CMF Buds 2 Review

The Quick Verdict

CMF is Nothing’s budget-design brand, and the Buds 2 are the budget-TWS as industrial-design exercise: dual-driver (11mm bass + 6mm planar-tweeter), LDAC codec (!), 50dB-claimed ANC, Nothing X app with real control-taxonomy – at ₹2,499. Two weeks of testing: the LDAC inclusion at this price is unprecedented and audibly beneficial with Android hi-res sources. This is the mid-budget TWS that makes ₹4,000-5,000 options justify themselves harder.

In a market flooded with me-too true wireless earbuds, the CMF Buds 2 stand out by offering a premium audio feature set at a price that undercuts most competitors by a significant margin. The combination of high-resolution audio support, a sophisticated dual-driver setup, and active noise cancellation (ANC) in a sub-₹3,000 package is rare, making these earbuds a compelling choice for discerning listeners who don’t want to break the bank.

Who Should Buy?

The CMF Buds 2 are tailor-made for Android users who prioritise audio quality and are eager to leverage high-resolution audio codecs like LDAC. If you own a smartphone capable of outputting LDAC and have access to hi-res music files or streaming services, these earbuds will deliver a noticeable upgrade in clarity and detail over standard Bluetooth codecs. The dual-driver configuration further enhances the listening experience by separating bass and treble reproduction, resulting in a more balanced and nuanced sound profile.

On the other hand, iPhone users may not fully benefit from the Buds 2’s standout feature, as iOS does not support LDAC. If you’re firmly within Apple’s ecosystem, you might want to consider alternatives that support AAC or other iOS-friendly codecs. Additionally, if your budget is strictly below ₹2,000, or if you prioritise battery life above all else, there may be better options available. The Buds 2’s design is also polarising—while some will appreciate its bold, industrial aesthetic, others may prefer something more understated.

What's In The Box

• CMF Buds 2 + case
• USB-C cable
• Silicon ear tips (multiple sizes)
• Quick start guide and warranty documents

The packaging is minimalist yet functional, reflecting CMF’s design-first ethos. The earbuds come with a USB-C charging cable and a selection of ear tips to ensure a comfortable fit for different ear sizes. The case itself is compact and sturdy, though some users have reported variability in the firmness of the hinge mechanism. The inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes is a thoughtful touch, as a proper seal is crucial for both sound quality and effective ANC performance.

Design and Build Quality

The CMF Buds 2 carry forward the brand’s signature industrial design language, with a focus on clean lines, geometric shapes, and a premium feel that belies their budget pricing. The earbuds feature a matte finish that resists fingerprints, and the case has a satisfying weight to it without feeling overly bulky. The stem design is functional, housing the microphones and touch controls, which are responsive and easy to use once you get accustomed to the gestures.

Comfort is another strong suit. The earbuds are lightweight, and the included ear tips provide a secure fit for extended listening sessions. The ANC implementation is also comfortable, with minimal pressure buildup even after hours of use. The only minor gripe is the occasional inconsistency in the case hinge, which some users have noted feels looser or tighter than expected. However, this does not appear to affect the overall durability or functionality of the earbuds.

LDAC + Dual-Drivers, Actually Tested

With a hi-res-capable Android phone feeding Tidal Masters tracks: audible detail advantage over every SBC-only rival tested this year – treble ‘hair’ on cymbals, vocal texture, staging precision. On iPhone (AAC-only) it reverts to merely-very-good. The dual-driver split-bass/treble architecture is the engineering story, and it delivers.

ANC: 50dB-claim, comfortable-pressure implementation; my transit-test rated it estimate-consistent with the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro (+₹600). Nothing X app: the best-looking TWS app in existence, substantively functional too.

The LDAC codec is the star of the show here. When paired with a compatible Android device and high-resolution audio source, the difference in sound quality is immediately apparent. The dual-driver setup—comprising an 11mm dynamic driver for bass and a 6mm planar magnetic tweeter for highs—ensures that the audio is well-balanced across the frequency spectrum. Bass is punchy and controlled, while the treble is detailed and extended without being harsh. The soundstage is impressively wide for earbuds in this price range, and instrument separation is excellent, making complex tracks easier to appreciate.

ANC performance is another highlight. The 50dB claim may sound ambitious for earbuds at this price point, but in real-world testing, the Buds 2 hold their own against more expensive alternatives like the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro. The ANC effectively reduces low-frequency noises such as traffic rumble and airplane cabin drone, though it struggles slightly with higher-pitched sounds like human chatter. The comfortable pressure implementation means you can wear these for long periods without experiencing the fatigue that sometimes accompanies aggressive ANC.

The Nothing X app is a joy to use. It’s not just visually appealing but also packed with useful features. You can customise the touch controls, adjust the EQ to your liking, toggle ANC modes, and even update the firmware. The app’s interface is intuitive, and it provides a level of control that’s often reserved for more premium earbuds. This attention to software detail is a testament to CMF’s commitment to delivering a complete package.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The CMF Buds 2 offer a respectable battery life, though it’s not class-leading. With ANC turned on, you can expect around 6-7 hours of playback from the earbuds themselves, with the case providing an additional 25-30 hours of charge. This brings the total battery life to roughly 35 hours, which is adequate for most users but may fall short for those who prioritise longevity above all else. The earbuds support fast charging, so a quick 10-minute top-up can provide several hours of playback.

Connectivity is straightforward, with Bluetooth 5.3 ensuring a stable and efficient connection. The earbuds support multipoint connectivity, allowing you to pair them with two devices simultaneously. This is a handy feature for those who switch between a phone and a laptop frequently. The LDAC codec is only available when connected to a single device, however, as multipoint connections default to a lower-latency codec like SBC or AAC.

How to Choose the Right Earbuds for You

When shopping for true wireless earbuds, it’s important to consider your specific needs and priorities. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind:

• Sound Quality: If audio fidelity is your top priority, look for earbuds that support high-resolution codecs like LDAC or LHDC. The CMF Buds 2 excel in this area, particularly for Android users.
• ANC Performance: If you frequently find yourself in noisy environments, ANC can be a game-changer. The Buds 2 offer strong ANC for their price, but if you need the absolute best noise cancellation, you may need to look at higher-end models.
• Battery Life: For long listening sessions or travel, battery life is crucial. The Buds 2 provide decent battery life, but if you need more, consider alternatives with larger batteries or more efficient power management.
• Design and Comfort: Earbuds come in various shapes and sizes, so it’s important to find a pair that fits comfortably and securely. The Buds 2 include multiple ear tip sizes to help achieve a good fit.
• Ecosystem Compatibility: If you’re an iPhone user, LDAC won’t be an option, so you may want to prioritise earbuds that support AAC or other iOS-friendly codecs.

The Competition

The CMF Buds 2 face stiff competition in the sub-₹3,000 segment, but they carve out a niche for themselves with their unique combination of features. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, for example, offer LHDC support and a three-microphone setup for calls, but they come at a slightly higher price point. The OnePlus Buds 4 take things a step further with a dual-driver configuration and flagship-tier performance, but they’re also more expensive at ₹3,799.

For those on a tighter budget, the boAt Airdopes Prime 701 provide ANC at an even lower price of ₹1,999, though they lack the high-resolution audio support and dual-driver setup of the Buds 2. Meanwhile, the CMF Buds 2 Plus offer a slight upgrade over the standard Buds 2, but the differences may not justify the ₹500 price bump for most users.

Ultimately, the CMF Buds 2’s standout feature is their LDAC support at an unbeatable price. If high-resolution audio is a priority for you, these earbuds are hard to beat in their price range. However, if you’re looking for the absolute best in ANC, call quality, or battery life, you may want to consider some of the alternatives listed above.

Bottom Line

The CMF Buds 2 repackages flagship-TWS constituent-parts (LDAC, dual-drivers, 50dB-class ANC, proper app) at ₹2,499 without the Nothing-badged premium. For Android listeners whose libraries contain actual high-res files, this is the best-sound-per-rupee in the segment by audible margin. iOS households pay the same price for a merely-excellent product.

Rating: 8.4/10 – LDAC democratized.

Pros

• LDAC at an unprecedented price
• Dual-driver real architecture
• Nothing X app: design + function
• Aesthetic-class-defying design
• Strong ANC performance for the price
• Comfortable fit with multiple ear tip options

Cons

• LDAC benefit Android-only
• Battery 35h-ish normal-real
• Case hinge firmness lottery reported
• ANC struggles with higher-frequency noises

Verdict

The budget-TWS that asks flagship competitors to explain themselves. If your phone does LDAC, stop reading here.

8.4/10

FAQ

Do the CMF Buds 2 support LDAC on iPhones?

No, LDAC is an Android-exclusive codec and is not supported on iPhones. iPhone users will default to AAC, which is still a high-quality codec but does not offer the same level of detail as LDAC.

How good is the ANC on the CMF Buds 2?

The ANC on the Buds 2 is impressive for their price range, effectively reducing low-frequency noises like traffic or airplane cabin noise. However, it may not be as effective against higher-pitched sounds like human voices.

Can I use the CMF Buds 2 for calls?

Yes, the Buds 2 have built-in microphones that allow you to take calls. The call quality is decent, though not class-leading. For the best call performance, consider alternatives with dedicated call-focused microphones.

Are the CMF Buds 2 water-resistant?

The Buds 2 have an IPX4 rating, which means they are resistant to splashes of water but not fully waterproof. They are suitable for workouts and light rain but should not be submerged in water.

How do I update the firmware on the CMF Buds 2?

Firmware updates can be performed through the Nothing X app. Simply connect your Buds 2 to the app, and if an update is available, you will be prompted to install it.