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CMF Buds Pro 2
Nowadays, you don’t have to spend more than $100 on earbuds to get features like Spatial Audio or Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). In this CMF Buds Pro 2 review, I got to try out how Nothing’s latest offering delivers these features and more for nearly half that price. Not only do these colorful, budget-friendly buds pack a lot of functionality, but they also have a unique, fun factor as well. Should the top dogs in audio, like Apple, Sony, and Bose, be worried about being undercut, or are the CMF Buds Pro 2 only “Pro” in name? I put them to the test to find out.
Editor’s note: this is the first version of the article. Updates will follow as the market changes.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 are ideal for budget-conscious consumers who want feature-rich earbuds without breaking the bank. They cater to users who desire the convenience of controlling their audio without directly touching their earbuds or reaching for their phone, thanks to the unique Smart Dial on the charging case.
What’s it like to use the CMF Buds Pro 2?
The CMF Buds Pro 2 have a simple yet effective user-friendly design. Before we get to the sound quality and features, I want to mention my favorite part of the experience – using the Smart Dial on the case. While the earbuds have touch controls, you don’t need to use them and risk compromising the seal by taping or swiping the buds because you can control everything from the case itself.
The Smart Dial is a game-changer.
I customized my dial to adjust the volume by rotating it in one direction or the other, pausing and playing with a single press, and skipping to the next track with a double click. You can customize all these functions via the app—more on that in the next section—but the controls give satisfying tactile feedback akin to a fidget toy. Overall, this clever addition transforms the case into a pocket-sized remote control, eliminating the need to pull out your phone or touch the earbuds directly.
The earbuds are incredibly light and comfortable to wear for extended periods. I found them suitable for 2-3 hour listening sessions before experiencing any fatigue. With three sizes of silicon tips included, it’s easy to find a snug fit that keeps the buds in place, even during light physical activity. Speaking of, with an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, these buds can withstand daily wear and tear, as well as light exposure to the elements.
The buds feature in-ear detection, automatically pausing your audio when you remove an earbud and resuming when you put it back in. While there’s a slight delay in this function, it’s a welcome feature at this price point. When storing the earbuds, they earbuds snap securely into the charging case with strong magnets that survive the shake test, ensuring they stay put when not in use. I also appreciate the bright color options. Aside from the mundane Black or White we see all the time, the CMF Buds Pro 2 come in Navy Blue or Radioactive Orange, which is sure to catch people’s eyes.
The table below represents the default tap controls for the earbuds, but they can be customized within the app as well.
| Input | Left earbud | Right earbud |
|---|---|---|
| Input Double Tap | Left earbud Next song | Right earbud Next song |
| Input Triple Tap | Left earbud Previous song | Right earbud Previous song |
| Input Tap & Hold for 1 second | Left earbud Switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode | Right earbud Switch between Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode |
By default, the Smart Dial controls are disabled and have to be customized within the Nothing X app. The table below represents the available customization options.
| Input | Smart Dial |
|---|---|
Single Press | Play/Pause Skip Forward Skip Back Voice Assistant Low Lag Mode On/Off |
Double Press | Same options as above or: Answer calls Mute/Unmute |
Triple Press | Same options as above or: Hang up calls/Decline incoming calls |
Press and Hold | Noise Control: - Transparency -Noise cancelation -Off Voice Assistant Low Lag Mode On/Off |
Rotate | Volume Control |
Should you use the Nothing X App for the CMF Buds Pro 2?
The Nothing X App, available for both Android and iOS, is an essential companion to the CMF Buds Pro 2. It offers a suite of features that significantly enhance the earbuds’ functionality. Key among these are the custom circular tri-band equalizer, touch control and smart dial customization, and Ultra Bass mode for those who prefer a punchier low-end.
The app also boasts some other unique features that set it apart from competitors. One exclusive feature is the ChatGPT integration with Nothing devices. This allows you to activate AI assistance directly from your earbuds with a tap and hold. The app also offers practical tools like an ear tip fit test and in-ear detection for auto-pause functionality. For the forgetful or accident-prone, the Find My Earbuds function is a lifesaver. Mobile gamers will appreciate the Low Lag Mode, which reduces latency to less than 120ms when used with a Nothing Phone.
It took me about 1 minute and 15 seconds to update the firmware to the latest version, which is blazing fast.
How do the CMF Buds Pro 2 connect?
The CMF Buds Pro 2 use Bluetooth 5.3, offering a stable connection with a range of up to 10 meters. There’s no Multipoint, but the Dual Connection feature allows pairing with two devices simultaneously, so you can switch between your phone and laptop seamlessly, for instance.
These earbuds support a few audio codecs: AAC and SBC by default, with LDAC available through the Nothing X app for high-quality audio with compatible phones. Pairing is quick and easy, especially with Android devices, thanks to Google Fast Pair support.
To pair the CMF Buds Pro 2:
- Open the case with the earbuds inside.
- Press and hold the pairing button in the lower right corner of the inside of the case until the LED light on the side of the case begins to flash.
- Select the CMF Buds Pro 2 from the list of available Bluetooth devices on your smartphone.
How long does the CMF Buds Pro 2 battery last?
In our testing, the CMF Buds Pro 2 lasted roughly 6 hours and 15 minutes with ANC on. In real-world usage, you would likely get longer playback times with ANC off or switching between the two. Six hours is about the average for wireless earbuds, especially those in this price range.
Yes, the CMF Buds Pro 2 has fast charging. A 10-minute charge will yield about 3 hours of playback with ANC off and just under 2 hours of playback with ANC on.
How well do the CMF Buds Pro 2 cancel noise?
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The CMF Buds Pro 2’s active noise cancelation is impressive, especially its ability to attenuate low-frequency noises, reducing perceived loudness by about 90% at 70Hz. Aided by the effective isolation, this makes them particularly effective at drowning out traffic sounds and general background noise, allowing you to enjoy your audio without cranking up the volume to potentially harmful levels.
While the earbuds don’t perform as well with high-pitched noises—I could hear screeching buses or car horns during my commute—they rarely interrupted my music-listening zen. The ANC makes an immediate, noticeable impact when activated, creating a pleasant bubble of quiet for enjoying audiobooks or podcasts, even in moderately noisy environments like busy streets.
While the ANC is very good for this price range, it doesn’t match the performance of premium earbuds costing several times more. However, for everyday use in typical urban environments, the CMF Buds Pro 2’s noise cancelation is more than adequate.
The transparency mode is surprisingly good and much better than the standard CMF Buds. I was able to clearly hear my coworkers in conversation while wearing the earbuds in the office, and when activated outside, I could hear all the hustle and bustle around me on the downtown streets.
How do the CMF Buds Pro 2 sound?
The CMF Buds Pro 2 delivers an immersive and bass-heavy sound, though their excessive low-end and occasional treble harshness may require some EQ tweaks.
Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS)
The chart below shows how the sound of the CMF Buds Pro 2 was assessed by the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Score (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 demonstrates impressive audio performance that pleases a simulated panel of hundreds of listeners. The Timbre score of 4.4 indicates accurate frequency reproduction, while the 4.3 for Distortion suggests clean audio even at higher volumes. Most notably, the 4.8 for Immersiveness points to a wide, well-defined soundstage. With an overall score of 4.5, the CMF Buds Pro 2 offers audio quality that most people should enjoy across various types of content.
- Timbre (MOS-T) represents how faithfully the headphones reproduce the frequency spectrum and temporal resolution (timing information).
- Distortion (MOS-D) represents non-linearities and added noise: higher scores mean cleaner reproduction.
- Immersiveness (MOS-I) represents perceived source width and positioning: how well virtual sound sources are defined in three-dimensional space.
See here for an explanation of MDAQS, how it works, and how it was developed.
Reviewer’s notes
Editor’s note: this review uses a hover-enabled glossary to describe sound quality based on a consensus vocabulary. You can read about it here.
Objective Measurements
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The frequency response of the CMF Buds Pro 2 shows two significant deviations from the SoundGuys house curve:
- Bass Boost (20-400 Hz): There’s a substantial elevation of about 12-15 dB, peaking around 50 Hz. This indicates a bass-heavy signature that provides powerful low-end, at the expense of the mids and highs.
- Treble Variation (5000-20000 Hz): The response shows several peaks and dips in the treble region, deviating from our preference curve. This results in a brighter sound with enhanced perceived detail but also introduces some sibilance and listening fatigue over time.
Can you use the CMF Buds Pro 2 for phone calls?
The CMF Buds Pro 2 has six microphones and an AI noise reduction algorithm, the same used in the Nothing Ear, to suppress background noise. While voices sound slightly muffled, the background noise reduction is very good, especially in windy conditions. No matter where you are, the person on the other end of the line should still be able to understand what you are saying.
CMF Buds Pro 2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions):
How does the microphone sound to you?
CMF Buds Pro 2 microphone demo (Office conditions):
CMF Buds Pro 2 microphone demo (Street conditions):
CMF Buds Pro 2 microphone demo (Windy conditions):
CMF Buds Pro 2 microphone demo (Reverberant space):
The CMF Buds Pro 2 mic system performs well in the above simulated noise environments. Out on a busy street, you can barely tell that there is any noise in the background. The microphones also handle wind noise better than most earbuds.
Should you buy the CMF Buds Pro 2?
The standout active noise cancelation, Smart Dial that offers truly innovative controls, and comfortable design of the CMF Buds Pro 2 make them a strong contender in the sub-$100 market. If you like bass, you will enjoy the sound quality of the CMF Buds Pro 2, but if not, you should look elsewhere. The EQ customization in the Nothing X app allows you to tailor the sound to some extent but won’t satisfy all listeners.
For 60 bucks, these are a good option if you like bass
While the feature set is impressive for the price, it doesn’t quite match the advanced capabilities of premium models from brands like Sony or Bose if you are looking for earbuds that will remain relevant for the next several years.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a pair of true wireless earbuds that offer a great balance of features, performance, and value, the CMF Buds Pro 2 are a solid choice. They punch above their weight class in many areas and provide a user experience that rivals more expensive options.
What should you get instead of the CMF Buds Pro 2?
For those prioritizing ultra-portability and an even lower price point, the JLab JBuds Mini are worth considering. At just $39.99 at Amazon, these tiny earbuds can be attached to your keychain, making them incredibly convenient for on-the-go use. While they lack advanced features like ANC, they offer surprisingly good sound isolation and an IP55 rating, making them suitable for workouts.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more, the EarFun Air Pro 4 offers some compelling upgrades over the CMF Buds Pro 2. They boast the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology and support for high-quality codecs like aptX Lossless and LDAC, which audiophiles will appreciate. The Air Pro 4 also features more robust noise cancelation and a more extensive app with a 10-band equalizer. While slightly pricier at $71.99 at Amazon, they are a step up in overall audio performance and features.
If you’re drawn to unique design, the Nothing Ear (a) is a good alternative at a similar price point of $99.99 at Nothing. It features a distinctive transparent aesthetic and provides comparable performance to the CMF Buds Pro 2 in terms of sound quality and ANC. The more expensive Nothing Ear ($149 at Amazon) offers some notable upgrades. They feature ceramic diaphragm drivers for improved sound clarity and detail, and they grant you access to a more advanced 10-band equalizer in the Nothing X app.
If you’re looking to save even more money while still getting some of the key features of the CMF Buds Pro 2, there are the regular CMF Buds. For $39 at Amazon, they have decent ANC for the price, reducing environmental noise by about 74% on average. They also work with the Nothing X app, giving you access to the same basic 3-band equalizer. However, the regular CMF Buds also lack the Pro 2’s Smart Dial on the case, which is a big reason to buy these earbuds in my books, but maybe that doesn’t matter to you.
CMF Buds Pro 2 review: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the earbuds work with iPhone, and you can download the Nothing X app via the App Store.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 have an IP55 water and dust resistance rating. That means they can withstand 12.5 L of water flow per minute or 360° water spray for 3 minutes.
No, they do not have wireless charging.
Yes, they have active noise cancelation.
They are decent for working out with sweat resistance but not the most stable for activities with a lot of movement.