The silver dial on the top left of the case controls volume, pause and play functions, among other things you configure in the app. I had trouble saving these configurations for regular use, however. Nina Raemont/ZDNET
ZDNET's key takeaways
The Nothing CMF Buds Pro 2
A 43-hour battery life and great sound quality seal the deal on these earbuds. Plus, you can enable ChatGPT through the Buds Pro 2 if you have a Nothing phone.
The noise cancellation is weak, and the case's dial is unreliable.
At Amazon, the CMF Buds Pro 2 are on sale for $47, a $22 price drop. Act fast because this is a limited-time deal.
I've come to appreciate Nothing's tech products for the brand's stealthy ability to combine fashion with function. I said as much when I reviewed the Nothing Ear (a), which quickly became my favorite budget earbuds for their excellent quality and stylish appearance.
Also: Why I recommend this budget Android phone to most people over Samsung and Google
As I spent time working, listening, and exercising with Nothing's CMF Buds Pro 2, I can mostly say the same. The Buds Pro 2, which retail for $69, are a thoughtfully designed pair of buds with interesting features embedded into the case, a lengthy battery life, and quality sound. But are they for you? I get into that below.
CMF is the budget line of Nothing products that offer a sleek, modern design, but at a lower price point. Thus, these earbuds are for budget- and style-minded individuals. Despite their low price point, they don't look or feel cheap. Instead, the case feels premium and sleek, while the earbuds, if a bit on the lighter and plasticky side, have a similar build to some higher-end earbuds I've tested.
... continue reading