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Nothing CMF Buds 2 vs OnePlus Buds Z2: 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.

  • Nothing CMF Buds 2
  • OnePlus Buds Z2
HearWiki score
82
67
Sound
7.7
5.8
Noise cancelling
7.8
6.2
Battery
8.8
5.3
Calls
6.5
5.8
Value
9.4
8.2
Price (USD)
$37
$26

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 OnePlus Buds Z2 (2021). The Nothing CMF Buds 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.2.

  • CMF Buds 220254 yr newer
  • Buds Z22021
What differsCMF Buds 2Buds Z2

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.2

Level on: Top codec, ANC type, Multipoint pairing, USB-C, Wear detection, Transparency mode, Custom EQ, Companion app, Water resistance.

Specifications

CMF Buds 2Buds Z2
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$26
HearWiki score
82
67
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
11 mm driver
11 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
11 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
-
98 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.4
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Latency
110 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
13.5 h
7 h
Battery life (ANC on)
7.5 h
5 h
Battery incl. case
55 h
38 h
Full charge time
93 min
10 min
Quick charge
10 min → 4 h
10 min → 5 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
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Yes
Weight
4.5 g
4.6 g
Case weight
41.5 g
42 g
Water resistance
IP55
IP55
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
6
3
Microphone type
-
MEMS
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
ENC

What reviewers said

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

OnePlus Buds Z2

The OnePlus Buds Z2 are an exceptionally affordable pair of true wireless earbuds that punch above their weight class, delivering surprisingly robust sound and effective hybrid active noise cancellation for the price. With a comfortable fit, IP55 durability, and a battery life that easily covers a full day with the case, they're a compelling budget option, especially for OnePlus smartphone owners. While they lack premium touches like wireless charging and have some limitations in call quality, their core performance makes them a standout value in the entry-level segment.

  • Pro:Strong, bass-forward sound for the price
  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for a budget pair
  • Pro:Excellent battery life with the charging case
  • Con:Call quality is below average
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Lacks aptX codec 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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