In today’s cutthroat market for wireless earbuds, two fresh options have hit the scene: the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro and the CMF Buds Pro 2.
These newcomers boast cool features without breaking the bank, but which one should you go for? Let’s take a closer look at how they stack up to help you make up your mind.
latest: OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro vs Buds 3: What’s the Difference?
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2: Specs Comparison
| Specification | OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro | CMF Buds Pro 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $59 |
| Driver Size | 12.4mm dynamic driver | 11mm titanium-coated driver + 6mm tweeter |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | LDAC, AAC, SBC |
| ANC | Up to 49dB | Up to 50dB |
| Battery Life (ANC off) | 12.5 hours (buds only) | 11 hours (buds), 43 hours (with case) |
| Battery Life (ANC on) | 5.5 hours (claimed) | 6.5 hours (buds), 26 hours (with case) |
| Fast Charging | 4.5 hours playback after 10-min charge | Yes (specific details not provided) |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IP55 |
| Special Features | Transparency mode, Game mode, Dual device connectivity | Smart dial on case, Spatial audio, Low-lag mode, ChatGPT integration |
| Colors | Soft Jade, Starry Black | Orange, Light Grey, Dark Grey, Blue |
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2: Detailed Review
Design and Build Quality
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro sport a sleek, modern design with a soap-shaped charging case available in Soft Jade or Starry Black. The earbuds themselves feature a stem design with a teardrop shape that widens towards the bottom. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and carry an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance.
In contrast, the CMF Buds Pro 2 comes in a square case with a unique smart dial on top. The orange variant is particularly eye-catching, though it’s also available in light grey, dark grey, and blue. The earbuds have a familiar stem design and are also lightweight and comfortable. They too boast an IP55 rating.
Winner: Tie. Both offer attractive designs with good build quality. The choice comes down to personal preference.
Audio Quality and Codecs
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro utilize a 12.4mm dynamic driver and support SBC and AAC codecs. While they offer decent audio quality, the default tuning is quite bass-heavy, which can overwhelm other frequencies. However, the built-in equalizer allows for some customization.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 feature an 11mm titanium-coated driver paired with a 6mm tweeter. They support LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs, giving them an edge in audio quality potential. The sound signature is also bass-tilted but handles different genres well with the right EQ preset.
Winner: CMF Buds Pro 2. The dual-driver setup and LDAC support give them an advantage in audio quality.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)
OnePlus claims the Nord Buds 3 Pro can suppress up to 49dB of noise. The ANC performance is good, effectively reducing low and mid-frequency sounds. It also adapts well to changing environments and performs decently in windy conditions.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 offer ANC up to 50dB. While not at the level of premium brands like Bose or Sony, the noise cancellation is notably effective for its price range. It offers adaptive ANC and manual adjustment options.
Winner: Slight edge to CMF Buds Pro 2, but both perform well in this category.
Battery Life and Charging
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro boast impressive battery life, offering up to 12.5 hours of playback with ANC off (slightly exceeding the claimed 12 hours). They also feature fast charging, providing 4.5 hours of use after a 10-minute charge.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 offer up to 11 hours of use with ANC off, extending to 43 hours with the case. With ANC on, you get 6.5 hours from the buds and 26 hours total with the case. They also support quick charging but lack wireless charging.
Winner: OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro, thanks to their slightly longer battery life and impressive fast charging capabilities.
Special Features
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro offer customizable touch controls, a transparency mode, and a low-latency game mode. They also feature dual device connectivity.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 stand out with their unique smart dial on the case, which can be customized for various functions like volume control or track skipping. They also offer spatial audio, a low-lag mode, and direct ChatGPT integration when paired with Nothing or CMF phones.
Winner: CMF Buds Pro 2, thanks to the innovative smart dial and additional features.
Price and Availablity
The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro are priced at $79.99, with promotional discounts available at launch.
The CMF Buds Pro 2 are priced at $59, making them slightly more affordable.
Winner: CMF Buds Pro 2, offering more features at a lower price point.
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2: Pros and Cons
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro:
Pros:
- Impressive battery life (12.5 hours without ANC)
- Fast charging (4.5 hours playback after 10-minute charge)
- Good ANC performance (up to 49dB)
- Comfortable, lightweight design
- IP55 water and dust resistance
Cons:
- Bass-heavy sound signature may overwhelm other frequencies
- Limited codec support (only SBC and AAC)
- Higher price compared to CMF Buds Pro 2
- Fewer special features
CMF Buds Pro 2:
Pros:
- More affordable price point
- LDAC codec support for better audio quality
- Innovative smart dial on the case
- Dual-driver setup (11mm driver + 6mm tweeter)
- Effective ANC (up to 50dB)
- Additional features like spatial audio and ChatGPT integration
Cons:
- Slightly shorter battery life than OnePlus model
- Bass-heavy tuning (though less pronounced)
- No wireless charging
- ANC can create a vacuum sensation in ears at higher levels
OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro vs CMF Buds Pro 2: Which Should You Choose?
Both the OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro and CMF Buds Pro 2 offer impressive features for their price range. The OnePlus option excels in battery life and fast charging, while providing solid ANC and audio quality. They’re a great choice for OnePlus users or those prioritizing long battery life.
The CMF Buds Pro 2, however, edge ahead in several areas. They offer superior audio quality potential with LDAC support, comparable ANC, and innovative features like the smart dial. Combined with a lower price point, they provide excellent value for money.
For most users, the CMF Buds Pro 2 will likely be the better choice, offering a more feature-rich experience at a lower cost. However, if you’re deeply integrated into the OnePlus ecosystem or battery life is your top priority, the Nord Buds 3 Pro are still a solid option.
In the end, both pairs of earbuds demonstrate how far affordable wireless earbuds have come, offering features once reserved for premium models at much more accessible price points.
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.
