Buds: ANC is decent, bass okay. 2025 new? Doubt it.

CMF Buds 2a Wireless Earbuds: An Honest Appraisal

In a bustling market saturated with wireless earbuds, CMF by Nothing has carved out a niche with its distinct design philosophy and commitment to value. The CMF Buds 2a emerge as their latest offering, promising a blend of award-winning comfort, thoughtful engineering, and smart features. Having spent time with these earbuds, this review aims to provide an honest, in-depth look at what makes the Buds 2a stand out, and where they might fall short, painting a complete picture for potential buyers.

CMF, an offshoot of Nothing, aims to bring accessible tech with a unique aesthetic. The Buds 2a are no exception, inheriting a design language that prioritizes clean lines and ergonomic functionality. But beyond the looks, do these earbuds deliver an experience that justifies their place in your pocket? Let’s delve into the specifics.

Design & Comfort: A Stylish Embrace for Your Ears

The first impression of any earbud often comes down to its fit and feel, and here, the CMF Buds 2a truly shine. Carrying forward the legacy of CMF’s design accolades, these earbuds prioritize user comfort above all. The ergonomic contours ensure they settle snugly in the ear canal without feeling intrusive or prone to falling out during moderate activity.

• Award-Winning Heritage: The design is refined over years, leveraging insights from previous CMF and Nothing audio products, resulting in a shape that feels naturally secure.
• Tailored Fit: A selection of multiple in-ear headphone tips is included, allowing users to find the perfect seal for their unique ear shape. This is crucial not only for comfort but also for maximizing sound quality and ANC effectiveness.
• Sleek Aesthetics: While minimalist, the design has a stylish edge that avoids being overly flashy. The case itself is compact and pocket-friendly, featuring a convenient lanyard-ready design for those who prefer to keep their tech close and secure.
• Robust for Daily Life: With an IP54 rating for water and dust resistance, the Buds 2a are built to withstand the rigors of daily use, from sweaty workouts to unexpected drizzles. This adds a layer of practical durability often sought after in everyday audio companions.

The comfort factor alone makes the Buds 2a a strong contender for prolonged listening sessions. The lightweight build and well-thought-out ergonomics mean ear fatigue is a rare complaint, even after several hours of use.

Audio & Ambiance: Sonic Harmony with Smart Silence

When it comes to the core function of earbuds – sound – the CMF Buds 2a present an intriguing proposition. CMF has partnered with DIRAC, a name synonymous with high-fidelity audio, to co-tune their 12.4mm bio-fiber drivers. This collaboration promises a listening experience that transcends what one might expect from this segment.

• DIRAC Co-Tuned Drivers: The 12.4mm bio-fiber drivers, refined with DIRAC’s expertise, deliver a warm and expansive soundstage. This tuning focuses on presenting music with clarity across the spectrum, ensuring instruments and vocals are well-defined.
• Balanced & Dynamic Sound Profile: Users can expect rich mids that bring vocals and acoustic instruments to life, complemented by a bass response that can be both crisp and thundering depending on the track and user preference. The ability to customize the bass output is a significant advantage.
• Smart Active Noise Cancellation (ANC): The 42dB Smart Active Noise Cancelling system is designed for "daily listening scenarios." It capably reduces ambient noise like the hum of an air conditioner, office chatter, or the low rumble of public transport. While not claiming to be class-leading against premium competitors, its effectiveness for everyday situations is commendable and genuinely enhances focus.
• Transparency Mode: For moments when awareness of your surroundings is paramount, the transparent mode allows external sounds to filter through clearly, ensuring you stay connected to your environment without having to remove your earbuds.

The emphasis on a warm soundstage and customisable bass ensures that the Buds 2a cater to a wide range of musical tastes. The ANC, while not revolutionary, is a highly practical feature that adds significant value to the daily commute or office environment.

Connectivity & Clarity: Staying Connected, Crystal Clear

Modern earbuds are more than just music players; they are essential tools for communication and staying connected. The CMF Buds 2a excel in this aspect, offering robust connectivity and exceptional call quality, ensuring your voice is heard loud and clear, regardless of your surroundings.

• Advanced Call Technology: Equipped with Quad HD ENC (Environmental Noise Cancellation) microphones, the Buds 2a integrate "Clear Voice Tech" and "Wind Noise Reduction 2.0." This sophisticated combination works tirelessly to isolate your voice from background noise and mitigate disruptive wind interference, making calls exceptionally clear even in challenging environments.
• Seamless Wireless Connection: Bluetooth 5.4 provides a stable, energy-efficient, and secure connection, minimizing dropouts and ensuring a smooth audio experience. This latest standard is a welcome addition, future-proofing the earbuds for years to come.
• Effortless Pairing: The convenience of Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Quick Switch ensures that connecting your Buds 2a to compatible Android devices or Windows PCs is a swift, hassle-free process. A simple tap is all it takes to get started.
• Dual Device Connection: A highly practical feature for the multi-device user, dual device connectivity allows the Buds 2a to seamlessly switch between two paired devices. This means you can be listening to music on your laptop and instantly take a call on your phone without needing to manually disconnect and reconnect.

The focus on clear communication and reliable connectivity elevates the Buds 2a from a simple audio device to a truly versatile daily companion. Whether you’re on a conference call or just catching up with friends, the call quality remains consistently strong.

Endurance & Empowerment: Lasting Power & Smart Customization

Beyond the immediate listening experience, the longevity and adaptability of wireless earbuds are critical for long-term satisfaction. The CMF Buds 2a are engineered to keep pace with an active lifestyle, offering impressive battery endurance, quick charging capabilities, and a host of personalized features through the companion app.

• Extended Battery Life: Designed for endurance, the earbuds offer up to 8 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge. When combined with the charging case, the total listening time extends to a remarkable 35.5 hours. This translates to an impressive ~15 days of typical daily use (assuming 2 hours of listening per day), minimizing the need for frequent charging.
• Rapid Charging: For those moments when you’re short on time, the "Quick-charge" feature is a lifesaver. Just 5 minutes of charging can provide up to 2 hours of additional playtime, ensuring your music never stops for long.
• Nothing X App Customization: The true power of the CMF Buds 2a lies in its integration with the Nothing X app. This comprehensive application unlocks a suite of personalized features:
  • Custom EQ Profiles: Tailor your sound exactly how you like it, creating unique EQ settings to match different genres or personal preferences.
  • Adjustable ANC Levels: Fine-tune the Active Noise Cancelling strength or switch to transparent mode with precision.
  • Find Earbuds Function: Never lose track of your earbuds again with the helpful "find earbuds" feature, which can play a sound to locate misplaced buds.
  • Gaming Low-Lag Mode: Reduce audio latency significantly for a more immersive and responsive gaming experience, a boon for mobile gamers.
  • ChatGPT Integration: A unique selling point for users of Nothing/CMF phones, this feature allows direct access to ChatGPT via voice commands, transforming your earbuds into an intelligent, voice-activated assistant.

The thoughtful combination of long battery life, quick charging, and deep customization through the Nothing X app makes the CMF Buds 2a exceptionally practical and versatile. They are clearly designed to integrate seamlessly into a connected, active lifestyle, offering both reliability and intelligent features that truly enhance the user experience.