Nothing’s Budget Audio Push Gets Smarter
Nothing has been steadily building its CMF sub-brand, and now it’s back in the spotlight with two new affordable wireless earbuds: CMF Buds 2 priced at ₹2,699 and CMF Buds 2 Plus at ₹3,299. Launched alongside the CMF Phone 2 Pro, these earbuds aim to bring smart features and modern aesthetics to the budget TWS market. But do they really live up to the hype, or are they just another pair of earbuds in an already crowded segment? Let’s break it down.
A Modern Design That Doesn’t Feel Cheap
Both earbuds stay true to Nothing’s signature industrial design — clean, minimal, and surprisingly premium for their price. The matte-finish cases look neat, with the Buds 2 Plus going a step further with soft-touch surfaces and metal accents. Both are compact and pocketable.
The earbuds themselves are ergonomic and lightweight, offering a secure fit that’s comfortable even during long use. Whether you’re walking, working, or at the gym, the fit stays consistent and pressure-free.
The IP55 rating adds durability, keeping them safe from sweat and splashes. The cases get an IPX2 rating — not fully waterproof, but enough to survive light drizzle or moisture.
Controls and Customization on Point
Both earbuds feature touch controls for basic navigation — double taps, triple taps, and long presses. The Nothing X app, available on Android and iOS, lets you tweak these controls and more. You can switch ANC modes, adjust the EQ, or even find your lost earbuds. These features give the earbuds a smart edge, rarely seen at this price.
Seamless Connectivity with a Few Extras
The Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity is fast and stable. Pairing is effortless, thanks to Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair support. Both models also support dual-device pairing, making it easy to switch between phone and laptop.
A dedicated Low Lag Mode is especially useful for gamers, with latency dropping as low as 105 ms on the Buds 2 Plus when paired with a Nothing Phone.
Sound: More Than Just Bass
The CMF Buds 2 deliver lively audio with a decent soundstage. The 11mm drivers, tuned with Dirac Opteo, produce deep bass and clear mids. Music feels dynamic, and vocals are crisp.
The Buds 2 Plus go one better. With a 12mm LCP driver and LDAC support, they offer a more detailed and balanced output. High-res streaming sounds fuller, and the soundstage feels wider.
Both models feature Spatial Audio, using HRTF-based tech to simulate a 3D sound experience. It’s not perfect, but it does enhance the feel of watching videos or gaming.
ANC That Works, But Not Flawlessly
Noise cancellation is another area where Nothing impresses — on paper at least. The Buds 2 Plus offer up to 50dB hybrid ANC, while the Buds 2 provide 48dB. There’s also Environmental Adaptive ANC and Transparency Mode, allowing outside sounds in when needed.
In daily use, the ANC works quite well. It cuts out traffic and chatter effectively, especially for the price. However, there’s a consistent flaw: when ANC is on but no audio is playing, a soft static hiss can be heard. It’s not a dealbreaker, but definitely worth noting if you like quiet moments.
Battery Life That Lasts
Battery life is another strong point. The CMF Buds 2 deliver up to 13.5 hours on a single charge, stretching to 55 hours with the case (ANC off). A 10-minute charge gives 7.5 hours of playback.
The Buds 2 Plus push even further — 15.5 hours standalone, and 61.5 hours with the case. With ANC on, they still manage around 7.5 hours. Both use USB-C and take under 95 minutes to fully charge.
Verdict: A Smart Buy With a Small Caveat
The Nothing CMF Buds 2 & Buds 2 Plus punch well above their price class. They offer modern features like ANC, Spatial Audio, app-based customization, dual pairing, and good battery life — all wrapped in a design that feels premium. For under ₹3,300, that’s a strong value proposition.
But they’re not without flaws. The faint static sound when ANC is on and no music is playing is a noticeable hiccup. If you listen in silence often, it could bother you. Still, for music lovers on a budget who want smart, stylish, and capable earbuds, these two are strong contenders.
If your budget is tighter, the Buds 2 are a great pick. But if you’re after better audio, longer battery, and LDAC, the Buds 2 Plus are worth the extra ₹600.
