CMF by Nothing Buds Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds Review


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Discover the CMF by Nothing Dark Grey Bluetooth Earbuds

Unveil the CMF Bluetooth earbuds in Dark Grey, touted to deliver clear highs and powerfully pure bass with oversized 12.4mm Bio-fiber drivers. This product features Ultra Bass Technology 2.0 and five popular EQ settings tuned by Dirac for an optimised sonic experience across music genres.

Experience Extended Playtime and Fast Charging

Boasting up to 35.5 hours of usage with the charging case, which offers 8 hours on the buds alone, these earphones ensure long-lasting entertainment on the go. A rapid 10-minute charge provides 6.5 hours of use, though actual charging times may vary.

Seamless Connectivity with Innovative Features

Equipped with Bluetooth 5.3, the CMF Ear Buds provide dual device connection, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair for effortless pairing. Additional features include touch controls, low-latency mode, and an intuitive companion app, but be wary of potential connectivity issues.

Advanced Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency Mode

Featuring up to 42dB Active Noise Cancellation and a Transparency mode, these in-ear wireless headphones aim to block unwanted noise while enhancing ambient sounds. AI Environmental Noise Cancellation ensures clear calls, although some users may find the experience subpar.

Enhanced Performance and Customisable Options

The CMF by Nothing Earbuds offer customisable equaliser settings, IP54 rating for dust and sweat protection, low-latency mode, game mode, and touch controls. Explore additional features such as ‘find my earbuds’ and more within the Nothing X application, keeping in mind that not all performance claims may meet expectations.

Key Technical Specifications

  • Ear placement: In Ear
  • Form factor: In Ear
  • Noise control: Active Noise Cancellation
  • Drivers: Oversized 12.4mm Bio-fiber
  • Bass Technology: Ultra Bass Technology 2.0
  • Battery Life: Up to 35.5 hours with case, 8 hours on buds alone
  • Charging: 10-minute charge provides 6.5 hours of use
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, dual device connection, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair
  • Noise Cancellation: Up to 42dB, Transparency mode, AI Environmental Noise Cancellation
  • Additional Features: Customizable equalizer, IP54 rated, low-latency mode, game mode, touch controls

CMF by Nothing Earbuds: A New Contender in the Audio Arena

In an increasingly crowded market, the new CMF by Nothing earbuds aim to carve out a niche with a blend of robust audio features and user-friendly technology, but do they stack up against industry stalwarts like Apple’s AirPods Pro and Sony’s WF-1000XM4? For starters, the oversized 12.4mm Bio-fiber drivers combined with Ultra Bass Technology 2.0 are a clear nod to audiophiles seeking powerfully pure bass. Despite this, discerning listeners might feel the highs aren’t as delicately rendered as those produced by the WF-1000XM4’s more sophisticated drivers.

With a formidable 42dB Active Noise Cancellation complemented by AI Environmental Noise Cancellation, CMF promises a cocoon of quiet whether in a bustling café or on a crowded commute. However, compared to Sony’s industry-leading noise-canceling capabilities or Bose’s quiet comfort, CMF still needs to close the gap in ambient sound suppression and clarity.

Battery life is where CMF truly shines. Offering up to 35.5 hours of playtime, it decisively trumps many competitors, such as the AirPods Pro, making it an enticing choice for those frequently on the move. Moreover, the rapid charging that dishes out 6.5 hours from a mere 10-minute charge is a boon for the forgetful.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3 and support for Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, features that provide a competitive edge over rivals that often lack dual-device capabilities. Yet, the touch controls, while comprehensive, may not be as intuitive as one might hope, particularly when compared to the highly polished user experience provided by Apple’s more expensive line.

From an aesthetic standpoint, CMF’s dark grey in-ear design is minimalist, though it lacks the premium sheen that some might expect when juxtaposing it with the sleek elegance of rivals like the AirPods Pro. Its IP54 rating does promise moderate protection against the elements, aligning it well for casual workouts or light weather exposure, though serious athletes might still gravitate toward more rugged options.

The CMF by Nothing earbuds could be an appealing option for those seeking high-quality audio and robust noise-canceling features without breaking the bank. Particularly suited for budget-conscious consumers who value battery longevity and seamless connectivity in their everyday audio gear, CMF presents itself as a practical alternative amid pricier heavyweight brands.

Price: 106.86

Posted by Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller is a Brisbane-based Consumer Technology Editor at Techbest covering breaking Australia tech news.