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Edifier X3 vs Nothing CMF Buds 2: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Nothing CMF Buds 2 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Nothing CMF Buds 2 - Outstanding overall at around $37.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Nothing CMF Buds 2 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

  • Edifier X3
  • Nothing CMF Buds 2
HearWiki score
57
82
Sound
6.4
7.7
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
5.5
8.8
Calls
5.4
6.5
Value
4.0
9.4
Price (USD)
$25
$37

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Mixed generations

Nothing CMF Buds 2 (2025) against Edifier X3 (2020). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Edifier X3 brings Top codec aptX against AAC, while the Nothing CMF Buds 2 answers with Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.0 and ANC type Hybrid against None. The Nothing CMF Buds 2 answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing.

  • X32020
  • CMF Buds 220255 yr newer
What differsX3CMF Buds 2

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
5.4
Top codec
aptX
AAC
ANC type
None
Hybrid

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes

Level on: USB-C, Water resistance.

Specifications

X3CMF Buds 2
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$25
$37
HearWiki score
57
82
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
6 mm dynamic
11 mm driver
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
6 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
16 Ω
-
Sensitivity
95 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.0
5.4
Codecs
SBC, aptX
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Latency
-
110 ms
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
6 h
13.5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
7.5 h
Battery incl. case
24 h
55 h
Full charge time
90 min
93 min
Quick charge
-
10 min → 4 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
No
Yes
ANC type
-
hybrid
Transparency mode
-
Yes
Companion app
-
Yes
Custom EQ
-
Yes
Wear detection
-
Yes
Controls
-
touch
Voice assistant
-
Yes
Weight
33 g
4.5 g
Case weight
-
41.5 g
Water resistance
IP55
IP55
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
1
6

What reviewers said

Edifier X3

The Edifier X3 offers a compact design and comfortable fit at a very low price, delivering solid sound with aptX support and around six hours of playtime per charge. Its IP55 rating and touch controls add practical value, though opinions vary on its overall performance, with some critics finding it lacking compared to rivals. For the cost, it provides a decent set of core features for everyday listening.

  • Pro:Compact and comfortable fit
  • Pro:Supports aptX for better audio quality
  • Pro:Decent 6-hour battery life with 24 hours total
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No multipoint connection
  • Con:Sound quality may not impress all listeners

Nothing CMF Buds 2

The Nothing CMF Buds 2 are an exceptional budget true-wireless option, packing a surprisingly rich feature set for their low price. They deliver engaging sound, robust battery life, and effective hybrid ANC, making them a top-value pick for most listeners.

  • Pro:Excellent value for the price
  • Pro:Strong battery life with ANC off
  • Pro:Effective hybrid active noise cancellation
  • Con:Call performance weak in noisy settings
  • Con:ANC and gaming latency not class-leading
  • Con:No wireless charging support

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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