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Nothing CMF Buds 2 vs Realme Buds Air 3S: 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
  • Realme Buds Air 3S
HearWiki score
82
67
Sound
7.7
6.3
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
8.8
6.3
Calls
6.5
6.1
Value
9.4
-
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?

New platform

Nothing CMF Buds 2 (2025) against Realme Buds Air 3S (2023). The Nothing CMF Buds 2 is the newer platform here: Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.3 and ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds Wear detection, Transparency mode and Water resistance IP55 against IPX5.

  • CMF Buds 220252 yr newer
  • Buds Air 3S2023
What differsCMF Buds 2Buds Air 3S

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.3
ANC type
Hybrid
None

Everyday features

Wear detection
Yes
No
Transparency mode
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP55
IPX5

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

Specifications

CMF Buds 2Buds Air 3S
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$30
HearWiki score
82
67
Released
2025
2023
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
Bluetooth
5.4
5.3
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
Yes
Latency
110 ms
69 ms
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
13.5 h
30 h
Battery life (ANC on)
7.5 h
-
Battery incl. case
55 h
-
Full charge time
93 min
60 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
Yes
Custom EQ
Yes
Yes
Wear detection
Yes
No
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Yes
Weight
4.5 g
4.2 g
Case weight
41.5 g
47.5 g
Water resistance
IP55
IPX5
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Pad material
-
silicone
Microphones
6
4
Microphone type
-
MEMS
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
AI 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

Realme Buds Air 3S

The Realme Buds Air 3S deliver a bass-forward sound signature with solid comfort and reliable multipoint connectivity, making them a strong budget pick. They offer a lengthy 30-hour total battery life, a low-latency gaming mode, and decent call quality via four microphones, all in a lightweight IPX5-rated design. While they lack active noise cancellation and wireless charging, the included app support and custom EQ help tailor the experience.

  • Pro:Punchy, bass-heavy sound
  • Pro:Comfortable and lightweight fit
  • Pro:Long 30-hour battery life with case
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:No wireless charging support
  • Con:Plastic build may feel less premium

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

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