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Nothing CMF Buds 2 vs Tronsmart Onyx Apex: 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 5 of 7 measures.

  • Nothing CMF Buds 2
  • Tronsmart Onyx Apex
HearWiki score
82
58
Sound
7.7
6.2
Noise cancelling
7.8
4.2
Battery
8.8
4.7
Calls
6.5
7.0
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?

Mixed generations

Nothing CMF Buds 2 (2025) against Tronsmart Onyx Apex (2021). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Nothing CMF Buds 2 brings Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.2, while the Tronsmart Onyx Apex answers with Top codec aptX against AAC. The Nothing CMF Buds 2 answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing, Wear detection, Custom EQ and Companion app.

  • CMF Buds 220254 yr newer
  • Onyx Apex2021
What differsCMF Buds 2Onyx Apex

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.2
Top codec
AAC
aptX

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Wear detection
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Companion app
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP55
Not rated

Level on: ANC type, USB-C, Transparency mode.

Specifications

CMF Buds 2Onyx Apex
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$30
HearWiki score
82
58
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
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
Bluetooth
5.4
5.2
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC, AAC, aptX
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Latency
110 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
13.5 h
5 h
Battery life (ANC on)
7.5 h
-
Battery incl. case
55 h
24 h
Full charge time
93 min
120 min
Quick charge
10 min → 4 h
10 min → 1.5 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
Yes
ANC type
hybrid
hybrid
Transparency mode
Yes
Yes
Companion app
Yes
No
Custom EQ
Yes
No
Wear detection
Yes
No
Controls
touch
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Weight
4.5 g
-
Case weight
41.5 g
-
Water resistance
IP55
none
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
6
2
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
cVc 8.0

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

Tronsmart Onyx Apex

The Tronsmart Onyx Apex are budget-friendly true wireless earbuds with hybrid active noise cancellation, though the ANC isn't the strongest. They compensate with a usable transparency mode, solid call quality, and an engaging sound profile, making them a versatile pick for everyday listening. Priced around $30, they offer a balanced feature set including aptX support and a compact charging case.

  • Pro:Engaging and lively sound signature
  • Pro:Good call quality with dual microphones
  • Pro:Useful transparency mode for ambient awareness
  • Con:Active noise cancellation is not very effective
  • Con:No app support for customization
  • Con:No water resistance rating

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

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