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JLab JBuds Air ANC 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.

  • JLab JBuds Air ANC
  • Nothing CMF Buds 2
HearWiki score
58
82
Sound
5.7
7.7
Noise cancelling
3.8
7.8
Battery
6.4
8.8
Calls
4.3
6.5
Value
-
9.4
Price (USD)
$37
$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?

Half a step newer

Nothing CMF Buds 2 (2025) against JLab JBuds Air ANC (2021). The Nothing CMF Buds 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.2. It also adds Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Wear detection and Water resistance IP55 against IPX5.

  • JBuds Air ANC2021
  • CMF Buds 220254 yr newer
What differsJBuds Air ANCCMF Buds 2

Platform

Bluetooth
5.2
5.4

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Water resistance
IPX5
IP55

Level on: Top codec, ANC type, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

JBuds Air ANCCMF Buds 2
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$37
HearWiki score
58
82
Released
2021
2025
Availability
Still sold new
Sold new
Driver
12 mm dynamic
11 mm driver
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
12 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
28 Ω
-
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.2
5.4
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Latency
200 ms
110 ms
Wireless range
9 m
10 m
Battery life
11 h
13.5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
7.5 h
7.5 h
Battery incl. case
40 h
55 h
Full charge time
120 min
93 min
Quick charge
10 min → 1.5 h
10 min → 4 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
No
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Yes
Weight
5 g
4.5 g
Case weight
55 g
41.5 g
Water resistance
IPX5
IP55
Detachable cable
No
-
USB-C
No
Yes
Microphones
6
6
Microphone type
MEMS
-
Call noise reduction
Yes
-
Call NR technology
noise-cancelling mic
-

What reviewers said

JLab JBuds Air ANC

These budget true wireless earbuds deliver a punchy, bass-forward sound with adjustable EQ presets and a useful transparency mode, making them a solid everyday pick. Hybrid ANC and a long total playtime of 40 hours with the case are highlights, though call quality and fit may not satisfy everyone. Overall, they offer good value for the price rather than flagship-level performance.

  • Pro:Long battery life with the charging case
  • Pro:Bass-heavy sound with customizable EQ
  • Pro:Effective transparency mode for ambient awareness
  • Con:Noise cancellation is not very strong
  • Con:Call quality is below average
  • Con:Bulkier fit may be uncomfortable for smaller ears

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.

Compare something else

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New comparisonJLab JBuds Air ANCNothing CMF Buds 2