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Nothing CMF Buds 2 vs QCY HT03: 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 HT03
HearWiki score
82
63
Sound
7.7
5.4
Noise cancelling
7.8
5.7
Battery
8.8
5.0
Calls
6.5
5.2
Value
9.4
5.8
Price (USD)
$37
$25

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 HT03 (2021). The Nothing CMF Buds 2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.1. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Transparency mode, Custom EQ and Water resistance IP55 against IPX5.

  • CMF Buds 220254 yr newer
  • HT032021
What differsCMF Buds 2HT03

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.1

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP55
IPX5

Level on: Top codec, ANC type, USB-C, Wear detection, Companion app.

Specifications

CMF Buds 2HT03
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$25
HearWiki score
82
63
Released
2025
2021
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
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
-
102 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.4
5.1
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Latency
110 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
-
Battery life
13.5 h
6 h
Battery life (ANC on)
7.5 h
5 h
Battery incl. case
55 h
24 h
Full charge time
93 min
120 min
Quick charge
10 min → 4 h
none
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
4.5 g
4.9 g
Case weight
41.5 g
-
Water resistance
IP55
IPX5
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
6
6

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 HT03

The QCY HT03 earbuds deliver surprisingly capable hybrid active noise cancellation at a very budget-friendly price. Their sound is competent but leans bass-heavy, and while build quality and fit are solid, overall refinement is not their strongest suit. For the cost, they offer strong value if ANC is the priority over audio polish.

  • Pro:Very effective hybrid ANC for the price
  • Pro:Comfortable, secure fit with ergonomic design
  • Pro:Solid build quality and nice case design
  • Con:Sound is bass-heavy and not particularly detailed
  • Con:No quick charging support
  • Con:Lacks wireless charging and transparency mode

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

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