model.
Are the CMF Buds 2 waterproof or water-resistant?
The CMF Buds 2, including the earbuds and the charging case, have an IP55 rating. This means they are resistant to dust, sweat, and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and light rain.
Can I customize the sound of the CMF Buds 2?
Absolutely! The CMF Buds 2 come with Dirac-tuned audio and allow for extensive sound customization through the Nothing X app. You get a three-band equalizer with several preset options Pop, Rock, Classic, Electronic, Voice Enhance and an “Ultra Bass mode” with five intensity levels to tailor the sound to your liking.
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