TWS true wireless earphones - $25 to $50
4.5 STARS - Almost a year after the CMF Buds Pro 2, Nothing's budget brand CMF releases yet another slick budget wireless earphone. How does the new CMF Buds 2 stack up against the CMF Buds Pro 2 - and which one should you get? A comparison review of both models.
CMF Buds 2 specs
Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC codec
IP55 waterproof rating (water spray proof)
6,5 - 8 hours playtime on a single charge (ANC on/ off)
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
Has: ANC, Transparency, app support, multipoint connection, spatial audio
Doesn't have: wireless charging
Comes with 3 sets of ear tips, USB-C cable, English manual
$45 to $50 - See price on Amazon US or your Amazon country
CMF Buds Pro 2 specs
Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and LDAC codec
IP55 waterproof rating (water spray proof)
4 - 8 hours playtime on a single charge (see review for details)
Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
Has: ANC, Transparency, app support, multipoint connection, spatial audio
Doesn't have: wireless charging
Comes with 3 sets of ear tips, USB-C cable, English manual
$45 to $50 - See price on Amazon US or your Amazon country
In and underneath this CMF Buds 2 vs CMF Buds Pro 2 review, you will find comparisons versus the SoundPEATS T3 Pro, QCY MeloBuds Pro, Soundcore P30i and Nothing Ear (a). After that, you'll find the verdict which is better!
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what's the difference between the CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds Pro 2?
The CMF Buds 2 is very much the same as the CMF Buds Pro 2. The differences are minimal: the CMF Buds Pro 2 has an interactive dial on the charging case that lets you control the earbuds; the CMF Buds 2 doesn't. The sound tuning differs a little bit and the colours are different as well. Nothing, the brand behind CMF, even gives these two models around the same price.
You can read more about the differences later in this review.
Design, comfort and battery life
The CMF Buds 2 have the same design as the first generation CMF Buds and the CMF Buds Pro 2 that followed up on it. The only difference is in the ring dial on the case.
The (April 2025 released) CMF Buds 2 comes in red, black, white and mint green. It has the same funky, square case as the original CMF Buds and the CMF Buds Pro 2. The only difference is that is has a transparent dial on the charging case. It's nice to fiddle with and lets you attach a strap, but it doesn't have another function.
CMF Buds 2
The (August 2024 released) CMF Buds Pro 2 comes in red, black, white and blue. Its dial is interactive: you can twist it to change the volume on the earbuds with great, clicky feedback. You can also press it to control functions you give it via the Nothing X app on iPhone or Android. Think about changing Active Noise Cancelling, changing tracks, or (de)activating a Game mode.
The multifunctional case of the CMF Buds Pro 2 is a unique feature of wireless earbuds in this price range. The interactive dial is the reason to get the Buds Pro 2 over the regular Buds 2, and the stand out feature over other budget earbuds around 50 dollars.
At the same time, you may want to deactivate it… as it can trigger accidental volume or other controls when the case resides in your bag or jeans pocket.
Other design differences: The CMF Buds Pro 2 has two dots and some lines on the charging case and the bottom end of the earbuds’ stems. The CMF Buds 2 has a CMF by Nothing logo on the case, and clean stems.
CMF Buds Pro 2
CMF's cases aren't the most compact on the market, but with their tight and clean design, they set themselves apart from other affordable earbuds. They're also light enough to carry comfortably in a jeans pocket.
The earbuds themselves are as straightforward as they come. They come with diagonal earpieces that are easy to put in and comfortable to wear. They're snug enough to do runs or workouts with them.
This is helped by the IP55 waterproof rating of the earbuds, meaning they withstand water sprays and sweat.
Each charge, the CMF Buds 2 offers around 6,5 hours of playtime with ANC on, and up to 8 hours with the function off.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 battery life is comparable: 6,5 hours with ANC on, up to 8 hours with the function turned off.
However, the CMF Buds Pro 2 also supports the high-res LDAC audio-codec on Android. This is a manual setting from the app that makes the Bluetooth signal fairly unstable, lags in video playback, and drains the battery life to around 4 hours on a single charge. Even though it can make the sound cleaner and richer, the LDAC audio-codec of the Pro 2 model isn't a great addition.
Both earbuds models recharge quickly in their charging cases. A 10-minute charge is enough for a couple of extra listening hours.
Both the CMF Buds and CMF Buds Pro 2 have comfortable earbuds with solid battery life and waterproofing and funky, fun charging cases - a rarity among budget earbuds. With its interactive dial, the Buds Pro 2 has a plus.
CMF Buds 2:
CMF Buds Pro 2:
Controls, connectivity and app support
The CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds Pro 2 both have multipoint connection, meaning you can connect them to two devices at the same time. Switching is as easy as getting a phone call or pause on one device, and play on the other. This goes with a minimal delay.
The standard connection is great on both models too, with reliable Bluetooth connections up to 10 meters away from your device.
Both models automatically pause the music when you take an earbud out, and resume playback when you put it back in. You can turn this off, though.
Both the CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds Pro 2 control via touch panels on top of the stems, that respond well to your input.
You can customise the controls to great extend via the Nothing X app on iPhone or Android phones. You can change double-taps, triple-taps and tap-and-hold commands.
Even the tap-and-hold command works well, for instance for changing the volume on your earbuds.
On the CMF Buds Pro 2, you can also change the controls for the dial on the charging case. It lets you setup commands for a single press, double-press, triple-press or long-press. You can also deactivate the dial controls.
The app is the same for both models; sleek and simple
The Buds Pro 2 lets you change the controls of the case dial too
The Ultra Bass setting stands apart from the equalizer
CMF and brand-owner Nothing are proud of their marketing and designs, and they absolutely deliver in the app department. Along with the Soundcore app, the Nothing X app for iPhone and Android is absolutely top-tier in user-friendliness and design.
The app has the following feautures:
Check battery life of the L and R earbud
Change ANC setting and strength
(De)activate Spatial audio (more in the sound part)
Change the Ultra Bass-setting from level 1 to 5
Choose between 6 equalizer presets or make a custom EQ yourself
Change the controls for both earbuds
Pro 2 only: Change the controls of the charging case
(De)activate the Low lag mode for games
(De)activate in-ear detection/ auto-pause
(De)activate the multipoint connection and check connected devices
Pro 2 only, Android only: switch to the LDAC audio-codec
Do a ear tip fit test
Find the earbuds
Update the firmware of the earbuds
The CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds Pro 2 have great features and otstanding app support for their price.
Score for both models:
Phone and video calls
After performing several tests, it turns out the CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds Pro 2 have slightly different characteristics for phone calls and video conferences.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 puts your voice through clear and lovely loud. You sound a bit nasal perhaps, but natural at the same time.
Background noise is audible and can make your voice dip a bit. Whether it's background chatter or when you're walking around the office.
It handles wind decently, although your voice will be surrounded by rumbling.
The newer CMF Buds 2 gives your voice more fulness. That also means: less clarity. Your voice is loud enough and less nasal, however.
The CMF Buds 2 handles background noise better. It's less audible on the line and doesn't make your voice dip that much. This is also the case when you're on the move in an indoor environment.
Wind performance is comparable. It's doable, but your voice will come with a bit of rumbling.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 and Buds 2 are both good for taking a phone call or entering a video conference.
The Pro 2 is better in your voices clarity; the regular Buds 2 handles noise around you better.
Score for both models:
Video and games playback
The CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds Pro 2 both handle video playback well, offering lipsync performance in video apps like YouTube and Netflix on both iPhone and Android.
Both have a gaming mode you can activate from the app (or the case of the Pro 2). This synchronizes the sound effects with the action on your screen in a decent manner; there is still a bit of delay.
While the models boast a Spatial Audio mode which should emphasize the 3D-character of the sound, it's hard to precisely locate gunshots and explosions around you in a demanding game like Call of Duty mobile. You can set the sound effects apart, for sure, but locating them is harder.
On the CMF Buds Pro 2, activating the LDAC audio-codec worsens the gaming and video playback. I recommend leaving the option untouched.
Score for both models:
ANC quality of the CMF Buds 2 / Buds Pro 2
The CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds Pro 2 offer decent Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) but there are stronger alternatives.
After testing back and forth in an office space with a radio playing in the background, in a place with constant background traffic, and with simulated conversations, the ANC of the CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds Pro 2 seems highly comparable.
The models do a good job of filtering and reducing constant noises, whether it's lower or higher sounds. Both the low electronic humming of a fridge and the bright noise of wet tires in the distance, can't be heard anymore - even when you're not playing music.
But the CMF Buds and Buds Pro 2 are less successful in reducing sudden sounds. Door slams, people talking, but also keyboard typing, are still audible.
I couldn't tell which earbud I was using in a blind ANC test - they're that close to each other.
If I were to nitpick: the CMF Buds Pro 2 has a bit more noticeable white noise in its ANC effect.
Both models leave out wind noise wonderfully when you're on the move with ANC on.
The Transparency mode functions well too. Not to locate traffic - as its wind noise blocking is so strong, traffic also doesn't come through. But it does function well to hear a bit of world around you, emphasizing the sounds of chatter, door slams and tiny things you're doing when you want it.
The ANC strength is comparable to the Soundcore P30i, but a little less so than the SoundPEATS T3 Pro and QCY MeloBuds Pro. The brands’ own more expensive Nothing Ear (a) also cancels more noise.
The CMF Buds 2's and CMF Buds Pro 2's Active Noise Cancelling feels natural and resists wind well, but could be stronger.
Score for both models:
Sound quality of CMF Buds 2 / CMF Buds Pro 2
With so many similarities, it isn't strange that the sound of the CMF Buds 2 is very close to that of the CMF Buds Pro 2. Expect a smooth sailing with heavy bass.
Both the Buds 2 and Buds 2 Pro have a Spatial audio setting in the app, which feels like a must on both models. This setting makes the sound instantly more dynamic.
But don't expect an actual spacious or ‘3D’ sound on these earbuds. These don't have a big soundstage, and you can't place instruments around you precisely.
But that doesn't matter, really. These models deliver a great bassy-smooth sound.
The bass is ever-present, even when you dial the Ultra Bass setting in the app back from the default strength 3 to 1.
The mid-bass brings heavy thumps that last long and sound deep. It even rumbles a bit. Turn the Ultra Bass setting up, and bass strikes and rumbles are even more prominent - noticeably louder.
The lowest bass you can hear as much as feel? The sub-bass in James Blake's ideal test track Limit to Your Love shows a big, fat, deep rumble, which can again be pushed into extremes with the Ultra Bass setting. Even without, there's no hiding from the fierce rumbling sub-bass and lasting mid-bass strikes.
On both CMF Buds, lower mid-tones are heavily boosted. Lower electronic tones and darker instruments (like the cello or lower notes of guitar and piano play) sound full and take up a big part of the music.
Female and higher male vocals not only have a warm undertone; they almost feel a bit thick - as opposed to clear and light.
Instrumental treble isn't very present on both CMF models. Higher instruments like violins and cymbals sound darker than average, and highs don't extend very far.
Put all these aspects together, and you get the bassy-smooth character of both earbuds. It doesn't matter how much you've turned the Ultra Bass slider open.
This is the description for the standard Dirac Opteo equalizer setting and Spatial Audio on.
On both models, switching to the Pop equalizer makes the sound a little less dense. This EQ puts more effort into the center mid-tones (male vocals, piano and guitar), keeping the sound still bassy and smooth, but also making it a bit more natural.
There are subtle differences between the sound of the CMF Buds Pro 2 and CMF Buds 2:
The CMF Buds Pro 2 has even more emphasis on the lower mid-tones and shows more detail in lower voices.
The LDAC-audio codec support on the Buds Pro 2 can help make the sound cleaner, tighter, more around you - but at the cost of battery, video playback, and Bluetooth stability.
The CMF Buds 2 elevates center mid-tones and vocals more. It sounds more dynamic and a little bit more spacious.
With the Classical equalizer on the CMF Buds 2, lighter mid-tones are accentuated more and treble increases more than on the Buds Pro 2. This makes the sound step away from the bassy signature, and gives the CMF Buds 2 a more balanced sound tuning than the Buds Pro 2.
Bass lovers can't go wrong with either of the CMF earbuds. Both sound bassy up to guilty pleasure levels, and provide a smooth, warm and comfortable sound. Even though both models get the same score, the newer CMF Buds 2 take the cake with a slightly livelier treble.
—> These are the best sounding wireless earbuds from $25 to $100
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CMF Buds 2 comparisons
As the CMF Buds 2 takes a slight win on sound quality, I'm comparing this model.
CMF Buds 2 vs Tozo Crystal Pods
The Tozo Crystal Pods is one of the best-selling branded wireless earbuds around $25 on Amazon - and has good looks and a strong bass too.
The CMF Buds 2 and Tozo Crystal Pods have around the same battery life, wearing comfort, and ANC strength.
The CMF handles phone calls better, its overall Bluetooth connection is stronger, and its app experience is more polished.
Sound-wise, the Tozo has a stronger (!) mid-bass thump its lower mid-tones appear a bit more textured. The Tozo brings out highs more and sounds clearer. It has more of a so-called V-shape sounds than the CMF Buds 2, which shows more center-mids and sounds smoother.
$20 to $30 - See price on Amazon US, other Amazon countries or AliExpress
CMF Buds 2 vs SoundPEATS T3 Pro
The CMF Buds 2 meets a new king among ultra-budget wireless earbuds, the $25 to $25 SoundPEATS T3 Pro. Which is better?
The CMF Buds 2 has much more presence than the SoundPEATS T3 Pro. Its earbuds and case are slicker, and its app is a delight next to SoundPEATS’ sluggish offering.
The CMF handles background noise in phone calls better, while the SoundPEATS has stronger ANC and a better-synchronized gaming mode. Both earbuds are comfortable. The CMF plays about an hour longer per charge, controls easier, and has a higher waterproof rating.
On higher volumes, the T3 Pro sounds clearer and more open than the Buds 2. Vocals are clearer and more prominent, instruments are easier to place, and it has a punchier mid-bass compared to Buds 2’ longer-lasting and more rumbling alternative. The CMF sounds more laidback. On lower volumes, however, the CMF Buds 2 sounds fuller and less flat than the T3 Pro.
$20 to $35 - See price on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress
CMF Buds 2 vs QCY MeloBuds Pro
The QCY MeloBuds Pro has the strongest ANC on earbuds under 50 dollars, and it has more to offer.
The QCY MeloBuds Pro doesn't match the flawless app experience of the CMF Buds 2, but puts a lot against that.
The QCY rocks 7 instead of 6,5 hours of battery life per charge, handles background sounds in calls better, and offers stronger ANC. A part from it comes from a more audible white noise, has to be added.
Again, the MeloBuds Pro sounds clearer than the CMF Buds 2. It has more treble emphasis and air in the sound. The QCY both has a deeper-hitting bass and clearer vocals. While the latter seems great, it can be a bit tiring and harsh on higher volumes. The CMF sounds smoother, in both bass and overall, and reveals more nuances in center-mids.
$45 - See price on Amazon US, your Amazon country or AliExpress
CMF Buds 2 vs Soundcore P30i
A battle between popular bass brands: the CMF Buds 2 vs the Soundcore P30i.
As in all comparisons, the CMF Buds 2 is the option with sleeker looks. The Soundcore P30i has a great trick though: the charging case has also function as a phone stand - surprisingly convenient.
The CMF is slightly more comfortable, while the Soundcore plays 7 instead of 6,5 hours per charge. Both have excellent app support and comparable ANC strength, but the CMF Buds take the cake on call clarity: it performs better with some noise or wind.
Soundcore's mid-bass has a tighter and fiercer kick, while the CMF mid-bass feels deeper. The CMF once again feels smoother than its opponent overall, but this time, it's also more articulated. Instruments are better separated from each other. The Soundcore has more air, but lower tones can feel more cluttered than on the CMF.
$30 to $50 - Buy on Amazon US or your Amazon country
CMF Buds 2 vs Nothing Ear (a)
How does Nothing's newest budget model fare against the brands more premium outing?
The sound tuners of CMF and Nothing could well be the same people. Both these earbuds have a smooth-bassy sound character. The Nothing Ear (a) executes it better, with better instrument separation, more forward vocals and clearer lower treble. Its mid-bass also has a more engaging kick, while the sub-bass is tighter. The sound is livelier.
Other than sound, the Nothing Ear (a) has stronger ANC, and clearer calls when there's a bit of background noise.
The CMF Buds 2 has a comparable set of features and battery life for less money, however, and does one thing better in particularly: volume controls. The stem-pinching of the Nothing Ear (a) is cumbersome compared to CMF's tapping.
$100 - See price on Amazon US or your Amazon country
Verdict: CMF Buds 2 or CMF Buds Pro 2?
If you're into bass, the CMF Buds Pro 2 and also the newer CMF Buds 2 are among the best wireless earbuds you can get under 50 dollars. Both models also convince with clear calls and their playful presentation - while the ANC and gaming performance could be better.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 adds a great interactive dial on the charging case, but the newer CMF Buds 2 is the pair I end up listening to more, with its livelier treble and therefore slightly more engaging sound.
4.5 stars - Great
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I bought the CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds Pro 2 myself to test and review. My reviews are 100% independent and non-commercial - read about it here.
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