CMF Buds Review: Affordable True Wireless Earbuds That Pack a Blast
CMF Buds by Nothing's CMF by Nothing sub-brand are creating a buzz. They're designed to be a more affordable option compared to the previous CMF Buds Pro, and they come with some cool features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and dual-device pairing. So, are these earbuds worth your hard-earned cash? Let's break it down.
CMF Buds by Nothing's CMF by Nothing sub-brand are creating a buzz. They're designed to be a more affordable option compared to the previous CMF Buds Pro, and they come with some cool features like Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and dual-device pairing. What's in the Box?
When you open up the CMF Buds package, you'll find:
Design and Build Quality
Design: The CMF Buds ditch the round case of the Buds Pro for a sleek square design with rounded corners. There's a silver metal ring on the side for attaching a lanyard, which is a nice touch. The case has a PC + ABS + metal build with a matte finish that resists fingerprints. It measures 54.7 x 54.7 x 22.9 mm and weighs 52.84 grams with the earbuds inside. No IP rating, so it's not water-resistant.
Build: The earbuds themselves are lightweight at 4.57 grams each, 0.2 grams lighter than the Buds Pro. They feature a matte finish on the stem and a glossy look on the rest of the body. With dimensions of 32.6 x 20.4 x 24.4 mm, they're quite compact. Each earbud has two mics for improved wind noise cancellation and an optical sensor for auto-pause when you remove them.
Fit: The fit is solid. Even during intense activities like running, they stay put and don't feel heavy. Plus, they're comfortable enough for extended wear.
Connectivity, Pairing, and Controls
Bluetooth and Pairing: The CMF Buds use Bluetooth 5.3 with AAC and SBC codecs (no LDAC here). Pairing is straightforward, especially with Nothing devices. Just open the case, bring it close to your phone, and follow the prompts. For other devices, use the setup button on the case to enter Bluetooth mode. Dual-device connectivity lets you switch between two devices, but it's a bit clunky as the earbuds reboot each time you toggle this feature.
Controls: The touch controls are intuitive. You can play/pause, skip tracks, switch between noise cancellation modes, and adjust volume—all with taps. Volume control is turned off by default but can be enabled via the Nothing X app. Here's how it breaks down:
You can customize these controls using the Nothing X app available for both Android and iPhone. There's also a 'Find My Earbud' feature that plays a high-pitched sound to help you locate misplaced earbuds.Audio Quality
Drivers: The CMF Buds come with 12.4 mm bio-fiber drivers and custom TPU for enhanced acoustics. They feature Ultra Bass Technology 2.0 and Dirac Opteo correction technology.
Sound: The bass is prominent, and you can boost it further with the ultra bass option. High and mid-range frequencies are decent but not outstanding. You get five equalizer presets (Rock, Electronic, Pop, Classical, Enhance Vocals) and a custom EQ option to tweak your sound experience.Noise Cancellation and Call Performance
ANC: The ANC feature blocks out ambient noise up to 42dB, which is slightly less effective compared to the 45dB on the Buds Pro. It's okay for most situations but struggles with varied noise environments like busy streets.
Transparency Mode: This lets you hear your surroundings but isn't as refined as the Buds Pro. The low-latency gaming mode (Low Lag Mode) works with Nothing phones automatically, but you need to enable it manually for other devices. Without it, latency can be noticeable.
Calls: Call quality is clear, with advanced wind noise reduction tech that keeps your voice crisp. It's effective for calls, even in breezy conditions.Battery Life
Earbuds: With ANC off, the CMF Buds offer around 7 hours of use. With ANC on, you get about 5.6 hours. For calls, expect around 4 hours with ANC enabled. The battery life is decent but not stellar.
Charging Case: The 460mAh case extends total battery life to 35.5 hours without ANC and 24 hours with ANC. It doesn't support wireless charging, but fast charging is available. A 10-minute charge gives you about 6.5 hours of playback without ANC.
Conclusion
The CMF Buds are a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers. They offer good build quality, decent audio performance, and useful features like dual-device pairing. While the ANC and transparency modes aren't as refined as those on the Buds Pro, they're still effective for their price. If you're looking for value for money, especially with the introductory price of Rs. 2,299, the CMF Buds are worth considering.
Pros:
• Solid build quality
• Decent audio performance
• Good battery life
• Dual-device connectivity
Cons:
• Not So much. The CMF Buds offer a great deal for their features.
