When Nothing spun off its budget-friendly sub-brand CMF, the goal was clear: to offer the clean design DNA of the main brand at a fraction of the price. Now, the newly announced CMF Buds 2 are the latest example of that approach.
CMF Buds 2
Rs 2,699
What Is Good?
- Good battery life
- Handy features like in-ear detection & dual point connection
- Aggressive pricing
- ANC was surprisingly capable
- Intuitive and clean companion app
What Is Bad?
- Bass-heavy sound profile
- Lacks LDAC or LHDC
Priced at just Rs 2,699, these TWS come in swinging with strong ANC, a laundry list of features, and a sound signature that clearly caters to a certain crowd. I spent a week testing these buds in my daily routine to see if the CMF Buds 2 are worth their modest price tag. Quick spoiler: they definitely punch above their weight class, but they do come with a few caveats. Here’s my review.
Design
At first glance, the CMF Buds 2 charging case is refreshingly understated (I got the Light Green version). It’s made of plastic, sure, but it doesn’t feel cheap. The soft-touch finish gives it a nice matte texture. The standout element is the circular smart dial on the side, which is perfect for lanyards, smart trackers, or even your house keys. It’s more about function than flash, and ironically, that’s what gives it its edge. The smart dial might seem like a simple utility feature, but it adds just the right amount of personality to make the case memorable in a crowd of lookalikes.
Inside, the earbuds adopt a lightweight stem design that closely resembles the Apple AirPods Pro, offering a familiar fit and feel. They’re very comfortable for long use, and thanks to the three silicone eartip sizes, you’ll likely find one that fits your ears just right. The snug fit of the CMF Buds 2 brings decent passive noise isolation even before ANC kicks in.
For protection against the elements, there is an IP55 rating, so workouts or some drizzle aren’t something to worry about. There is also support for gesture controls that can be customised to your liking, but these are restricted to just taps and holds.
Sound Quality
Nothing made its bass‑first tuning a secret, and the CMF Buds 2 delivers a lot of it. These buds hit deep and hard, almost like they’ve been pulled straight from the era of old Beats by Dre. The low-end is punchy, tight, and surprisingly clean, without dipping into muddy territory. That’s impressive at this price point.
This is further complemented by the “Ultra Bass” mode available in the Nothing X app, though honestly, I found the bass aggressive enough without it. If you’re already getting heavy thump on your favourite tracks, toggling Ultra Bass might just drown everything else out.
Vocals and highs remain clear and detailed from its 11mm PMI drivers, but the bass can completely overpower the mids and steal the spotlight overall. If you’re an audiophile or someone who prefers a more balanced sound profile like me, this aspect might be worth considering if you’re in the market for a new pair of earbuds.
However, slight tweaking in the equaliser and turning off the Ultra Bass altogether can help you get the optimal experience. I can’t help but feel that including LDAC support (found on the CMF Buds 2 Plus) could’ve helped improve sound quality in general.
ANC, Mic Quality & Spatial Audio
With 48dB of active noise cancellation, the CMF Buds 2 impressed me more than I expected. I tested them on a busy street and in a cafe; at “High” ANC, background hums of a fan and chatter receded significantly without that uncomfortable “ear‑squeeze” sensation that most budget TWS struggle with. An “Adaptive” mode automatically adjusted the filter, but I preferred keeping ANC locked on high for consistent performance.
Spatial Audio is a feature that’s hit or miss. On some tracks, it widens the soundstage in a way that feels immersive and fun. But on others, it messes with the balance, making vocals feel distant or instruments oddly placed. After a few experiments, I left Spatial Audio off for a more reliable soundstage.
Mic quality also holds up well. The CMF Buds 2 packs 6 HD mics paired with Clear Voice Technology 3.0 and Wind Noise Reduction 3.0, and in most calls, my voice came through clean and crisp. There’s a slight dip in clarity in noisier environments, like traffic-heavy roads, but that’s forgivable for something in this price bracket.
Battery Life
Nothing quotes up to 55 hours of battery life with the charging case and 13.5 hours on a single charge without ANC. In real‑world use with ANC on and volume around 60%, I averaged roughly eight to nine hours of playback before needing to dock the buds, which is solid for daily use.
Top-ups from the case were quick, and I only needed to recharge the case once during the week. If you’re in a rush, the quick charge feature is a lifesaver, as just a few minutes in the case gets you a few extra hours of playtime.
Companion App & Other Features
One of the best things about the CMF Buds 2 is that you don’t need to compromise on many handy features just because you paid less.
The Nothing X app ties everything together. It’s clean, intuitive, and offers controls for ANC levels, an EQ with presets, the Ultra Bass toggle, and access to a low‑latency gaming mode. You can also fine-tune in the Equaliser or stick to the Dirac Opteo tuning. There’s also a firmware update section, which ensures that the buds are running the latest improvements.
Two features deserve a shout-out here. First, dual-point connectivity lets you stay paired to both your phone and laptop simultaneously. So no more fumbling with Bluetooth settings between Zoom calls and Spotify. Second, in-ear detection works surprisingly well, automatically pausing your content when you remove an earbud. Gamers will also appreciate the low-latency mode, which cuts down audio delay for better sync in games and videos.
Verdict
For Rs 2,699, the CMF Buds 2 are an irresistible package: punchy bass, competent ANC, solid call quality, and a feature set that outshines many pricier rivals. But they are far from perfect. Spatial Audio can be inconsistent, and true audiophiles may long for a more balanced sound. So, who are these for? Budget shoppers, bassheads, casual listeners, or anyone who just wants a solid pair of TWS earbuds without breaking the bank.
In a market crowded with sub‑Rs 3,000 options, the CMF Buds 2 stand out by combining style, substance, and smart extras. If you want earbuds that make every beat thump, calls come through clearly, and have nifty features without denting your wallet, the CMF Buds 2 are hard to beat.
