As a tech reviewer, I spend a lot of my time testing out some of the best cheap wireless earbuds. And this month, I think I've found the budget buds that take the crown.
I've spent the last couple of weeks testing the CMF Buds 2a, and I've been blown away by their performance in sound, active noise cancellation and, of course, their price tag.
The CMF Buds 2a are available on Amazon U.S. for $39 at full price, but are regularly on sale for as little as $29 — an absolute bargain. So here's everything I like about the buds, and also the features that I don't like.
What I like
Impressive audio performance
Despite the small price tag, these buds pack a punch in the audio department. With the inclusion of customizable EQ settings and tuning, the balanced soundstage makes these buds sound a lot more expensive than they actually are.
I listened to a whole host of different genres using these buds, including metal, pop, and electronic, and every one was well supported without any playback issues. I now carry these buds with me everywhere, and they've replaced my Apple AirPods 3 earbuds as my daily drivers.
Adaptive ANC
I've tested a bunch of earbuds from CMF by Nothing, and they all have great active noise cancellation capabilities. These buds have a little less customization than more expensive models by CMF, but are still incredibly effective.
ANC can be adjusted in the Nothing X app or with touch controls on the stem of the earbuds. I could easily toggle between Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode to ensure I was comfortable in my surroundings at all times.
Reliable battery life
The CMF Buds 2a have an impressive battery life of 35.5 hours. This is with ANC turned off but for everyday listening, it's a reliable mount of battery.
If you're listening with ANC tuned on the total battery life is reduced to 23 hours. This is still enough battery that I can go all day without needing to recharge the case. I end up charging these buds once a week, and I listen to music with them every day.
What I don't like
No in-ear detection
In-ear detection is a feature that gets missed out in a lot of cheap earbud models, and it's one I don't realise I need until it's gone. In-ear detection recognises when the buds are in your ear to pause and play your music accordingly, so you never miss a note.
Unfortunately, the CMF Buds 2a model doesn't have this feature, but other affordable models from CMF, like the CMF Buds 2 Plus, do.
Plasticky design
This is to be expected, but with the extremely low price comes a cheaper design. The buds are very lightweight and made from plastic.
Because of this, they feel slightly delicate, although I haven't had any issues with them. More expensive buds feel like they could withstand a drop, for example, but that's a trade-off you're making for cheaper buds.
But these are very minor flaws when considering all of the great things about these buds. They have become a staple in my bag and come with me everywhere; a totally reliable solution for when I need earbuds in a quick pinch.
