Nothing CMF Buds 2 Plus Earbuds Review: Are These Your Next Budget Superstars?

When I first tried to figure out which wireless earbuds offered the best bang for my buck without compromising too much, the CMF Buds 2 Plus kept popping up everywhere. It’s no secret that Nothing’s CMF sub-brand is all about delivering quality tech that doesn’t break the bank, and with the Buds 2 Plus, they’re really pushing what’s possible in the budget earbud space. These earbuds genuinely deliver impressive audio, solid noise cancellation, and a battery life that just keeps going, all while staying incredibly affordable. Seriously, if you’re looking for a pair of earbuds that punch well above their weight, especially if you’re a first-time CMF buyer, these are definitely worth checking out. They might not have every premium feature, like wireless charging or the beloved Smart Dial from their predecessors, but for the price, you’re getting an extraordinary package that feels thoughtfully put together.

First Impressions: Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, you notice that CMF has kept its signature aesthetic with the Buds 2 Plus. The charging case has this cool, square shape with rounded edges that just feels good in your hand. It’s got a matte metallic finish on the dial, which some reviews mention gives it a more sophisticated look. Now, if you’re familiar with the CMF Buds Pro 2, you might be looking for that functional “Smart Dial” on the case that let you control volume and playback. Unfortunately, on the Buds 2 Plus, that dial is just a non-functional rotating lanyard loop. It’s a bit of a bummer for those who loved that tactile control, but you can still thread a lanyard through it for convenience, which is great if you’re like me and tend to misplace small things.

The earbuds themselves are quite lightweight, coming in at just 4.5 grams each, and they tend to stay put even during light activity. They’re available in some sleek colors like Blue, Light Grey, and Dark Grey, giving you a few options to match your style. Plus, they’re rated IP55 for dust and water resistance, so a little rain or sweat during a workout won’t be an issue. You can definitely take them to the gym or out for a walk without worrying too much.

The CMF Aesthetic

CMF has a knack for making budget products feel more premium, and the Buds 2 Plus are no exception. The case’s soft-touch finish and the sandblasted metal look of the dial give it an industrial-chic vibe that’s quite appealing. It’s not flashy, but it definitely stands out from the sea of generic true wireless earbuds. While the case is a bit bulkier than some pebble-shaped alternatives, it still fits comfortably in most pockets.

Comfort and Fit

Finding the right fit is crucial for any earbuds, and the CMF Buds 2 Plus come with multiple silicone ear tip sizes S, M, L to help you get a snug seal. Many users find them comfortable for extended listening sessions, sometimes even forgetting they’re wearing them after a while. However, some reviewers did point out that the ear tips themselves can feel a bit cheap or plasticky, which might prevent a perfect seal for everyone and could let in some outside noise. If you struggle with the included tips, exploring some memory foam ear tips on Amazon could be a must for both comfort and passive noise isolation. The Nike x Hyperice Hyperboot Review: Is This $900 Recovery Tech Worth It?

Sound Quality: What You Hear

Now, let’s talk about the main event: how these sound. The CMF Buds 2 Plus truly shine here, especially for their price point. They’re equipped with 12mm LCP liquid-crystal polymer dynamic drivers, which is a significant factor in their impressive audio performance.

Drivers and Audio Profile

Out of the box, these earbuds tend to have a bass-rich sound signature. If you love a good thumping bass, you’re in for a treat. This isn’t just a muddy, overwhelming bass though. it’s often described as punchy and well-controlled, even before you crank up the “Ultra Bass” feature in the Nothing X app. However, some users have found the bass to be a bit overbearing at times, especially with certain podcast genres, and have had to adjust it in the app.

A standout feature is the Personal Sound technology, powered by Audiodo. Through a quick hearing test in the Nothing X app, the earbuds create a customized audio profile tailored to your specific hearing sensitivities across various frequencies. This really makes a difference, optimizing the sound to uniquely suit your ears and providing a more balanced listening experience. It’s a premium feature you often don’t see in this price range.

Bass, Mids, and Treble

With the 12mm drivers, you get clear highs, rich mids, and that decadent bass if you want it. For nuanced podcast like jazz, the clarity holds up well, but if you’re blasting heavy rock, some reviewers noted that the sound can get a bit harsh and murky in the mids. The good news is that the Nothing X app offers a 3-band custom EQ and several presets, so you can tweak the sound to your preference. This level of customization is awesome, allowing you to fine-tune everything from the bass-heavy default to a more neutral profile if that’s your jam. They also support LDAC codec, which offers higher bitrates up to 990kbps for a near-lossless audio experience on compatible Android devices, though it’s still technically compressed. For audiophiles on a budget, this is a huge plus, allowing you to get more out of your high-resolution audio files.

Noise Cancellation and Transparency

When it comes to blocking out the world, the CMF Buds 2 Plus put up a surprisingly strong fight for their price. They feature Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation ANC, and CMF claims up to 50dB of cancellation across an ultra-wide 5400Hz frequency range. The Anker PowerPort III Nano Review: Your Tiny Powerhouse Charger!

Active Noise Cancellation ANC Performance

While the advertised 50dB is a bold claim, real-world testing shows they perform admirably, often reaching just past 40dB in specific frequency ranges. What this means for you is good attenuation in the low-frequency rumble like bus engines or airplane noise and decent reduction in mid-range sounds. They might not completely silence a noisy office or a busy street like some premium noise-cancelling earbuds costing three or four times as much, but they do a very good job of making those environments much more bearable. High-pitched noises, like sharp voices or car horns, can still creep through, partly due to the ear tips not always creating a perfect seal.

A cool feature here is Smart Adaptive ANC, which automatically adjusts the noise cancellation strength based on your surroundings. So, whether you’re on a quiet walk or a bustling commute, the earbuds try to optimize the experience without you having to constantly fiddle with settings.

Transparency Mode Utility

Besides ANC, the Buds 2 Plus also offer a Transparency Mode. This feature uses the microphones to let ambient sound in, so you can stay aware of your surroundings without taking out your earbuds. It’s super handy for quick conversations, listening for announcements, or just walking safely in urban areas. Reviews generally find the transparency mode passable and functional, though not always “crystal clear” like some higher-end options. Still, it gets the job done and adds another layer of versatility to these budget-friendly buds.

Battery Life: Going the Distance

One of the absolute standout features of the CMF Buds 2 Plus is their exceptional battery life. This is where they truly punch above their weight and outlast many competitors, even some pricier ones. Insta360 X5 360 Action Camera Review: Is This the Ultimate Pocket Powerhouse?

Earbuds Only

You can expect to get up to an impressive 14 hours of podcast playback on a single charge with ANC turned off. That’s enough to get you through a full workday, a long flight, or multiple workout sessions without needing to pop them back in the case. Even with ANC turned on or when using the high-resolution LDAC codec, you’re still looking at a solid 8 to 8.5 hours of listening time, which is still fantastic. For comparison, many earbuds in this segment struggle to hit 6-7 hours with ANC on.

With Charging Case

The charging case itself is a powerhouse, extending your total listening time to a whopping 60 to 61.5 hours. This means you can go for days, or even weeks depending on your usage, without needing to find a wall outlet. And when you do need to recharge, the fast charging capabilities are excellent. A quick 10-minute charge in the case can give you over 8 hours of playback with ANC off. This rapid charging is a huge convenience, ensuring you’re rarely caught without your tunes.

It’s worth noting that while the battery life is stellar, the CMF Buds 2 Plus case does not support wireless charging. You’ll need to use the included USB-C cable, which isn’t a huge deal for most people, especially considering the price point. If wireless charging is a must-have, you might need to look at slightly more expensive options like the Nothing Ear a.

Connectivity and Features

Beyond sound and battery, the CMF Buds 2 Plus come packed with smart features and reliable connectivity that make them a joy to use daily. Oneplus 13 powerful stylish smartphone review

Bluetooth Stability

These earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.4, ensuring a strong, stable, and efficient wireless connection. Pairing is generally quick and straightforward, especially with Google Fast Pair support for Android devices, which streamlines the setup process. I personally haven’t experienced any noticeable dropouts or lag, even when moving between rooms in my home. This reliable connection is crucial whether you’re listening to podcast, watching videos, or taking calls.

Nothing X App Integration

To unlock the full potential of your CMF Buds 2 Plus, you’ll definitely want to download the Nothing X app available on Android and iOS. This app is where you’ll find all the customization options:

• ANC Control: Switch between ANC on, off, or transparency mode, and even adjust adaptive ANC settings.
• Custom EQ: Tweak the sound profile to your exact liking with the 3-band equalizer or choose from various presets.
• Personal Sound: Run the Audiodo hearing test to create your unique personalized sound profile.
• Touch Gesture Customization: Assign different actions to double taps, triple taps, and tap-and-holds on each earbud. Some users noted the lack of a single-tap option, which might be a minor inconvenience for some.
• Firmware Updates: Keep your earbuds up-to-date with the latest improvements and features.

The app itself is clean, intuitive, and easy to navigate, which is a breath of fresh air compared to some clunky companion apps out there. It makes personalizing your listening experience genuinely simple.

Gaming Mode and Low Latency

For gamers or anyone who hates audio-visual lag, the Buds 2 Plus include a low-latency gaming mode. While it’s not entirely zero latency rated around 105ms when connected to a phone running Nothing OS, it significantly reduces delay, making it much better for quick-reaction games or watching videos where lip-sync is critical. It’s a thoughtful addition for a pair of budget earbuds.

Another convenient feature is Dual Connection, which allows you to pair the earbuds with two devices simultaneously, like your phone and laptop. This means if you’re listening to podcast on your laptop and a call comes in on your phone, you can seamlessly switch without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. Motorola Moto Buds Loop Open Ear Earbuds Review: Your Honest Take

Call Quality: How Clear Are You?

In today’s world, earbuds aren’t just for podcast. they’re essential tools for communication. The CMF Buds 2 Plus aim to deliver clear calls, and they generally succeed.

Each earbud is equipped with three microphones, totaling six mics across the pair. These are powered by Clear Voice Technology 3.0 and Wind Noise Reduction 3.0, which work together to pick up your voice clearly and suppress background distractions.

In my experience, and consistent with many reviews, the microphone performance is commendable for the price. In quieter environments, your voice comes through sounding natural and distinct. When tested in noisy settings, like near traffic or with household background sounds, the earbuds do a decent job of isolating your voice, though some ambient noise might still be audible. They might not match the absolute top-tier earbuds in extreme conditions, but for most daily calls, online meetings, or quick chats, they perform very well. Some users even found them better than more expensive alternatives like the AirPods Pro 1s for mic quality.

Value for Money: Are They Worth It?

This is where the CMF Buds 2 Plus really hit it out of the park. Priced at around $69 though often found for less on places like Amazon, these earbuds offer a feature set and performance that genuinely compete with products costing significantly more.

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You’re getting excellent sound quality with customizable profiles, robust active noise cancellation, truly impressive battery life, and a seamless app experience. The inclusion of LDAC for high-res audio and personalized sound tuning are particularly noteworthy at this price point. While they might skip a few bells and whistles like wireless charging or the tactile Smart Dial of the Buds Pro 2, the core experience is incredibly solid.

Compared to their siblings, the CMF Buds Pro 2 which retail for about $59, the Buds 2 Plus offer longer battery life and a slightly more refined ANC in higher frequencies, making the $10 price difference often justifiable, especially if battery life is a top priority. If you’re debating between the CMF Buds 2 Plus and the base CMF Buds 2, the Plus model’s better ANC, LDAC support, and Personal Sound feature make it the stronger choice for just a small price bump.

For anyone seeking a pair of reliable, great-sounding, and long-lasting Bluetooth earbuds without breaking the bank, the CMF Buds 2 Plus represent an outstanding value. They definitely “punch above their weight” and are an easy recommendation for first-time CMF buyers or those looking to upgrade from basic earbuds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the CMF Buds 2 Plus?

The CMF Buds 2 Plus are typically priced around $69, though you can often find them for slightly less, especially on online retailers like Amazon.

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Do the CMF Buds 2 Plus have active noise cancellation ANC?

Yes, the CMF Buds 2 Plus feature Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation ANC. CMF claims up to 50dB of cancellation across a 5400Hz range, and in real-world tests, they deliver strong performance, especially for low and mid-frequency noises. They also include Smart Adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment.

What is the battery life like on the CMF Buds 2 Plus?

The battery life is excellent. You can get up to 14 hours of playback from the earbuds alone with ANC off, and around 8-8.5 hours with ANC on or using LDAC. With the charging case, the total listening time extends to an impressive 60 to 61.5 hours. They also support fast charging, providing over 8 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.

Do the CMF Buds 2 Plus support high-resolution audio?

Yes, the CMF Buds 2 Plus support LDAC codec, which allows for higher bitrate audio streaming up to 990kbps. While not truly lossless, it provides a near-lossless audio experience on compatible Android devices.

What is the Nothing X app used for with the CMF Buds 2 Plus?

The Nothing X app is your control center for the CMF Buds 2 Plus. It allows you to adjust ANC settings, customize the equalizer EQ, create a personalized sound profile via the Audiodo hearing test, configure touch controls, enable low-latency gaming mode, and update firmware. It’s a user-friendly app that unlocks the full potential of your earbuds.

Do the CMF Buds 2 Plus have wireless charging?

No, the CMF Buds 2 Plus charging case does not support wireless charging. You’ll need to use a USB-C cable to charge the case. Nikon Z5 II Advanced Digital Camera Review: A Full-Frame Powerhouse for Everyone

How do the CMF Buds 2 Plus compare to the CMF Buds Pro 2?

The CMF Buds 2 Plus offer longer battery life, slightly improved ANC especially for higher frequencies, and larger 12mm drivers. However, the CMF Buds Pro 2 feature a unique and beloved “Smart Dial” control on their case for volume and playback, which is absent on the Buds 2 Plus. The price difference between the two models is usually small.