CMF Buds 2 Plus

The Quick Verdict

The CMF Buds 2 Plus is the flagship of CMF's budget TWS lineup, offering 50dB hybrid adaptive ANC, LDAC Hi-Res Audio support, and 12mm LCP drivers at a price that undercuts most competitors by half. It builds on the Buds 2a's strengths while adding better sound quality, stronger ANC, and longer battery life. The audio performance and feature set are unmatched under ₹3,500.

For Indian shoppers hunting for value in the highly competitive wireless audio segment, this model stands out as a remarkable proposition. CMF, a sub-brand of Nothing, has clearly focused on cramming as many premium specifications as possible into an affordable package. In a market where buyers often have to compromise heavily on either sound quality or noise cancellation, the Buds 2 Plus attempts to offer both without demanding a premium.

However, raw specifications do not always translate to a flawless user experience. Over the course of this review, we shall delve deep into how these earbuds perform in real-world Indian conditions — from daily metro commutes to bustling office environments — and evaluate whether the feature-dense specification sheet holds up when put through rigorous, everyday usage.

How to Choose the Right Earbuds in This Segment

When shopping for earbuds under ₹3,500, it is vital to identify your primary use case. Not all earbuds are created equal, and the "best" option depends entirely on your daily habits. If you are a frequent traveller or daily commuter, noise cancellation should be at the top of your priority list. A strong ANC performance, like the 50dB offered by the CMF Buds 2 Plus, is essential for drowning out the low rumble of bus engines or train tracks.

For audiophiles, codec support is paramount. If you stream high-bitrate music from platforms like Apple Music or Tidal, having LDAC compatibility is critical to fully experience the audio quality your subscription offers. Conversely, if you are a heavy user who spends entire days listening to audiobooks or podcasts, battery life should dictate your decision. Evaluating your needs against these pillars will help you make a more informed decision and prevent you from overspending on features you may never actually use.

What to Look For in Premium Budget TWS

The "premium budget" category is becoming increasingly crowded. Beyond the basics, here are a few factors you should actively scrutinise before making a purchase. Look at the quality of the companion app; a well-designed app allows you to customise the equaliser, adjust ANC modes, and tweak touch controls. Another crucial element is multi-point connection support. This allows you to connect the earbuds to your laptop and smartphone simultaneously, ensuring you do not miss a call while watching a video on another device. Additionally, pay close attention to the IP rating. An IPX4 rating or better provides peace of mind against sweat and light rain, which is essential if you intend to use the earbuds during workouts or in unpredictable weather.

Who Should Buy?

Pros and Cons Summary

• Pros: Exceptional LDAC support, robust 50dB ANC, incredible 55-hour battery life, tactile in-ear detection.
• Cons: Gimmicky AI assistant, no smart dial, bulky case design, lacks wireless charging convenience.

Alternatives to Consider

If the CMF Buds 2 Plus does not quite tick every box, there are other notable alternatives in the Indian market. The Realme Buds Air 5 Pro is a fierce competitor that similarly targets the premium budget demographic, offering strong ANC and a companion app that integrates well with the broader Realme ecosystem, though it lacks the LDAC codec advantage.

Alternatively, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 Pro remains a solid choice for listeners who prioritise a balanced, punchy sound signature and a more traditional, pocket-friendly charging case. However, neither of these alternatives can match the sheer endurance of the Buds 2 Plus's battery life, making CMF's offering uniquely appealing for power users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the CMF Buds 2 Plus compatible with iPhones?
Yes, they function perfectly via standard Bluetooth. However, Apple devices do not support the LDAC codec, meaning iPhone users will not be able to experience the high-resolution audio streaming benefit.

Can the touch controls be customised?
Yes, through the companion app, you can remap the touch controls for play, pause, and ANC adjustments to better suit your workflow.

Does it support dual device connectivity?
Yes, the earbuds support dual device connection, allowing seamless switching between your phone and laptop.

Buying Tips

• Always check for bank offers and festive season discounts on major e-commerce platforms to reduce the final landing price further.
• Ensure your primary smartphone supports the LDAC codec under the Bluetooth settings to unlock the full audio potential.
• If you prioritise call quality over music, look into functioning alternatives, as the Buds 2 Plus is primarily tuned for media consumption and ANC performance.

Bottom Line

The CMF Buds 2 Plus is a technical triumph that brings LDAC, 50dB ANC, and 55-hour battery to a price point where none of its competitors can match the feature set.

Rating: 4.25/5 — Best premium budget TWS with LDAC and adaptive ANC.

The CMF Buds 2 Plus is a technical triumph that brings LDAC, 50dB ANC, and 55-hour battery to a price point where none of its competitors can match the feature set.