Alright folks, CMF has dropped some fresh audio gear on the scene, the CMF Buds, which we’re about to dissect like a funky beat. These little guys are like the baby siblings to the CMF Buds Pro, and they’re ready to rumble. So, will they rock your socks off like their big bro? Let’s jam and find out!

Design: Orange You Glad They’re Funky?

These buds are basically the love child of Nothing’s Ear (2) and a traffic cone. The case is this wild orange (or gray/black if you’re boring), and it’s got a spinning dial on the side for a lanyard. Yup, you heard that right – a lanyard. CMF’s peddling their own lanyards too, and hey, they’re actually pretty decent.

The case itself? Snappy magnets, compact size, and a springy lid that pops open like a jack-in-the-box. It’s built tough, but watch out for scratches – this baby might get scuffed up. But honestly, the lanyard dial is the real star of the show. Funky? Check!

The buds themselves are shaped like, well, Nothing else out there. So if you liked the Ear (1) or Ear (2), you’ll dig these. They basically melt into your ears and won’t budge even if you’re breakdancing at the gym. Plus, they’re waterproof enough to survive a sweaty workout or a monsoon rainstorm.

Touch controls? You betcha. The usual suspects are there – play/pause, skip songs, answer calls – and you can even crank up the volume by tap-dancing on the buds. They’re responsive, but not so sensitive that you’ll trigger them by accident.

Sound Quality and ANC: Bassheads Unite!

CMF packed these babies with 12.4 mm drivers and enough ANC to drown out a jackhammer up to 42dB. Fancy tech-speak aside, let’s cut to the chase: these buds sound pretty darn good, especially with the “Dirac Opteo” EQ turned on. It’s like a balanced sound with an extra side of thumpin’ bass that bassheads will go bananas for. CMF’s “Ultra Bass 2.0” ain’t messing around – it’ll rattle your brain without ruining the whole track.

Compared to the CMF Buds Pro, these bad boys are bassier and a little less crisp in the high notes. So, who wins? Depends on your taste buds, er, ears. Bass lovers (like myself) will adore these, while audiophiles might lean towards the Pros.

Oh, and these buds got a whole library of funky EQ settings – rock, pop, you name it! But honestly, “Dirac Opteo” was my jam.

As for ANC, it’ll mostly squash everyday noise like traffic, but don’t expect miracles with high-pitched sounds. Wind noise could be better, too. Transparency mode? It works, but with some minor reservations, and don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining considering the price tag.

Gaming? Not the best for hardcore sessions, but there’s a low-lag mode to help. And get this, they can hook up to two gadgets at once and swap between them like a pro. Magic!

Unlock Your CMF Buds’ Full Potential with the Nothing X App

The Nothing X app seamlessly pairs with your CMF Buds, offering a range of exciting customizations:

• Feel the Boom: Dial up the bass to your heart’s content with the Ultra Bass level adjuster.
• Your Buds, Your Way: Personalize touch controls for effortless music and call management.
• Quiet on Demand: Effortlessly toggle between noise cancellation levels for the perfect degree of peace.
• Game On: Activate Low Lag Mode for a smoother, more responsive gaming experience on your smartphone. Even better: automatic activation when paired with a Nothing smartphone!

Calls and Battery: A Mixed Bag

Call quality is situation-dependent. Indoors, like in a relaxed coffee shop, the CMF Buds shine. Your voice will come through loud and clear, making for a smooth, enjoyable conversation with friends. However, in noisier environments like a bustling street, the Buds might struggle to filter out all the background noise. If crystal-clear call quality is a top priority, these buds might not be the ideal choice. However, for calls in quieter environments, they’ll do just fine.

Battery life is another win. With ANC off, I reached almost 35 hours with the included case, just like the specs promised. With ANC on, they still managed to get me through a few days with moderate use.

Should You Buy ‘Em?

Here’s the deal:

You’ll love them if…

• You want bold design and a comfortable fit.
• Bass-heavy music is your jam.
• Reliable ANC on a budget is a must.
• Long battery life gives you peace of mind.

Maybe not if…

• You need crystal clear calls in loud environments.
• You’re an audiophile who craves perfectly balanced sound.

Bottom Line: CMF Buds are a Steal

For AED 149, These buds are a fantastic value with fun design, good sound, decent ANC, and long battery life. Considering the price, the CMF Buds are an absolute winner for most casual listeners.