CMF Buds 2 Plus Review: If you’re on the hunt for affordable wireless earbuds that are not too expensive but still offer a balanced experience, the CMF Buds 2 Plus might be your next bet. Created by CMF, a sub-brand of Nothing, these earbuds are designed to bring top-notch features at an affordable price. But do they live up to that expectation, or are they another couple of affordable buds among so many in the market?
Design and Comfort: Clean Looks, Everyday Use
The CMF Buds 2 Plus carry forward the minimalist, slightly industrial design language we’ve come to expect from Nothing products. The case feels light and pocketable with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. Available in subtle shades like light grey and blue, it looks stylish without being flashy. The stem design earbuds are square and sit securely in the ear, being very comfortable, even after long use. They’re safe to use during a workout or walking in light rain thanks to their IP54 rating.
Connectivity and Features: Surprisingly Rich
In spite of the affordable price, these buds are packed with functional features. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) up to 45dB, dual-device support, Bluetooth 5.3, and Fast Pair connectivity ensure seamless day-to-day usage. The touch controls are also customizable through the Nothing X app, and device switching seems smooth. Such features are not common in this class, which places the Buds 2 Plus on a firm footing.
Audio Performance: Bass Lovers Rejoice
With 13.4mm dynamic drivers, the CMF Buds 2 Plus are all about heavy bass sounds, perfect for a workout or EDM playlist. Vocals are still clear, and mids and highs are sufficiently balanced for general users. Nothing X app enables users to adjust EQ settings or even undergo a hearing test to customize their sound. That said, audio can become sharp at loud volumes, so keep that in consideration if you prefer to crank up your tunes.
ANC and Transparency Mode: Does the Job Well Enough
The active noise cancellation on these earbuds is effective at handling background noise such as traffic and air conditioning. It will not keep pace with high-end earbuds, but it does well above its price. Transparency mode is okay, not extremely natural, but good enough when walking across streets or chatting. Adaptive ANC is a welcome feature, which changes cancellation levels depending on your surroundings.
Call Quality: Clear and Reliable
The addition of AI noise reduction while on a call makes the Buds 2 Plus ideal for phone or video calls. Voice quality is clear for callers on both sides, even in loud environments. This is something that most affordable earbuds miss the mark on, but these pass to some extent.
Battery Life: A Strong Performer
The Buds 2 Plus excel in battery life. You have some 8 hours out of a single charge (6 with ANC), and the case adds up to some 43 hours overall. A 10-minute quick top-up provides sufficient juice for a couple of hours, which is ideal when you’re on the go. Charging is through USB-C, though wireless charging is naturally absent at this price.
App Experience: Polished and Functional
Nothing X is the app and provides users with control over gestures, sound profiles, and ANC settings. You can even run a fit test so that you can ensure that the earbuds fit well in your ears. It is not very common to see this amount of integration of software in affordable earbuds, but it certainly makes the overall offering much more attractive.
Final Verdict
For less than ₹3,300, the CMF Buds 2 Plus deliver a significant punch. With effective ANC, strong sound quality, great battery life, and thoughtful app support, these earbuds are hard to beat in the budget category. They’re not perfect wireless charging is missing, and high-volume clarity could be better, but they deliver more than expected for their price. If you’re looking for budget TWS earbuds with premium features, this is one of the best deals out there right now.
