Nothing Buds 2
Linsoul Arete ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete
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
Linsoul Arete ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete
The Ziigaat Arete IEMs receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional detail retrieval and directional audio, making them a top choice for competitive gaming. Users praise the crisp sound, good bass, and overall value under $300, though some note a tight fit and delicate stock cable. A few verified reviews report quality control issues like a defective balanced armature or left earbud volume drop, and the warranty process is described as frustrating. Overall, the Arete is seen as a strong performer for gaming and music, but potential buyers should consider aftermarket tips and cables.
Pros
- Exceptional detail retrieval
- Excellent directional audio for gaming
- Crisp and clear sound
- Good bass without muddiness
- Great value under $300
Cons
- Tight fit for some users
- Delicate stock cable
- Short cable length (approx. 2 ft)
- Hissing noise with certain adapters
- Quality control issues (defective BA, volume drop)
Scores
Specifications
| Nothing Buds 2 | Linsoul Arete ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | in-ear monitor |
| Weight | 0.04 kg★ | 0.22 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | hybrid |
| Driver Size | 11 mm★ | 10 mm |
| Drivers | 2 | 5★ |
| Freq Max | 5 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 32 Ω | 9 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 108 dB★ |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | Linsoul ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete in Ear Monitor, 1DD+4BA Hybrid Earphone IEM, Wired Gaming Earbuds, Studio Monitor Tunning, with Detachable IEM Cable for Musician Audiophile(Black) |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | — |
| ANC Type | hybrid | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.4★ | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| 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★ | — |
| 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 (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong battery (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong anc (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
Linsoul Arete ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete
- Strong sound (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (67th percentile)
- Below average mic (12th percentile)12th %ile
- Below average connectivity (28th percentile)
- Below average comfort (28th percentile)
- Below average anc (31st percentile)
Pricing
Nothing Buds 2 offers 21.5x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 89 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 17 of 33 specs.
