As the market for true wireless earbuds continues to grow, two new options have surfaced to compete in the budget-friendly arena: the CMF Buds Pro 2 and the Redmi Buds 5 Pro.
Each offers a range of appealing features at competitive prices, but which one is truly worth your money?
Let’s explore a thorough comparison to assist you in making an informed choice.
CMF Buds Pro 2 vs Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Specs Comparison
| Feature | CMF Buds Pro 2 | Redmi Buds 5 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sleek design with customizable Smart Dial | Ceramic coaxial dual-unit design; round pebble case design |
| Drivers | 11 mm bass driver + 6 mm micro-planar tweeter | 10mm piezoelectric ceramic tweeter + 11mm titanium-plated dynamic subwoofer |
| Bluetooth | v5.3; AAC, SBC, LDAC Audio codec | v5.3 (Bluetooth Low Energy / HFP / A2DP / AVRCP) |
| Sound Features | Dirac Opteo, Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, Custom EQ, Spatial audio effect | LHDC 5.0, Hi-Res Audio, QQ Music’s Zhenpin Master Tape and Zhenpin Space Audio, NetEase Cloud Music’s NetEase Cloud Sound, Kugou Music’s Viper Atmos |
| ANC | Hybrid ANC up to 50dB | Maximum noise reduction depth: 52dB |
| ANC Features | Smart ANC algorithm, Adaptive ANC, Transparency mode | AI adaptive adjustment, 4kHz noise reduction frequency band |
| Call Features | Clear Voice Technology 2.0 with 6 MICs (3 on each bud) | 9m/s wind noise resistance for calls |
| Battery Life | ANC Off – 43 hours; ANC On – 26 hours | Up to 38 hours total battery life |
| Fast Charge | 10 mins = 7 hrs playback with case (ANC Off) | 5 mins = 2 hours of music playback |
| Other Features | Dual Connection, Touch controls, ChatGPT integration, Equalizers, Gaming mode, Low Lag mode | Dual mode, 49ms low latency, IP54 dust and water proof |
| App Support | Nothing X App | Xiaomi headset App |
| Price | $79.99 | $59 |
| Best Deal | View on AliExpress | View on AliExpress |
Design and Build Quality
The CMF Buds Pro 2 sports a sleek, modern design with a square charging case featuring rounded corners. The case includes a unique customizable Smart Dial for easy control of various functions. The earbuds themselves have a matte finish on the stem and a glossy finish on the main body, creating an attractive contrast. They’re also IP55-rated for dust and water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and light rain.
Redmi opts for a more classic approach with a rounded, pebble-like charging case. The earbuds feature a ceramic coaxial design that not only looks premium but also serves a functional purpose in sound production. While specific IP ratings weren’t mentioned in the available information, Redmi typically includes some level of water resistance in their earbuds.
Winner: This category comes down to personal preference, but the CMF Buds Pro 2 edges ahead with its innovative Smart Dial and confirmed IP55 rating.
Audio Quality and Drivers
CMF Buds Pro 2: These earbuds employ a dual-driver system consisting of an 11mm dynamic driver for bass and a 6mm tweeter with an ultra-thin planar diaphragm for crisp treble. They support the LDAC codec for high-resolution audio and offer various sound enhancement features like Ultra Bass Technology 2.0 and a spatial audio effect.
Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Redmi also utilizes a dual-driver setup, combining a 10mm piezoelectric ceramic tweeter with an 11mm titanium-plated dynamic subwoofer. They support the LHDC 5.0 codec for high-quality audio and have received certifications from major Chinese music streaming platforms for their audio performance.
Winner: This is a close call, as both offer impressive driver setups. The Redmi Buds 5 Pro might have a slight edge with its piezoelectric ceramic tweeter, but real-world performance could be very similar.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
CMF Buds Pro 2: Offers hybrid ANC up to 50dB with smart adaptive algorithms and a transparency mode. The ANC can be customized through the app with different intensity levels.
Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Boasts a maximum noise reduction depth of 52dB with AI adaptive adjustment. It also features a 4kHz noise reduction frequency band for broader coverage.
Winner: The Redmi Buds 5 Pro takes this round with slightly higher maximum noise reduction and AI-powered adaptability.
Battery Life and Charging
CMF Buds Pro 2: Provides up to 43 hours of total playback time with ANC off (26 hours with ANC on). A 10-minute quick charge offers up to 7 hours of playback.
Redmi Buds 5 Pro: Offers up to 38 hours of total battery life. A 5-minute quick charge provides 2 hours of music playback.
Winner: The CMF Buds Pro 2 wins with longer overall battery life and more impressive quick charging capabilities.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Both earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and offer features like touch controls, companion apps for customization, and low-latency modes for gaming.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 stands out with its dual connection capability and ChatGPT integration, while the Redmi Buds 5 Pro offers a special gaming edition with an ultra-low latency wireless connector.
Winner: The CMF Buds Pro 2 edges ahead with its more versatile feature set for everyday use.
Price and Availability
- CMF Buds Pro 2: $59.00
- Redmi Buds 5 Pro: $79.99
While exact pricing may vary by region, both of these earbuds are positioned in the budget-friendly segment of the market. They offer features typically found in more expensive models, making them both excellent value propositions.
Best Deal:
CMF Buds Pro 2: View on AliExpress
Redmi Buds 5 Pro: View on AliExpress
CMF Buds Pro 2 vs Redmi Buds 5 Pro: How to Choose?
Both the CMF Buds Pro 2 and Redmi Buds 5 Pro offer impressive features at competitive prices. Your choice will depend on your specific needs:
Choose the CMF Buds Pro 2 if you:
- Prefer a more modern design with the innovative Smart Dial
- Need longer battery life and faster charging
- Want dual device connectivity and ChatGPT integration
- Prioritize confirmed water resistance for workouts
Choose the Redmi Buds 5 Pro if you:
- Want potentially slightly better ANC performance
- Prefer a classic, pebble-like case design
- Are a gamer interested in the special gaming edition
- Value certifications from major music streaming platforms
In the end, both options provide excellent value for money and outperform many earbuds at higher price points. Consider your priorities and choose the one that best fits your lifestyle and audio needs.
You may also like to see:
Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2
Realme Buds Air 6 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.
