In the ever-evolving world of wireless earbuds, CMF by Nothing has carved a niche by offering feature-rich products at budget-friendly prices. Their latest offering, the CMF Buds 2 Plus, aims to deliver premium audio experiences without breaking the bank. Priced at ₹3,299, these earbuds promise enhanced sound quality, adaptive noise cancellation, and personalized audio profiles. But do they live up to the hype? Let’s delve into the details.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the CMF Buds 2 Plus maintain the sleek and minimalist design language that Nothing is known for. The earbuds are compact, and lightweight, and come with three sizes of silicone ear tips to ensure a snug fit for various ear shapes. The IP55 rating means they’re resistant to dust and water splashes, making them suitable for workouts and light rain.
However, a notable change is the absence of the Smart Dial on the charging case—a feature that was a standout in the previous Buds Pro 2 model.
Instead, the Buds 2 Plus case features a rotating lanyard loop, which, while functional for attaching to bags or keys, lacks the tactile satisfaction and utility of the Smart Dial. This omission might disappoint users who appreciated the convenience of on-case controls.
Audio Performance
Sound quality is where the CMF Buds 2 Plus truly shine. Equipped with 12mm drivers and support for LDAC codec, these earbuds deliver rich, detailed audio with a balanced frequency response. The bass is present but not overpowering, mids are clear, and highs are crisp, making them suitable for various music genres.
One of the standout features is the integration of Audiodo’s Personal Sound technology. Through a hearing test in the Nothing X app, users can create a personalized sound profile tailored to their hearing preferences. This customization enhances the listening experience, especially for those who are particular about audio nuances.
Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode
The CMF Buds 2 Plus boasts adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) that adjusts based on your environment. However, we have noted that the ANC performance, while decent, doesn’t drastically differ from the standard mode, especially in quieter settings.
The transparency mode is commendable, allowing external sounds to pass through naturally, which is beneficial when you need to be aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds.
Battery Life and Connectivity
Battery performance is impressive. With ANC turned off, the earbuds offer up to 14 hours of playback, and the charging case extends this to a total of 61.5 hours. Even with ANC activated, users can expect around 7.5 hours of usage on a single charge. A quick 10-minute charge provides over 8 hours of playback, ensuring minimal downtime.
Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a stable and efficient connection. The earbuds support dual-device pairing, allowing seamless switching between devices like smartphones and laptops. Android users benefit from LDAC support for high-resolution audio streaming, while iOS users can utilize AAC codec.
Controls and App Integration
While the absence of the Smart Dial is felt, the touch controls on the earbuds are responsive and customizable through the Nothing X app. Users can assign functions like play/pause, track skipping, volume adjustment, and ANC toggling to various tap gestures. The app also offers features like spatial audio effects, a three-band equalizer, and the aforementioned Personal Sound setup.
Call Quality and Microphone Performance
The CMF Buds 2 Plus feature a six-microphone array combined with AI noise reduction algorithms, ensuring clear voice capture during calls. In quiet environments, call quality is excellent, with voices sounding natural and free from distortion. In noisier settings, the earbuds do a decent job of suppressing background noise, though some ambient sounds may still be audible.
Comparison with CMF Buds Pro 2
When compared to the CMF Buds Pro 2, the Buds 2 Plus offer several enhancements
- Audio Personalization: The inclusion of Audiodo’s Personal Sound provides a tailored listening experience.
- LDAC Support: High-resolution audio streaming is a significant upgrade for audiophiles.
However, the Pro 2’s Smart Dial remains a unique and convenient feature absent in the Buds 2 Plus. Users who prioritize on-case controls might prefer the Pro 2 despite its shorter battery life.
Final Verdict
The CMF Buds 2 Plus successfully deliver a premium audio experience at an affordable price point. Their strengths lie in sound quality, battery life, and personalized audio features. While the removal of the Smart Dial is a drawback, the overall performance and feature set make them a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking high-quality wireless earbuds.
For those new to the CMF ecosystem or looking to upgrade from basic earbuds, the Buds 2 Plus are a worthy investment. However, existing Buds Pro 2 users might weigh the trade-offs between the added features and the missing Smart Dial before making the switch.
It is priced at Rs. 3,299 and will be available from Flipkart, and through retail partners by the end of Q2, 2025, which is this June.