CMF Buds Pro 2 killed the budget TWS market 😯 - vs NOTHING ear 2024 vs NOTHING ear (a)

Summary

The CMF Buds Pro 2 is a standout budget TWS earbud, offering a unique control case with a volume dial and satisfying tactile feedback. It boasts impressive features like bass-heavy sound, active noise cancellation, and customizable controls through the Nothing X app. The earbuds excel in transparency and sound quality, particularly for bass lovers, though the bass can sometimes overpower the mids. Compared to the Nothing Ear and Ear A, the CMF Buds Pro 2 offers better value with its unique case design, effective noise cancelling, and competitive pricing, despite lacking wireless charging and advanced sound customization options.

Takeaways

• 😀 The CMF Buds Pro 2 features a unique control dial on the case that lets users adjust volume and control music playback, a standout in the budget TWS earbud category.
• 😀 The earbuds perform well in noisy environments but apply heavy noise gating in extreme conditions, which could affect voice clarity, similar to the Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear A.
• 😀 The CMF Buds Pro 2 is packed with advanced features like LDAC codec support, Hi-Res audio, Ultra Bass Mode, and Spatial Audio, offering great value for the price.
• 😀 The earbuds' noise cancellation is comparable to the Nothing Ear, with effective cancellation in upper mids and highs but less so in lower mids, depending on fit and ear tip size.
• 😀 The CMF Buds Pro 2 offers clear transparency with upper mids and high frequencies coming through more distinctly than the Nothing Ear A, which has a darker sound in the lower mids.
• 😀 Bass is a standout feature of the CMF Buds Pro 2, offering a loud and bass-heavy sound signature, though it can sometimes overwhelm the mids and make vocals sound muddied.
• 😀 DIRAC Opteo tuning improves vocal clarity and sound staging but can make string instruments sound tinny, with users preferring the default sound settings.
• 😀 The case's tactile control dial is highly satisfying to use, though the absence of single-touch gestures could make it harder to control music directly from the earbuds.
• 😀 Unlike other models, the CMF Buds Pro 2 does not support wireless charging, which may be a downside for some users seeking a fully wireless experience.
• 😀 Compared to the Nothing Ear A, the CMF Buds Pro 2 is more affordable while offering similar performance in terms of ANC, audio quality, and features, making it a solid budget option.

Q & A

What makes the CMF Buds Pro 2 unique in the budget TWS earbuds category?

The CMF Buds Pro 2 stands out because of its case, which features a control dial that manages both volume and music playback. This adds an extra level of functionality, making the case more useful than just for charging.

How does the control dial on the CMF Buds Pro 2 work?

The control dial on the CMF Buds Pro 2 allows you to adjust the volume and manage music playback by rolling your finger over it. Additionally, pressing the button on the case can skip tracks or pause/play music.

Can the CMF Buds Pro 2's control dial be customized?

Yes, the control dial can be customized through the Nothing X app. You can adjust the gestures, or even deactivate the button if you're concerned about accidental presses.

What are some notable features of the CMF Buds Pro 2?

The CMF Buds Pro 2 offers features like Hi-Res audio certification, LDAC codec support, ultra-bass mode, spatial audio, and multi-point pairing. It also supports customization through the Nothing X app.

How does the microphone performance of the CMF Buds Pro 2 compare to other earbuds?

The CMF Buds Pro 2's microphone performs well in both quiet and noisy conditions. However, in extremely noisy environments like a food court, the microphone applies heavier noise gating, which may cut into the voice, similar to the Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear A.

How effective is the active noise cancelling (ANC) on the CMF Buds Pro 2?

The ANC on the CMF Buds Pro 2 is comparable to the Nothing Ear, offering effective noise cancellation, particularly in the upper mids. However, the Nothing Ear is superior in the lower mid range, and the Nothing Ear A has the weakest ANC of the group.

What impact does the fit of the CMF Buds Pro 2 have on noise cancelling performance?

The CMF Buds Pro 2, being AirPods-style earbuds with glossy surfaces, may not create a snug fit in the ear canal. To achieve the best noise cancelling, users may need to use larger or foam ear tips.

How does the transparency mode on the CMF Buds Pro 2 perform compared to other models?

The transparency mode on the CMF Buds Pro 2 offers clear sound, especially in the upper mids and high frequencies. The Nothing Ear A has a darker sound in the lower mids, while the Nothing Ear has the most occluded transparency of the group.

What are the pros and cons of the CMF Buds Pro 2 compared to the Nothing Ear A?

The CMF Buds Pro 2 has a more useful case with better noise cancelling, brighter highs, and is priced lower than the Nothing Ear A. However, the Nothing Ear A has a more premium design, better battery life, and sound customization features.

How does the sound quality of the CMF Buds Pro 2 compare to the Nothing Ear A and Nothing Ear?

The CMF Buds Pro 2 offers a bass-heavy sound with bright, airy highs, making it louder and more dynamic than the Nothing Ear A. However, the bass can sometimes overpower the mids, leading to muddier vocals. The Nothing Ear A has a flatter, less dynamic sound, while the Nothing Ear offers more customizable sound options.