Nothing Tech’s CMF subbrand is emphasizing design in its new line of affordable accessories, including chargers, smartwatches, and a set of three wireless earbuds. We received a pair of CMF Buds, and after a week of use, we’ve been able to assess their performance. These vibrant orange earbuds boast impressive audio quality and an eye-catching design, all at an enticingly low price.

After a week of rigorous testing, we’ve put these buds through their paces to bring you a comprehensive review. Let’s dive into what makes the CMF Buds stand out in the crowded wireless earbud market.

Sleek and Stylish Buds 

Unlike the round case of their Buds Pro counterpart, the CMF By Nothing Buds come in a square case with softly rounded corners. The case is a marvel of modern design, featuring:

• A small silver-colored metal ring on the left side for lanyard attachment
• A matte finish that resists fingerprints, made from PC plus ABS plus metal
• Compact dimensions of 54.7 x 54.7 x 22.9 mm
• A weight of 52.84 grams (including the earbuds)

While the case lacks an IP rating, it makes up for it with thoughtful design elements. A strong magnet keeps the lid securely closed, while another set of magnets hold the earbuds firmly in place. An LED light on the front indicates battery status, and the USB Type-C port and pairing function key are conveniently located on the back.

Comfort Meets Durability: Earbuds Built to Last

The CMF Buds themselves are a testament to ergonomic design:

• Matte finish on the stem with a glossy finish on the rest of the earbud
• Lightweight at just 4.57 grams each (0.2 grams lighter than the Buds Pro)
• Compact dimensions of 32.6 x 20.4 x 24.4 mm
• Two microphones per earbud mean 4 microphones in total for superior wind noise cancellation
• Optical sensor for wear detection, automatically pausing and resuming audio
• Available  colors: dark grey, light Grey, Orange, 

With an IP54 rating, these buds are ready to tackle splashes and light rain, making them perfect for workouts or unexpected weather. The comfortable fit ensures they stay put during even the most vigorous activities, while their lightweight design makes them nearly unnoticeable when worn.

Punchy Bass and Customizable EQ

At the heart of the CMF Buds is a 12.4mm bio-fiber driver with custom TPU, enhanced acoustic components, and Ultra Bass Technology 2.0. This, combined with Dirac Opteo’s patented correction technology, delivers a sound profile that punches well above its weight class.

The bass is notably prominent, with an ultra bass option for those who like their music with an extra thump. While the high and mid-range frequencies are decent, they may not blow audiophiles away. 

However, the inclusion of five equalizer presets (Dirac Opteo, Rock, Electronic, Pop, Classical, and Enhance Vocals) ensures you can fine-tune your listening experience. For the true audio tweakers, there’s even a custom EQ option.

Noise Cancellation

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) in the CMF Buds blocks ambient sound up to 42dB, which is impressive for their price point. While it may not match the performance of premium models, it’s more than capable of dulling the drone of everyday life.

The buds operate within a frequency range of up to 2900 Hz, which means they may struggle a bit in varied sound conditions. However, for most users, the ANC will be more than sufficient for commutes, office work, or general use.

A simple tap-and-hold gesture allows you to switch between noise cancellation, transparency mode, and off. The transparency mode is particularly useful for staying aware of your surroundings without removing the earbuds.

Low Latency Gaming Mode

For the gamers out there, the CMF Buds offer a low-latency gaming mode, known as “low lag mode.” This feature works automatically with Nothing phones but needs to be enabled from the settings for other devices. While the exact latency value isn’t disclosed, our tests showed a significant improvement in audio sync during gaming sessions with the mode enabled.

Crystal Clear Calls

The CMF Buds employ Clear Voice Technology and an advanced wind noise reduction algorithm to ensure your calls come through crisp and clear. In our tests, this feature performed admirably, effectively cutting out wind noise during outdoor calls.

Seamless Pairing Connectivity, Dual Device Support

Supporting Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and SBC codecs, the CMF Buds offer solid connectivity options. Pairing is a breeze, especially for Nothing devices, and the fast pair option works well with the latest Android phones. We experienced no pairing or disconnection issues during our tests.

One standout feature is the dual connection support, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch audio playback between them. It’s worth noting that the headset reboots each time you enable or disable this feature, but it’s a small price to pay for such convenience.

Intuitive Controls at Your Fingertips

The touch controls on the CMF Buds are highly customizable through the Nothing X app. By default, you can:

• Skip tracks
• Switch between noise cancellation modes
• Adjust volume (after enabling in the app)

You can further customize actions for double-tap, triple-tap, and double-tap and hold, giving you full control over your listening experience.

Battery Life

The CMF Buds come equipped with a 45mAh battery in each earbud, providing:

• 8 hours of playback without ANC
• 5.6 hours with ANC activated
• Approximately 4 hours of real-world use with mixed ANC usage at 70% volume

The 460mAh charging case extends the total battery life to an impressive 35.5 hours without ANC and 24 hours with noise cancellation activated. While wireless charging isn’t included, the case supports fast charging, providing 6.5 hours of playback (without ANC) after just 10 minutes of charging.

Wrapping Up 

The CMF Buds by Nothing is a triumph of affordable audio technology. They offer a sleek design, comfortable fit, effective noise cancellation, and impressive battery life, all at a price point that’s hard to beat. While they may not match the performance of premium earbuds in every aspect, they deliver exceptional value for money.

The CMF Buds easily rank at the top of their category, offering features and performance that often come with a much higher price tag. Whether you’re a budget-conscious audiophile or simply looking for a reliable pair of wireless earbuds, the CMF Buds deserve a spot on your shortlist.

What’s better is that you can get the product for only $27 by clicking our link here. Its actual price is  $39. However, the discount is for a limited time from 2024/7/16 to 2024/7/21.

With their vibrant design, punchy bass, and comprehensive feature set, the CMF Buds prove that great audio doesn’t have to break the bank. They’re a testament to Nothing Tech’s commitment to delivering stylish, functional, and affordable technology to the masses.