Picking the right wireless earbuds can be tricky when looking at the CMF Buds 2 and CMF Buds 2 Plus.
These two options cost almost the same, with a $6 difference between them.
The Buds 2 go for $26.99, while the Buds 2 Plus are priced at $32.99.
They have a lot in common, but some small differences might affect your choice. This article takes a close look at how they stack up in several areas.
So here I’ll compare side by side in various key areas, so in the end, you have a good idea of which pair suits you best.
Also see: CMF Buds 2 Plus vs Realme Buds Air 7 Pro: Which Should You Buy?
CMF Buds 2 vs CMF Buds 2 Plus: Specs Comparison
| Category | CMF Buds 2 | CMF Buds 2 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $26.99 | $32.99 |
| Weight (Case) | 50.5g | 51.5g |
| Build Material (Case Dial) | Transparent Plastic | Aluminum |
| IP Rating | IP55 (Earbuds only) | IP55 (Earbuds only) |
| Audio Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, AAC, LDAC |
| Driver Size | 11mm Dynamic | 12mm Dynamic |
| Sound Quality Rating | 8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Spatial Audio | Yes | Yes (Slightly brighter and clearer) |
| Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) | 48dB | 50dB |
| Microphones | 6 (3 per earbud) | 6 (3 per earbud) |
| Battery Capacity | 460mAh (Case), 53mAh (Earbuds) | 460mAh (Case), 53mAh (Earbuds) |
| Battery Life | ~3-4 hours (30% drain) | ~3-4 hours (30% drain, slightly longer) |
| Low Latency Gaming Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Google Fast Pair | Yes | Yes |
| Tap Gesture Controls | Yes (Customizable) | Yes (Customizable) |
| In-Ear Detection | Yes | Yes |
| Companion App Features | ANC modes, Spatial Audio, Ultra Bass, Equalizer, Fit Test, Dual Connectivity | ANC modes, Spatial Audio, Ultra Bass, Equalizer, Fit Test, Dual Connectivity |
Unboxing Experience
The unboxing experience for both the CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus is virtually identical. Each box includes the earbuds, some paperwork, and two extra pairs of ear tips.
Notably, neither includes a charging cable, likely a cost-cutting measure.
However, since most users already have compatible cables, this omission is unlikely to be a dealbreaker.
Design and Build Quality
Both earbuds sport a mirror-identical design, with the Buds 2 available in a vibrant orange and the Buds 2 Plus in a sleek light gray.
The build quality is impressive for the price, featuring a matte plastic finish that’s soft to the touch and resistant to fingerprints and smudges. True to the CMF (Color, Material, Finish) brand ethos, the attention to aesthetics is evident.
A standout feature is the rotating dial on the charging case—transparent plastic on the Buds 2 and aluminum on the Buds 2 Plus, adding a premium touch to the latter.
While purely ornamental (useful only for attaching a lanyard), the dial is satisfying to fiddle with.
The Buds 2 weigh 50.5g, while the Buds 2 Plus are slightly heavier at 51.5g, though the difference is negligible in practice.
Both earbuds and their cases share identical dimensions and an IP55 rating, making them resistant to mild splashes and sweat.
However, the case itself is not water-resistant, so care should be taken to keep it dry.
Both models also support Google Fast Pair, allowing seamless pairing with Android devices via a pop-up prompt when the case is opened.
In terms of fit, both earbuds feel nearly identical, offering a snug and comfortable fit that effectively blocks passive noise.
The Nothing X companion app includes a fit test that plays music to analyze the seal, ensuring optimal performance.
Both models deliver a great seal, making them suitable for extended wear.
Sound Quality
The CMF Buds 2 feature 11mm dynamic drivers, while the Buds 2 Plus step up to 12mm drivers.
This difference translates to slightly better sound quality on the Plus, with improved instrument separation and deeper sound.
However, the difference is subtle, and casual listeners may not notice it immediately.
The Buds 2 deliver deep, thumpy bass and impressive clarity, earning an 8/10 rating for sound quality at their price point.
The Buds 2 Plus, with support for the LDAC lossless audio codec, elevate the experience further, offering crisper tuning and premium sound fidelity (8.5/10).
Note that LDAC support requires a compatible device (most iPhones and some Android devices don’t support it), so check your phone’s capabilities before prioritizing this feature.
Both earbuds support spatial audio, simulating sound from multiple directions. The Buds 2 Plus sound slightly brighter and clearer in this mode, but the difference is minimal.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
The Buds 2 offer 48dB ANC, while the Buds 2 Plus provide 50dB.
In real-world testing at a busy railway station, both models excel, canceling 80-90% of ambient noise.
The Buds 2 Plus perform marginally better, with a less pronounced vacuum effect despite their higher ANC rating.
Both feature adaptive noise cancellation, which adjusts based on surrounding noise levels, ensuring reliable performance in various environments.
Phone Calls
Both earbuds are equipped with six microphones (three per earbud), delivering clear call quality.
Audio recordings from both models sound nearly identical, with the Buds 2 Plus offering a slight edge in clarity.
Users can expect excellent call performance in most scenarios, making either pair suitable for voice calls.
Gaming and Media
Both earbuds support a low-latency gaming mode, accessible via the Nothing X app.
Testing revealed no noticeable lag or audio delay during gaming, with spot-on audio effects.
For movies and TV shows, lip sync is perfect, making both models great for media consumption.
Tap gesture controls allow users to pause/play music, change tracks, adjust volume, and customize gestures separately for each earbud via the app.
In-ear detection, which pauses music when an earbud is removed and resumes when reinserted, works flawlessly and can be disabled if preferred.
Nothing X Companion App
The Nothing X app enhances the user experience for both earbuds. Key features include:
- Battery Status: Displays battery percentage for each earbud and the case.
- ANC Modes: Switch between transparency, low, mid, high, or adaptive noise cancellation.
- Spatial Audio and Ultra Bass: Enhances audio immersion.
- Equalizer: Offers preset options and custom settings.
- Controls: Customize tap gestures for each earbud.
- Additional Features: Low-latency gaming mode, in-ear detection, dual-device connectivity, ear tip fit test, and a “Find My Earbuds” function.
The app is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to tailor the earbuds to your preferences.
Battery Life
Both earbuds feature identical battery capacities: 460mAh for the case and 53mAh per earbud.
However, the Buds 2 Plus last slightly longer in real-world use, though the difference is minimal.
After 3-4 hours of use, both pairs drained approximately 30%, indicating stellar battery life for their price range.
Which Should You Choose?
The CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus are remarkably similar, but key differences may influence your decision:
CMF Buds 2 ($26.99): Ideal for budget-conscious buyers who don’t need LDAC support. They offer excellent sound quality, reliable ANC, and all the core features of the Plus model at a lower price.
CMF Buds 2 Plus ($32.99): The better choice if you prioritize premium sound quality, thanks to LDAC support and slightly better instrument separation. The aluminum dial and marginally improved ANC and battery life add to its appeal.
If your device supports LDAC and you value superior audio fidelity, the Buds 2 Plus are worth the extra $6.
Otherwise, the Buds 2 provide nearly identical performance for less, making them a fantastic value.
Both earbuds punch above their weight, offering premium features at an affordable price.
Best Deals:
- CMF Buds 2: View on AliExpress
- CMF Buds 2 Plus: View on AliExpress
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
