When it comes to budget-friendly earbuds, CMF by Nothing has been making a lot of noise. Their latest release, the CMF Buds Pro 2, promises premium features like hybrid ANC, LDAC support, and even a unique “Smart Dial” on the case — all without breaking the bank. But do they really live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the experience.

The Buds Pro 2 arrive in a compact, stylish case that feels sleek yet practical. The standout feature is the Smart Dial on the case, which lets you adjust volume or switch modes by simply twisting or pressing it. It’s a refreshing change from the usual touch controls and makes the earbuds feel more interactive.

Features at a Glance

• Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support (connect to two devices at once).
• Hybrid ANC (up to 50dB) with different levels and a transparency mode.
• LDAC codec support for high-resolution audio (on supported devices).
• IP55 rating, so they’re resistant to sweat and light splashes.
• Smart Dial for physical control right on the case.
• Up to 6–6.5 hours battery life with ANC on (longer with ANC off).
• Fast charging — a quick 10-minute top-up gives you hours of playtime.

Sound Quality

The CMF Buds Pro 2 lean towards a bass-heavy sound signature. If you enjoy thumping lows for EDM, hip-hop, or action-packed movies, you’ll love the energy these bring. However, the bass sometimes overshadows the mids, so vocals and instruments may feel a little pushed back.

Treble has enough sparkle to keep things lively, though at high volumes it can get slightly sharp. Thankfully, the companion app allows you to adjust EQ settings and tone things down to your liking. With a bit of tweaking, the Buds Pro 2 can sound more balanced.

Overall, they’re tuned for fun rather than studio-accurate listening. Casual listeners will enjoy them, but audiophiles may crave more clarity in the mids.

Noise Cancellation & Transparency

The hybrid ANC does a surprisingly good job for the price. It cuts down on low-frequency hums like bus engines, ACs, and traffic rumbles very effectively. High-pitched sounds, like alarms or sharp clatters, still come through a bit, but that’s common in budget earbuds.

Transparency mode works well enough for conversations or staying aware of your surroundings. It doesn’t feel perfectly natural, but it’s more than good enough for daily use.

Battery Life

With ANC on, you can expect around 6 hours of playback, which is decent. Turn ANC off and it stretches closer to 8 hours. The fast charging feature is a lifesaver when you’re in a rush — just 10 minutes in the case gives you hours of use.

That said, if you enable LDAC for high-resolution audio, the battery drains faster and the connection can sometimes get unstable. Most users will probably stick to AAC for stability and longer usage.

Call Quality

The Buds Pro 2 use multiple microphones with AI noise reduction. Calls come out fairly clear, even in noisy environments. In quieter places, voices sound clean and understandable. Outdoors, you might notice some wind interference, but overall, they’re reliable for everyday calling.

Pros and Cons

What’s Great:

• Feature-rich for the price
• Fun, bass-heavy sound
• Effective ANC for low-frequency noise
• Comfortable fit and good seal
• Smart Dial is a unique and practical touch
• Multipoint connectivity and fast charging

What Could Be Better:

• Bass can overshadow vocals and mids
• Treble can get harsh at higher volumes
• Battery life is decent, but not class-leading
• LDAC drains battery and sometimes affects stability
• Call quality is good but not exceptional

The CMF Buds Pro 2 are not perfect, but they pack a punch for the price. If you want fun, energetic sound, strong ANC, and unique usability features, they’re an excellent choice. They won’t satisfy someone looking for audiophile-grade accuracy, but for everyday music, commuting, workouts, and casual calls, they’re more than capable.

CMF has managed to deliver earbuds that feel fresh and exciting in a crowded budget market. The Smart Dial alone gives them a personality most competitors lack.