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Nothing CMF Buds 2 vs QCY ArcBuds: 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
  • QCY ArcBuds
HearWiki score
82
72
Sound
7.7
6.7
Noise cancelling
7.8
6.5
Battery
8.8
7.4
Calls
6.5
5.5
Value
9.4
6.8
Price (USD)
$37
$30

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 QCY ArcBuds (2023). The Nothing CMF Buds 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.2. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Wear detection and Water resistance IP55 against IPX5.

  • CMF Buds 220252 yr newer
  • ArcBuds2023
What differsCMF Buds 2ArcBuds

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.2

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wear detection
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP55
IPX5

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

Specifications

CMF Buds 2ArcBuds
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$30
HearWiki score
82
72
Released
2025
2023
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
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
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
-
99 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.4
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Latency
110 ms
80 ms
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
13.5 h
8 h
Battery life (ANC on)
7.5 h
6 h
Battery incl. case
55 h
32 h
Full charge time
93 min
90 min
Quick charge
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
Yes
No
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Google Assistant, Siri
Weight
4.5 g
4.4 g
Case weight
41.5 g
25 g
Water resistance
IP55
IPX5
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Model code
-
BH22HT07A
Microphones
6
6
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

QCY ArcBuds

The QCY ArcBuds are budget-friendly true wireless earbuds that pack hybrid active noise cancellation, a transparent mode, and six microphones for clear calls. With around eight hours of playback per charge (six with ANC) and a total of 32 hours with the case, they offer solid endurance for the price, though they lack multipoint and wireless charging. The sound is enjoyable for everyday listening, and the IPX5 rating adds some sweat resistance.

  • Pro:Effective hybrid ANC for the price
  • Pro:Good battery life with the charging case
  • Pro:Decent call quality thanks to six mics
  • Con:Case feels a bit flimsy
  • Con:No quick-charge support
  • Con:Fit can be slightly bulky for some

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

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