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Nothing CMF Buds 2 vs OnePlus Buds Z: 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 - Great 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 7 of 7 measures.

  • Nothing CMF Buds 2
  • OnePlus Buds Z
HearWiki score
82
64
Sound
7.7
6.0
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
8.8
6.5
Calls
6.5
6.0
Value
9.4
7.5
Price (USD)
$37
$50

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 OnePlus Buds Z (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, Wear detection, Transparency mode and Custom EQ.

  • CMF Buds 220255 yr newer
  • Buds Z2020
What differsCMF Buds 2Buds Z

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.0
ANC type
Hybrid
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wear detection
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No

Level on: Top codec, USB-C, Water resistance.

Specifications

CMF Buds 2Buds Z
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$50
HearWiki score
82
64
Released
2025
2020
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
11 mm driver
10 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
11 mm
10 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sensitivity
-
97 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.4
5.0
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Latency
110 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
13.5 h
5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
7.5 h
-
Battery incl. case
55 h
20 h
Full charge time
93 min
-
Quick charge
10 min → 4 h
10 min → 3 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
hybrid
none
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Wear detection
Yes
No
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
4.5 g
4.3 g
Case weight
41.5 g
40 g
Water resistance
IP55
IP55
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
6
2

What reviewers said

Nothing CMF Buds 2

The CMF Buds 2 are a budget-friendly true wireless pair that pack a surprising amount of value, blending solid sound, effective hybrid ANC, and long battery life into a compact design. With dual-device connectivity, an IP55 rating, and customizable touch controls, they offer a feature set that rivals more expensive options. While they lack premium extras like LDAC support, they deliver a well-rounded performance that makes them a compelling pick for most listeners on a budget.

  • Pro:Excellent battery life with the case
  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for the price
  • Pro:Reliable dual-device multipoint connectivity
  • Con:SBC and AAC codec support only, no high-res options
  • Con:Average latency may not suit competitive gaming
  • Con:Build feels less premium compared to pricier rivals

OnePlus Buds Z

The OnePlus Buds Z are an affordable pair of true wireless earbuds that deliver a decent, bass-leaning sound for the price. They offer a straightforward feature set with IP55 water resistance, touch controls, and a comfortable fit, making them a practical choice for budget-minded listeners. However, their battery life is average, and they lack extras like ANC, app support, or multi-device pairing.

  • Pro:Good value for the price
  • Pro:Comfortable and secure fit
  • Pro:IP55 water and sweat resistance
  • Con:Average battery life
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Limited touch control customization

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

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