Nothing Buds 2
Promise A12
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
Promise A12
The product receives mixed feedback. Many users praise the battery life, dual charging options, and comfort, but a significant number report issues like a recurring Bluetooth disconnect loop, lack of a microphone, and one unit failing completely within a month. Customer support is also criticized as inaccessible.
Pros
- Long battery life
- Dual charging options
- Comfortable fit
- Good sound quality
- Easy to connect and pair
Cons
- Recurring Bluetooth disconnect loop
- No microphone (playback only)
- Unit failed completely within a month
- Inaccessible customer support
- Earbuds not retractable as expected
Scores
Specifications
| Nothing Buds 2 | Promise A12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | neckband |
| Weight | 0.04 kg★ | 0.18 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 11 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 2★ | — |
| Freq Max | 5 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | — |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | Promise A12 Neckband Bluetooth 5.4 Earbuds – Wireless Headphones with Built-in Type-C OTG Connector, 60H Playtime, Fast Charging, Noise Cancelling, Magnetic & Lightweight Around-The-Neck Fit (Gold) |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | hybrid | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 13.5 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 0.16599999368190765 hrs★ | 2 hrs |
| Fast Charging | 10 min for 7.5 hours playback | — |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 55 hrs | 60 hrs★ |
| Case Charging | USB-C | 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 | — |
Pros & Cons
Nothing Buds 2
- Strong mic (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong battery (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong anc (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
Promise A12
- Strong battery (79th percentile)
- Strong comfort (72nd percentile)
- Strong mic (67th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (9th percentile)9th %ile
- Below average sound (29th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
Nothing Buds 2 offers 2.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 12 of 31 specs.
