Nothing CMF Buds 2 Plus Review: Style Over Substance?

Nothing CMF Buds 2 Plus Review: Budget Buds with Some Punch, But Not Quite a Knockout

Nothing’s CMF Buds 2 Plus come in as the top-tier model of its new budget audio lineup, but at just $69 (or a stunning $39 in India), the word “premium” needs context. These earbuds aim to bridge the gap between affordable price and elevated features like LDAC Hi-Res Audio, decent ANC, and solid build quality.

But do they succeed?

Design & Comfort

The Buds 2 Plus follow the same minimalist, slightly industrial design language as their siblings, though the cool circular logo on the earbuds is sadly gone—replaced with a more generic CMF wordmark. Many users miss the original branding flair, and honestly, the new look does feel a little bland in comparison.

The case, however, is a highlight. Its soft-touch texture, tight tolerances, and fidget-friendly metal dial (though still non-functional) give it a premium feel. The rotating dial doesn’t do much—yet. Hopefully, Nothing enables functionality in future models or software updates. A missed opportunity?

While the earbuds themselves are comfortable to wear for long stretches, the ear tips leave much to be desired. The plasticky silicone doesn’t mold well to the ear and affects both comfort and noise isolation. Better ear tips, like those on the similarly-priced OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, would elevate the user experience noticeably.

Software & Features

The Nothing X app remains one of the best-designed audio apps out there—clean, intuitive, and loaded with settings. From toggling ANC to customizing touch gestures, the app gives you full control. Features like Spatial Audio and Personal Sound offer potential, though their execution feels half-baked. Spatial Audio is basic and lacks realism, while the Personal Sound test is too sensitive to ambient noise and hardware limitations.

The Ultra Bass mode is pre-enabled at level 1, but unless you’re addicted to bass, best to disable it. The default Pop EQ preset already pushes low-end hard. Unfortunately, the 3-band circular EQ is as frustrating as ever—more aesthetic gimmick than useful tool. For a brand that prides itself on smart design, this remains a misstep. An upgrade to a proper 5 or 8-band EQ would significantly improve the audio tweaking experience.

Audio Performance

The 12mm LCP drivers push out a sound signature dominated by bass. It’s fun at first, especially for casual listening, but lacks finesse. Mids are present but slightly boxed in, and highs don’t sparkle. On critical listening, the overall sound can feel muddy—especially with complex or layered tracks.

Turning off ANC actually improves clarity slightly, indicating some internal tuning issues when ANC is active. For those craving better balance, the Classical preset and Ultra Bass at level 2 create a more refined experience.

Compared to the Nord Buds 3 Pro, the CMF Buds 2 Plus fall slightly short in sound quality and tuning refinement, despite offering LDAC. If you’re expecting the high-resolution magic of LDAC, you might be disappointed—it doesn’t really shine here.

Microphone & Call Quality

Surprisingly, the Buds 2 Plus perform well on calls. Voices sound natural, with only occasional dips in volume. They outclass the Nord Buds 3 Pro, which still struggle with garbled audio. For regular video calls or voice chats, these are more than serviceable.

ANC & Transparency

Nothing claims 50dB noise reduction, and while that’s optimistic, the ANC is decent for this price range. Low-frequency noises are notably reduced, but the high end still leaks in—partly due to those underwhelming ear tips. Transparency mode is adequate, though not mind-blowing.

If you’re at home or in quiet environments, ANC off might be preferable—it cleans up the audio and reduces bass bloat.

Battery Life & Connectivity

Battery life is a standout feature: 14 hours on AAC and over 8 on LDAC. Quick charge gives you hours of playtime in under 10 minutes

. Connectivity is stable, especially with Nothing devices, though LDAC at max bitrate can cause occasional issues on non-Nothing phones.

Conclusion

The CMF Buds 2 Plus deliver a lot for the price—great battery life, decent ANC, stylish design, and excellent software support. But they also carry flaws: muddy sound, mediocre ear tips, and a gimmicky EQ. They’ll satisfy first-time buyers and casual listeners but fail to truly impress audiophiles or those looking for the best bang for buck.

At the end of the day, if you love the Nothing design and want earbuds that just work, these might be for you. But if sound quality or ANC precision is your top priority, there are alternatives like the Sony C-510 or even the Nord Buds 3 Pro that could serve you better.