CMF Buds Pro 2 Review: A Dial-Wielding Budget Earbud That Falls Short
Nothing, the brand known for its transparent design and unique aesthetic, has been on a roll lately. They’ve released two phones in four months, and their Ear (a) earbuds have even earned a coveted spot on Gizmodo’s Best Gadgets of the Month list. Now, Nothing’s sub-brand, CMF, is making waves in the budget audio market with their latest offering – the CMF Buds Pro 2.
These earbuds arrive with a striking orange charging case, a customizable smart dial, and a surprisingly low retail price of just $60. At first glance, they seem like they’ve stepped straight out of a Teenage Engineering studio. But does the retro look translate into impressive performance?
Let’s dive into the details and see if the CMF Buds Pro 2 live up to the hype.
Design and Build:
The orange charging case is undoubtedly the star of the show. It’s vibrant and attention-grabbing, reminiscent of the stylish aesthetic we’ve come to expect from Nothing. However, the case itself is made of plastic, and it feels surprisingly lightweight. While the light weight is beneficial for portability, it doesn’t exactly scream "premium" quality.
The smart dial adorns the top left corner of the case, adding a unique touch to the design. This dial is more than just aesthetics; it’s fully customizable via the Nothing X app and allows you to control various functions directly from the case. However, finding the pairing button, tucked away discreetly within the case, can be a bit challenging.
The earbuds themselves, while not as visually striking as the case, offer a comfortable fit. The IP55 rating means they’re splash-proof, but not fully waterproof – so you’ll want to keep them away from the pool or a heavy downpour.
Controls and Functionality:
The smart dial on the charging case offers a compelling way to control the earbuds without taking them out of your ears. From playing/pausing music to answering calls and adjusting volume, it provides a decent degree of control, especially when you’re lying in bed or lounging on the couch.
However, the on-bud controls are a different story. There’s no single tap command, which is a significant oversight for anyone used to the standard single tap for play/pause. You’re left with relying on double taps and holds for playback and volume control, which feels clunky and less intuitive. The touch interface itself isn’t particularly sensitive, making precise gestures a little hit-and-miss.
ChatGPT Integration:
The ChatGPT integration, a bold feature for a budget earbud, is a promising but somewhat flawed concept. While the setup process is straightforward, requiring only the download of the ChatGPT app and setting the voice assistant in the Nothing X app, the actual implementation is a bit rough around the edges.
It took multiple attempts and even restarting the app and earbuds to finally get ChatGPT responding correctly. Additionally, the voice response is not entirely hands-free. You can’t interrupt the voice by speaking over it or tapping on the earbuds. The only way to stop the voice is to tap on your phone’s screen, which defeats the purpose of having an LLM directly integrated.
The response time is decent, but the voice itself often stutters and glitches, sometimes even playing different responses in each ear at different times. While it’s nice to have access to ChatGPT through your earbuds, the inconsistent implementation makes it difficult to rely on for consistent, reliable results.
Sound and Noise Cancellation:
The CMF Buds Pro 2 promise impactful sound with an 11mm bass driver and 6mm tweeter, but the overall listening experience is somewhat underwhelming. While the bass is prominent and powerful, it often overpowers other frequencies, creating a muddy and less defined sound. The treble, while bright, doesn’t quite provide the sharpness and clarity one might expect.
The customizable EQ settings in the Nothing X app offer some control over the sound profile, but even after tweaking the frequencies, the overall audio quality doesn’t reach the level of other earbuds in this price range. For those who prioritize a detailed, dynamic soundstage, the CMF Buds Pro 2 will likely disappoint.
Noise Cancellation (ANC) is also a weak point. While it does a decent job of dampening background noise like fans and gentle conversations, it struggles to effectively block out louder noises like traffic or construction. For those seeking a truly immersive listening experience, even in busy environments, the CMF Buds Pro 2 won’t cut it.
Battery Life:
The standout feature is undoubtedly the battery life. CMF boasts a whopping 43 hours of playtime with the charging case. While I haven’t tested those claims exhaustively, initial usage suggests that the battery life is impressive and well beyond the 11 hours of music playback or 6 hours of talk time promised by the earbuds themselves.
Quick charging is also a feature – a 10-minute charge gives you up to seven hours of playback. The multipoint connectivity allows for seamless switching between two devices, making these earbuds perfect for those who multitask across their phone and laptop.
Verdict:
The CMF Buds Pro 2 attempt to strike a balance between affordability and practicality, but ultimately, they fall short. The eye-catching design and customizable smart dial on the charging case are appealing, but the average sound quality and inconsistent ChatGPT integration bring down the overall experience.
For budget-conscious audiophiles, there are much better options available at similar price points. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE, while not as stylish, delivers much better sound and ANC for $80. For those prioritizing a dynamic and spacious soundstage, the OnePlus Buds 3 is an excellent contender at $70.
If you’re on a tight budget and desperately need a pair of earbuds with a long battery life, the CMF Buds Pro 2 might work for you. However, if you’re looking for a well-rounded, reliable listening experience with a dash of innovation, there are superior choices out there.
