Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+
Nothing Buds 2
What Buyers Say
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+
The Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ earbuds receive generally positive feedback for their excellent bass-heavy sound quality, comfortable lightweight design, and compact charging case. However, some users report fit issues, ear fatigue during extended wear, and a few experienced charging defects or mediocre sound. The app and features like ANC and multipoint connectivity are appreciated, though the price is considered slightly high by some.
Pros
- Excellent bass-heavy sound quality
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Compact charging case
- Good battery life
- Effective ANC and hear-through modes
Cons
- Fit issues for some users
- Ear fatigue during extended wear
- Charging defects reported
- Mediocre sound for some
- Price considered slightly high
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
Scores
Specifications
| Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+ | Nothing Buds 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | Extra Small, Small, Medium, and Large | — |
| Weight | 0.04 kg★ | 0.04 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 9 mm | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | — | 2★ |
| Freq Min | 100 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 8 kHz★ | 5 kHz |
| Impedance | 20 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 110 dB★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | — | hybrid |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.4★ |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | USB Type C | — |
| Range | 10.100000381469727 m★ | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 6.5 hrs | 13.5 hrs★ |
| Charge Time | 3 hrs | 0.16599999368190765 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 10 min for 7.5 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 11 hrs | 55 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | ✗ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | — | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Pattern | Omnidirectional | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | ChatGPT |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | A-T Connect | Nothing X |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IP55 |
Pros & Cons
Audio-Technica ATH-CKS30TW+
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong anc (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong sound (80th percentile)80th %ile
- Below average battery (11th percentile)11th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (33rd percentile)
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
Pricing
Nothing Buds 2 offers 2.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 7 of 39 specs.
