CMF Buds 2 Plus Review (2026): LDAC Value for Android

This CMF Buds 2 Plus review looks at a pair of earbuds that pack a lot of headline features into a mid-range package: 50 dB hybrid noise cancellation, LDAC for higher-quality streaming, and a battery figure that stretches to 61.5 hours with the case. They come from CMF by Nothing, and they are aimed squarely at Android users who want ANC, decent sound and long battery life without moving into the premium tier.

This article is based on the manufacturer's specifications and on what independent expert reviews report. We haven't run our own hands-on tests. The score on the page reflects those expert verdicts, and below we explain what the specs mean in daily use and where reviewers say the compromises are.

What the CMF Buds 2 Plus is trying to be

The pitch is simple. The Buds 2 Plus aims to cover noise cancelling, sound and battery life, and adds a few conveniences on top, such as dual-device connection, IP55 dust and water resistance and a feature-rich companion app.

It is not a one-size-fits-all pick, though. The strongest part of the package, the high-quality audio, depends on LDAC, which is an Android-side codec. That shapes who the earbuds suit best, and it comes up repeatedly in what experts say.

Design and build

The case measures 53×53×23 mm and the whole kit weighs 52 g with the case. Reviewers describe the fit as lightweight and comfortable. As with any earbud, comfort and seal vary from ear to ear, so treat that as a general expert impression rather than a promise.

The buds carry an IP55 rating. In practice that means protection against dust and against jets of water, which is enough for sweaty workouts and light rain. It is not a rating for swimming or submersion, so keep them out of the pool.

Three sizes of silicone ear tips (S, M and L) are in the box. A common criticism from reviewers is that the included tips feel cheap and can weaken the seal. That matters because, as reviewers note, the cheap tips can weaken the seal and the ANC. If the stock tips don't suit your ears, a third-party set may be worth considering.

Features and what they mean day to day

Noise cancellation

The Buds 2 Plus uses 50 dB hybrid ANC with a Smart Adaptive mode that adjusts to your surroundings. Hybrid ANC uses microphones on both the outside and inside of the earbud to detect and cancel noise. The adaptive mode is meant to take the guesswork out of switching profiles as you move from a quiet room to a busy street. Reviewers consider the ANC solid for the price, though the quality of your ear-tip seal will affect how well it performs.

Sound and codecs

Inside each bud is a 12 mm LCP dynamic driver, aimed at deep bass. Codec support covers LDAC, AAC and SBC, and the earbuds are marketed with Hi-Res Audio. LDAC can send more audio data over Bluetooth than the standard codecs, which is what lets compatible Android phones stream higher-quality sound.

That is also the catch. Experts note that sound is noticeably weaker over AAC, the codec iPhones use. If you listen mostly on an iPhone, you won't get the benefit that makes these earbuds stand out. On Android with LDAC enabled, reviewers say the sound is strong.

Calls

Six HD microphones with Clear Voice Technology 3.0 handle calls. The published specs don't go beyond the hardware and the noise-reduction branding, so we won't make claims about how voices sound in noisy places. Check recent hands-on reviews if call quality is your top priority.

The Nothing X app

The companion app brings an equalizer, an Ultra Bass setting, a personalised hearing profile and gesture controls. Reviewers like the app's clean, feature-rich design. They are less enthusiastic about the sound tools: the equalizer is described as limited, and Ultra Bass adds little. In other words, the app is useful for controls and ANC settings, but don't expect to reshape the sound dramatically.

Battery, connectivity and everyday performance

Battery life

The buds alone last up to 14 hours with ANC off on AAC. With the case, the total reaches up to 61.5 hours. Those are manufacturer figures, and real-world numbers will drop when ANC is on or when you use LDAC, which typically draws more power than lower-bitrate codecs. Even so, the headline numbers are long, and reviewers single out the case-inclusive playtime as a highlight. For commuters and travellers who don't want to think about charging often, that is a practical advantage.

Charging is via USB-C. There is no wireless charging, and a common complaint is that no cable is included in the box. If you don't already have a USB-C cable, plan for that.

Bluetooth and multipoint

The earbuds use Bluetooth 5.4 and can connect to 2 devices at once. That is handy if you split your day between a phone and a laptop, since you can switch without re-pairing. Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair make the initial setup quicker on Android and Windows devices.

Gaming and video

There is a low-latency mode, with latency listed at 105 ms. Lower is better for keeping audio in sync with on-screen action, and a dedicated mode is a useful extra for mobile games and video. We have no expert testing figures beyond the spec, so treat it as a convenience feature rather than a guarantee of perfect sync.

What experts like and what they criticise

The consensus is fairly consistent. Reviewers praise:

• the ANC, which they call solid for this class of product
• the LDAC sound on Android phones
• the very long total playtime with the case
• the lightweight, comfortable fit and IP55 protection
• dual-device connection and the clean Nothing X app

The main criticisms are:

• weaker sound over AAC, which affects iPhone users
• ear tips that feel cheap and can compromise the seal and ANC
• no wireless charging and no cable in the box
• a limited equalizer and an Ultra Bass mode that adds little

The published scores reflect that mix. SoundGuys rates the Buds 2 Plus 8/10 and Pickr gives it 4.3/5. Across the expert reviews we found, it averages 8.3/10.

Who should buy it

The Buds 2 Plus makes the most sense for:

• Android owners who want to use LDAC and get the most out of the 12 mm drivers.
• Commuters and travellers who value both ANC and a case that provides a very long total runtime.
• People who switch between two devices, such as a phone and a laptop, and want multipoint.
• Gym-goers who want dust and water protection in a light design.

Who should skip it

• iPhone users. The sound advantage largely disappears over AAC, so the main selling point is lost.
• Anyone who wants wireless charging. It isn't supported.
• Tweakers who want deep sound customisation. The equalizer is limited, and reviewers say Ultra Bass doesn't do much.
• People who can't get a good seal with the stock tips. If the supplied tips don't fit, ANC suffers, and you'd need to budget for replacements.

How it fits in the wider category

In general terms, the Buds 2 Plus sits in the mid-range part of the true wireless market, where buyers expect effective ANC, a companion app and decent battery life. Its main strengths are LDAC support and up to 61.5 hours of total playtime with the case. If you're building a shortlist, our reviews of the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC and the JLab Go Pods ANC cover other noise-cancelling earbuds worth looking at. Check each model's codec support against the phone you use before deciding.

Verdict

The CMF Buds 2 Plus is a strong proposition for Android users: effective ANC, LDAC support, plenty of battery life and sensible extras like multipoint and IP55 protection. The compromises are real but fairly specific. Sound is less impressive over AAC, the stock ear tips let the side down, there's no wireless charging and the equalizer is basic. If you're on Android and those trade-offs don't bother you, these earbuds are easy to recommend. If you're on an iPhone, you'd be paying for a headline feature you can't fully use.

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