True Wireless
KZ S1 Hybrid
55Average
$25
Full review dataKZ S1 Hybrid vs Nothing CMF Buds 2a: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nothing CMF Buds 2a comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Nothing CMF Buds 2a - Great overall at around $42.
True Wireless
Nothing CMF Buds 2a
78Great
$42
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
KZ S1 Hybrid
Sound5.5
Battery3.0
Calls5.0
Value6.0
Nothing CMF Buds 2a
Sound8.0
Noise cancelling7.5
Battery7.0
Calls6.5
Value9.0
Specifications
| Spec | KZ S1 Hybrid | Nothing CMF Buds 2a |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $25 | $42 |
| HearWiki score | 55 / 100 · Average | 78 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2020 | 2024 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | hybrid | 12.4mm Bio-fibre |
| Driver size | - | 12.4 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 24 Ω | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| Codecs | SBC, AAC | AAC, SBC |
| Multipoint pairing | No | Yes |
| Wireless range | 20 m | - |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 3 h | 8 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | - | 5 h |
| Battery incl. case | 9 h | 35.5 h |
| Full charge time | - | 89 min |
| Quick charge | - | 10 min = 5.5 h |
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | Yes |
| ANC type | - | feedforward |
| Transparency mode | - | Yes |
| Companion app | - | Yes |
| Custom EQ | - | Yes |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | touch | touch |
| Voice assistant | - | Yes |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 10 g | 4.28 g |
| Case weight | 45 g | 42.75 g |
| Water resistance | - | IP54 |
| USB-C | Yes | Yes |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | - | 4 |
What reviewers said
KZ S1 Hybrid
The KZ S1 Hybrid is an affordable true wireless earphone that combines a dynamic driver with a balanced armature in each earbud, aiming for detailed sound at a budget price. It offers basic features like touch controls and USB-C charging, but its short battery life and lack of ANC or multipoint connectivity hold it back. Overall, it delivers decent value for its cost, though newer competitors have since raised the bar in this price range.
- Pro:Hybrid dual-driver setup for enhanced detail
- Pro:Very affordable price point
- Pro:Touch controls and USB-C charging included
- Con:Only 3 hours of playback per charge
- Con:No active noise cancellation despite initial specs
- Con:No multipoint Bluetooth pairing
Nothing CMF Buds 2a
The Nothing CMF Buds 2a deliver a compelling mix of solid audio performance, adaptive noise cancellation, and long battery life at a very accessible price point. They are a practical pick for budget-conscious listeners who want reliable everyday earbuds with app-based customization, though they come with some expected trade-offs in materials and features.
- Pro:Strong value for the price
- Pro:Adaptive ANC with 42 dB reduction
- Pro:Good battery life with case
- Con:Plasticky build quality
- Con:No in-ear detection
- Con:Limited codec support (AAC, SBC)
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.