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Nothing CMF Buds 2 vs QCY T17: 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 T17
HearWiki score
82
64
Sound
7.7
6.8
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
8.8
6.4
Calls
6.5
5.7
Value
9.4
5.9
Price (USD)
$37
$24

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 T17 (2021). The Nothing CMF Buds 2 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.3 and ANC type Hybrid against None.

  • CMF Buds 220254 yr newer
  • T172021
What differsCMF Buds 2T17

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.3
ANC type
Hybrid
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wireless charging
No
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP55
IPX4

Level on: Top codec, USB-C, Custom EQ, Companion app.

Specifications

CMF Buds 2T17
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$24
HearWiki score
82
64
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
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
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
-
102 dB/mW
Bluetooth
5.4
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Latency
110 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
13.5 h
7.5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
7.5 h
-
Battery incl. case
55 h
26 h
Full charge time
93 min
90 min
Quick charge
10 min → 4 h
none
Wireless charging
No
Yes
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
-
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
No
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Alexa, Siri, XiaoAI
Weight
4.5 g
4.2 g
Case weight
41.5 g
33.5 g
Water resistance
IP55
IPX4
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
6
1
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 T17

The QCY T17 are ultra-affordable true wireless earbuds that punch well above their price, offering a comfortable fit, clear V-shaped sound, and solid battery life in a compact case. They support SBC/AAC codecs, Bluetooth 5.3, and wireless charging, though they lack active noise cancellation and multipoint. With a lightweight design and touch controls, they're a practical pick for budget-conscious listeners.

  • Pro:Very affordable price
  • Pro:Comfortable and lightweight fit
  • Pro:Clear, V-shaped sound
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No multipoint support
  • Con:Single mic limits call quality

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

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