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India Today
5 days ago
- India Today
CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus both offer great value, but which one is right for you?
When Nothing launched its new CMF audio line-up recently, it tried to tick all the boxes – affordability, clean design, and good features. There are three earphones on the platter. These are the Buds 2a, Buds 2, and Buds 2 Plus. We've tested the mid-tier Buds 2 and the top-end Buds 2 Plus, and both promise impressive value for their price. The CMF Buds 2 earphones are priced at Rs 2,699, and the Buds 2 Plus at Rs 3,299. If you're wondering which one is right for you, here's a detailed comparison based on design, sound, noise cancellation, battery life, and overall and comfortThe CMF Buds 2 come in a familiar square case with a playful twist – a transparent rotating element for attaching a lanyard. It has a PC + ABS (a thermoplastic blend) matte finish that doesn't pick up fingerprints and is compact enough to slide into your pocket. The earbuds themselves are light (4.5g), have a secure fit, and are IP55-rated, so they can survive sweaty workouts and a bit of Buds 2 Plus, on the other hand, look a little more premium. The case feels smoother, with a soft-touch finish and tight panel seams, which is a rare treat at this price point. There's a similar decorative aluminium dial on the case, which sadly serves no real function but looks cool. The earbuds feel just as light, though the silicone ear tips could be better – they don't seal as well as they should, which affects both comfort and ANC performance. It's a small but noticeable design Between the two, the Buds 2 win on comfort, while Buds 2 Plus edge ahead on aesthetics and quality. Setup and controlsBoth earbuds pair easily with devices via Bluetooth 5.4 and work well with the Nothing X app, available on Android and iOS. The app offers easy control over ANC, gestures, EQ presets, and firmware set up the Buds 2 with the CMF Phone 2, Infinix GT 30 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro and pairing was near instant. Buds 2 Plus offer a similarly smooth setup, and both earbuds support dual connection to two devices at touch gestures on both are fully customisable – you can adjust volume, switch ANC modes, or skip tracks with a tap. You can also disable wear detection and use 'Find My Earbud' to locate a missing bud via a loud it comes to set up and control, it is a tie between the Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus. Both offer slick pairing and user-friendly control options. Sound qualityThis is where the two earbuds begin to differ more CMF Buds 2 feature custom 11mm drivers with a tuning that leans towards clarity and balance. They also include Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, Dirac Opteo correction, and a Spatial Audio Effect. This is technical jargon, but here is what it means in the real-world: bass is definitely present on the Buds 2 but it doesn't overwhelm. The mids and highs come through cleanly, offering a pleasing, accessible sound across genres. For many, this will be more than Buds 2 Plus, however, crank things up a notch with larger 12mm LCP drivers and support for LDAC Hi-Res Audio. The difference is noticeable – there is more depth, better instrument separation, and a bit more body in the low end. But the bass can get heavy-handed, especially on the default Pop preset, which ends up muddying the clarity. If you prefer a more natural sound, the Classical EQ preset works said, there's also a Personal Sound Profile feature on the Buds 2 Plus that tailors the sound to your hearing. It's a great feature in theory, but you need a very quiet environment for it to work well or else ambient noise interferes with the the Buds 2 Plus offer more advanced audio options, but if you're not a fan of overpowering bass, you might actually prefer the simpler, more balanced sound of the Buds and Transparency ModeBoth earbuds support Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency mode, but the Buds 2 Plus have the upper hand on paper with 50dB ANC with a 5400MHz frequency range, compared to 48dB and 5200Hz on the Buds 2. In practice, the ANC performance on the Buds 2 is excellent for its price. You will feel the difference when using the earbuds in a noisy environment like a market or even a newsroom. It even supports adaptive ANC that adjusts in real Buds 2 Plus, however, do better with low and mid-frequency noise and have more powerful ANC overall. But there's a catch, the weak seal caused by the low-quality ear tips limits its full potential. High-frequency noise tends to slip through more modes on both are good for conversations and comparing the two, we were obviously expecting the Buds 2 Plus to win on ANC performance, and they do as long as you swap the tips. Otherwise, Buds 2 give you a more consistent experience out of the box. Mic quality and call performanceThe CMF Buds 2 come with three mics per earbud and Clear Voice Technology 3.0, which helps reduce wind noise and keeps your voice clear. During calls, background noise was handled reasonably well, and voice pickup was natural and CMF Buds 2 Plus, on the other hand, raise the bar slightly with six microphones and even better voice pickup. The call audio sounded natural, and voices were the two, the Buds 2 Plus take the clear win here, especially for regular callers or remote life and chargingBattery life is another strong suit for both Buds 2 promise up to 13.5 hours on a single charge without ANC, and about 7.5 hours with ANC on. In real-world usage with AAC and ANC toggled occasionally, we got about 8 to 9 hours, which is excellent. The case adds up to 55 hours total without ANC, and a quick 10-minute top-up gives you 4 hours of Buds 2 Plus slightly edge ahead by delivering 14 hours with AAC and about 9 to 10 hours with LDAC. In our testing, the claims held up, with actual numbers even going a bit beyond what was promised. A 10-minute charge delivers about 5 hours of use, which is incredibly it comes to battery and charging, the Buds 2 Plus win, but both models offer top-tier battery life at their which one should you buy?Here's a simple breakdown:Choose the CMF Buds 2 if you want a lightweight, comfortable design with decent ANC, balanced sound, and excellent battery life at a budget-friendly price. These are great for general listeners who want something reliable and easy to use the CMF Buds 2 Plus if you care about high-resolution audio, deeper ANC, and better call quality. Despite the slightly annoying ear tips, the overall experience – especially with LDAC and improved microphones – makes these great for those looking to maximise audio features without spending much more.
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Time of India
Nothing's CMF Buds 2 Plus & CMF Buds 2 are the affordable earbuds that actually get it right
In the wild west of budget wireless earbuds, where every brand promises the moon for pocket change, CMF by Nothing has quietly been building something different. Their latest duo, the CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds 2 Plus , don't just talk a big game about premium features at affordable prices; they actually deliver on those promises in ways that feel refreshingly honest. What makes these earbuds interesting isn't just their sub-Rs 3,500 price tags, but how they've managed to pack genuinely useful features without the usual compromises that plague budget audio gear. The CMF Buds 2 at Rs 2,699 and the Buds 2 Plus at Rs 3,299 are Nothing's more affordable earbuds, one that prioritises substance over flashy marketing. This isn't about finding the "best bang for your buck" or discovering some hidden gem that "punches above its weight class." These earbuds simply work well, sounding decent, which, frankly, is exactly what most people need from their daily drivers. Two peas in a very minimalist pod by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo The first thing you'll notice about both the CMF Buds 2 and 2 Plus is how they've managed to look expensive without trying too hard. The squared-off minimalist design language carries over from the original CMF Buds, but everything feels more refined now. The sandblasted matte finish on both models feels smooth under your fingers, while metal accents add just enough visual interest without screaming for attention. Both earbuds sport the same basic form factor and identical IP55 ratings for dust and splash resistance, making them suitable companions for workouts or those inevitable caught-in-the-rain moments. The fit is consistently comfortable across both models, lightweight enough that you'll occasionally forget you're wearing them, secure enough that they won't fall out during moderate activity. The charging cases tell a more interesting story. Both feature that transparent corner dial that's purely decorative (though functional as a lanyard attachment point), but here's where CMF made a curious decision. Unlike their previous Pro 2 model with its beloved Smart Dial functionality, both the Buds 2 and 2 Plus have ditched the tactile control system entirely. While I appreciate these for thier simplicity, but I do also miss the convenience of case-based controls. Colour options remain playful without being juvenile, Dark Grey, Light Green, and Orange for the standard Buds 2, while the Plus model offers its own palette. Neither feels like it's trying too hard to be different, which is perhaps the most refreshing design choice of all. The sound of sensible choices Here's where the two models start to show their distinct personalities, though the differences are more subtle than you might expect from a Rs 600 price gap. The CMF Buds 2 pack an 11mm PMI driver and lean into a bass-forward but surprisingly controlled sound signature. When I played James Blake 's "Limit To Your Love," the sub-bass had proper weight without turning his vocals into a distant whisper. The low-end has presence and depth, but it doesn't bully the rest of the frequency spectrum into submission. Leonard Cohen's "You Want It Darker" showcased how well these earbuds handle baritone vocals, his voice maintained its gravelly authority against the instrumentation without getting lost in the mix. The treble region is where the Buds 2 show their budget roots slightly, with guitar attacks in rock tracks sounding somewhat muted. It's not offensive, just a gentle reminder that you're not wearing Rs 15,000 earbuds. The included Dirac Opteo EQ preset helps balance things out, creating a more neutral presentation that works across genres. The CMF Buds 2 Plus step up with a 12mm LCP driver and LDAC support, and the difference is immediately apparent. The same James Blake track reveals better separation between elements, with improved precision in the bass that doesn't sacrifice warmth. On Sofia Kourtesis' "Si Te Portas Bonito," the spatial depth becomes more apparent, vocals maintain their presence while the various electronic elements breathe around them rather than competing for attention. Jazz recordings like Alabaster DePlume's "Don't Forget You're Precious" really show off the Plus model's strengths. The various saxophone layers position themselves with clear separation, creating an almost holographic listening experience that's rare in this price range. The soundstage feels naturally wide even without enabling the Spatial Audio effects. Both models handle percussion well, but the Plus model's improved driver delivers kick drums and bass lines with more attack and definition. Hi-hats retain their shimmer without becoming harsh, while cymbals have the right amount of bite without making you wince. When the world gets too loud Active noise cancellation on budget earbuds is usually where manufacturers make their most creative compromises, but both CMF models deliver surprisingly effective isolation. The Buds 2 offer up to 48dB of noise reduction, while the Plus model claims 50dB, though real-world performance puts both around the 35-40dB range in optimal conditions. In practical terms, both earbuds excel in the frequency ranges that matter most. Low-frequency rumble from buses, trains, and air conditioning gets significantly reduced, making commutes and flights more pleasant. The Plus model edges ahead slightly in handling higher-frequency irritants like keyboard clacking or conversational chatter, thanks to its Smart Adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment automatically. Neither of them create that uncomfortable pressure sensation that plagues some noise-canceling earbuds. The ANC feels natural and unobtrusive, doing its job without drawing attention to itself. Transparency modes on both models work well enough for quick conversations or environmental awareness, though they won't make you forget you're wearing earbuds entirely. Wind noise handling deserves special mention, both models incorporate Wind Noise Reduction 3.0 technology that actually works. Outdoor calls remain intelligible even in breezy conditions, a feature that many more expensive earbuds struggle with. App-solutely loaded with features The Nothing X app serves as command centre for both models, and it's genuinely one of the better companion apps in the budget space. The interface feels intuitive without being overly simplified, offering meaningful customisation options without overwhelming casual users. Both earbuds get access to the tri-band custom equaliser with various presets including Pop, Rock, Electronic, Classical, and Vocals. The Vocals preset consistently emerged as the most balanced option during testing, reducing bass emphasis while improving clarity for both music and spoken content. The Ultra Bass feature offers five intensity levels, though anything beyond level 3 tends to muddy the overall presentation. The Plus model introduces Personal Sound powered by Audiodo, which creates a customised audio profile based on a brief hearing test. The effect is subtle rather than transformative, but it does provide noticeable improvements in midrange clarity, particularly around the 3-5kHz range where vocal details live. Other smart features include Low Lag Mode for gaming (achieving under 110ms latency with Nothing Phones ), seamless dual device connection (though not true multipoint), reliable in-ear detection, and ChatGPT voice integration. The "Find My Earbuds" function helps locate misplaced buds by making them blink rapidly, a small but welcome addition that uses the battery indicators cleverly. Touch controls are customisable across both models, allowing independent adjustment of double taps, triple taps, and tap-and-hold gestures for each earbud. The absence of single-tap functionality feels like an odd omission, particularly for play/pause controls that most users expect to access with a quick tap. Marathon runners in tiny packages Playtime is where both earbuds genuinely impress, delivering numbers that were flagship territory just a few years ago. The CMF Buds 2 managed roughly 9 hours of playbook with ANC disabled during testing, extending to about 55 hours total with the charging case. That's legitimate week-without-charging territory for most users. The Plus model goes even further, delivering 10 hours and 22 minutes of continuous playback in testing conditions. Total battery life with the case reaches around 60 hours, making these ideal for extended travel or simply forgetting about battery anxiety altogether. Fast charging capabilities have improved significantly on both models. The Buds 2 provide 7.5 hours of listening time from a mere 10-minute charge, while the Plus model delivers over 8 hours from the same quick top-up. These aren't just marketing numbers, they're genuinely useful for those inevitable moments when you realise your earbuds are dead five minutes before leaving the house. Neither model supports wireless charging, which feels like a reasonable omission at these price points. The USB-C charging is fast enough that the convenience factor of wireless charging becomes less critical. Smart money, smarter choices The CMF Buds 2 and 2 Plus represent something increasingly rare in the budget audio space: products that deliver on their promises without asterisks or excuses. These aren't earbuds that are "good for the money", they're genuinely good earbuds that happen to cost less than premium alternatives. For most users, the standard CMF Buds 2 at Rs 2,699 offer exceptional value. The combination of effective ANC, solid battery life, and balanced sound tuning creates a package that competes directly with options costing significantly more. The inclusion of Dirac Opteo tuning and spatial audio effects adds premium touches that feel meaningful rather than gimmicky. The CMF Buds 2 Plus justify their Rs 600 premium primarily through improved sound quality and the Personal Sound feature. LDAC support, better driver implementation, and Smart Adaptive ANC create a more refined listening experience that audio enthusiasts will appreciate. However, the absence of the beloved Smart Dial from previous CMF models feels like a step backward in user experience. Both models succeed by focusing on fundamentals: they sound good, block noise effectively, last all day, and integrate seamlessly into daily routines. In a market flooded with earbuds making bold claims about revolutionary features, CMF's approach feels refreshingly grounded. The choice between the two comes down to priorities. If you want the most value for your money and don't need LDAC or personalised sound profiles, the Buds 2 deliver everything most users need. If you're willing to spend slightly more for refined audio and smart adaptive features, the Plus model provides meaningful improvements without breaking the bank. Either way, you're getting earbuds that understand their place in the market and excel within those boundaries, which, frankly, is exactly what budget audio should be about. Our rating: 4/5 AI Masterclass for Students. 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GSM Arena
09-06-2025
- GSM Arena
Nothing CMF Buds 2 review
A couple of weeks back we took a look at the CMF Buds 2 Plus, the premium model in Nothing's new budget lineup of audio products. Today, we are reviewing the Buds 2, which is the middle model in the Buds 2 series. The Buds 2 come in at $59/₤39 or just INR 2,699. For the price, you get most of the features of the Plus model but with some cutbacks across the board. You get a slightly smaller driver, slightly lower rated ANC, a couple of hours less battery life, and no LDAC. In this review, we will be exploring if it's worth saving some money and getting this model or just forking over the difference for the Plus model. Design The design of the CMF Buds 2 is nearly identical to that of the Buds 2 Plus. Both have identical dimensions for their cases but the finish on the Buds 2 case is a bit more plasticky compared to the soft touch plastic on the Buds 2 Plus case. The Buds 2 also get a clear plastic rotating dial on the lid compared to the aluminum dial found on the Plus. However, the rotation is once again purely ornamental unless you choose to use it as a fidget spinner. The earbuds are functionally identical in design and dimensions. This means they are still quite small and light with a comfortable fit but also that they come with the same cheap-feeling ear tips from the Plus model. The lower price of the Buds 2 makes this a bit less egregious but the identically priced OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro have much nicer tips. Not only do these tips not feel nice but also don't provide a proper fit. The ear tips just slide in and out of your ears with little to no friction and you just don't get a satisfying seal with them. Software The CMF Buds 2 work with the same Nothing X app as the Buds 2 Plus and other Nothing earbuds. Most of the features are identical between the two Buds 2 models so I'll just focus on the differences here. There are only three changes here compared to everything described in the Buds 2 Plus review. The Buds 2 feature Dirac Opteo, which is the default EQ preset for these earbuds. According to Nothing's support page, Opteo "employs advanced measurement-based correction technology to eliminate any unintended resonances or sound colourations, maximising the acoustic performance of the Buds". A request for additional details on the inner workings of the feature was not met at the time of writing. Nothing X app The Buds 2 also lack support for the Personal Sound feature found on the Plus model, which plays a series of tones to let you customize the sound to your hearing. I already stated my concerns with this feature in the Plus review and its absence here isn't a big loss. Audio settings The final difference is the lack of LDAC, which means there is no option in the Nothing X app to switch between AAC and LDAC. Aside from that, the software experience is identical on both, for better and for worse. Performance Audio quality The Buds 2 feature an 11mm PMI (polymethacrylimide) driver compared to the 12mm LCP driver found on the Plus model. As mentioned previously, there is no LDAC and thus no Hi-Res Audio support here. Instead, you get Dirac-tuned audio, which can be customized using the EQ. The default audio tuning isn't a million miles apart on the two models but there are some notable differences here with an unexpected conclusion. The Buds 2 sound is a bit warmer and bassier than the Buds 2 Plus sound. There is more mid-bass heft here on top of the already potent low-end on the Plus. On the other end, the Buds 2 lack some of the high-end sparkle of the Buds 2 Plus model so the sound isn't as bright overall. The major difference was in the mid-range. The Buds 2 have a surprisingly full-bodied mid-range, which makes vocals sound bolder and better balanced in the mix. In comparison, the mids on the Buds 2 Plus sound quieter with a worse timbre. The overall sound of the Buds 2 is still a bit too bass-forward and that can get fatiguing on some tracks with a strong bass line. It's also not the most flexible sound if you like to listen to a lot of different genres. But most people will be using them to listen to popular genres like pop and for that, they work perfectly fine. In fact, I do prefer the overall tuning of the Buds 2 over the Buds 2 Plus for music. Speaking of tuning, the Buds 2 offer multiple EQ options aside from the default Dirac Opteo mode. However, switching to other presets causes an audible break in sound and you hear it again when you go back to the Opteo preset. The only exception to this is the custom preset. It's likely that the default Opteo and custom preset use different audio processing than the rest of the presets. Rather, it seems the other presets don't use much processing at all. Compared to the fuller and more spacious-sounding Opteo preset, the other EQ presets sound more congested with a smaller soundstage. This was not the case with the Plus model, where all presets got the same treatment. This means that if you use other presets, even if you prefer their tuning, you don't quite get the same experience as the Opteo preset. More annoying is the half-second silence every time you switch back and forth between the Opteo/custom preset and the other presets, which is accompanied by a sharp momentary rise in volume before the sound settles back down. The good thing is that the custom preset is based on the Opteo preset's processing, so you can customize the sound while still getting the full processing available for the Opteo preset. The bad thing is that Nothing's weird circular 3-band EQ is as terrible as it has always been. Microphone Like the Plus model, the Buds 2 have good microphone performance. Voices sound clear and while there is some modulation as the sound gets quieter now and then it's not very noticeable or distracting. Noise cancellation The Buds 2 have decent noise cancellation performance. You get good suppression in the low frequencies but some high-frequency sound seeps in, thanks to the cheap ear tips that create an imperfect seal. Still, for most use cases on things like public transport, the ANC performance is good enough. Unfortunately, the transparency performance wasn't great. The sound is natural but quiet and at times you can't even tell if the mode is enabled or not. This means if you have anything playing then it's just going to drown out the ambient sound coming in through the speakers, defeating the purpose of the mode. Battery Life The Buds 2 have a promised battery life of 13.5 hours during continuous playback with ANC disabled. In my testing, I got 13 hours and 17 minutes of usage, which is very impressive. Nothing also claims 4 hours of playback after a 10-minute charge and I managed to get 4 hours and 25 minutes, which is also impressive. Conclusion The Buds 2 are very close to the Buds 2 Plus that we reviewed earlier and I would urge you to read that review as it goes into a lot more detail. I was expecting the conclusion to the Buds 2 to be to just get the Plus model considering how small the price difference is. However, it ended up being the other way around and I no longer see much point in picking up the Plus model over this. Buds 2 inherit much of the strengths of the Plus model, including comfort, battery life, microphone performance, and respectable ANC for the price. Both also have clean-looking software and hardware design. However, the Buds 2 are just that little bit better tuned, which made them more enjoyable to listen to and proves yet again that having better codecs doesn't automatically make something sound better. In the end, the CMF Buds 2 come out on top and are a strong contender for the best wireless earbuds in this price range.
Hindustan Times
01-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
CMF Buds 2 Plus Review: Budget ANC buds that punch above their weight
If you're on the hunt for a pair of true wireless earbuds that won't drain your wallet but still offer solid performance, the CMF Buds 2 Plus might just be what you're looking for. Positioned as an affordable upgrade over the original Buds 2, these earbuds come from CMF by Nothing, a sub-brand known for delivering high-quality design and features at a fraction of flagship prices. But do they live up to the hype? After spending almost a month testing the Buds 2 Plus across daily commutes, gym sessions, and long calls, here's our in-depth review of what works, what doesn't, and whether these buds deserve a spot in your pocket. Right out of the box, the CMF Buds 2 Plus carry that minimalistic, slightly industrial design language we've come to associate with Nothing. The case is compact and lightweight, with a smooth matte finish that resists fingerprints well. It's available in multiple colours, light grey and blue, offering a bit of personality without going over the top. The buds themselves are stem-style, reminiscent of the Apple AirPods, but with a squared-off design that feels more modern. They sit snugly in the ear and are surprisingly comfortable even over longer periods. The IP54 rating adds peace of mind, making them a reliable companion during workouts or a rainy commute. Here's where things get interesting. For their modest price, the CMF Buds 2 Plus pack in a compelling list of features: -Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) up to 45dB -Bluetooth 5.3 with Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair -Customisable touch controls via the Nothing X app -Dual-device pairing -13.4mm dynamic drivers These aren't just nice-to-haves, they're features we usually associate with earbuds twice the price. Pairing is effortless thanks to Fast Pair support, and once connected, the Buds 2 Plus maintain a strong, stable connection. Multipoint connectivity also worked seamlessly in our tests, allowing us to switch from a laptop to phone without any fuss. Let's talk about audio. The 13.4mm drivers deliver a pleasingly full-bodied sound with an emphasis on bass. If you're a fan of thumping low-end, ideal for gym playlists or EDM, you'll be pleased. That said, the mids and highs hold their own, producing a fairly balanced output with crisp vocals and clear instrumentation. The Nothing X app allows for EQ adjustments and even offers a hearing test to personalise your audio profile. It's a nice touch that makes a genuine difference if you're picky about your sound signature. One small caveat: at higher volumes, the audio can get a bit sharp. While not a deal-breaker, it's something to keep in mind if you prefer cranking your music all the way up. Active Noise Cancellation on the Buds 2 Plus is better than expected for the price point. While it doesn't reach the effectiveness of premium ANC earbuds like Sony's WF-1000XM5 or the AirPods Pro, it certainly cuts down on ambient noise, especially low-end hums like engine rumbles or air conditioning. Transparency mode is decent too. It's not the most natural sounding, but it does the job when you need to stay aware of your surroundings. There's also adaptive ANC which adjusts noise cancellation based on your environment. It's subtle, but works well enough to justify its inclusion. The CMF Buds 2 Plus feature AI noise reduction during calls, and in practice, they're among the best in this price range. Voices come through clearly on both ends, and background noise is significantly suppressed, even in busy settings. For regular voice or video calls, these won't let you down. Battery life is one of the CMF Buds 2 Plus's strongest suits. You get around 8 hours of playback on a single charge, and the case offers up to 43 hours in total. With ANC on, expect about 6 hours per charge, which is still respectable. Charging is via USB-C (no wireless charging, understandably at this price), and a quick 10-minute top-up gives you a couple of hours of playtime, perfect for when you're in a rush. The Nothing X app, available on both Android and iOS, is cleanly designed and easy to navigate. From here, you can customise touch gestures, adjust the EQ, toggle ANC modes, and even perform a fit test to ensure the buds are sealed correctly in your ears. It's refreshing to see such thoughtful software support in budget earbuds. For a pair of earbuds that cost under ₹3300, the CMF Buds 2 Plus are an outstanding deal. They bring together quality sound, decent ANC, reliable connectivity, and long battery life, all wrapped in a stylish design with the backing of a reputable brand. Are they perfect? No. Audiophiles may crave more nuance in the mids and treble, and wireless charging is missing. But for the vast majority of users, these are incredibly easy to recommend. If you're after budget wireless earbuds with premium features, the CMF Buds 2 Plus are likely the best bang-for-your-buck option right now.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
CMF Buds 2 & Buds 2 Plus Review: Budget options that look cool and sound great
Recently we saw that Nothing extended its CMF family with the launch of the CMF Phone 2 Pro. Alongside the phone, the company also introduced two new audio products — CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds 2 Plus — clearly aiming to shake up the budget TWS space with solid features and a distinctive CMF touch. The CMF Buds 2 are priced at ₹2,699 while the Buds 2 Plus retail at ₹3,299, making them two of the most competitive wireless earbuds in their segment right now. These earbuds are cut from the same design cloth but tuned to appeal to slightly different use cases— the Buds 2 being more straightforward and the Buds 2 Plus offering more polish and power. Let's break down how they perform in the real-world and where they hit—or miss—their marks. Design Both CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus carry the signature CMF design DNA — minimalist, modern, and thoughtfully crafted. The charging cases are compact yet stylish, featuring a mix of matte finishes and transparent dial wraps that give them a distinct, almost industrial flair. The Buds 2 Plus get extra polish with a soft-touch coating and sandblasted metal accents, while the Buds 2 lean more towards a clean, matte aesthetic with subtle metallic touches. In the hand, both cases feel premium — solid enough to toss into a bag or pocket without worry. The earbuds themselves are lightweight, ergonomically shaped, and fit securely without causing fatigue. Even during long listening sessions or calls, the buds sit comfortably in-ear, which is ideal for workouts or commutes. Whether you're on a run or in a meeting, the fit remains snug without that typical in-ear pressure. (For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today's Cache) Control-wise, both models come with responsive touch panels. A double tap skips tracks or answers calls, a triple tap takes you back, and a tap & hold toggles between ANC and Transparency Mode. The gestures work well, and for those who like customisation, the Nothing X app offers options to remap them to your liking. In terms of durability, Nothing has done a commendable job. The earbuds are IP55-rated, making them resistant to sweat, dust, and the occasional splash — perfect for gym use or unpredictable weather. The charging cases have an IPX2 rating, which isn't waterproof but will survive minor drizzles or moisture exposure. Overall, both earbuds are built to handle daily wear and tear with confidence. Connectivity Both Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus come with Bluetooth 5.4 and support Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, ensuring a fast and frictionless connection experience. Pairing is as simple as opening the case near your phone — modern and intuitive, just as it should be in 2025. With dual-device pairing, you can seamlessly switch between your phone and laptop, which is a huge convenience for multitaskers. We had no connection drops in our usage, and the 10-meter range held strong even through a couple of walls indoors. Gamers will appreciate the Low Lag Mode, especially when used with a Nothing Phone, where latency drops to under 105 ms (Buds 2 Plus) and 110 ms (Buds 2). Smart Features With the Nothing X app, available on both Android and iOS, users get access to a host of useful features. You can customise EQ settings, remap touch controls, switch ANC modes, locate your earbuds, and apply software updates. Both earbuds also come with in-ear detection, so playback auto-pauses when you remove them, and resumes when you put them back in. Also notable are the 'Find My Earbuds' feature — handy for the forgetful crowd — and LED status indicators on the case for quick battery checks. Sound Quality Sound quality is where these earbuds impress, especially for their price point. The CMF Buds 2 feature an 11mm PMI driver tuned with Dirac Opteo, delivering clean mids, deep bass, and well-separated highs. Music feels open, and vocals come through crisp, with Ultra Bass Technology 2.0 adding low-end punch without muddying the mix. Step up to the Buds 2 Plus, and you get a slightly wider and more detailed soundstage. The 12mm LCP driver combined with LDAC support and Nothing's custom tuning brings Hi-Res Audio into the mix. If you're someone who streams lossless or high-bitrate audio, the Plus variant definitely shines brighter with more dynamic range and clarity. Both models support Spatial Audio Effect, using HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function) to simulate immersive 3D audio. While not as refined as what you might find on premium flagship earbuds, it adds depth when watching content or gaming. ANC On the ANC front, both buds pack in solid noise-cancelling chops. Buds 2 Plus offer up to 50dB hybrid ANC with Smart Adaptive Mode, while Buds 2 come close with 48dB hybrid ANC and Environmental Adaptive ANC. Both also support Transparency Mode for ambient listening when you need to stay aware. In practice, I will say that in its range, the ANC on both earbuds is quite good. However, there is a small but consistent issue across both models: when ANC is turned on but no audio is playing, you can hear a faint 'air' or static sound in the background. It's not disruptive during playback but noticeable in silent moments. Battery Both models come with a good battery life. The CMF Buds 2 offer 13.5 hours of playback on a single charge, going up to 55 hours with the case (ANC off). A 10-minute top-up yields 7.5 hours of playback, which is impressive. The Buds 2 Plus stretches even further, with up to 15.5 hours standalone playback and a whopping 61.5 hours with the case (AAC, ANC off). Even with ANC on, they manage a respectable 7.5 hours, and fast charging nets 8.5 hours with a quick 10-minute juice-up. Both use USB-C and take under 95 minutes to fully charge — consistent and dependable. Verdict In a market full of me-too budget earbuds, Nothing's CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus manage to stand out, not just for their design, but for everything they offer at this price. Both models are easy to recommend, especially if you're on a budget and want something that looks cool, sounds great, and doesn't compromise on modern features. That one issue — the static hiss with ANC on, does take away from the experience slightly, but not enough to be a dealbreaker.
