CMF Buds Pro 2 Review

The CMF Buds Pro 2, developed by Nothing, aim to disrupt the budget earbud market with their feature-rich design and affordable price. Priced at £59, these earbuds offer advanced features like dual drivers, effective ANC, and LDAC support, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.

Design and Build

The CMF Buds Pro 2 feature a sleek design with touch-sensitive stems and a unique charging case equipped with a customisable smart dial. The earbuds are lightweight and comfortable, suitable for extended wear. They come with an IPX4 rating for water resistance, ensuring they can handle sweat and light rain.

Technical Specifications

• Drivers: 11mm dynamic driver and 6mm planar tweeter
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair
• Battery Life: Up to 6.5 hours with ANC on, 11 hours with ANC off; 43 hours with charging case
• Charging: USB-C, no wireless charging
• Water Resistance: IPX4
• Audio Features: LDAC support, Ultra Bass mode, Dirac Opteo tuning
• Additional Features: ANC, transparency mode, low latency mode, multipoint pairing, customisable EQ​

Performance

Sound Quality: The CMF Buds Pro 2 deliver a bass-heavy sound signature with clear vocals and crisp highs. The dual driver setup provides deep lows and acceptable mids, though the treble can sometimes be overwhelmed by the bass. Using the LDAC codec enhances sound quality, but the Dirac Opteo tuning tends to narrow the soundstage. For bass enthusiasts, these earbuds are highly satisfying, but those seeking a balanced sound might find them lacking.

Noise Cancellation: The hybrid ANC is effective for consistent low-frequency noises but struggles with high-pitched sounds and speech. There are multiple ANC levels, and the transparency mode works well for ambient listening. However, the adaptive ANC mode doesn’t always show significant differences compared to the fixed levels.

User Experience

The touch controls on the earbuds are responsive but require precise taps. The companion Nothing X app allows users to customise the smart dial on the charging case and adjust the EQ settings. Multipoint pairing and fast connectivity make switching between devices seamless, while the low latency mode is useful for gaming.

Compatibility and Ecosystem

The CMF Buds Pro 2 are compatible with both Android and iOS devices, though some features like Google Fast Pair are specific to Android. The LDAC support ensures high-resolution audio streaming for devices that support this codec. Multipoint pairing is a notable feature, allowing simultaneous connection to two devices.

Value for Money

They offer excellent value for their feature set. While the sound quality may not match premium models, the combination of good ANC, robust battery life, and advanced connectivity options make them a strong contender in the budget earbud segment.

Comparison with Other Products

1. Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro: Similar price, better ANC, more balanced sound.
2. Jabra Elite 3: Slightly higher price, superior sound quality, lacks advanced ANC.
3. Sony WF-C500: Comparable price, better sound quality, no ANC.
4. Redmi Buds 3 Pro: Similar features, similar price, better sound tuning.

Conclusion

The CMF Buds Pro 2 stand out with their impressive feature set and solid performance at an affordable price. They excel in bass-heavy audio, effective ANC, and robust connectivity. While not perfect, especially in the mid and high-frequency ranges, they offer great value and are an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize bass and feature-rich earbuds.

Key Features:

• Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The CMF Buds Pro 2 offer 50 dB of hybrid ANC, effectively reducing ambient noise across a frequency range of up to 5000 Hz. The adaptive ANC automatically adjusts to your environment, providing an optimal listening experience whether you’re on a busy street or in a quiet room.
• Hi-res Audio with Dual Drivers: Featuring an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm micro-planar tweeter, these earbuds deliver rich, detailed sound with clear highs and deep lows. The support for LDAC codec ensures high-resolution audio streaming, offering unmatched clarity and quality.
• Long Battery Life: Enjoy up to 11 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, and extend this to a total of 43 hours with the charging case. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 7 hours of listening time without ANC.
• Smart Integration with ChatGPT: Integrated with ChatGPT, they allow you to use voice commands for various functions. This feature enhances the usability and convenience of the earbuds, especially when paired with CMF and Nothing phones.
• Customisable Sound and Controls: Use the Nothing X app to customise the Smart Dial, touch controls, and equalizer settings. Choose from five professionally tuned equalizers or create your own sound profile to suit your preferences. The app also offers a low latency gaming mode for a seamless gaming experience.
• Robust Design and Durability: With an IP55 rating, these earbuds are resistant to dust and water, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities. They have undergone rigorous testing to ensure durability, including drop tests, temperature tests, and more.
• Convenient Connectivity: The CMF Buds Pro 2 support Bluetooth 5.3, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair for easy and quick connection with multiple devices. Dual connection capability allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously, enhancing multitasking efficiency.

What’s in the Box:

• CMF Buds Pro 2 earbuds
• Charging case
• USB-A to USB-C cable
• Ear tips in various sizes (S, M, L)
• User guide and warranty information

They’re available in multiple colours, including Dark Grey, Light Grey, Orange, and Blue. With their advanced features and stylish design, these earbuds are perfect for anyone looking to upgrade their audio experience without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Strong bass performance
• Effective ANC
• Affordable price
• Robust connectivity features

Cons:

• Bass can overpower mids and highs
• Inconsistent ANC performance
• Limited EQ customisation

Overall Rating: 4/5

With continued software updates, the CMF Buds Pro 2 are likely to improve further, making them a reliable choice for those seeking budget-friendly, feature-rich wireless earbuds.

For more perspectives on these, why not try PhoneArena, Beebom or Stuff?