Nothing Buds 2
Shokz OpenFit
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
Shokz OpenFit
Overall, users find these Shokz open-ear headphones comfortable and excellent for maintaining situational awareness. However, consistent complaints about unreliable touch controls and poor call quality with cutting in and out significantly detract from the experience. While some users love them for casual listening, others returned them due to major usability flaws.
Pros
- Comfortable over-ear fit
- Great situational awareness
- Lightweight design
- Clear audio quality
- Secure fit without falling out
Cons
- Unreliable touch controls
- Poor call quality with cutting out
- Not suitable for sleeping
- Fit different from headband version
- Controls are a stepdown from traditional Shokz
Scores
Specifications
| Nothing Buds 2 | Shokz OpenFit | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | open-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | ear-hook |
| Weight | 0.04 kg★ | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 11 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 2★ | — |
| Freq Max | 5 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | — |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | SHOKZ OpenFit - Open-Ear True Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Microphone, Earbuds with Earhooks, Sweat Resistant, Fast Charging, 28HRS Playtime, Compatible with iPhone & Android (Renewed) |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | hybrid | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.4★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 13.5 hrs★ | 7 hrs |
| Charge Time | 0.16599999368190765 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 10 min for 7.5 hours playback | 5-minute quick charge provides an hour of battery life |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 55 hrs★ | 28 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 | Water-Resistant |
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
Shokz OpenFit
- Strong battery (72nd percentile)
- Strong build (71st percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (21st percentile)
- Below average comfort (29th percentile)
- Below average sound (29th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 17 of 31 specs.