For reference, I purchased my pair of Buds Pro at the London Drop on September 30th, I’ve spent about 8 hours using my pair, listening to a range of music from EDM/House and Lo-Fi video game soundtracks to poppy chart music. I’ve been using them with a Nothing Phone(1) along with the Nothing X app.
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In a category with varying specifications, price ranges and capabilities, CMF Buds Pro find themselves punching upwards for their pricing point due to their launch from a pre-established cousin in the Ear() range. With ANC, some touch functionality and the backing of the Nothing X app, at this price point, I’m content with the Buds Pro.
The first notable, albeit obvious, difference with the Buds Pro is how different they are from the Ear() range, the obvious lack of transparency in the design and usage of different plastics means that the “premium” nature of Ear() stands out when compared side by side. Set in the price bracket of soundcore/JBL offerings, and the CMF Buds fit right at home, but they certainly have the staple of being a “by Nothing” product.
The case itself is pleasant, the smooth finish on the plastic takes the basic material and gives it a surprisingly nice feel. The contrasting hinge feels secure in motion but does have some side-to-side play which while expected, isn’t ideal. The buds themselves nestle nicely into the case, with magnets “homing” them into place, the interior plastic of the case does feel like a more “muted” orange than the exterior or buds which both match very closely despite separate production.
When first fitting the Buds Pro, it was obvious that a change in design to the bud shape had occurred stepping away from the Ear() range, a flatter “inner” profile that personally results in a more comfortable fit. This enables longer wearing of the buds than the Ear()’s, along with a secure and lightweight experience for the wearer without fatigue.
Fast Pair, along with the Nothing X app gets the user up and running without issue, and the customisation within the app allows for some personalisation of the EQ and interfacing with the buds. The power and noise control notification sounds of the Buds Pro are distinctly different from the Ear()’s, completing their separate personality (though play/pause is the same).
Volume has not been an issue during initial usage, with these buds being plenty loud enough for spoken word to be clear and music being comfortable at around 40% volume. The quality of the sound leaves more to be desired; that’s not to say these are “bad” buds by any means, rather they do not have the same richness felt in other more premium devices. Personally, the initial profile of the buds was a bit base-heavy, though this was quickly remedied in the EQ settings. Having received no complaints on call quality, the voice recorder app was used to listen back to a sample track, notably, the hum of background devices was present, but the voice was clear and would serve well for calls.
ANC and transparency modes are present, with unique sounds clearly indicating which mode is activated (The base heavy thud of the ANC almost feels like switching off the world). The “cabin-pressure” effect that is sometimes felt by ANC is delightfully not present, and transparency mode does amplify the external world. At present, both of these modes are serviceable and while they may not stand out compared to other offerings, it is worth noting that these modes have often been updated over time with improvements as shown by the Ear() range.
Battery life and user experience are as expected from a pair of buds, the pairing experience has been consistent and each interaction has felt responsive and fluid without causing frustration or leaving ambiguity around which “mode” the buds are in.
In summary, Buds Pro provide a solid recommendation for those wanting a very comfortable pair of TWS without paying a “premium” and are happy using these for casual listening. Features, quality, and software are as expected from this product bracket, with the Nothing branding taking a back seat, but certainly present as the foundations of this product.
