Nothing Buds 2
KZ ZAS
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
KZ ZAS
The KZ ZAS is widely praised for its excellent sound quality, with detailed highs, tight bass, and a wide soundstage that rivals far more expensive IEMs. However, several users report reliability issues, particularly with one driver failing during live performances, and the stock ear tips are considered flimsy. Despite these concerns, many find it an incredible value for the price, especially for casual listening and gaming.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality for the price
- Detailed highs and tight bass
- Wide soundstage
- Good for gaming
- Durable build (except ear tips)
Cons
- Driver failure in some units
- Flimsy stock ear tips
- Bright tuning may cause fatigue
- Weak bass for some listeners
- Scratches easily on resin shell
Scores
Specifications
| Nothing Buds 2 | KZ ZAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | in-ear |
| Weight | 0.04 kg | 0.03 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | hybrid |
| Driver Size | 11 mm★ | 10 mm |
| Drivers | 2 | 8★ |
| Freq Max | 5 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 24 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | KZ ZAS 7BA+1DD in Ear Earphone 8 Unit Hybrid Technology Flagship Wired Earbuds Monitor Headphones 8Core Cable Music Sport Earphone (with Mic, White) |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | hybrid | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.4★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | — | 3.5mm |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 13.5 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 0.16599999368190765 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 10 min for 7.5 hours playback | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 55 hrs★ | — |
| Case Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | ChatGPT | — |
| Touch Controls | ✓★ | — |
| App | Nothing X | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✓★ | — |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | — |
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
KZ ZAS
- Strong sound (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong comfort (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong user sentiment (67th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average connectivity (34th percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nothing Buds 2 offers 3.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 16 of 33 specs.
