In the increasingly crowded market of affordable true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds, CMF by Nothing has just thrown its hat into the ring with the CMF Buds 2a. Launched in India on April 28, 2025, and recently made widely available from June 25, 2025, these earbuds aim to deliver a compelling audio experience without breaking the bank, priced at â‚ą2,199. But do they live up to the hype and offer the “real deal” for Indian consumers? Let’s dive deep into what the CMF Buds 2a bring to the table.
the CMF Buds 2a are undoubtedly a real deal in the Indian market for budget-conscious consumers looking for a well-rounded pair of TWS earbuds
Design and Build: A Touch of CMF’s Signature Aesthetic
CMF, Nothing’s sub-brand, is known for its distinct, minimalist yet striking design language, often incorporating a playful orange hue. The CMF Buds 2a continue this trend.
- Compact and Lightweight: The earbuds and their charging case are designed to be highly portable and comfortable for extended wear. The case is a familiar square with rounded corners, maintaining CMF’s recognizable aesthetic.
- Color Options: Available in Dark Grey, Light Grey, and the signature Orange, giving users a choice to match their style.
- IP54 Rating: The earbuds boast an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance, making them suitable for workouts and light rain, which is a practical addition for daily use in India’s varied climate. The case itself has an IPX2 rating for splash resistance.
Audio Performance: Bass-Forward with Dirac Tuning
The CMF Buds 2a pack a punch in the audio department, especially considering their price point.
- 12.4mm Bio-Fibre Drivers: These custom-tuned drivers are designed to deliver rich, clear audio with an emphasis on bass.
- Dirac Tuning: The audio is precision-tuned by Dirac, a renowned audio technology company, aiming for optimal sound quality. This contributes to a generally balanced sound profile, though it leans towards a bass-heavy signature.
- Ultra Bass Technology 2.0: For those who crave extra thump, CMF has included Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, allowing users to customize bass levels via the Nothing X app.
- Customizable EQ: Through the Nothing X app, users can access various equalizer presets (Dirac Opteo, Rock, Electronic, Pop, Classical, Enhance Vocals) or create their own custom EQ to tailor the sound to their preferences.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Call Quality
One of the standout features at this price point is the inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC).
- Up to 42dB Smart Active Noise Cancellation: The CMF Buds 2a offer significant noise reduction, effectively suppressing low-frequency sounds like engine hum or ambient street noise. This makes them a strong contender for commuters.
- Transparency Mode: For moments when you need to be aware of your surroundings, a Transparency Mode allows ambient sounds to filter in.
- Smart Adaptive Mode: The earbuds can intelligently adjust the noise reduction level based on your environment in real-time.
- Clear Calls: Equipped with a six-mic system featuring Clear Voice and Wind Noise Reduction 2.0 technologies, the Buds 2a aim to deliver crisp and clear call quality, even in noisy environments.
Battery Life: Powering Your Day
Long-lasting battery life is crucial for TWS earbuds, and the CMF Buds 2a impress here.
- Earbuds Playback: Up to 8 hours of standalone playback with ANC off.
- Total Playback with Case: A remarkable 35.5 hours of total playback when combined with the charging case.
- Fast Charging: A quick 10-minute charge can provide up to 5.5 hours of listening time, perfect for those on the go.
Connectivity and Smart Features
The CMF Buds 2a offer a seamless and feature-rich user experience.
- Bluetooth 5.4: Ensures stable and efficient wireless connectivity with a range of up to 10 meters.
- Dual Device Connectivity: A highly convenient feature allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them effortlessly.
- Nothing X App Compatibility: The dedicated Nothing X app (available for Android 6.0+ and iOS 13.0+) is your control center for customizing touch controls, EQ settings, ANC modes, and accessing a low-latency mode (under 110ms in Game Mode, optimized for Nothing Phones).
- In-ear Detection: Automatically pauses music when you remove the earbuds and resumes when you put them back in.
- Find My Earbud: A handy feature to locate misplaced earbuds by emitting a high-pitched sound.
The Verdict: Are CMF Buds 2a the Real Deal for India?
For their price of â‚ą2,199, the CMF Buds 2a present a highly compelling package. They offer a comprehensive set of features, including strong active noise cancellation, impressive battery life, customizable audio, and dual-device connectivity, which are often found in higher-priced earbuds.
Pros:
- Excellent Value for Money: Feature-packed at a competitive price.
- Effective ANC: Good at cutting out low-frequency ambient noise.
- Long Battery Life with Fast Charging: Ensures continuous listening.
- Clear Call Quality: Six-mic system with noise reduction.
- Customizable Audio: Through the Nothing X app’s EQ and Ultra Bass.
- Dual Device Connectivity: Seamless switching between devices.
- IP54 Water and Dust Resistance: Durable for everyday use.
Cons (Minor considerations for a budget earbud):
- While ANC is good for the price, it might not completely block out very high-pitched or sudden noises.
- The sound profile is bass-forward, which may not appeal to purists seeking a completely neutral sound (though customizable).
In conclusion, the CMF Buds 2a are undoubtedly a real deal in the Indian market for budget-conscious consumers looking for a well-rounded pair of TWS earbuds. They deliver a premium experience at an affordable price, making them a strong recommendation for students, daily commuters, and anyone seeking a feature-rich audio companion without compromising on essential functionalities. Nothing’s CMF brand continues to impress by bringing advanced technology to a broader audience.