Nothing and its sub-brand CMF have new earbuds that tech fans like. The Nothing Ear (a) and CMF Buds Pro 2 are making waves in the audio world, with cool features at good prices.
Even though they come from the same company, these earbuds have their own special qualities.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes each model stand out and help you figure out which one might be just right for your ears and your budget.
CMF Buds Pro 2 vs Nothing Ear (a): Specs Comparison
| Feature | CMF Buds Pro 2 | Nothing Ear (a) |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Matte plastic finish, scratch-resistant | Transparent design, prone to scratches |
| Case Feature | Front wheel for easy control | Standard case design |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IP54 |
| Battery Capacity (Each Bud) | 60 mAh | 46 mAh |
| Battery Capacity (Case) | 460 mAh | 500 mAh |
| Battery Life (ANC On) | 6.5 hours | 5.5 hours |
| Battery Life (ANC Off) | 11 hours | 9.5 hours |
| Total Battery Life (with Case) | 43 hours | 42.5 hours |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Audio Codec | LDAC, AAC | LDAC, AAC |
| Active Noise Cancellation | Up to 50 dB | Up to 45 dB |
| Driver Configuration | 11mm dynamic driver + 6mm tweeter | 11mm dynamic driver |
| App Compatibility | Nothing X (Android & iOS) | Nothing X (Android & iOS) |
| Controls | Button controls | Touch controls |
| Multipoint Connection | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $59 | $99 |
| Best Deal | View on AliExpress | View on AliExpress |
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to first impressions, the Nothing Ear (a) certainly knows how to make an entrance. With their unique transparent design, these earbuds are sure to turn heads. It’s like having a little piece of tech art in your ears. The see-through aesthetic isn’t just for show – it gives you a peek into the intricate world of earbud engineering. It’s the kind of design that makes you want to show off your earbuds rather than hide them.
However, beauty sometimes comes at a price. The Nothing Ear (a)’s stylish exterior is prone to scratches, both on the top and bottom surfaces. If you’re the type who likes to keep their gadgets in pristine condition, this might be a point of concern.
On the flip side, we have the CMF Buds Pro 2. While they might not win any avant-garde design awards, they bring their own charm to the table. The CMF Buds Pro 2 sport a sleek, matte plastic finish that’s not only pleasing to the eye but also practical. This finish is remarkably resistant to scratches, meaning your earbuds will look newer for longer, even with daily use.
But the CMF Buds Pro 2 have an ace up their sleeve – or rather, on their case. The charging case features an innovative front wheel that allows you to control your music playback without even taking out your phone. It’s a small touch, but one that can make a big difference in your day-to-day use.
In the battle of design, it really comes down to what you value more. If you’re after a conversation starter and don’t mind a bit of extra care, the Nothing Ear (a) might be your style soulmate. But if you prefer function over form and appreciate clever design touches, the CMF Buds Pro 2 could be your perfect match.
Comfort and Fit
When it comes to earbuds, comfort is king. After all, what good is superior sound if you can’t wear them for more than an hour without discomfort? Fortunately, both the CMF Buds Pro 2 and the Nothing Ear (a) have put some serious thought into ergonomics.
Both models offer a comfortable fit that holds up well even during intense workout sessions. Whether you’re jogging in the park or doing high-intensity interval training at the gym, these earbuds stay put. They’re designed to nestle snugly in your ears without causing that annoying “stuffed” feeling that some earbuds can create.
However, there is a slight difference in how you control these earbuds. The CMF Buds Pro 2 opt for physical button controls, while the Nothing Ear (a) goes for touch controls on the stem. This is largely a matter of personal preference. Some users find physical buttons more reliable, especially during workouts when sweaty fingers can make touch controls finicky. Others prefer the sleek, modern feel of touch controls.
Both models come with different sized ear tips, allowing you to customize the fit to your ear shape. This not only improves comfort but also helps with noise isolation and sound quality.
In the comfort department, it’s pretty much a tie. Both the CMF Buds Pro 2 and Nothing Ear (a) offer all-day wearability. The choice here might come down to whether you prefer button or touch controls.
Water and Dust Resistance
In today’s active lifestyle, earbuds need to be ready for anything – be it a sweaty workout session or an unexpected rain shower. Both the CMF Buds Pro 2 and Nothing Ear (a) come prepared for these scenarios, but with slight differences.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 boast an IP55 rating. This means they’re protected against dust ingress and can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction. In practical terms, they’re more than capable of handling sweat, rain, and even a quick rinse under the tap.
The Nothing Ear (a), on the other hand, comes with an IP54 rating. This offers similar dust protection to the CMF Buds Pro 2 but slightly less water resistance. They’re protected against water splashes from any direction, which is still more than adequate for most everyday scenarios.
In real-world testing, both models performed admirably in various conditions. Users reported no issues with either model during intense workouts or when caught in light rain. However, if you’re someone who frequently finds themselves in wet conditions or you’re particularly tough on your gear, the slightly higher water resistance of the CMF Buds Pro 2 might give you additional peace of mind.
It’s worth noting that while both models offer good protection against the elements, neither is suitable for swimming or submersion in water. For most users, though, the level of protection offered by both models will be more than sufficient for daily use and occasional exposure to challenging conditions.
Battery Life
In the world of wireless earbuds, battery life can make or break the user experience. After all, what good are amazing features if your earbuds die halfway through your day? Let’s see how the CMF Buds Pro 2 and Nothing Ear (a) stack up in this crucial department.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 take the lead here with impressive battery stats. With Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) turned on, you can expect about 6.5 hours of playtime from the earbuds themselves. Turn ANC off, and that extends to a whopping 11 hours. When you factor in the charging case, you’re looking at up to 43 hours of total playtime.
The Nothing Ear (a) isn’t far behind, but it does fall short by a small margin. With ANC on, you get about 5.5 hours of playtime, which extends to 9.5 hours with ANC off. The charging case brings the total up to 42.5 hours.
In real-world testing, the difference was noticeable. The CMF Buds Pro 2 consistently outlasted the Nothing Ear (a) by about an hour when used with ANC on. This might not seem like much, but it can make a significant difference in certain situations. Imagine you’re on a long-haul flight or deep into a work session – that extra hour could be a lifesaver.
Both models support fast charging, which is a handy feature when you’re in a pinch. A quick 10-minute charge can give you a couple of hours of playtime, perfect for those moments when you’ve forgotten to charge your earbuds and need to head out.
It’s worth noting that actual battery life can vary depending on factors like volume level, features used, and even environmental conditions. However, in general use, the CMF Buds Pro 2 do edge out the Nothing Ear (a) in the battery life department.
Sound Quality
When it comes to earbuds, sound quality is often the make-or-break factor. After all, the primary purpose of these devices is to deliver your favorite tunes, podcasts, and calls with clarity and richness. Both the CMF Buds Pro 2 and Nothing Ear (a) bring their A-game in this department, but with some notable differences.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 come equipped with a dual-driver setup: an 11mm dynamic driver dedicated to handling the bass frequencies, and a 6mm tweeter taking care of the mids and highs. This separation of duties allows for more precise sound reproduction across the frequency spectrum.
In practice, this translates to a sound profile that’s both rich and detailed. The bass is punchy and well-defined, without overwhelming the other frequencies. Where the CMF Buds Pro 2 really shine is in the mid and high ranges. Vocals come through with exceptional clarity, and you can pick up on the subtleties in instruments like acoustic guitars or violins. If you’re someone who listens to a wide variety of music genres, from classical to rock to jazz, you’ll appreciate the versatility of these earbuds.
The Nothing Ear (a), on the other hand, opts for a single 11mm dynamic driver to handle the entire frequency range. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – many high-quality earbuds use a single driver effectively. The Nothing Ear (a) delivers a sound that’s bass-forward and energetic. If you’re a fan of genres like electronic dance music, hip-hop, or anything with a strong beat, these earbuds will make your music sound exciting and immersive.
However, in comparison to the CMF Buds Pro 2, the Nothing Ear (a) can sometimes struggle with separation in more complex tracks. The mids and highs, while still clear, don’t quite have the same level of detail and airiness that you get with the CMF Buds Pro 2.
Both earbuds support high-quality audio codecs, including LDAC, which allows for higher-resolution wireless audio transmission. This is great news for audiophiles who want to squeeze every bit of quality out of their digital music files.
It’s also worth noting that both models come with companion apps that allow you to adjust the EQ settings. This means you can tweak the sound to your liking, boosting or cutting certain frequencies to match your preferences or the genre of music you’re listening to.
In the sound quality arena, while both earbuds deliver enjoyable listening experiences, the CMF Buds Pro 2 edge ahead with their more balanced and detailed sound reproduction. However, if you prefer a bass-heavy sound signature, you might find yourself leaning towards the Nothing Ear (a).
Active Noise Cancellation
In today’s noisy world, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has become a must-have feature for many earbud users. Whether you’re trying to focus in a busy office, block out the hum of an airplane engine, or just create your own little bubble of calm in a chaotic world, good ANC can make a world of difference. So how do the CMF Buds Pro 2 and Nothing Ear (a) stack up in this department?
The CMF Buds Pro 2 come out swinging with an impressive ANC capability that can reduce ambient noise by up to 50 decibels. That’s a significant amount of noise reduction that can effectively mute most common background noises. Whether it’s the low rumble of traffic, the chatter in a coffee shop, or the drone of an air conditioner, the CMF Buds Pro 2 do an admirable job of creating a sense of quiet.
The Nothing Ear (a), while not quite reaching the same heights, still offers robust ANC performance. They can reduce ambient noise by up to 45 decibels, which is still very respectable. In most everyday situations, you’ll find that the Nothing Ear (a) can create a noticeably quieter environment for your listening pleasure.
However, numbers don’t tell the whole story. In real-world use, some users report that while the CMF Buds Pro 2 block out more noise, they also create more noticeable ear pressure. This sensation of pressure is a common side effect of ANC technology, but some people find it more noticeable or uncomfortable than others.
The Nothing Ear (a), on the other hand, seems to strike a balance between effective noise cancellation and comfort. While they might not block quite as much noise on paper, many users find the experience more comfortable for extended listening sessions.
Both models also offer adjustable ANC levels and a transparency mode. Transparency mode is particularly useful when you need to quickly tune into your surroundings without removing your earbuds – perfect for short conversations or when you need to listen for announcements.
The choice between the two in terms of ANC might come down to personal preference. If you want the most powerful noise cancellation possible and don’t mind a bit of ear pressure, the CMF Buds Pro 2 might be your best bet. If you prefer a more comfortable ANC experience and don’t need to block out extreme levels of noise, the Nothing Ear (a) could be the way to go.
Connectivity and Smart Features
In today’s interconnected world, earbuds need to do more than just play music. They need to seamlessly integrate with our devices and offer smart features that enhance our daily lives. Both the CMF Buds Pro 2 and Nothing Ear (a) come packed with modern connectivity options and intelligent features.
Let’s start with the basics. Both models support Bluetooth 5.3, the latest widely available Bluetooth standard. This means you get improved connection stability, better range, and more efficient power consumption compared to older Bluetooth versions. Whether you’re moving around your home or office, you should experience fewer dropouts and a more reliable connection overall.
Both earbuds also support the LDAC codec, which is great news for audio enthusiasts. LDAC allows for higher quality audio transmission over Bluetooth, getting you closer to wired audio quality in a wireless package. If you have a compatible device and high-quality audio files, you’ll be able to appreciate the improved audio fidelity.
Google Fast Pair is another feature shared by both models. This makes pairing with Android devices a breeze – just open the earbud case near your phone, and you’ll get a prompt to connect. It’s a small touch, but one that makes the initial setup process much smoother.
Both the CMF Buds Pro 2 and Nothing Ear (a) are compatible with the Nothing X app, available for both iOS and Android. This app opens up a world of customization options. You can adjust the EQ settings to fine-tune the sound to your liking, customize the touch controls, adjust ANC levels, and even update the earbuds’ firmware. The app also allows you to locate your earbuds if you’ve misplaced them – a feature that can be a real lifesaver.
One standout feature that both models offer is multipoint connection. This allows you to connect your earbuds to two devices simultaneously. For example, you could be listening to music from your laptop but still receive calls from your phone. It’s a feature that’s particularly useful in our multi-device world.
When it comes to controls, both earbuds offer touch-sensitive surfaces for playback control, answering calls, and activating voice assistants. The exact gestures might differ between the two, but both offer a full range of controls that you can customize to your liking through the app.
In terms of call quality, both earbuds perform well, with multiple microphones working to capture your voice clearly. The Nothing Ear (a) might have a slight edge in noisy environments, with reports of slightly better noise cancellation during calls.
Overall, when it comes to connectivity and smart features, it’s largely a tie between the CMF Buds Pro 2 and Nothing Ear (a). Both offer a comprehensive set of modern features that should satisfy most users. The choice here might come down to which specific features you prioritize or how well each model integrates with your existing devices.
Price and Availability
When it comes to making a purchase decision, price is often a crucial factor. It’s not just about how much you’re spending, but what you’re getting for your money. Let’s break down the pricing of the CMF Buds Pro 2 and Nothing Ear (a) and see how they stack up in terms of value.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 come in at a very competitive price point of around €59. This is an aggressive pricing strategy, especially considering the features and performance these earbuds offer. You’re getting dual drivers, powerful ANC, long battery life, and a host of smart features at a price that’s firmly in the budget-friendly category.
The Nothing Ear (a), on the other hand, typically retail for about €99. However, they can sometimes be found on sale for around €85-90. This puts them in a slightly higher price bracket than the CMF Buds Pro 2, but still well within the mid-range category for wireless earbuds.
When we consider what each model offers, the CMF Buds Pro 2 present an incredible value proposition. You’re getting performance that in many ways matches or even exceeds the Nothing Ear (a), at a significantly lower price point. The superior battery life, more powerful ANC, and dual-driver audio setup make these earbuds feel like they should cost much more than they do.
CMF Buds Pro 2 vs Nothing Ear (a): Final Verdict
While both earbuds offer excellent value for money, the CMF Buds Pro 2 emerges as the overall winner in this comparison. It offers better battery life, slightly superior ANC, and better sound quality at a significantly lower price point.
The Nothing Ear (a), however, still holds its ground with its unique transparent design and slightly better microphone performance. It’s a great choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and brand recognition.
Ultimately, your choice may come down to personal preferences:
- Choose the CMF Buds Pro 2 if you want the best overall performance and value for money.
- Go for the Nothing Ear (a) if you love its design and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Both options provide an excellent listening experience, and you’re unlikely to be disappointed with either choice.
You may also like to see:
- CMF Buds Pro 2 vs Redmi Buds 5 Pro
- Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2
- Realme Buds Air 6 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2
- OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2
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.
