Nothing Buds 2

With 55 hours of total battery and 48dB ANC, the CMF Buds 2 are shockingly capable for under $50. Call quality lands in the 97th percentile, making them stellar for voice, and our database shows ANC performance rivaling far pricier models. Sound quality measured poorly on accuracy, but owners love the energetic, bass-driven tuning anyway. The price crept up to $41, but the value remains exceptional.

The 11mm dynamic driver pumps out deep, thumping bass that you can feel, and the Dirac Opteo tuning does a solid job keeping vocals crisp and instruments separated, even if the overall signature leans heavily toward low-end excitement. You also get a spatial audio effect powered by an HRTF-based algorithm, adding a cinematic feel to movies and games. In everyday use, this is a very enjoyable listen, especially for pop, hip-hop, and podcasts. Our measurements ding it for lack of neutrality, but we can't ignore that user sentiment is through the roof at the 92nd percentile. For the price, the sound is more than acceptable.

Call quality is a surprise highlight. Six microphones with AI-powered Clear Voice Technology 3.0 and Wind Noise Reduction 3.0 deliver some of the cleanest voice pickup we've measured, ranking in the 97th percentile. Your voice comes through naturally even in gusty conditions, making these a great pick for work-from-anywhere calls. Bluetooth 5.4 keeps the connection stable and supports low-lag mode for gaming, which is a nice bonus. All of that is packed into an IP55-rated build that can handle sweat and rain without flinching.

Stacked against the Samsung Galaxy Buds3 Pro, the CMF Buds 2 hold their own on ANC and battery, but the Samsung's sound quality is in another league entirely. However, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro costs about five times as much. The EarFun Air Pro 4+ is a closer rival, offering similar ANC performance and a more balanced sound profile, but its battery life falls short of the CMF's marathon endurance. Newer flagships like the Technics EAH-AZ100, Sony WF-1000XM6, Bose QuietComfort Ultra, and Apple AirPods Pro 3 all deliver superior sound and more refined ANC, but they cost several times more and still can't match the CMF's battery stamina. The CMF Buds 2 carve out a clear niche: they're the battery and call quality champion for the absolute lowest price, as long as you're okay with a fun, bass-forward sound.

Pricing for the CMF Buds 2 is a bit of a wild ride, ranging from $41 all the way up to $603 across different vendors. Ignore the high end, that's just opportunistic sellers. At the $41 mark on Amazon, these are still an absolute steal. You're getting top-tier ANC and battery life that beats most $100+ earbuds, plus call quality that outperforms the vast majority of the market. The price-to-performance ratio for battery and noise cancellation is off the charts. Even if you pay a bit more, say $50, you're still getting excellent value. Just make sure you're not overpaying for what is fundamentally a budget champ.

The CMF Buds 2 absolutely crush it on battery life and noise cancellation, making a strong case for themselves under $50. With 55 hours of total playtime and a 10-minute quick charge that gives you 7.5 hours of listening, these earbuds sit in the 97th percentile for battery endurance in our database. That's not just good, it's practically best-in-class. The 48dB hybrid ANC is no slouch either, landing in the 92nd percentile and blocking out a surprisingly wide range of frequencies thanks to that 5200Hz ultra-wide range. Outdoor commutes and office chatter don't stand a chance.

Now, about sound quality. Our audio benchmarks tell a different story, placing the CMF Buds 2 in the 6th percentile for accuracy. That looks alarming, but here's the thing: these buds are tuned for entertainment, not critical listening. The 11mm driver with Dirac Opteo processing serves up a bass-heavy, energetic sound that users absolutely rave about. It's a classic case of fun trumping flat response. And with a mic array that hits the 97th percentile, call quality is stellar. So while audiophiles might wince at our charts, the target audience is getting a fantastic all-rounder for the money.

Audiophiles and anyone who needs an accurate, neutral sound signature should walk away. Our benchmarks put these near the bottom for sound quality, so if you crave detail, wide soundstage, or reference tuning, you'll be disappointed. Also, if you're heavily invested in the Google ecosystem and want Fast Pair convenience, or you need a compact case with a dial, these aren't for you. Fitness users who experience ear-slippage should test the fit first.

The CMF Buds 2 are a testament to how much you can get for under $50. If battery life and noise cancellation are at the top of your list, and you enjoy a warm, bassy sound, these are a no-brainer. Our sound benchmarks may give pause, but the tsunami of positive user feedback tells us that most people genuinely love how these sound in real life. They're comfortable, well-built, and deliver call quality that shames earbuds costing three times as much. For everyday listening, commuting, and calls, they're a top budget pick that's easy to recommend, even with the slight price bump.