Being a part of the insider team, and CMF Buds Pro 2 being the first product I got to test, I didn’t have any prior experience with other audio products from Nothing. Nevertheless, these definitely set the expectations high in what I should expect from Nothing’s audio product line. With the testing now at the end, here are my thoughts.
**Sound**
To comment specifically on the sound experience, I compared them to my earbuds, as they were within the same price range and the Buds Pro 2 have clearly outperformed mine most of the time. They don’t sound muddy even at higher volumes or while listening to music with more complex and nuanced layering. People who like a bassy sound but also don’t want to miss out on clarity are going to like these.
**ANC**
ANC was a surprise to me, as I’m not used to getting this feature at such a price range (especially as good as it is with these buds) With multiple bug fixes and improvements, this feature is now very solid and I enjoy using it daily. The transparency mode is also there and works great when I want to both listen to music and be aware of my surroundings.
**Software Features**
Multiple features stood out to me. The Ultra Bass mode packs a great punch, which I didn’t expect. Although I prefer more neutral sound (I usually listen to headphones with a neutral sound signature, so I guess I’m just used to that), I appreciate the option to switch between multiple bass levels when some specific music genres ask for it (Rock, rap, eurobeat….).
Spatial audio has improved throughout the testing period and I can say I’m using it from time to time. It does offer a livelier listening experience, something you’d expect when listening to music in a larger room on speakers.
There’s also dual connection, which was great for quickly switching from my phone to laptop and vice versa. I didn’t use this feature much, as I’m not probably the target audience here. So I believe others will have a more extensive review on this specific feature.
The Nothing X app is the first app specialising in controlling and modifying my listening experience that I feel is very polished and gives me many useful options in a nicely designed UI/UX. With other audio tech companies, I’m used to either an outdated design, lack of functionality, or no app at all, so this was an overwhelmingly positive experience.
**Hardware Features**
The wheel on the case is a great idea. Not only as an additional way to control the buds, but also as a fidget toy when controls are turned off. I caught myself turning off the controls and just using it as a toy most of the time, so I suppose I could call it a use-case some people might find to be a nice-to-have.
I didn’t have the option to disable all controls when I wanted to put them in my pocket, but got informed the feature exists in the retail version, which is great, as accidental clicks and turns in a pocket might occur, especially during bike rides or other physical activities.
The touch control directly on the buds seem to be overly sensitive to touch and sometimes when trying to push the bud into my ear, I skip a song or change the volume, but I believe additional software fixes to fine tune this are on the way.
**Battery life**
Battery life is sufficient. I didn’t have any problems with having to charge them often, and I’m used to listening for many hours every day. Even with multiple features like ANC and Bass boost, it got me through multiple days before I had to recharge the whole case.
**Build quality**
The build quality seems great. The hinge is very solid, magnets are strong, so a fall here and there isn’t a huge issue. The buds themselves also survived multiple falls without any damage. I like that they’re matte, as the scratches don’t seem to be so visible, and they’re also not prone to fingerprints as much (unless you’re very sweaty).
**Comfort**
The buds fit well in my ears and are comfortable to wear. The only issue I had with them was when working out, I noticed the left bud getting loose or straight up falling out of my ear, but I suppose you cannot design the perfect shape to fit all ears, so I wouldn’t get discouraged by this bit of information, as no product is perfect.
**Target audience**
- I believe that these earphones will cater to people who expect great audio performance at a budget
- if you don’t consider yourself an audiophile but at the same time expect a good amount of sound clarity, these are for you
**Conclusion**
Overall, I’d consider buying these once they’d be available in my region. Cost/performance is the best I’ve experienced in this price range.
Although with no prior experience with Nothing’s audio products, I must say that with this product, they’re pushing the quality of budget true wireless earbuds higher.
