Affordable CMF Earbuds Evaluation: Nothing Buds 2 Plus – The Budget Option Worth Considering
Three pairs of wireless earbuds from CMF, a sub-brand of Nothing, have been released: the Buds 2a, Buds 2, and Buds 2 Plus. All three differ in price, level of active noise cancellation (ANC), and drivers, delivering unique listening experiences. But with a plethora of wireless earbuds in the market, how do you choose? Here's a breakdown of each model's features and performance.
Buds 2a - At the lowest end, these earbuds have a 42dB ANC, a 12.4mm Bio-fiber driver, and 5 hours of battery life with ANC on and 8 hours with ANC off. They are the most affordable of the pack, retailing at $49. However, the Buds 2a are the least advanced, with weaker sound quality compared to their counterparts.
Buds 2 - This middle child boasts slightly elevated specs, including 48dB ANC, 11mm PMI drivers, and Dirac Opteo's tuning. They usually retail at $59, but currently available at the same price as the Buds 2a due to a $10 rebate. The Buds 2 deliver solid sound quality, though they can sometimes seem muddy compared to the pricier Buds 2 Plus.
Buds 2 Plus - The most expensive of the trio, the Buds 2 Plus offer 50dB adaptive ANC, a 12mm liquid crystal polymer driver, and 7.5 hours of ANC playback out of the case and 14 hours of non-ANC playback. While slightly more expensive at $69, the Buds 2 Plus provide the best sound quality, with a stronger bass and fuller sound profile.
Trying all three pairs myself, I would recommend the Buds 2 Plus for those willing to pay the higher price for superior audio. Although the other models are solid options, the Buds 2 Plus are worth the investment for their enhanced sound quality, improved ANC, and advanced audio features. If you're looking to save, the Buds 2 can be a reasonable alternative, providing decent sound quality for a more affordable price.
In the future, tech enthusiasts seeking a new pair of wireless earbuds might find the Buds 2 Plus from CMF an exciting gadget, especially if they prioritize superior audio quality. Gizmodo's technology reviews suggest that the Buds 2 Plus offer an enhanced sound profile, improved ANC, and advanced audio features, making them a worthwhile investment at $69. Alternatively, budget-conscious buyers can consider the Buds 2, which provide decent sound quality for a more affordable price, currently retailing at the same price as the Buds 2a due to a $10 rebate.
