CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Wireless Earbuds

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78%
22%
83%
Active Noise Cancellation
87%
Audio Quality
91%
Battery Life
81%
Call Quality
72%
Comfort & Fit
69%
App Experience
79%
Build Quality
93%
Value for Money
82%
Connectivity & Stability
67%
Touch Controls
74%
Spatial Audio
77%
Charging Case Design
78%
Microphone Isolation
61%
Latency Performance
More

Overview

The CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Wireless Earbuds represent CMF's push to pack premium-tier specs into an accessible price point — and largely, they succeed. This Nothing sub-brand release sits squarely in the crowded mid-range market, yet manages to stand out with LDAC support and a noise-cancelling system that punches above its weight class. The build quality reflects that ambition too: a combination of sandblasted metal accents and soft-touch polymer gives them a premium-lite feel that belies the price. With Bluetooth 5.4 on board, these earbuds are clearly designed for users who expect more than the basics without paying flagship prices.

Features & Benefits

What makes the Buds 2 Plus worth a closer look is how the specs translate into real-world use. The Smart Adaptive ANC adjusts automatically to your surroundings and compensates for imperfect ear seals — useful if you have ever found noise cancellation inconsistent across different environments. The 12mm LCP drivers with LDAC support mean noticeably richer audio detail when streaming via a compatible Android device. Call quality through the six-microphone array holds up well even outdoors. Then there is the battery story: the case and earbuds together provide over 60 hours total, and a 10-minute quick charge buys you 8.5 hours of playback — a genuinely useful feature.

Best For

These earbuds make the most sense for daily commuters who want reliable noise cancellation without spending a lot, and for fitness users who need IP55-rated durability through sweaty workouts or light rain. The Buds 2 Plus also reward Nothing and Android ecosystem users specifically — the Nothing X app unlocks personalized sound profiles, and the ChatGPT voice assistant integration is exclusive to Nothing phones, so iPhone users and non-Nothing Android owners should factor that in. Casual listeners curious about Hi-Res Audio and LDAC without the steep price of flagship earbuds will find these a reasonable entry point. Gamers can take advantage of the low-latency mode, though full 40ms performance is tied to Nothing hardware.

User Feedback

Early buyers have responded positively — the Buds 2 Plus holds a 4.3-star average from around 370 ratings, which is a solid start for a product released in April 2025. Reviewers frequently call out ANC effectiveness and battery endurance as the standout strengths, along with clearer-than-expected call quality for the price. That said, a recurring concern is how much of the experience depends on the Nothing ecosystem; users on iPhones or non-compatible Android devices miss out on key features and may find the app experience underwhelming. Fit can also be hit or miss depending on ear shape, which affects both comfort and how well the noise cancellation actually performs in practice.

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Pros

  • Adaptive ANC that adjusts automatically to your environment is rare and genuinely useful at this price point.
  • LDAC support delivers noticeably better audio quality on compatible Android devices compared to typical budget earbuds.
  • A 10-minute charge providing over 8 hours of playback is one of the most practical fast-charge implementations available here.
  • Six microphones with wind noise reduction make outdoor calls noticeably clearer than most earbuds in this segment.
  • IP55 certification means these earbuds can handle sweat, dust, and light rain without worry.
  • Audiodo personalized hearing calibration is a thoughtful touch that meaningfully tailors audio to your ears.
  • Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a stable, low-dropout connection across typical daily use distances.
  • The compact carrying case is pocketable and adds substantial battery life on top of the earbuds themselves.
  • Early buyer ratings are encouraging for a brand-new 2025 release, suggesting real-world quality holds up.
  • HRTF spatial audio adds genuine depth to movies and gaming without requiring any manual setup.

Cons

  • ChatGPT assistant and full low-latency gaming mode are exclusive to Nothing phones, locking out most users.
  • Fit varies enough between ear shapes that ANC effectiveness can be inconsistent without the right ear tip size.
  • The Nothing X app experience is noticeably thinner on iOS than on Android, limiting customization for iPhone owners.
  • Total battery life of 61.5 hours includes the case; earbud-only playback time is considerably shorter.
  • No wireless charging support on the case means you always need a cable nearby for top-ups.
  • ANC performance at this tier still cannot match dedicated premium options in truly loud environments like flights.
  • Touch controls, while functional, can be accidentally triggered during physical activity or when adjusting the fit.
  • Dual-device pairing, while present, may not switch as smoothly or quickly as users of premium earbuds expect.

Ratings

The scores below for the CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Wireless Earbuds were generated by AI after analyzing verified global user reviews, with spam, bot-submitted, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out. Each category reflects the honest consensus of real buyers — strengths are credited where deserved, and recurring frustrations are scored accordingly. Nothing is glossed over.

Active Noise Cancellation
83%
For the price bracket, ANC performance consistently surprises commuters and office workers. The adaptive adjustment system handles subway rumble and open-plan office noise noticeably better than most budget rivals, and buyers frequently mention it as the main reason they kept the earbuds.
Real-world effectiveness varies significantly depending on ear tip fit — a loose seal can cut perceived noise blocking by half. Users expecting Sony-level silence in loud environments like airports or construction sites will be disappointed; the 50dB spec is a ceiling, not a guarantee.
Audio Quality
87%
LDAC support genuinely makes a difference for Android users streaming Hi-Res Audio — buyers on Tidal and Amazon Music HD report noticeably cleaner highs and tighter bass compared to earbuds using only SBC or AAC. The Audiodo personalized calibration adds a layer of customization that casual audiophiles genuinely appreciate.
Without LDAC — meaning on iPhones or when streaming standard-quality audio — the sound profile is good but not exceptional for the category. Some listeners find the default tuning slightly bass-heavy, and the LCP drivers have a ceiling that trained ears will identify fairly quickly.
Battery Life
91%
The combination of strong total endurance and a fast-charge system that delivers 8.5 hours from a 10-minute top-up is one of the most practical battery setups available at this price. Frequent travelers and all-day users consistently flag it as a standout strength, with many going multiple days between full case recharges.
The headline 61.5-hour figure includes multiple full case charges, and earbud-only runtime with ANC active drops noticeably. Users who expected close to 15 hours per charge from the earbuds alone were caught off guard — clearer communication of the split would reduce this frustration.
Call Quality
81%
19%
The six-microphone array handles everyday calls well, and outdoor users — runners and cyclists especially — note that voices come through clearly even in breezy conditions. Wind Noise Reduction 3.0 is not just a spec bullet; it produces a real, audible difference on calls recorded in real-world environments.
In very crowded or acoustically harsh environments like busy markets or loud cafes, the AI noise processing occasionally over-suppresses background detail in a way that makes voices sound slightly processed. It is minor, but callers on the other end sometimes notice during long calls.
Comfort & Fit
72%
28%
For most ear shapes, the ergonomic design sits securely enough for gym workouts and longer commutes without noticeable fatigue. Three ear tip sizes in the box give users a reasonable shot at a good seal, and the soft-touch finish avoids the plasticky feel common at this price.
Fit is polarizing — buyers with smaller or irregularly shaped ear canals report the earbuds feeling loose or uncomfortable within an hour. Since a good fit is directly tied to both ANC performance and sound quality, this is not a minor issue; it materially affects the overall experience for a subset of users.
App Experience
69%
31%
The Nothing X app covers the essentials well — EQ presets, ANC modes, touch control remapping, and firmware updates all work reliably on Android. The Audiodo hearing test inside the app is a genuinely useful feature that takes only a few minutes and produces a perceptible audio improvement.
iOS users get a noticeably stripped-down experience, and features like the ChatGPT assistant and low-latency gaming mode are locked entirely to Nothing-branded phones. For a product marketed broadly, this level of ecosystem dependency frustrates buyers who discover these limits after purchase.
Build Quality
79%
21%
The sandblasted metal accents and soft-touch polymer casing give these earbuds a build quality that feels a tier above what the price suggests. The case is compact and solid, and the IP55 certification holds up — multiple buyers report no issues after months of gym and outdoor use.
Prolonged daily handling reveals some minor wear on the soft-touch coating, particularly around hinge points on the case. The plastic internals are fine for the price, but anyone coming from a premium product will notice the difference in material depth and long-term durability.
Value for Money
93%
Few earbuds at this price point combine LDAC, adaptive ANC, a six-microphone array, fast charging, and IP55 waterproofing in a single package. For Android and Nothing phone users who unlock the full feature set, the value proposition is genuinely difficult to argue against in the current market.
The value calculation changes significantly for iPhone users or those without Nothing hardware, since several headline features become unavailable. If you are paying primarily for the ChatGPT integration or low-latency gaming mode and cannot access them on your device, the package is less compelling than it appears on paper.
Connectivity & Stability
82%
18%
Bluetooth 5.4 delivers a consistently stable connection across typical use distances, and dual-device pairing works reliably for users who switch between a phone and laptop throughout the day. Initial pairing is quick and straightforward without needing the app.
Occasional dropout reports appear in reviews, mostly in dense urban environments with significant wireless interference — crowded transit hubs being the most common scenario. Range beyond 8 meters in real-world conditions (through walls or with obstructions) drops off faster than the 10-meter spec implies.
Touch Controls
67%
33%
Once configured via the Nothing X app, touch controls are responsive and cover the main functions well — playback, volume, ANC toggling, and call management. The ability to remap gestures gives power users meaningful flexibility that cheaper earbuds typically do not offer.
Accidental triggers during exercise or when adjusting the earbuds in your ear are a recurring complaint across user reviews. The touch surface sensitivity is not easily adjusted to a point where it eliminates false inputs entirely, which becomes genuinely annoying during runs or workouts.
Spatial Audio
74%
26%
HRTF-based spatial audio adds real depth to movie watching and certain game genres — buyers using these for mobile gaming or streaming video notice a clear widening of the soundstage that makes content more engaging than standard stereo playback.
Spatial audio processing can introduce a slight hollowness to music that some listeners dislike, and the effect is most convincing on content specifically mixed for it. For everyday music listening, many users prefer switching it off entirely.
Charging Case Design
77%
23%
The square, compact case is genuinely pocketable and earns consistent praise for its portability. It feels sturdy, snaps shut securely, and the LED indicator for battery status is clear and readable in both bright and dim conditions.
The absence of wireless charging is a noticeable omission for a product positioned above entry-level, and the USB-C port placement on the bottom makes it slightly awkward to charge while the case is resting flat. A minor gripe, but one that premium-product buyers mention regularly.
Microphone Isolation
78%
22%
Voice pickup clarity in moderate outdoor environments — parks, suburban streets, standard office settings — is consistently rated well, and the AI-trained noise algorithm does a competent job of isolating speech from ambient sound during video calls and voice messages.
In truly chaotic acoustic environments the algorithm occasionally struggles, producing a slightly robotic or over-processed voice quality that callers notice on the receiving end. It is not a dealbreaker, but it falls short of the premium microphone performance implied by some of the marketing language.
Latency Performance
61%
39%
For Nothing phone users, the 40ms low-latency mode provides a genuinely responsive experience for casual mobile gaming — the sync between on-screen action and audio is tight enough that most users will not notice any lag during normal gameplay.
The 40ms mode is strictly limited to Nothing-branded hardware, which accounts for a tiny fraction of buyers. On all other devices, latency reverts to standard Bluetooth levels, which are adequate for music but can produce noticeable lip-sync drift during video playback and gaming for sensitive users.

Suitable for:

The CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Wireless Earbuds are a strong fit for budget-conscious commuters who deal with noisy trains, busy offices, or loud open-plan environments and need dependable noise cancellation without paying flagship prices. Fitness-focused buyers will appreciate the IP55 rating, which holds up to sweaty gym sessions and unexpected drizzle, along with a secure enough fit to stay put during moderate workouts. If you are an Android user — especially on a Nothing phone — you unlock the full value here: personalized sound profiles via the Nothing X app, dual-device pairing, and deeper software integration make the experience noticeably richer. Casual audiophiles who want to hear the difference LDAC makes on streaming platforms like Tidal or Amazon Music HD will find these earbuds a practical and affordable way in. Anyone who spends long stretches away from a charger will also appreciate the combination of strong total battery life and a fast top-up that takes only minutes.

Not suitable for:

The CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Wireless Earbuds are not the right call for buyers who want a truly ecosystem-agnostic experience. iPhone users and non-Nothing Android owners will find that several headline features — including the ChatGPT voice assistant and the full 40ms low-latency gaming mode — are locked behind Nothing hardware, which is a meaningful limitation that the marketing does not make obvious. If you need absolute top-tier ANC — the kind that makes a long-haul flight feel silent — these earbuds are unlikely to fully satisfy; real-world noise cancellation depends heavily on fit and ear seal, and no budget earbud reliably matches what Sony or Bose offer at higher price points. Audiophiles with high-resolution audio rigs or discerning listening habits may also find the sonic ceiling limiting, since LCP drivers at this price tier have clear constraints. And if ear tip fit is tricky for you personally, the ANC performance and comfort will both suffer, so it is worth making sure you can try or return them easily.

Specifications

  • Driver Size: Each earbud houses a 12mm LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) dynamic driver tuned for extended frequency response and deep bass reproduction.
  • Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.4 provides a stable wireless connection with improved efficiency and reduced interference compared to older Bluetooth generations.
  • Codec Support: LDAC codec support enables Hi-Res Audio streaming at up to 990kbps on compatible Android devices, alongside standard SBC and AAC.
  • ANC Performance: Smart Adaptive ANC covers a frequency range up to 5400Hz with a rated noise attenuation of up to 50dB, adjusting automatically based on environmental conditions.
  • Battery Life: Total combined battery life is 61.5 hours across the earbuds and charging case; earbud-only playback varies based on ANC and volume levels.
  • Fast Charging: A 10-minute charge via the case delivers approximately 8.5 hours of playback, making quick top-ups practical for daily use.
  • Microphones: Six HD microphones work with Clear Voice 3.0 and Wind Noise Reduction 3.0 to maintain call clarity in challenging outdoor conditions.
  • Water Resistance: IP55 certification confirms resistance to dust ingress and low-pressure water jets from any direction, suitable for workouts and light rain.
  • Impedance: Each earbud has an impedance of 32 Ohm, which is standard for in-ear monitors and compatible with typical smartphone output levels.
  • Earbud Weight: The combined weight of both earbuds is 51.5 grams, while the carrying case weighs 42.5 grams when empty.
  • Case Dimensions: The charging case measures 53.3mm in length, 53.3mm in width, and 23mm in height, making it compact enough for a jacket pocket.
  • Bluetooth Range: Rated wireless range is 10 meters in open space, though real-world range will vary depending on obstructions and interference.
  • Latency Mode: A low-latency mode achieving 40ms audio sync is available via the Nothing X app, but is currently limited to Nothing-branded phones.
  • Spatial Audio: HRTF-powered spatial audio processing creates a three-dimensional soundstage for movies, music, and compatible games without additional hardware.
  • Ear Tips Included: Three sizes of ear tips (S, M, L) are included in the box to help users achieve a secure seal for both comfort and ANC effectiveness.
  • Connectivity: Dual-device pairing allows the earbuds to stay connected to two devices simultaneously, switching audio between them without manual re-pairing.
  • App Support: The Nothing X app is available on both Android and iOS and enables EQ customization, ANC modes, firmware updates, and hearing calibration.
  • Hearing Calibration: Audiodo-powered Personal Sound runs a five-frequency hearing test and generates a customized audio profile matched to the individual user.
  • Charging Port: The charging case uses a USB-C port for wired charging; wireless charging is not supported on this model.
  • In-Box Contents: The box includes the earbuds, charging case, three sets of ear tips (S, M, L), a USB-C cable, and safety and warranty documentation.

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FAQ

Yes, the Buds 2 Plus pair and function on iOS, but the experience is more limited than on Android. You can use the Nothing X app on iPhone for basic controls and EQ, but features like the ChatGPT voice assistant and the full low-latency gaming mode are exclusive to Nothing-branded phones. Core functions like music, calls, and ANC work fine on any device.

CMF does not publish a standalone earbud-only figure prominently, but based on the total 61.5-hour claim and case capacity, you can expect roughly 8 to 10 hours per charge from the earbuds alone at moderate volume without ANC. Running ANC continuously will reduce that. The 61.5-hour figure is the combined total including multiple case top-ups.

For most commuters and office workers, it does a solid job blocking out ambient hum, air conditioning, and moderate crowd noise. That said, real-world ANC effectiveness depends a lot on how well the ear tips seal in your ears — a poor fit significantly reduces performance. It will not match what you get from Sony or Bose at twice the price, but for the cost, it is genuinely above average.

Yes, the earbuds support mono use, so you can wear one while keeping the other in the case. This is handy for situations where you need to stay aware of your surroundings or during long calls when you want to preserve battery on one side.

You will need the Nothing X app for EQ adjustments and to configure touch controls. It is available on both Android and iOS. The app also runs the Audiodo hearing calibration test, which is worth doing once — it creates a personalized sound profile that can make a noticeable difference in how the earbuds sound to you specifically.

The IP55 rating makes them a reasonable choice for running, gym sessions, and light rain. They are not submersible, so swimming is out, but sweat and splashes will not cause damage. The ergonomic fit is designed to stay secure during activity, though the right ear tip size matters a lot here — try the different sizes included in the box before committing to a run.

LDAC is a Bluetooth codec that transmits audio at much higher bitrates than standard Bluetooth, which can result in better sound quality when streaming Hi-Res Audio tracks on a compatible Android device. In practice, you need both an LDAC-supporting phone (most modern Android flagships qualify) and a streaming service that offers lossless or Hi-Res content. On Spotify at standard quality, you likely will not notice a difference.

Yes, it is genuinely useful. Dropping the CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Wireless Earbuds into the case for 10 minutes delivers around 8.5 hours of playback — that is a meaningful top-up in a short window. It is not wireless charging, so you do need a USB-C cable and a power source nearby, but for a quick boost before heading out, it works well.

Touch controls are functional and responsive, but accidental triggers are a real issue — especially when adjusting the earbuds in your ear or during physical activity. It is something many users mention. You can remap or adjust control sensitivity through the Nothing X app, which helps, but it takes a bit of setup to get right.

At this price tier, the Buds 2 Plus stands out mainly for LDAC support, the adaptive ANC system, and the fast charging capability — features that are not always available from competitors at the same cost. Where rivals sometimes pull ahead is in fit variety, more polished app experiences regardless of phone brand, and more predictable ANC performance. If you are in the Nothing or Android ecosystem, these earbuds offer an unusually feature-rich package for the money.

Where to Buy

eBay
CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Wireless Earbuds
In stock $69.93
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Dressinn.com
CMF by Nothing Buds 2 Plus Wireless Earbuds
In stock $59.99
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