Nothing Buds 2
JVC HAFX38MA
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
JVC HAFX38MA
The JVC Marshmallow earbuds are widely praised for their comfort, especially the memory foam earpieces that mold to the ear and provide excellent passive noise isolation. Sound quality is generally clear and enjoyable, though bass is minimal and highs may lack absolute clarity. The thin, tangle-prone cord and short cable length are common complaints, but the affordable price and durable build (with care) make them a favorite for many users who buy them repeatedly.
Pros
- Comfortable memory foam earpieces
- Excellent passive noise isolation
- Clear sound quality
- Affordable price
- Durable with care
Cons
- Minimal bass
- Thin, tangle-prone cord
- Short cable length
- Highs lack absolute clarity
- Microphone picks up background noise
Scores
Specifications
| Nothing Buds 2 | JVC HAFX38MA | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | Rounded toe |
| Ear Tips | — | S, M |
| Weight | 0.04 kg | 0.04 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 11 mm★ | 10 mm |
| Drivers | 2★ | — |
| Freq Max | 5 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✗ |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | Android Phone Control, Microphone Included, iOS Phone Control |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | ✗ |
| ANC Type | hybrid | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | — |
| Bluetooth | 5.4★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Wired Connector | — | 3.5mm |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 13.5 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 0.16599999368190765 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 10 min for 7.5 hours playback | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | proprietary |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 55 hrs★ | — |
| Case Charging | USB-C★ | proprietary |
| Wireless Charging | ✗ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | ChatGPT | iPhone / Android |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | Nothing X | iOS, Android |
| 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
JVC HAFX38MA
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong comfort (72nd percentile)
- Strong build (71st percentile)
- Below average sound (28th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
Pricing
Nothing Buds 2 offers 1.9x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 34 specs.