Nothing Buds 2
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9
What Buyers Say
Nothing Buds 2
The CMF Buds 2 are widely praised for delivering excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit at an affordable price. Users highlight the rich bass, clear vocals, and solid ANC performance that rivals more expensive models. While some note the bass can be slightly overpowering and the touch controls have limited customization, the overall value is considered outstanding. The long battery life, USB-C charging, and premium build further cement these as a top budget choice.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with rich bass
- Effective noise cancellation for the price
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Long battery life with USB-C charging
- Premium build and design
Cons
- Bass can be slightly overpowering
- Limited touch control customization
- Case lacks functional dial
- Case is somewhat bulky
- No Google Fast Pair support
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9
The Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 earbuds receive high praise for their exceptional sound quality, with many users noting clear vocals, deep bass, and a wide soundstage. However, several reviews highlight significant issues with the left earbud not charging properly and mediocre active noise cancellation that struggles with wind and body noise. Call quality is also reported as poor by some, with robotic audio and connection drops. Overall, these earbuds are recommended for audiophiles who prioritize sound over ANC and reliability.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Clear vocals and deep bass
- Wide soundstage
- Comfortable fit
- Premium design and build
Cons
- Left earbud charging issues
- Mediocre active noise cancellation
- Poor call quality with robotic audio
- Bluetooth connection drops
- Difficult ear tip swapping
Scores
Specifications
| Nothing Buds 2 | Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | — | 4 diameter sizes, 3 stem lengths |
| Weight | 0.04 kg★ | 0.07 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | high-resolution |
| Driver Size | 11 mm★ | 5.800000190734863 mm |
| Drivers | 2★ | — |
| Freq Max | 5 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9 Wireless Earbuds, Premium Listening Experience with Bluetooth Wireless, Noise-Cancellation, High-Resolution Drivers with Innovative Acoustic Technology |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | hybrid | hybrid |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.4★ | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 13.5 hrs★ | 6 hrs |
| Charge Time | 0.16599999368190765 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 10 min for 7.5 hours playback | — |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 55 hrs★ | 18.5 hrs |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | ChatGPT | Siri, Google Assistant |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Nothing X | A-T connect |
| Gaming Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
Nothing Buds 2
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong battery (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong anc (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
Audio-Technica ATH-TWX9
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong anc (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong build (79th percentile)
- Strong comfort (72nd percentile)
- Below average battery (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 9 of 33 specs.