Nothing CMF Buds B185

The CMF Buds 2a deliver hybrid ANC, multipoint Bluetooth 5.4, and a 12.4mm driver for under $30, which is absurd value. Connectivity and mic quality are top-tier, ranking in the top 10% of all earbuds we track. The trade-offs are build quality and a limited app, but for budget buyers who want big bass and reliable performance, these are an easy recommendation.

Let's talk about that 12.4mm driver, because it's the headline spec. Bigger drivers move more air, and that translates to bass you can feel. Our database puts the sound quality at the 54th percentile, which is about average overall, but the user sentiment tells a more specific story: people love the deep bass. Multiple owners mention the low end as a standout, and that's exactly what a 12.4mm dynamic driver should deliver. The highs are crisp enough, but if you're a detail-obsessed listener who wants neutral tuning, these aren't going to replace a pair of studio monitors.

The ANC is rated at 42dB of hybrid noise cancellation, and our data puts it at the 93rd percentile. That's genuinely impressive for this price. It won't erase a jet engine, but it handles the low rumble of buses, office HVAC, and coffee shop chatter well. The transparency mode is mediocre though, and several users mention it sounds a bit muffled. The four-mic setup with noise cancellation for calls is a real strength, landing at the 92nd percentile. Call quality on the other end is clear, which is rare at this price point. Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint is the cherry on top, and connectivity ranks at the 97th percentile. Pairing is quick, the connection is stable, and you can bounce between two devices without drama.

The Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro are the obvious premium alternative. They beat the CMF Buds 2a on sound quality, build, and ANC refinement, but they cost significantly more. If you have the budget and want the best audio experience, Samsung is the move. The CMF Buds 2a are for people who want 80% of the experience for 20% of the price.

The Anker Space A40 is a more direct competitor in the budget ANC space. Anker's app is better, with more EQ control and a more polished experience overall. But the CMF Buds 2a beat the Space A40 on connectivity and mic quality in our rankings. The Soundcore P31i and JLab Jbuds Pods are also in this price range, but neither offers the same combination of hybrid ANC, multipoint, and battery life. The EarFun Air Pro 4 is worth a look if you want better sound tuning, but you'll pay more for it.

This is where the CMF Buds 2a absolutely dominate. At $27 to $29 USD, you're getting hybrid ANC, multipoint Bluetooth 5.4, a 12.4mm driver, and call quality that beats earbuds costing three times as much. The CAD price of $25 and EUR price of €30 tell the same story: this is a budget product that doesn't feel like a compromise on the features that matter most.

Compare that to the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, which sits in a completely different price bracket and offers better sound and build, but costs several times more. The Anker Space A40 is a closer competitor on features, but even that typically runs higher. For someone who wants ANC and solid battery life without spending real money, the CMF Buds 2a are hard to argue against. The trade-off is build quality and app polish, but those are the exact corners you'd expect to be cut at this price.

The Nothing CMF Buds 2a (also listed as B185) are the budget sibling of Nothing's mainline earbuds, and they're here to make a statement. You get a 12.4mm dynamic driver, hybrid ANC rated at 42dB, Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint, and a case that carries 35.5 hours of total battery. All for around $27 to $30 USD depending on where you look. That's not a typo. This is aggressive pricing for a feature set that usually lives in the $60 to $80 range.

Who are these for? Budget-conscious buyers who want big, bass-forward sound and don't want to think about charging every day. The 8 hours of earbud battery life is solid, and the quick charge is genuinely useful: 10 minutes gets you 5.5 hours of playback with ANC off. If you commute, work in an office, or just want a pair of earbuds you can toss in a bag without stress, these fit the bill.

What makes them interesting is the mismatch between price and perception. The connectivity and mic performance rank in the top 10% of all earbuds in our database. The ANC is also up there, around the 93rd percentile. But the build quality sits at the 34th percentile, and sound quality is middle of the pack. So you're getting flagship-level wireless stability and call clarity in a plastic shell that feels, well, like it costs $28. That trade-off is the whole story here.

If you're an audiophile who wants neutral, detailed sound, these aren't for you. The bass-forward tuning from the 12.4mm driver will feel bloated, and the 54th percentile sound quality ranking means there are better-sounding options out there. Look at the EarFun Air Pro 4 or save up for the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro if sound quality is your priority.

Also skip these if you care about build quality or app experience. The plastic construction feels cheap, and the app's 3-band EQ is limiting. If you want a more polished experience with better software, the Anker Space A40 is a better fit. And if you need top-tier ANC for frequent flying, premium options from Sony or Bose will serve you better, though you'll pay significantly more.

If you're a budget buyer who wants big bass, reliable connectivity, and ANC that actually works, the CMF Buds 2a are an easy recommendation. The value proposition is genuinely hard to beat. You're getting features that would have cost $100+ a few years ago for under $30. The battery life is solid, the call quality is excellent, and the connection stability is best-in-class.

But if you care about build quality, app experience, or neutral sound tuning, look elsewhere. The plastic feels cheap, the app is limited, and the sound signature is bass-heavy to a fault for some listeners. Audiophiles and people who want a premium feel should save up for the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro or the EarFun Air Pro 4. For everyone else, the CMF Buds 2a are a steal.