Highlights

• Impressive battery life supporting extended use
• Active Noise Cancellation competes with premium models
• Seamless dual-device connectivity enhances usability
• Stylish and comfortable design with customizable controls

CMF, a sub-brand of Nothing, has expanded its audio lineup with the CMF Buds, following the success of the CMF Buds Pro.

Positioned as a budget-friendly option at Rs 2,999, these earbuds are designed to make quality audio more accessible without skimping on the innovative design and functionality Nothing is known for.

Let’s dive deeper into what these earbuds have to offer in this full CMF Buds review.

CMF Buds: Pros and Cons

CMF Buds: Key Specs

• Battery: 45 mAh (buds), 460 mAh (case)
• Bluetooth: 5.3
• ANC: Up to 42 dB
• Drivers: 12.4 mm bio-fibre
• Water Resistance: IP54
• Connectivity: Dual-connection mode
• Price: Rs 2,999

CMF Buds: Design, Build, and Fit

I’ve got my hands on the CMF Buds by Nothing in a striking Orange colour, though they do offer Dark Grey and Light Grey options as well.

What’s different this time around is the design of the case. Instead of the usual round shape, we saw with the Buds Pro, these come in a square case with softly rounded edges.

A neat addition is this small silver metal ring on the left, designed for attaching a lanyard, giving it a unique touch.

The case’s material – a mix of PC, ABS, and metal, sports a matte finish which is great at keeping fingerprints at bay.

The case also features a rotatable grey wheel on one corner, which is meant for attaching a lanyard that uses a braided design rather than the flat type you might be used to.

A minor disappointment for me was the absence of a charging cable included in the box.

When you flip open the case, you’re greeted by the earbuds nestled securely inside, thanks to magnets that ensure everything stays in place.

The case itself uses magnets to lock, and there’s also a strong magnetic connection keeping the earbuds from falling out.

The design of the earbuds themselves is quite sleek, with a matte finish on the stem and a glossy finish on the rest.

They also feature an optical sensor for wear detection, automatically pausing your music when you take them out and resuming playback when you put them back in.

This feature is a nice touch, making the listening experience more seamless.

You can also see the CMF branding on the outside where the touch-sensitive area is present that lets you control play/pause, ANC, and volume.

The earphones have IP54 ratings for dust and water resistance that can withstand splashes or light rain, but you can’t use it when swimming.

The fit was perfect, and it doesn’t come out easily, even during strenuous activities like running or workout. Since they are light, you don’t feel like wearing the earbuds.

CMF Buds: Features

The CMF Buds come with Bluetooth 5.3 support, including AAC and SBC codecs. While they don’t support LDAC, which is understandable given their price point, connecting them to your devices is a breeze.

Throughout my testing, I found that these earbuds pair smoothly with both iPhones and Android smartphones.

The app offers features like an equalizer, customizable touch and dial controls, bass adjustments, and noise management settings.

For Nothing devices, all you have to do is turn on Bluetooth, open the buds’ case near your phone, and follow the on-screen instructions.

If you’re looking to pair them with another device, just put the buds back in their case, leave the lid open, press and hold the setup button for two seconds, and dive into your device’s Bluetooth settings to find and select the CMF Buds.

This level of customization is a big plus, making it easy to get the sound just right for your ears.

CMF Buds: Sound Quality

Exploring the sound quality of the CMF Buds further, their 12.4 mm bio-fibre drivers coupled with custom TPU aim to elevate the listening experience through enhanced acoustic elements and Ultra Bass Technology 2.0.

Taking a different set of songs for example, when I played “Feel Good Inc.” by Gorillaz, the bass was powerful and enveloping, truly showcasing the Buds’ bass capabilities.

The lows were deep and resonant, providing a solid foundation for the track.

On the other hand, listening to “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin highlighted how the Buds handle intricacies in the mids and highs.

The details in the guitar solos and vocals were clear, though the strong bass presence was still noticeable in the background, somewhat coloring the overall sound profile.

Considering the soundstage, it was adequately spacious when playing “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay, allowing each instrument to be heard distinctly, offering a semblance of an orchestral spread that’s impressive for earbuds in this price range.

CMF Buds: ANC and Battery Life

The ANC functionality of the CMF Buds turned out to be a pleasant surprise, effectively muting the external noise.

With up to 42 dB of noise cancellation, it made environments like a busy café or the rumble in public transport much more bearable.

Cycling through the ANC modes was smooth, and the transparency mode, in particular, was handy for conversations without removing the buds.

The call quality also stood out, thanks to the Clear Voice Technologyand a sophisticated wind noise reduction algorithm.

Whether I was walking down a breezy street or sitting in a noisy café, the person on the other end could hear me without much trouble, a testament to the Buds’ ability to manage call noise efficiently.

The dual-connection mode’s functionality was the icing on the cake, allowing for effortless toggling between my laptop and smartphone.

This flexibility made the CMF Buds a valuable companion for both work and leisure, fitting seamlessly into my tech ecosystem.

But what about the battery life?

Honestly, it’s been pretty impressive.

The buds themselves pack a 45 mAh battery each, with the case holding an additional 460 mAh.

In my experience, using the earbuds for about 4-5 hours daily, the charge from the case extended my usage comfortably across 3-4 days.

It was a relief not having to worry about charging them too frequently—essentially, they got me through half the week without any battery anxiety.

During my entire week with them, I found myself reaching for the charger just twice.

Final Verdict

The CMF Buds strike an excellent balance between affordability, design, and performance.

They deliver on the promise of quality audio experience at a fraction of the cost of premium earbuds, with a few compromises that are understandable given their price point.

5 Reasons to Buy

• Impressive Battery Life: Lasts nearly half a week on a single charge.
• Strong ANC Performance: Competes with higher-end models.
• Seamless Device Switching: Effortless connectivity with multiple devices.
• Comfortable Fit: Stays secure during workouts and runs.
• Attractive Design: Unique and stands out in a crowd.

3 Reasons Not to Buy

• Bass-Heavy Sound: Might not appeal to all users.
• No Charging Cable Included: An additional purchase may be required.
• Lacks Water Resistance: Not suitable for swimming or heavy rain.

Top 5 Alternatives to CMF Buds

Realme Buds Q2

• Price: Rs 2,499
• Battery Life: Up to 20 hours with the case
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• ANC: Basic noise cancellation
• Water Resistance: IPX4
• Special Features: Gaming mode, touch controls
• Driver Size: 10mm

Oppo Enco W11

• Price: Rs 2,999
• Battery Life: Up to 24 hours with the case
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• ANC: No, but has noise reduction for calls
• Water Resistance: IP55
• Special Features: Touch controls, bass-heavy sound
• Driver Size: 8mm

Boat Airdopes 441

• Price: Rs 2,499
• Battery Life: Up to 25 hours with the case
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• ANC: No
• Water Resistance: IPX7
• Special Features: IWP (Instant Wake N’ Pair) Technology, sporty design
• Driver Size: 6mm

Xiaomi Redmi Earbuds S

• Price: Rs 1,799
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours with the case
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• ANC: No, but has DSP for noise reduction
• Water Resistance: IPX4
• Special Features: Low latency mode for gaming, lightweight design
• Driver Size: 7.2mm

JBL C100TWS

• Price: Rs 2,999
• Battery Life: Up to 17 hours with the case
• Bluetooth: 5.0
• ANC: No
• Water Resistance: No specific rating
• Special Features: JBL Pure Bass Sound, quick charge
• Driver Size: 5.8mm

FAQs

What sets the CMF Buds apart from other earbuds in the same price range?

The CMF Buds distinguish themselves with their large 12.4 mm bio-fibre drivers, Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, effective Active Noise Cancellation up to 42 dB, and a dual-connection feature that allows seamless switching between devices. Their battery life and quick charging capability further set them apart, offering extended use with minimal downtime.

Can the CMF Buds handle workouts and runs?

Yes, the CMF Buds are designed with a comfortable and secure fit that stays in place during various activities, including workouts and runs. Their IP54 rating for dust and water resistance ensures they can withstand splashes or light rain, making them suitable for most exercise routines.

How do the CMF Buds perform in terms of call quality?

The CMF Buds excel in call quality thanks to Clear Voice Technology and an advanced wind noise reduction algorithm, ensuring clear and crisp call quality even in noisy environments. This makes them reliable for both personal and professional use.

What are the customization options available with the CMF Buds?

The CMF Buds come with a companion app that allows users to customize their listening experience. This includes access to an equalizer, touch/dial controls, bass control, and noise management settings, making it easy to tailor the sound to your personal preference.

Are the CMF Buds worth the investment for a budget earbud option?

Considering their impressive array of features, including long-lasting battery life, effective ANC, comfortable and secure fit, and the convenience of dual-connection mode, the CMF Buds offer excellent value for their price. They stand out as a strong contender in the budget earbuds market.

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