The CMF Buds 2 Plus are budget earbuds that sound like they cost three times their actual price—but only if you use Android. At $79, these earbuds deliver audio quality that rivals premium $200+ competitors, according to reviewer testing. Yet a critical weakness undermines their value proposition: iPhone users face pairing hassles and codec limitations that make the Android experience feel like a completely different product.
Key Takeaways
- CMF Buds 2 Plus cost $79 and match sound quality of $200+ premium earbuds
- Bluetooth 5.4 with 10-meter range and IP55 sweat resistance suit active use
- LDAC codec available on Android via Nothing X app; unavailable on iPhone
- iPhone users report persistent reconnection bugs requiring manual device forgetting
- Dual Connection allows pairing with two devices but lacks true Multipoint seamlessness
Sound Quality That Defies the Price Tag
The CMF Buds 2 Plus deliver audio performance that punches well above their $79 asking price. The earbuds support multiple codecs—SBC and AAC by default, with LDAC available for compatible Android devices through the Nothing X app. This codec flexibility matters. LDAC approaches high-resolution audio standards, giving Android users access to the kind of audio fidelity typically reserved for earbuds costing $200 or more. The result is richer, more detailed sound reproduction that justifies the comparison to premium competitors.
However, there’s a critical caveat: LDAC does not fully match true Hi-Res standards, so calling these “high-resolution” earbuds would be overstating the case. Still, for the price, the audio performance is genuinely impressive. The lightweight design at 52g total weight combined with secure fit and multiple ear tip sizes makes these earbuds equally suited to casual listening and workout sessions.
Android Advantage, iPhone Disadvantage
This is where the CMF Buds 2 Plus reveal their true weakness: they are fundamentally different products depending on your phone’s operating system. Android users enjoy Google Fast Pair integration and full LDAC support through the Nothing X app, creating a seamless, feature-rich experience. iPhone users get neither.
More frustrating than missing codecs are the pairing bugs that plague iPhone owners. Users report that after disconnecting the buds, reconnecting becomes a hassle. The Nothing X app frequently asks users to forget the device and manually reconnect, creating friction that simply does not exist on Android. One iPhone 12 user documented the problem: “The main issue I’m facing with the buds is that connecting the buds is a big hassle on iPhone. If I ever disconnect my buds and try to connect them manually from the Bluetooth menu in the control center or they automatically connect. After which when I open the Nothing X app, it asks me to forget the device every single time and manually reconnect to it via the app”. This is not a minor inconvenience—it is a usability failure that undermines the entire value proposition for iOS users.
Connectivity and Features Worth Knowing
The CMF Buds 2 Plus use Bluetooth 5.4 with a 10-meter range, which is solid for everyday use. The earbuds carry an IP55 rating for sweat resistance, making them suitable for running and workouts without worry. The case charges via USB-C only; wireless charging is absent, which is a notable omission at any price point.
The Dual Connection feature deserves clarification: the earbuds can pair with up to two devices for switching, but this is not true Multipoint connectivity. True Multipoint means seamless simultaneous connection to multiple devices without manual switching. The CMF Buds 2 Plus require you to actively switch between paired devices, which is less convenient than competitors offering genuine Multipoint. For anyone juggling a phone and laptop, this limitation stings.
Who Should Buy the CMF Buds 2 Plus?
If you use Android, the CMF Buds 2 Plus are an obvious buy. You get premium sound quality, LDAC codec support, Google Fast Pair integration, and a $79 price that makes them one of the best value earbuds available. The lightweight design and IP55 rating make them equally at home on a run or at your desk.
If you use iPhone, think carefully. You will miss out on LDAC and Google Fast Pair. More importantly, you will encounter the reconnection bugs that current iPhone users report. Unless you never disconnect your earbuds and plan to leave them paired permanently, the pairing friction will become annoying fast. For iPhone users, AirPods or other earbuds designed with iOS in mind offer a more stable experience, even if they cost more.
How do I pair the CMF Buds 2 Plus with my phone?
Open the case with both earbuds inside and press and hold the pairing button in the lower right corner of the case until the LED light flashes. Then select the CMF Buds 2 Plus from your phone’s Bluetooth settings. On iPhone, you will also want to download the Nothing X app and follow the in-app connection prompts, though users report this step sometimes requires device forgetting and manual reconnection.
Do the CMF Buds 2 Plus work with both iPhone and Android?
Yes, the CMF Buds 2 Plus are compatible with Android 6.0+ and iOS 13+ devices. However, Android users benefit from LDAC high-resolution audio and Google Fast Pair, while iPhone users get neither. iPhone users also face documented pairing stability issues that Android users do not experience.
Can I use the CMF Buds 2 Plus for workouts and running?
Yes. The earbuds weigh just 52g total, offer a secure fit with multiple ear tip sizes, and carry an IP55 rating for sweat resistance. This combination makes them suitable for running and other active pursuits without fear of sweat damage or fit issues.
The CMF Buds 2 Plus represent genuine value for Android users seeking premium sound at a budget price. For iPhone users, however, the pairing headaches and missing codec features make them a harder sell. The lesson here is clear: not every budget earbud is a good deal for everyone. Context—and your phone’s operating system—matters enormously.
Where to Buy
$54.99 at Amazon | $54.99 at Amazon | $79 | $79 | Soundcore P20i
Edited by the All Things Geek team.
Source: Tom's Guide
