Nothing's CMF Buds 2 Plus & CMF Buds 2 are the affordable earbuds that actually get it right

Time of India

14 hours ago

In the wild west of budget wireless earbuds, where every brand promises the moon for pocket change,
CMF
by
Nothing
has quietly been building something different. Their latest duo, the
CMF Buds 2
and
CMF Buds 2 Plus
, don't just talk a big game about premium features at affordable prices; they actually deliver on those promises in ways that feel refreshingly honest.
What makes these earbuds interesting isn't just their sub-Rs 3,500 price tags, but how they've managed to pack genuinely useful features without the usual compromises that plague budget audio gear. The
CMF Buds
2 at Rs 2,699 and the Buds 2 Plus at Rs 3,299 are Nothing's more affordable earbuds, one that prioritises substance over flashy marketing.
This isn't about finding the "best bang for your buck" or discovering some hidden gem that "punches above its weight class." These earbuds simply work well, sounding decent, which, frankly, is exactly what most people need from their daily drivers.
Two peas in a very minimalist pod
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The first thing you'll notice about both the CMF Buds 2 and 2 Plus is how they've managed to look expensive without trying too hard. The squared-off minimalist design language carries over from the original CMF Buds, but everything feels more refined now. The sandblasted matte finish on both models feels smooth under your fingers, while metal accents add just enough visual interest without screaming for attention.
Both earbuds sport the same basic form factor and identical IP55 ratings for dust and splash resistance, making them suitable companions for workouts or those inevitable caught-in-the-rain moments. The fit is consistently comfortable across both models, lightweight enough that you'll occasionally forget you're wearing them, secure enough that they won't fall out during moderate activity.
The charging cases tell a more interesting story. Both feature that transparent corner dial that's purely decorative (though functional as a lanyard attachment point), but here's where CMF made a curious decision. Unlike their previous Pro 2 model with its beloved
Smart Dial
functionality, both the Buds 2 and 2 Plus have ditched the tactile control system entirely. While I appreciate these for thier simplicity, but I do also miss the convenience of case-based controls.
Colour options remain playful without being juvenile, Dark Grey, Light Green, and Orange for the standard Buds 2, while the Plus model offers its own palette. Neither feels like it's trying too hard to be different, which is perhaps the most refreshing design choice of all.
The sound of sensible choices
Here's where the two models start to show their distinct personalities, though the differences are more subtle than you might expect from a Rs 600 price gap.
The CMF Buds 2 pack an 11mm PMI driver and lean into a bass-forward but surprisingly controlled sound signature. When I played
James Blake
's "Limit To Your Love," the sub-bass had proper weight without turning his vocals into a distant whisper. The low-end has presence and depth, but it doesn't bully the rest of the frequency spectrum into submission. Leonard Cohen's "You Want It Darker" showcased how well these earbuds handle baritone vocals, his voice maintained its gravelly authority against the instrumentation without getting lost in the mix.
The treble region is where the Buds 2 show their budget roots slightly, with guitar attacks in rock tracks sounding somewhat muted. It's not offensive, just a gentle reminder that you're not wearing Rs 15,000 earbuds. The included Dirac Opteo EQ preset helps balance things out, creating a more neutral presentation that works across genres.
The CMF Buds 2 Plus step up with a 12mm LCP driver and LDAC support, and the difference is immediately apparent. The same James Blake track reveals better separation between elements, with improved precision in the bass that doesn't sacrifice warmth. On Sofia Kourtesis' "Si Te Portas Bonito," the spatial depth becomes more apparent, vocals maintain their presence while the various electronic elements breathe around them rather than competing for attention.
Jazz recordings like Alabaster DePlume's "Don't Forget You're Precious" really show off the Plus model's strengths. The various saxophone layers position themselves with clear separation, creating an almost holographic listening experience that's rare in this price range. The soundstage feels naturally wide even without enabling the
Spatial Audio
effects.
Both models handle percussion well, but the Plus model's improved driver delivers kick drums and bass lines with more attack and definition. Hi-hats retain their shimmer without becoming harsh, while cymbals have the right amount of bite without making you wince.
When the world gets too loud
Active noise cancellation on budget earbuds is usually where manufacturers make their most creative compromises, but both CMF models deliver surprisingly effective isolation. The Buds 2 offer up to 48dB of noise reduction, while the Plus model claims 50dB, though real-world performance puts both around the 35-40dB range in optimal conditions.
In practical terms, both earbuds excel in the frequency ranges that matter most. Low-frequency rumble from buses, trains, and air conditioning gets significantly reduced, making commutes and flights more pleasant. The Plus model edges ahead slightly in handling higher-frequency irritants like keyboard clacking or conversational chatter, thanks to its
Smart Adaptive ANC
that adjusts to your environment automatically.
Neither of them create that uncomfortable pressure sensation that plagues some noise-canceling earbuds. The ANC feels natural and unobtrusive, doing its job without drawing attention to itself. Transparency modes on both models work well enough for quick conversations or environmental awareness, though they won't make you forget you're wearing earbuds entirely.
Wind noise handling deserves special mention, both models incorporate Wind Noise Reduction 3.0 technology that actually works. Outdoor calls remain intelligible even in breezy conditions, a feature that many more expensive earbuds struggle with.
App-solutely loaded with features
The Nothing X app serves as command centre for both models, and it's genuinely one of the better companion apps in the budget space. The interface feels intuitive without being overly simplified, offering meaningful customisation options without overwhelming casual users.
Both earbuds get access to the tri-band custom equaliser with various presets including Pop, Rock, Electronic, Classical, and Vocals. The Vocals preset consistently emerged as the most balanced option during testing, reducing bass emphasis while improving clarity for both music and spoken content. The Ultra Bass feature offers five intensity levels, though anything beyond level 3 tends to muddy the overall presentation.
The Plus model introduces Personal Sound powered by Audiodo, which creates a customised audio profile based on a brief hearing test. The effect is subtle rather than transformative, but it does provide noticeable improvements in midrange clarity, particularly around the 3-5kHz range where vocal details live.
Other smart features include Low Lag Mode for gaming (achieving under 110ms latency with
Nothing Phones
), seamless dual device connection (though not true multipoint), reliable in-ear detection, and ChatGPT voice integration. The "Find My Earbuds" function helps locate misplaced buds by making them blink rapidly, a small but welcome addition that uses the battery indicators cleverly.
Touch controls are customisable across both models, allowing independent adjustment of double taps, triple taps, and tap-and-hold gestures for each earbud. The absence of single-tap functionality feels like an odd omission, particularly for play/pause controls that most users expect to access with a quick tap.
Marathon runners in tiny packages
Playtime is where both earbuds genuinely impress, delivering numbers that were flagship territory just a few years ago. The CMF Buds 2 managed roughly 9 hours of playbook with ANC disabled during testing, extending to about 55 hours total with the charging case. That's legitimate week-without-charging territory for most users.
The Plus model goes even further, delivering 10 hours and 22 minutes of continuous playback in testing conditions. Total battery life with the case reaches around 60 hours, making these ideal for extended travel or simply forgetting about battery anxiety altogether.
Fast charging capabilities have improved significantly on both models. The Buds 2 provide 7.5 hours of listening time from a mere 10-minute charge, while the Plus model delivers over 8 hours from the same quick top-up. These aren't just marketing numbers, they're genuinely useful for those inevitable moments when you realise your earbuds are dead five minutes before leaving the house.
Neither model supports wireless charging, which feels like a reasonable omission at these price points. The USB-C charging is fast enough that the convenience factor of wireless charging becomes less critical.
Smart money, smarter choices
The CMF Buds 2 and 2 Plus represent something increasingly rare in the budget audio space: products that deliver on their promises without asterisks or excuses. These aren't earbuds that are "good for the money", they're genuinely good earbuds that happen to cost less than premium alternatives.
For most users, the standard CMF Buds 2 at Rs 2,699 offer exceptional value. The combination of effective ANC, solid battery life, and balanced sound tuning creates a package that competes directly with options costing significantly more. The inclusion of Dirac Opteo tuning and spatial audio effects adds premium touches that feel meaningful rather than gimmicky.
The CMF Buds 2 Plus justify their Rs 600 premium primarily through improved sound quality and the Personal Sound feature. LDAC support, better driver implementation, and Smart Adaptive ANC create a more refined listening experience that audio enthusiasts will appreciate. However, the absence of the beloved Smart Dial from previous CMF models feels like a step backward in user experience.
Both models succeed by focusing on fundamentals: they sound good, block noise effectively, last all day, and integrate seamlessly into daily routines. In a market flooded with earbuds making bold claims about revolutionary features, CMF's approach feels refreshingly grounded.
The choice between the two comes down to priorities. If you want the most value for your money and don't need LDAC or personalised sound profiles, the Buds 2 deliver everything most users need. If you're willing to spend slightly more for refined audio and smart adaptive features, the Plus model provides meaningful improvements without breaking the bank.
Either way, you're getting earbuds that understand their place in the market and excel within those boundaries, which, frankly, is exactly what budget audio should be about.
Our rating: 4/5
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