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Nothing CMF Buds 2 vs QCY QS2: 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 QS2
HearWiki score
82
52
Sound
7.7
6.5
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
8.8
4.2
Calls
6.5
3.9
Value
9.4
-
Price (USD)
$37
$20

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 QCY QS2 (2019). 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, USB-C, Wear detection and Transparency mode.

  • CMF Buds 220256 yr newer
  • QS22019
What differsCMF Buds 2QS2

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.0
ANC type
Hybrid
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
USB-C
Yes
No
Wear detection
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP55
IPX4

Level on: Top codec.

Specifications

CMF Buds 2QS2
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$20
HearWiki score
82
52
Released
2025
2019
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
11 mm driver
6 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
11 mm
6 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance
-
32 Ω
Sensitivity
-
108 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
4 h
Battery life (ANC on)
7.5 h
-
Battery incl. case
55 h
32 h
Full charge time
93 min
120 min
Quick charge
10 min → 4 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
-
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
4.5 g
4.5 g
Case weight
41.5 g
50 g
Water resistance
IP55
IPX4
Foldable
-
No
Detachable cable
-
No
USB-C
Yes
No
Microphones
6
1
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
cVc

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 QS2

The QCY QS2 is an affordable true wireless option that prioritizes sound quality over extra features, making it a solid pick for budget listeners. It offers a compact fit with IPX4 splash resistance and a charging case that extends total playtime to about 32 hours. While it lacks active noise cancellation and advanced connectivity options, its audio performance stands out for the price.

  • Pro:Good sound quality for the price
  • Pro:Compact and lightweight design
  • Pro:IPX4 water resistance for workouts
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No USB-C charging port
  • Con:Limited to Bluetooth 5.0 with no multipoint

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

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