CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus Review: Are These Budget Earbuds Too Good to Be True?

The world of affordable wireless earbuds is getting more competitive by the day, and CMF—a sub-brand of Nothing—has just thrown two new contenders into the ring: the CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds 2 Plus. If you haven’t heard much buzz about these earphones, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Their quiet arrival on the market is ironic considering the noise-cancelling tech they boast. But here’s the big question: can earbuds this cheap really deliver on features like active noise cancellation (ANC), high-res audio, and solid battery life?

In this in-depth review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus. From their specs and design to real-world sound impressions, mic quality, and comfort, let’s find out if these are the budget earbuds you’ve been waiting for—or if they’re just another pair destined for the junk drawer.

🎧 CMF Buds 2 vs. Buds 2 Plus: What’s the Difference?

When you first look at the Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus, it’s hard to tell them apart. Visually, they’re almost identical, with both featuring a similar stem design reminiscent of Apple’s AirPods. The main design tweak? The Plus model comes in a different color. Both models include a small plastic dial on the corner of the charging case, which houses a hole for a wrist strap—but that’s about all it does.

On paper, the specs are also closely matched:

🔊 Sound Quality and Listening Impressions

When it comes to budget earbuds, many brands prioritize features like ANC or design over pure audio quality. So how do the CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus sound?

Both models favor a bass-heavy tuning, which isn’t surprising at this price point. Out of the box, you’ll notice a rich low-end—one that doesn’t get muddy or overpower other frequencies as badly as some cheaper earbuds do. If you’re a bass lover, these will make your playlists thump. However, if you’re used to a more balanced sound signature, the emphasis on lows might feel overdone.

Interestingly, the Buds 2 Plus does sound marginally better. In lab testing, it performed slightly better across the frequency range, offering a bit more clarity and less distortion at higher volumes. Plus, the personal sound profile feature lets you tailor the sound based on a quick hearing test. For an extra $10, this customizable listening experience could be worth it.

But if you’re hoping for studio-grade mids and sparkling highs, you may want to temper your expectations. While competent for casual listening, these earbuds aren’t trying to compete with the likes of Sony or Sennheiser in the premium tier.

🎙️ Mic Quality and ANC Performance

Microphone quality is often overlooked in budget earbuds, but CMF didn’t skimp here. Both the Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus pack a triple-mic array on each earbud for a total of six microphones. This setup helps with noise rejection during calls and improves voice clarity.

In testing, the mics performed surprisingly well. Voices came through clear and intelligible, with minimal Bluetooth compression artifacts. If you need earbuds for Zoom calls, work meetings, or casual voice chats, these will get the job done.

The active noise cancellation is another standout feature, especially at this price. While it won’t block out the roar of an airplane engine or construction noise entirely, it’s effective enough to dampen everyday sounds like office chatter, traffic, or an air conditioner hum. The Buds 2 Plus offers slightly stronger ANC, but the difference is subtle.

Another nice touch: both models include wind noise reduction 3.0 and AI-assisted environmental noise reduction, enhancing performance in breezy conditions or outdoor environments.

🏋️‍♂️ Comfort and Fit: AirPods Look-Alikes?

If you’ve ever worn Apple AirPods, the CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus will feel instantly familiar. The design mirrors AirPods so closely it almost feels like a direct clone—from the shape of the stem to the placement of the microphones.

Comfort is subjective, but for many users, the pre-installed medium-sized ear tips will provide a secure and comfortable fit. The earbuds don’t insert as deeply into the ear canal as some in-ear monitors, so if you’re used to jamming earphones deep for maximum isolation, these might feel a bit shallow.

Each pair comes with small and large ear tips in the box, allowing you to adjust the fit. Isolation without ANC is decent but not groundbreaking. Once ANC is turned on, the passive isolation improves, creating a quiet bubble that’s good enough for commuting or working in a noisy café.

One downside: the bulkier charging case compared to AirPods Pro. It’s pocketable, but less sleek. If portability is a key factor for you, that’s something to keep in mind.

📱 Pairing, Controls, and App Features

Pairing the CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus is straightforward. Pop open the case, press the pairing button, and you’re connected. Both models support Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable connection.

Both earbuds also include touch controls, letting you play/pause music, skip tracks, answer calls, or activate your voice assistant. You can customize these gestures through the companion app—a rare feature at this price point.

The app also allows you to run an ear tip fit test, ensuring you’re using the best tip size for sound quality and ANC. For the Buds 2 Plus, the app unlocks the personal sound profile and EQ settings, giving you a bit more control over your audio experience.

Unfortunately, spatial audio is limited to an on/off toggle. Don’t expect the same immersive soundstage as Apple’s implementation on AirPods Pro or AirPods Max.

🔋 Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is a strong suit for these earbuds. With ANC turned off, you can expect about 13.5 hours on the Buds 2 and 14 hours on the Buds 2 Plus from the case. With ANC on, you’ll see lower numbers, but still respectable for budget earbuds.

Both charge via USB-C, but neither supports wireless charging—a reasonable omission at this price. Charging speeds are standard, taking about 1.5 hours to fully top off the case.

The charging case magnets are strong, holding the buds securely in place—a small but appreciated design choice.

💰 Value for Money: Are They Worth It?

At $60 for the Buds 2 Plus and around $50 for the Buds 2, it’s hard not to be impressed by what CMF has packed into these affordable earbuds. Between ANC, solid mic quality, customizable sound (on the Plus), and decent battery life, they punch well above their price point.

Of course, there are trade-offs. The sound is tuned heavily toward bass, and the design is a little unoriginal. But if you’re looking for a reliable pair of earbuds for commuting, casual listening, and work calls—without spending a fortune—these absolutely deserve a spot on your shortlist.

The extra $10 for the Buds 2 Plus is probably worth it if you care about LDAC, high-res audio, and sound personalization. But if you’re simply after a budget-friendly pair of ANC earbuds for podcasts, music, and calls, the standard Buds 2 won’t disappoint.

⭐ Final Verdict

CMF’s Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus show how good earbuds are getting cheaper without sacrificing essential features. While they won’t replace premium headphones for critical listening, they deliver impressive performance for their price.

✅ Strong ANC for budget earbuds
✅ Solid mic quality with wind noise reduction
✅ Comfortable AirPods-style fit
✅ Customizable sound on Buds 2 Plus
✅ Reliable battery life

For under $60, these earbuds provide real value without major compromises. If you’re shopping for affordable ANC earbuds with a modern feature set, CMF has quietly delivered a contender that punches above its weight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus

1. What’s the main difference between CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus?

The biggest difference is in the audio quality and extra features. The Buds 2 Plus comes with LDAC support and Hi-Res Audio certification, offering higher-quality sound streaming if your device supports it. It also includes personalized sound tuning based on your hearing, while the standard Buds 2 does not.

2. Do both earbuds have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)?

Yes, both the CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus feature Active Noise Cancellation. However, the Buds 2 Plus provides slightly better ANC performance due to improved hardware and software tuning.

3. Is there wireless charging on either model?

No, neither the Buds 2 nor the Buds 2 Plus support wireless charging. Both use a USB-C port for wired charging.

4. How is the battery life on CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus?

With ANC turned off, you can expect around 13.5 hours of playback on the Buds 2 and about 14 hours on the Buds 2 Plus from the earbuds and case combined. Turning on ANC will reduce these numbers slightly.

5. Do these earbuds fit like AirPods?

Yes, both models share a design very similar to Apple AirPods, with a semi in-ear fit that doesn’t insert deeply into the ear canal. This design prioritizes comfort over total isolation.

6. Do the CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus support customizable sound settings?

Only the Buds 2 Plus supports a personalized sound profile that adjusts the audio output based on your hearing test. Both models, however, include an ear tip fit test to ensure the best possible seal.

7. Are the CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus waterproof or sweatproof?

Neither model is fully waterproof, but they do offer basic resistance to sweat and light rain, suitable for workouts and everyday use. Check the specific IP rating if you plan to use them in harsher conditions.

8. Is the Ultra Bass mode worth using?

Ultra Bass boosts low frequencies to make bass-heavy music feel punchier. While it works well for some genres, it may overpower mids and highs in others. If you’re a bass lover, you’ll enjoy it, but for balanced audio, you might want to leave it off.

9. Can I use one earbud independently?

Yes, both models support mono use, meaning you can use either the left or right earbud alone while the other charges in the case.

10. Do these earbuds work with iPhone and Android?

Yes, the CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus are compatible with both iPhone and Android devices via Bluetooth. Some features, like LDAC or personalized sound tuning, may work only on supported Android devices.

11. Is there an app for controlling the earbuds?

Yes, CMF offers a companion app that lets you customize controls, run the ear tip fit test, adjust sound modes, and update firmware.

12. How’s the microphone quality for calls?

Microphone quality is surprisingly good for the price. Both models feature multiple microphones for noise reduction, delivering clear voice quality even in noisy environments, though occasional Bluetooth compression artifacts may occur.

13. How does ANC compare to more expensive earbuds?

The ANC is impressive for budget earbuds but doesn’t reach the level of premium options like the AirPods Pro or Sony WF-1000XM5. It effectively reduces background hums and steady noises but struggles more with sudden, loud sounds.

14. Do they support spatial audio?

Both models include a basic spatial audio feature, but it’s not as advanced as Apple’s head-tracked Spatial Audio or Dolby Atmos implementations. It gives a wider soundstage effect but may sound artificial to some listeners.

15. What colors are available for CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus?

Currently, the Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus are available in classic black and white finishes, with occasional limited-edition colors depending on the market.