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KZ S2 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.

  • KZ S2
  • Nothing CMF Buds 2
HearWiki score
40
82
Sound
5.8
7.7
Noise cancelling
-
7.8
Battery
3.0
8.8
Calls
4.0
6.5
Value
-
9.4
Price (USD)
$30
$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?

New platform

Nothing CMF Buds 2 (2025) against KZ S2 (2020). The Nothing CMF Buds 2 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.0 and ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing and Water resistance IP55 against IPX5.

  • S22020
  • CMF Buds 220255 yr newer
What differsS2CMF Buds 2

Platform

Bluetooth
5.0
5.4
ANC type
None
Hybrid

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Water resistance
IPX5
IP55

Level on: Top codec, USB-C.

Specifications

S2CMF Buds 2
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$30
$37
HearWiki score
40
82
Released
2020
2025
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
2-driver hybrid
11 mm driver
Driver type
hybrid
dynamic
Driver size
7 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
2
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 40 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sound signature
v-shaped
-
Impedance
24 Ω
-
Sensitivity
98 dB/mW
-
Bluetooth
5.0
5.4
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
No
Yes
Latency
-
110 ms
Wireless range
20 m
10 m
Battery life
3 h
13.5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
-
7.5 h
Battery incl. case
18 h
55 h
Full charge time
120 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
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Yes
Weight
-
4.5 g
Case weight
-
41.5 g
Water resistance
IPX5
IP55
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
-
6

What reviewers said

KZ S2

The KZ S2 is an affordable pair of true wireless earbuds that offers a hybrid dual-driver setup, Bluetooth 5.0, touch controls, and IPX5 water resistance. Its sound is generally described as bass-forward and detailed, though some listeners find the treble slightly harsh or splashy. While it provides a comfortable fit and stable connection for many, its short single-charge battery life and inconsistent wireless performance have drawn criticism.

  • Pro:Comfortable and lightweight fit
  • Pro:Strong bass and clear detail
  • Pro:IPX5 water resistance for workouts
  • Con:Short battery life per charge (3 hours)
  • Con:Treble can be harsh or splashy
  • Con:Wireless connection may be unstable

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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