CMF Buds 2 Plus Review — Premium Budget with LDAC and 50dB ANC

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.

The Good

1. 50dB Hybrid Adaptive ANC

The strongest ANC in CMF's lineup and among the best under ₹3,500. It effectively reduces traffic noise, AC hum, and ambient chatter. The adaptive technology adjusts ANC strength based on your environment.

In practical terms, this means the earbuds can actively assess the noise floor around you and scale the noise cancellation accordingly. If you step from a relatively quiet lift lobby straight onto a noisy main road in Mumbai or Bengaluru, the Buds 2 Plus ramp up the cancellation almost instantly. This is particularly useful for daily commuters who frequently transition between varied acoustic environments.

2. LDAC Hi-Res Audio Support

The only CMF TWS with LDAC codec support, enabling near-lossless wireless audio at 990kbps.

This inclusion is arguably the standout feature of the device. LDAC, developed by Sony, allows for the transmission of high-resolution audio files over Bluetooth without severely compressing the data. For audiophiles on a strict budget, this means the Buds 2 Plus can faithfully reproduce the dynamics of a well-mastered track, provided your source device — typically an Android smartphone — supports the codec. It is a rare privilege to see this technology trickle down to this price bracket.

3. 12mm LCP Drivers for Refined Sound

Liquid Crystal Polymer drivers deliver tighter, more controlled bass and better midrange detail than the Buds 2a's bio-fibre drivers.

The shift to LCP drivers is a significant acoustic upgrade. The diaphragm material is both rigid and lightweight, which helps minimise unwanted distortion at higher volumes. Vocals come across with palpable warmth, and the bass is punchy without bleeding into the midrange — a common flaw in many budget TWS options. Whether you are listening to Bollywood film scores or heavy electronic dance music, the drivers maintain a commendable level of composure.

4. 55-Hour Battery Life

With ANC off, the total battery life reaches 55 hours — among the best in any TWS under ₹4,000.

This is a staggering number that essentially means you can leave your charger at home for a short weekend trip. Even with ANC engaged, the earbuds manage to provide playback that easily outlasts most rivals in this segment. For long-haul travellers or those who simply forget to charge their devices regularly, the battery performance alone justifies the purchase.

5. In-Ear Detection and ChatGPT Integration

Auto-pause when removing a bud, and ChatGPT integration for voice queries.

The in-ear detection works reliably, pausing your podcast or music the moment you remove an earbud to speak with a colleague or listen to a train announcement. This simple yet effective feature preserves battery life and enhances convenience. The addition of ChatGPT integration is an ambitious move, bringing AI-powered voice assistance directly to your ears.

6. Spatial Audio Support

Immersive 3D audio for movies and supported music tracks.

When watching films on your smartphone or listening to tracks mixed for spatial audio, the Buds 2 Plus create a wider sound field that feels like it extends beyond the confines of your head. This is a notable inclusion at the price, adding a layer of immersion that is increasingly popular among consumers.

The Bad

1. No Smart Dial

The previous Buds 2 Pro had a unique Smart Dial on the case for volume and track control. The Buds 2 Plus replaces it with a generic lanyard attachment.

This feels like a step backward. The Smart Dial was not merely a gimmick; it was a tactile, satisfying way to control playback without reaching for your phone. Its removal in favour of a simple loop leaves the case feeling distinctly more ordinary. It sacrifices a unique identity in the pursuit of a more minimalist, albeit less functional, design.

2. Case Is Bulky and Pocket-Unfriendly

Like the Buds 2a, the squarish case protrudes in pockets. The 50.5g weight is noticeable.

The design language is consistent with the rest of the CMF family, but it does no favours for those who prefer to carry their audio gear in a denim or trouser pocket. The squared-off corners create uncomfortable pressure points when sitting down. If you usually carry a bag, this is less of an issue, but for hands-free portability, the case design is simply not ideal.

3. Sound Quality Isn't Perfect for All Genres

Heavy metal and jazz still challenge the drivers. The soundstage lacks the width of true audiophile TWS.

While the LDAC codec and LCP drivers do a marvellous job with pop, hip-hop, and well-produced streaming tracks, complex instrumentation can cause the sound to feel slightly congested. The rapid tempo changes and layered guitars of heavy metal, or the intricate cymbal work in jazz, can occasionally lose their distinct separation. This should be kept in perspective, however; expecting reference-grade audio at this price point is unreasonable.

4. ChatGPT Integration Is Gimmicky

Requires internet connectivity and works inconsistently.

While the idea of a pocket AI assistant sounds useful, in practice it is clunky. The feature relies on a strong, stable internet connection and often asks too many confirmation questions before answering simple inquiries. Most users will likely give up and return to using standard voice assistants like Google Assistant.

5. No Wireless Charging

At ₹3,299, wireless charging would have been a nice addition. USB-C only.

Many competitors are beginning to offer wireless charging capabilities as a standard convenience feature, especially for desk-bound users who simply want to drop their case on a charging pad. Its omission here means you will be fumbling with a cable every time the battery runs low.

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.