Budget supremacy remains unchallenged by the CMF Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus.
Gear Up with Harish Jonnalagadda's Hardware Deep Dive
Jump on board as AC Senior Editor Harish Jonnalagadda takes us through the world of hardware, covering everything from phones to audio products, storage servers, and networking gear.
Last month, I raved about the CMF Buds, and now Nothing is ramping up the buzz with the introduction of the Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus. I've extensively tested the Buds Pro 2 over the past six months, and they've proven just what Nothing is capable of in the budget category – design, sound, and features galore without compromise.
Good news: the Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus share the same winning spirit. They maintain the CMF sub-brand's design flair, deliver top-notch build quality, and recreate the acclaimed sound signature – even keeping the orange color in check.
The Buds 2 can be grabbed for $49 on Amazon U.S., while they go for £34 on Amazon U.K. – a solid deal given all the perks. The Buds 2 Plus cost $69 in the U.S. and £49 in the U.K., again, offering a standout value.
India is Nothing's biggest market, and the Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus aren't available yet. However, when they do launch, the Buds 2 will retail for just ₹2,699 ($31) in India, and the Buds 2 Plus will come in at ₹3,299 ($38). Sales are expected to commence by the end of June, and given their competitive pricing, they're bound to sell like hotcakes, especially with the Buds 2 Plus.
Both the Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus share a similar design, with distinctive cases housing a rotating dial. The Buds 2's transparent design makes the dial particularly eye-catching, while the Buds 2 Plus opt for a matte dial and a soft touch plastic feel.
Both earbud models come loaded with standard features like reliable ANC, Google Fast Pair, Bluetooth 5.4, and in-ear detection. They also pack six mics each, ensuring clear phone calls and sound. IP55 dust and water resistance keep them protected, and the ability to connect to two devices at the same time adds versatility.
The Buds 2 alone is an excellent choice, thanks to its glossy finish, comfortable fit, and impressive sound. Its 11 custom driver and Dirac tuning come together to create an immersive audio experience – particularly with rich bass response, clean mids, and a well-balanced treble.
The Buds 2 Plus last just as long as the regular model, but they boost LDAC codec support, granting higher bitrates if you're using a lossless source. They also feature a slightly bigger 12mm driver with a bump in low-end response, and they retain the same clean mids and treble as the regular model.
What sets the Buds 2 Plus apart is their custom sound profile, which tailors the audio based on your hearing. A hearing test adjusts the balance between frequencies, providing a personalized sound experience. You'll also find the same Ultra Bass mode and EQ controls as in the regular Buds 2.
Both Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus imbue their users with sound quality that competes with top-tier earbuds in the budget category. By catering to its audience, Nothing extends its dominance in the market.
For those seeking budget earbuds with LDAC and customizable sound, the Buds 2 Plus are the ones to snap up. If you're all about maximizing value, the Buds 2 are the better pick, offering fantastic sound quality without compromising on features.
Harish Jonnalagadda's Hardware Deep Dive delves into a range of gadgets, including smartphones and technology. In the recent launch, Nothing has introduced Buds 2 and Buds 2 Plus, which share a design, build quality, sound signature, and features with the CMF sub-brand's previous earbuds at competitive prices.
