CMF BY NOTHING Buds Pro B172
Sony WF-1000XM5
What Buyers Say
CMF BY NOTHING Buds Pro B172
These CMF Buds deliver impressive sound quality with dual drivers and LDAC support, often compared favorably to much pricier competitors. Users praise the comfortable fit, long battery life, and useful case controls, though noise cancellation is noted as merely decent and the build feels a bit plasticky. A few minor complaints include the lack of a USB-C cable and a 5% battery display granularity, but overall they are seen as excellent value for under $60.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with dual drivers
- Great value for under $60
- Comfortable fit for long sessions
- Long battery life
- Useful case controls
Cons
- No USB-C cable included
- Battery display only in 5% increments
- Noise cancellation mediocre for loud sounds
- Build feels plasticky
- Spatial audio is static, not head-tracking
Sony WF-1000XM5
The Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds receive mixed feedback. Many users praise the excellent sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and comfortable fit, making them great for travel and workouts. However, a significant number of complaints focus on Bluetooth connectivity issues, poor ANC compared to previous models, and fit problems that cause discomfort or earbuds falling out. Battery life and case charging also draw criticism, with some users experiencing defects. Overall, while the audio performance is often lauded, reliability and fit concerns prevent a higher rating.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Comfortable fit
- Great battery life
- Customizable app
Cons
- Bluetooth connectivity issues
- Poor ANC compared to previous models
- Fit problems causing discomfort
- Earbuds fall out easily
- Case battery drains quickly
Scores
Specifications
| CMF BY NOTHING Buds Pro B172 | Sony WF-1000XM5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | S | XS, S, M, L |
| Weight | 0.10 kg | 0.01 kg★ |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 11 mm★ | 8.399999618530273 mm |
| Drivers | 2★ | 1 |
| Freq Min | — | 20 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | 5 kHz | 40 kHz★ |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 50 dB | 102 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | LDAC | AAC, LC3, LDAC, SBC |
| Surround | Fast Charging, Microphone Included, Noise Cancellation, Surround Sound, Touch Control | Dolby Atmos |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive hybrid | adaptive |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Profiles | — | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wired Connector | Bluetooth | USB Type C |
| Range | — | 10 m★ |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 10 hrs★ | 8 hrs |
| Charge Time | 0.17000000178813934 hrs★ | 2 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 10 min for 3 hours playback | 3 Minutes for 1 Hour |
| Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 43 hrs★ | 24 hrs |
| Case Charging | — | USB-C★ |
| Wireless Charging | ✓ | ✓ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6 | 6 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | voice assistant | Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Nothing X | Sony Headphone Connect App |
| Volume Limiting | — | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bone Conduction | — | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IPX4 |
Pros & Cons
CMF BY NOTHING Buds Pro B172
- Strong connectivity (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong build (91st percentile)91st %ile
Sony WF-1000XM5
- Strong connectivity (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong mic (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong anc (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (12th percentile)12th %ile
Verdict
Scores 88 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 7 of 40 specs.