CMF by Nothing Buds 2a

The Nothing Buds 2a, launched in April 2025, bring an exceptional audio experience to the mainstream. As part of Nothing's CMF sub-brand, these earbuds focus on delivering impressive sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit, all at an accessible price point. Designed for everyday use, the Buds 2a are perfect for music lovers, commuters, and anyone seeking a blend of performance and value.

How much is the CMF by Nothing Buds 2a in Kenya?

The price for the Buds 2a is KES. 7,000

The Nothing Buds 2a are a compelling choice for anyone seeking feature-rich wireless earbuds that punch above their price point. With their impressive sound, robust noise cancellation, long battery life, and user-friendly features, they're set to become a popular option in the competitive true wireless earbud market.

CMF by Nothing Buds 2a Technical Specifications:

CMF by Nothing Buds 2a Design and Build

The CMF by Nothing Buds 2a epitomizes Nothing's philosophy of blending distinctive design with practical functionality, all while maintaining an accessible price point. These true wireless earbuds offer a fresh take on budget audio, focusing on a clean aesthetic and robust construction for everyday use.

1. Distinctive Design Language: 
   The CMF Buds 2a carry forward the signature minimalist design cues seen across CMF and Nothing products.
   • Charging Case: The Buds 2a come housed in a familiar square case with rounded corners. Unlike some premium models, it features a PC + ABS body with a matte finish, which is notably fingerprint-resistant. A distinguishing feature is the transparent part that rotates on the left side, designed to allow the attachment of a lanyard for easy portability. While purely ornamental in terms of function (it's not a "Smart Dial" for controls), it adds a unique visual flair. The case itself is compact, measuring 54.7 x 54.7 x 23.0 mm and weighing in at a light 42.75g (51.31g with the earbuds). It also incorporates magnets to securely hold the lid closed and the earbuds in place. An LED light on the front indicates charging status.
   • Earbud Aesthetics: The earbuds themselves maintain the squared-off, minimalist look of their predecessors. They feature a sandblasted matte finish that feels smooth to the touch, complemented by subtle metal accents. The CMF branding on the touch-sensitive area is now smaller, contributing to a cleaner look. Available in appealing colors like Dark Grey, Light Grey, and Orange, the Buds 2a allow for a touch of personal style.
2. Robust Build Quality & Durability
   CMF by Nothing has prioritized durability in the Buds 2a, making them suitable for active lifestyles and daily commutes.
   • Materials: Both the earbuds and the charging case are primarily constructed from high-quality PC (Polycarbonate) and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic. This choice of material ensures excellent UV resistance and impact durability, making them robust enough to withstand the rigors of everyday use. The ear tips are made of silicone for comfort and a secure fit.
   • Water and Dust Resistance: A crucial aspect of their build is the IP54 rating for the earbuds. This means they are dust and splash resistant, capable of handling sweat during workouts, light rain, and general exposure to dust. While not designed for swimming, this level of protection provides confidence for various activities. The charging case also boasts an IPX2 rating for splash resistance, adding an extra layer of protection.
   • Comfort and Fit: Despite their robust build, the CMF Buds 2a are designed for all-day comfort. Each earbud weighs a mere 4.28g, making them exceptionally lightweight. Reviewers often highlight that the earbuds sit securely in the ear without causing fatigue during extended wear, with many noting they sometimes forget they're even wearing them. The ergonomic design aims for a secure fit, even during strenuous activities like running or workouts. They come with S, M, and L-sized ear tips to help users achieve the best possible seal for both comfort and optimal audio performance.
3. Functional Aspects of the Design:
   Beyond aesthetics and durability, the design of the CMF Buds 2a also contributes to their user experience:
   • Portability: The compact size and the lanyard-ready case make them highly portable, easily slipping into pockets or attaching to bags.
   • Touch Controls: Touch-sensitive areas on the earbuds allow for control of music playback, calls, and active noise cancellation. While generally responsive, some users note that activating touch controls on the stems can occasionally push the ear tips further into the ears, potentially compromising the fit temporarily.
   • In-ear Detection: An optical sensor enables automatic pausing of audio when an earbud is removed and resuming playback when it's put back in, enhancing convenience.
   • Secure Magnets: Strong magnets in the case ensure that the earbuds are held firmly in place when charging or not in use, preventing accidental loss.

The CMF by Nothing Buds 2a strike a commendable balance between a distinctive, minimalist design and a durable, practical build. Their thoughtful construction with PC+ABS materials and impressive IP54 water and dust resistance, combined with a comfortable and lightweight fit, makes them an attractive option for users seeking reliable and stylish true wireless earbuds without a premium price tag.

CMF by Nothing Buds 2a Performance

The CMF by Nothing Buds 2a redefine what's possible in the budget true wireless earbud segment. Designed by Nothing's sub-brand CMF, these earbuds deliver a surprisingly well-rounded performance, prioritizing strong audio, effective noise cancellation, and impressive battery life – all at an accessible price point. They stand out as a highly competitive option for everyday listeners, commuters, and even casual gamers.

1. Audio Performance: 
   Equipped with 12.4mm Bio-Fibre dynamic drivers, the CMF Buds 2a are tuned by Dirac and feature Ultra Bass Technology 2.0, providing a rich and impactful low-end. While they do have a noticeable bass emphasis (around 5-9dB more than some neutral sound profiles), it's more controlled and precise than their predecessors, delivering powerful sub-bass without overwhelming vocals. The mid-range is surprisingly full-bodied, making vocals sound bold and well-balanced. While some high-end sparkle might be slightly reduced compared to premium alternatives, the overall sound quality is engaging and enjoyable, especially for popular genres. The Nothing X app allows for custom EQ adjustments, empowering users to fine-tune the sound to their preferences.
2. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Transparency Mode: 
   The CMF Buds 2a boast up to 42dB of Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a remarkable feat for their price. While marketing claims might suggest higher, real-world testing shows effective noise reduction, particularly in the low-frequency range (50-200Hz) where environmental noises like transportation rumble and air conditioning reside. This makes them highly effective for commutes and noisy office environments. The ANC also includes Adaptive Mode, which automatically adjusts the noise reduction level based on your surroundings. The Transparency Mode allows ambient sound to pass through, keeping you aware of your surroundings without needing to remove the earbuds.
3. Call Quality: 
   Featuring 4 HD microphones with Clear Voice Technology and Wind Noise Reduction 2.0, the CMF Buds 2a deliver excellent call quality. Your voice comes through clearly, even in moderately noisy or windy conditions, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted conversations. This makes them a reliable choice for hands-free calls on the go.
4. Battery Life: 
   Battery performance is a major highlight of the CMF Buds 2a. On a single charge, the earbuds offer an impressive 8 hours of playback with ANC off and 5 hours with ANC on. When combined with the charging case, the total playback extends to a remarkable 35.5 hours with ANC off and 23 hours with ANC on. Furthermore, they support 45W SUPERVOOC fast charging, providing a quick power boost: a mere 10-minute charge can deliver up to 5.5 hours of listening with ANC off or 4 hours with ANC on. This extended battery life makes them ideal for long commutes, travel, and extended listening sessions.
5. Connectivity and Latency: 
   With Bluetooth 5.4 and dual-device connectivity, the CMF Buds 2a offer stable and seamless pairing. They also feature a low-latency mode of 110ms (under Game Mode when used with Nothing Phones), which significantly reduces audio delay, making them suitable for casual gaming and video watching where audio-visual synchronization is important. Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair further enhance the pairing experience across various devices.
6. Durability and Comfort: 
   The CMF Buds 2a are built to withstand daily use, featuring an IP54 rating for dust and splash resistance. This makes them suitable for workouts, light rain, and general outdoor activities. The lightweight and ergonomic design ensures a secure and comfortable fit, even during extended wear.
7. Additional Features:
   • Nothing X App Support: Customize touch controls, adjust EQ settings, switch ANC modes, and access "Find My Earbuds" functionality.
   • ChatGPT Voice Integration: Access smart voice assistant features directly from your earbuds.
   • Intuitive Touch Controls: Easily manage music playback, calls, and noise control with customizable touch gestures.

The CMF by Nothing Buds 2a offer exceptional performance for their budget-friendly price. With a bass-rich sound profile, effective active noise cancellation, clear call quality, impressive battery life, and convenient smart features, they present a compelling value proposition. Whether you're a music enthusiast, a busy commuter, or simply seeking reliable and feature-packed earbuds without a hefty price tag, the CMF Buds 2a are a strong contender in the 2025 true wireless earbud market.