Skip to content
HearWiki

Nothing CMF Buds 2 vs Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3: 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
  • Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3
HearWiki score
82
61
Sound
7.7
5.5
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
8.8
5.3
Calls
6.5
6.2
Value
9.4
6.8
Price (USD)
$37
$22

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 Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 (2021). Neither is straightforwardly newer: the Nothing CMF Buds 2 brings Bluetooth 5.4 against 5.2 and ANC type Hybrid against None, while the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 answers with Top codec aptX against AAC. The Nothing CMF Buds 2 answers on convenience features: it adds Multipoint pairing and Water resistance IP55 against IP54.

  • CMF Buds 220254 yr newer
  • Redmi Buds 32021
What differsCMF Buds 2Redmi Buds 3

Platform

Bluetooth
5.4
5.2
Top codec
AAC
aptX
ANC type
Hybrid
None

Everyday features

Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Water resistance
IP55
IP54

Level on: USB-C, Wear detection.

Specifications

CMF Buds 2Redmi Buds 3
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$22
HearWiki score
82
61
Released
2025
2021
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
11 mm driver
12 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
11 mm
12 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
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
20 h
Full charge time
93 min
-
Quick charge
10 min → 4 h
10 min → 1.5 h
Wireless charging
No
No
Active noise cancelling
Yes
No
ANC type
hybrid
-
Transparency mode
Yes
-
Companion app
Yes
-
Custom EQ
Yes
-
Wear detection
Yes
Yes
Controls
touch
-
Voice assistant
Yes
-
Weight
4.5 g
4.5 g
Case weight
41.5 g
-
Water resistance
IP55
IP54
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
6
2
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

Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3

The Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3 are an affordable pair of semi-in-ear true wireless earbuds that focus on lightweight comfort and everyday usability. They offer a solid battery life with the case, IP54 water resistance, and support for aptX, but they lack active noise cancellation and premium sound refinement. Overall, they are a practical budget choice for those prioritizing portability and basic features over high-end audio performance.

  • Pro:Very affordable price point
  • Pro:Lightweight and comfortable semi-in-ear fit
  • Pro:Good battery life with the charging case
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Bass-heavy sound may not suit all listeners
  • Con:Plastic build feels less premium

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonNothing CMF Buds 2Xiaomi Redmi Buds 3