Are you on the lookout for exceptional audio quality and active noise cancellation at an affordable price? Look no further, as two promising contenders have emerged with exactly what you need.
The CMF by Nothing Buds and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are currently competing to be crowned as the best affordable earbuds with active noise cancellation features.
With excellent sound performance and ANC features, at an unbeatable cost, you won’t find a better deal anywhere else.
In this article, I will provide an in-depth analysis of the features, performance, and overall experience offered by these two impressive earbuds.
Also see: Nothing CMF Buds vs CMF Buds Pro: What’s the difference?
Nothing CMF Buds VS OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Specs comparison
| Feature | Nothing CMF Buds | OnePlus Nord Buds 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | In-ear with stem and silicone ear tips | In-ear with stem and silicone ear tips |
| IP Rating | IP54 (dust and water-resistant) | IP55 (sweat and water-resistant) |
| Case | Square-shaped with aluminum alloy dial for attaching lanyards | Cosmic-inspired sparkling finish, unique for each case |
| Driver | 12.4mm bio-fiber and custom TPU | 12.4mm titanium dynamic driver with BassWave Enhancement algorithm |
| ANC | 42dB with transparency mode | 25dB with transparency mode |
| Microphones | Four for clear call quality | Dual microphones for Clear Call – AI call noise cancellation |
| Audio Tuning | HD audio tuned by Dirac | Dirac Tuner, Sound Master Equalizer, Dolby Atmos (OnePlus 7/7 Pro later) |
| Wind Noise Reduction | Yes | – |
| Battery Life (ANC on) | 8 hours | 5 hours |
| Battery Life (ANC off) | 5.6 hours | 7 hours |
| Total Battery Life | 35 hours with charging case | 27 hours (ANC on) / 36 hours (ANC off) with charging case |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 with dual-device connectivity, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair | Bluetooth 5.3, AAC codec, OnePlus Fast Pair (OnePlus 6 and later) |
| Colors | Black, White, Orange | – |
| Price | Rs 2,499 (Around $30) | Rs. 2,999 (Around $35) |
Nothing CMF Buds VS OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Detailed review
Design and Build Quality
CMF by Nothing Buds boasts a unique and funky design that sets them apart from the crowd. The rectangular charging case features a rotating mechanism, allowing you to carry it comfortably with a strap if desired. The earbuds themselves have a sleek matte finish combined with a glossy accent, giving them a stylish and modern look.
On the other hand, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 has a more compact and minimalist aesthetic. The case is designed in a capsule shape, with a dual-tone matte and glossy finish that exudes a professional and elegant vibe. The earbuds themselves are small and discreet, making them an excellent choice for those who prefer a more subtle appearance.
Sound Quality and Bass Performance
Both the CMF by Nothing Buds and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 are equipped with 12.4mm dynamic drivers, supporting SBC and AAC codecs.
They offer customization options through their respective companion apps, allowing you to fine-tune the sound to your personal preferences.
The CMF by Nothing Buds delivers a well-rounded audio experience with decent bass output. However, in my personal experience, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 edged out the Nothing Buds in terms of overall sound quality, detail retrieval, and bass performance. The Nothing Buds do offer an “Ultra Bass” mode, but even at maximum levels, the bass felt a bit lacking compared to the OnePlus counterpart.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 impressed me with their detailed and well-balanced sound signature. The bass was tight and punchy, providing an engaging listening experience for various genres of music. Additionally, the clarity and instrument separation were noteworthy, making the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 a strong contender in the audio department.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode
Both earbuds come equipped with ANC and Transparency modes, allowing you to enjoy your music without distractions or stay aware of your surroundings when needed.
The CMF by Nothing Buds offers decent ANC performance, capable of canceling up to 42dB of background noise. However, in my testing, I found the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 to be slightly more effective in outdoor environments with heavy traffic.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 impressed me with their ANC capabilities, effectively reducing up to 25dB of background noise. While both earbuds performed well in indoor settings, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 seemed to have an edge in outdoor environments, blocking out more ambient noise.
Battery Life and Charging
Both earbuds offer respectable battery life and fast charging capabilities.
The CMF by Nothing Buds provides approximately 7-8 hours of playtime on a single charge, with the charging case offering an additional 3-4 full charges.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 offers slightly less battery life, with 5-7 hours of playtime on a single charge. However, the charging case still provides around 3-4 additional full charges.
Additional Features
The CMF by Nothing Buds offers a unique feature called “Dual Device Pairing,” allowing you to connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously for seamless switching. Additionally, the “In-Detection” feature automatically pauses playback when you remove an earbud, ensuring a convenient and intuitive experience.
The OnePlus Nord Buds 2 integrates well with OnePlus devices, offering features like low-latency gaming mode and support for Dolby Atmos surround sound. However, these features may not be as beneficial for non-OnePlus users.
Pricing and Value
When it comes to pricing, both earbuds offer excellent value for their respective price points.
CMF by Nothing Buds is priced at around ₹2,000, making them an attractive option for those seeking affordable ANC earbuds with a unique design and dual device pairing capabilities.
OnePlus Nord Buds 2 is slightly more expensive, typically priced around ₹2,500. However, for the additional cost, you get slightly better sound quality, ANC performance, and integration with OnePlus devices.
Where to Buy?
| Model | Best Deal |
|---|---|
| Nothing CMF Buds | View on AliExpress |
| OnePlus Nord Buds 2 | View on AliExpress |
Nothing CMF Buds VS OnePlus Nord Buds 2: Final verdict
Both the CMF by Nothing Buds and the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 offer impressive value for their respective price points.
If design and unique features like dual device pairing are your priorities, the CMF by Nothing Buds might be the way to go.
However, if you prioritize overall sound quality, ANC performance, and integration with OnePlus devices, the OnePlus Nord Buds 2 might be the better choice.
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.
