At just Rs 2,699, the CMF Buds 2 combine balanced audio, impressive battery performance, and an eye-catching design, but noise cancellation and transparency could use some work.
CMF Buds 2: Budget-Friendly Wireless Earbuds With Style, All-Day Battery, and Clear Sound
The CMF Buds 2, launched recently at a competitive price point of Rs 2,699, underscore Nothing’s focus on combining affordability with style and everyday performance. Featuring 11mm drivers, Dirac Opteo tuning, and Spatial Audio, these true wireless earbuds aim to deliver premium features on a budget. In real-world use, they excel in design, fit, connectivity, and battery life, but noise-cancelling performance and transparency mode remain areas for improvement.
Design and Comfort: Minimalist Looks That Stand Out
True to Nothing’s design language, the CMF Buds 2 sport a sleek, squared-off charging case with a smooth matte finish and the brand’s signature transparent dial. The compact case is pocket-friendly, equipped with a USB Type-C port and a front-facing LED for battery status at a glance.
Available in Dark Grey, Light Green, and Orange, the Light Green version pops visually but can pick up dust easily. The earbuds themselves blend a matte-textured stem with a glossy upper cover, resulting in a secure fit that stays comfortable through long listening sessions. While the lightweight plastic construction feels sturdy, it leans more utilitarian than premium, especially compared to the Buds 2 Plus.
Software Features and Touch Controls
The CMF Buds 2 work seamlessly with the Nothing X app, providing several customisable equaliser presets—including Dirac Opteo for crisp, well-balanced sound. Users get a range of noise cancellation options (Low, Mid, High, and Adaptive), a transparency mode, and the ability to disable ANC entirely.
Additional features include an Ultra Bass mode (with five intensity levels) and a fixed Spatial Audio setting, though in daily usage these modes offer subtle rather than dramatic changes. Touch controls are customisable, but adjusting the volume relies on tap-and-hold, which may not suit everyone.
Noise Cancelling and Ambient Awareness
Equipped with up to 48dB active noise cancellation, the CMF Buds 2 handle moderate background noise—like office chatter or commutes—reasonably well. However, in louder environments, such as when exposed to heavy traffic or crowded places, both ANC and transparency experience noticeable limitations. Compared to their Buds 2 Plus sibling, noise and ambient sound management aren’t as robust.
Transparency mode does little to amplify outside sounds, and its effect is further diminished once music or videos start playing. On the upside, call quality remains strong, with consistently clear voice pickup, making the Buds 2 dependable for phone calls and meetings.
Stable Connectivity and Reliable Performance
Pairing is quick and hassle-free, with support for in-ear detection and seamless dual-device switching. Connections remain stable, and switching between multiple devices is fast—ideal for those juggling a phone and laptop throughout the day.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power for Everyday Use
Battery performance is where the CMF Buds 2 truly shine. They easily handle a full day’s mix of calls and music on a single charge. With ANC off, users can expect up to 13.5 hours of playback—a standout for the segment. Fast charging means four hours of listening from just 10 minutes of charging, covering even last-minute needs without worry.
Final Verdict
If you’re searching for the best budget wireless earbuds in India—prioritising design, comfort, solid connectivity, and reliable battery backup—the CMF Buds 2 present fantastic value. However, audiophiles or those who want industry-leading noise cancellation and transparency might find them lacking. For everyone else, these stylish TWS earbuds deliver on the essentials without breaking the bank.
Ahmedabad