Nothing Buds 2
KZ Duet
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 Duet
The KZ semi-in-ear monitors receive mixed feedback. Many users praise the comfortable fit similar to Apple earbuds and clear, bass-forward sound, with some calling them a solid upgrade from consumer buds. However, a significant minority finds the treble overly bright and fatiguing, and the included silicone tips poorly designed, leading to inconsistent seal and sound. Overall, comfort is a highlight, but tuning preferences vary widely.
Pros
- Comfortable fit similar to Apple earbuds
- Clear and full sound quality
- Good value for money
- Sturdy build quality
- Effective noise cancellation
Cons
- Overly bright and fatiguing treble for some
- Included silicone tips poorly designed
- Inconsistent seal with silicone tips
- Sound changes drastically with seal
- Cheap cable quality
Scores
Specifications
| Nothing Buds 2 | KZ Duet | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | — |
| Ear Tips | — | 2 sets |
| Weight | 0.04 kg★ | 0.12 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 11 mm★ | 10 mm |
| Drivers | 2 | 2 |
| Freq Max | 5 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 25 Ω |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | KZ Duet Dual Driver Wired Earbuds with Microphone in-Ear Headphones for PC, Mobile, Nintendo Switch, Noise Isolating Fit, HD Stereo Earphone Convenient for Travel (White, Mic) |
| 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 | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 55 hrs★ | — |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | ChatGPT | voice assistant |
| 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 Duet
- Strong sound (76th percentile)
- Strong comfort (72nd percentile)
- Below average social proof (27th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nothing Buds 2 offers 2.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 33 specs.
