The CMF Buds Pro 2 is the most recent addition to Nothing’s sub-brand-growing audio collection. They follow the original CMF Buds Pro and come with enhancements in nearly every area.
You receive dual drivers, improved active noise cancellation (ANC), support for spatial audio, and extended battery life. The charging case also features a new feature with the customizable Smart Dial. This can be used to adjust volume, control media playback, and handle incoming calls. With the addition of LDAC support, multi-point pairing, and a stylish design available in various colors, these earbuds can compete with some of the top-tier options from Apple, Sony, and Samsung.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 are priced at only $59/€59/£59/₹4,299, significantly cheaper than similar products from competitors. This means that some compromises were made in the production process, but not in crucial areas that impact overall performance.
Design
The acronym CMF represents Color, Materials, and Finish, and we can start this part of the review by stating the obvious. Our reviewed product, the CMF Buds Pro 2, is available in a deep, saturated blue color that really stands out. The vividness of this color is similar to the striking orange hue found on the original CMF Buds.
The Buds Pro 2 and their case are mostly constructed from plastic, except for the Smart Dial which includes a metal ring with tactile clicks. Both the case and buds have a matte finish that effectively resists fingerprints and is always favored over glossy plastics in our opinion.
Returning to the case and its Smart Dial, it is a unique feature in the TWS market that distinguishes the CMF Buds Pro 2 from other earbuds. It can be compared to a remote control that allows you to adjust the volume with tactile feedback. Additionally, it offers support for customizable single, double, triple, and tap-and-hold button presses.
The dimensions and weight of the case are identical to that of the CMF Buds, with each earbud weighing only 4.5 grams. The in-ear fit, using the pre-applied size M tips, was excellent in our experience, allowing us to comfortably wear these buds for hours on a daily basis.
The top halves of the buds also have touch sensors that can be remapped for controlling media, noise cancelation, and volume. The retail package includes a brief USB-C cable for charging and a selection of small and extra-large silicone ear tips.
Features and companion app
The CMF Buds Pro 2 is a logical progression from the original CMF Buds Pro, with the main difference being the upgraded dual-driver system. Each earbud now features 11mm bass drivers and separate 6mm planar tweeters. The connection remains through Bluetooth 5.3, with compatibility for Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, and the ability to pair with two devices simultaneously.
The LDAC support is beneficial for those who stream music through platforms such as Tidal HiFi, Amazon Music Unlimited, and Deezer Premium. The active noise cancellation now has a rating of drowning out up to 50dB, an improvement from the 45dB on the first-generation CMF Buds Pro. Additionally, spatial audio has been newly included.
The total battery life has been updated and is now rated for up to 43 hours when accounting for both the buds and their case, which is a slight improvement from the previous model. Additionally, a wear-detection feature has been added, which automatically pauses media playback when the buds are removed from your ears.
Although the Buds Pro 2 functions well independently, utilizing the Nothing X app on iOS and Android can provide additional features such as button remapping, Smart Dial, and customizable EQ profiles.
The Smart Dial is perhaps the most fascinating feature available. We discovered it to be quite helpful when paired with a laptop. The enjoyable tactile response from the dial is excellent, and we hope that more companies will embrace similar solutions for their earbuds.
You can also summon ChatGPT directly from the Buds Pro 2 when using them with a Nothing smartphone. Additionally, the buds themselves (excluding their case) are rated IP55 for protection against dust and water splashes.
Verdict
Nothing still provides some of the top wireless earbuds in the affordable range and the Buds Pro 2 is a straightforward choice. Their combination of dual drivers, LDAC support, adaptive ANC, dual-device pairing, and spatial audio sets them apart in terms of value for money.
Although looks can be subjective, we appreciate the bold color choices and minimalist design of the CMF Buds Pro 2. Additionally, these earbuds offer an exclusive feature, the Smart Dial, that sets them apart from other models on the market. Along with their impressive battery life and useful companion app, there is very little left to desire from these earbuds.
There are a few improvements we would like to see in future versions, including full parametric EQ customization options like those found in the Nothine Ear series buds, stronger noise cancellation, a less muffled transparency mode, and enhanced call quality.
Taking into account the price of $59/€59/£59/₹4,299, we are comfortable with making these compromises and are excited to see what Nothing has planned for future iterations in the CMF Buds lineup.
Performance and Sound Quality
We have come to anticipate a bass-heavy V-shaped sound from Nothing audio products, and the Buds Pro 2 certainly delivers on that expectation. Straight out of the box, they prioritize bass and offer ample volume, appealing to a wide range of users. When comparing the CMF Buds Pro 2 to the CMF Buds, noticeable enhancements include a more robust sound and improved instrument distinction.
Things improved when we switched to the Dirac Opteo EQ profile, which is the top choice among the built-in EQ options. While you can customize the EQ to suit your preferences with a personalized profile, Nothing inexplicably chose to restrict it to a three-band EQ limit, unlike the Nothing Ear (2) and other similar earbuds.
The spatial audio feature is quite noticeable and provides livelier audio, so it is recommended to keep it turned on. In conclusion, while the audio quality of Buds Pro 2 is good, we found that the recently reviewed Realme Buds Air6 Pro had better clarity.
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ANC effectively reduces lower frequency sounds like AC and fan noise but falls short compared to pricier earbuds. Transparency mode was unimpressive and came with the typical hissing noise commonly found in buds within this price range.
Connectivity remained consistent during my review period, where I frequently switched between a MacBook Pro 14, iPhone 15 Pro, and a CMF Phone 1. The dual device pairing, touch controls, and wear detection all functioned seamlessly. It is convenient to have volume controls on the earbuds, although the only way to adjust them is by using a double tap and hold gesture, which may not be the most user-friendly option.
The call quality of the Buds Pro 2 was underwhelming, as recipients reported hearing muffled sounds from my end even in quiet rooms with minimal background noise. However, if these are your only choice for making calls, they will suffice but do not anticipate AirPod Pro-level performance.
Battery life
Nothing boasts impressive battery claims for the CMF Buds Pro 2, offering a total playtime of 43 hours from both the buds and their case, with 11 hours of playtime from the buds alone when ANC is off and 6.5 hours when ANC is on.
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During our testing period, the figures we obtained were close. The CMF Buds Pro 2 lasted just over 6 hours and 15 minutes with ANC turned on at 50% volume and all optional features enabled. The battery life decreased to 4 hours and 15 minutes when using LDAC mode with ANC on, which is still noteworthy.
Charging is restricted to the USB-C port on the case, and it takes 70 minutes to fully charge both the buds and the case. The case can recharge the buds from zero to full in 60 minutes.
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