Nothing Ear CMF by Buds 2 48dB Hybrid ANC True Wireless Review

For around $50, the CMF Buds 2 deliver shockingly good noise cancellation and solid sound. Battery life is a champ. Just don't buy them for calls. If you need great ANC on a budget, these are a top pick.

The CMF Buds 2 are a budget-friendly entry from Nothing's more affordable sub-brand. They promise premium features like 48dB hybrid ANC and Dirac-tuned sound for a fraction of the price of flagship buds.

On paper, they look like a steal. You get strong noise cancellation, a massive 55-hour battery, and a feature-packed app. But you have to wonder what corners were cut to hit this price point.

Let's start with the good stuff. The noise cancellation is the real star here, ranking in the 96th percentile. It's genuinely impressive for the price, blocking out a wide range of ambient noise effectively. Sound quality is also strong, with the Dirac tuning delivering clear vocals and decent instrument separation. Battery life is a standout too, easily lasting through a full week of commutes. The big letdown is the microphone. It lands in the 24th percentile, and our data confirms calls are its weakest area. Voices can sound thin and distant, especially in noisier environments.

Here's the thing: the price range is wild, from $35 to $870. At the lower end of that scale, especially around $50, these buds are an absolute no-brainer. You're getting ANC and sound quality that rivals buds twice the price. If you see them priced near the high end of that range, walk away. For the typical $50-ish asking price, the value is exceptional, as long as you don't need great call quality.

Stacked up against the competition, it's a game of trade-offs. Compared to the Anker Soundcore Liberty 5, the CMF Buds 2 have better ANC but worse call quality. Next to the Sony WF-C510, you get a much more full-featured app and better battery life with the CMF. The Apple AirPods blow them away on ecosystem integration and mic quality, but you'll pay four or five times as much. For pure, cheap noise-cancelling power, the CMF Buds 2 are hard to beat in this bracket.

Skip these if you take a lot of important calls or video meetings. The microphone quality is a real weak spot and people will notice. Also, if you're rough on your gear and need tank-like build quality, the plasticky feel here might not inspire confidence.

Buy these if you want the best noise cancellation you can get on a tight budget, and your priority is listening, not talking. They're perfect for commuters, students, or anyone who wants to drown out the world with their music without drowning their wallet.