When it comes to true wireless earbuds, Nothing has quickly made a name for itself with its stylish and feature-packed offerings.
The CMF Buds and the CMF Buds Pro represent the company’s foray into the competitive audio market, each catering to different preferences and budgets.
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of these two models, highlighting their key differences in design, audio performance, noise cancellation, battery life, connectivity, and more.
Nothing CMF Buds vs CMF Buds Pro: Specs comparison
| Feature | CMF Buds | CMF Buds Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Design | In-ear design with stem and silicone tips | Truly wireless compact design |
| Water Resistance | IP54 dust and water resistance | IP54 dust and water resistance |
| Charging Case | Square-shaped with aluminum alloy dial | Sleek and round shape |
| Driver | 12.4mm bio-fiber and custom TPU | 10mm dynamic drivers with Ultra Bass technology |
| Sound Quality | HD audio tuned by Dirac | Rich and powerful sound experience |
| Active Noise Cancellation | 42dB ANC with transparency mode | Up to 45dB ANC with multiple modes (High, Mid, Low) and transparency mode |
| Microphones | 4 microphones for clear calls | 3 HD microphones with Clear Voice Technology and Anti-wind noise structure |
| Battery Life (with ANC) | Up to 8 hours | Up to 6.5 hours |
| Battery Life (without ANC) | Up to 5.6 hours | Up to 11 hours |
| Total Battery Life (with case) | Up to 35 hours | Up to 39 hours (without ANC), 22 hours (with ANC) |
| Fast Charging | N/A | 10 minutes for 5 hours of playback (without ANC) |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3, dual-device connectivity, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair | Bluetooth 5.3, dual-device connectivity, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, Low Lag Mode |
| Compatibility | Android 5.1+, iOS 13+ | Android 5.1+, iOS 13+ |
| Price | Rs 2,499 | Rs 3,499 |
Nothing CMF Buds vs CMF Buds Pro: Key differences explained
Design and Build Quality
The CMF Buds feature an in-ear design with a stem and silicone ear tips, reminiscent of popular models like Apple’s AirPods. In contrast, the CMF Buds Pro adopts a truly wireless compact form factor, sitting snugly in your ears without any protruding stems.
Both earbuds are IP54-rated, offering protection against dust and water resistance, making them suitable for active lifestyles.
The charging cases differ, with the CMF Buds featuring a square-shaped case with Nothing’s signature aluminum alloy dial, while the Buds Pro boasts a sleek and round design.
Audio Performance and Noise Cancellation
When it comes to audio quality, the CMF Buds Pro clearly outshine their counterparts. Equipped with 10mm dynamic drivers and Nothing’s proprietary Ultra Bass technology, these earbuds promise a rich and powerful sound experience.
In contrast, the CMF Buds feature a 12.4mm bio-fiber and custom TPU driver, delivering decent audio quality for casual listening.
Noise cancellation is another area where the CMF Buds Pro excel. They offer up to 45dB of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) across multiple modes (High, Mid, Low), allowing you to immerse yourself in your music or movies without distractions.
The CMF Buds, on the other hand, offer a respectable 42dB ANC but lack the advanced modes and customization options of the Pro model.
Both earbuds feature transparency modes for situational awareness and microphone setups for clear call quality, but the Buds Pro takes it a step further with their 3 HD microphones, Clear Voice Technology, and Anti-wind noise structure.
Battery Life and Charging
In terms of battery life, the CMF Buds Pro again takes the lead. With ANC enabled, they offer up to 6.5 hours of usage, while disabling ANC extends the battery life to an impressive 11 hours.
The included charging case provides an additional 39 hours (without ANC) or 22 hours (with ANC) of combined usage.
The CMF Buds, on the other hand, provide up to 8 hours with ANC enabled and 5.6 hours without, with the charging case adding an additional 35 hours of playback.
The CMF Buds Pro also boasts a quick charge feature, allowing you to get up to 5 hours of playback time with just a 10-minute charge (without ANC), which is a handy feature for those on the go.
Connectivity and Compatibility
Both the CMF Buds and the CMF Buds Pro offer Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, dual-device connectivity, and support for Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, ensuring seamless pairing and compatibility with a wide range of devices running Android 5.1 or later and iOS 13 or later.
However, the CMF Buds Pro takes it a step further with its Low Lag Mode, which automatically engages on Nothing smartphones, ensuring a seamless audio-visual experience when watching videos or gaming.
Pricing and Availability
When it comes to pricing, the CMF Buds are the more affordable option, retailing at Rs 2,499. For those seeking a more premium experience, the CMF Buds Pro commands a higher price tag of Rs 3,499, but the additional features and improved audio performance may justify the investment for audiophiles and discerning listeners.
Both models are available in Black, White, and Orange color options and can be purchased from popular e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Myntra.
Nothing CMF Buds vs CMF Buds Pro: Which should you buy?
In conclusion, while the Nothing CMF Buds offer a solid entry-level option for those on a budget, the CMF Buds Pro outshines their counterparts in terms of audio quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and overall feature set.
If you’re willing to invest a bit more for a truly immersive and distraction-free listening experience, the CMF Buds Pro is worth considering.
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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.
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