CMF Buds 2 Plus review: Good budget TWS earphones with cool design

Beside unique design, CMF Buds 2 Plus delivers good on three key aspects such as clear pristine audio deliver, long battery and build quality.

Nothing's CMF has come up with a new line of Buds 2 series earphones. It is available in two variants-- Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus-- with prices starting at Rs 2,699 in India.

I have been using the top-end Buds 2 Plus for a week and here are my thoughts on the latest Truly Wireless Stereo earphones (TWS) from CMF.

Design and build quality

The latest Buds 2 Plus comes with visually appealing design elements similar to the previous iteration. The earbuds come in two colours--blue and light grey. Our review unit is the latter.

They come in minimalistic in-ear design language. The tips feature removable silicone buds that fit perfectly into the ears. The buds are made of plastic, but very sturdy.

CMF Buds 2 Plus.

Even the charging case is made of the same materials. However, the earbuds come with an IP55 water-splash-resistant rating. It can survive sweaty workouts at the gym.

The CMF Buds 2 Plus has undergone multiple stress tests including one-metre drop tests, high temperature tests and more to be able to sustain daily wear and tear.

The charging case comes in a curved square design with a rotating knob. But, unlike the Pro model, it has no function. It just rotates and has the option to dock a lanyard accessory.

CMF Buds 2 Plus with charging case.

Both the buds and case feature a matte finish with no fancy dotted logo we saw in the previous version. Now, it has been replaced with 'CMF by Nothing'. The caser also flaunts a light indicator on the front to show the pairing status and battery capacity. On the right side, it features a USB-C charging point.

Inside, the earbuds come with long pill-shaped stem. At the top, it houses the touch sensor to take tap gestures as input to change music tracks or answer calls.

CMF Buds 2 Plus.

The sensor works smoothly and recognises the tap very accurately. Considering the unique design and price tag, the build quality is praiseworthy.

User Interface and Performance

Setting up the Buds 2 Plus is easy it comes. It can instantly connect with any mobile with Android 6.0 (or newer version) or an iPhone with iOS 13 (or newer version).

The user has to install the Nothing X app and turn on Bluetooth. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete the pairing process.

CMF Buds 2 Plus.

However, the device is more optimised to deliver the best user experience on Nothing and CMF phones.

The Nothing X app offers full EQ customisation for a rich, balanced sound tailored to deliver as per the unique hearing requirement of the owner.

It also supports Hi-Res LDAC, and boasts of 12mm LCP driver, six high-definition microphones, Dirac Opteo tuning, supports 50dB hybrid ANC and Spatial Audio Effect. I listened to various genres of music such as hip-hop, rock, blues and even classical Carnatic songs, and it managed to deliver a good listening experience with good clarity.

It houses high-quality copper wire and N52 magnets to deliver superior audio output.

Nothing X app can help user customise tap gestures on CMF Buds 2 Plus.

The hybrid Active Noise Cancellation works to an extent in instances such as blocking the chatting of colleagues nearby or those people talking beside you in a mass transit vehicle. But, traffic noise such as vehicle horns and engine sounds tend to creep in while phone calls and while listening to the music.

Another notable aspect of the CMF Buds 2 Plus is that supports ChatGPT voice assistant. The owner can activate using the Nothing X app settings.

CMF Buds 2 Plus.

Having said that, Buds 2 Plus' ANC capability is the best among earphones under the Rs 8,000 price segment.

The battery life is amazingly good. With a full charge, the earphones can deliver up to 61 hours with a charging case. It also supports fast charging. It can

Final thoughts

CMF's Buds 2 Plus is a really good pair of earphones worth every penny it costs. It has decent build quality and delivers good on ANC capabilities and long battery life.

The CMF Buds 2a costs Rs 2,199. The CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus are available for Rs 2,699 and Rs 3,299, respectively.

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