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Nothing CMF Buds 2 vs Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Active: 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
  • Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Active
HearWiki score
82
70
Sound
7.7
6.2
Noise cancelling
7.8
-
Battery
8.8
5.6
Calls
6.5
7.4
Value
9.4
8.7
Price (USD)
$37
$23

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 Xiaomi Redmi Buds 6 Active (2024). The Nothing CMF Buds 2 is the newer platform here: Top codec AAC against SBC and ANC type Hybrid against None. It also adds Multipoint pairing, Wear detection, Transparency mode and Custom EQ.

  • CMF Buds 220251 yr newer
  • Redmi Buds 6 Active2024
What differsCMF Buds 2Redmi Buds 6 Active

Platform

Top codec
AAC
SBC
ANC type
Hybrid
None

Everyday features

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

Level on: Bluetooth, USB-C.

Specifications

CMF Buds 2Redmi Buds 6 Active
Type
True Wireless
True Wireless
Price (USD)
$37
$23
HearWiki score
82
70
Released
2025
2024
Availability
Sold new
Still sold new
Driver
11 mm driver
14.2 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
11 mm
14.2 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
20 Hz - 20 kHz
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Bluetooth
5.4
5.4
Codecs
SBC, AAC
SBC
Multipoint pairing
Yes
No
Latency
110 ms
-
Wireless range
10 m
10 m
Battery life
13.5 h
6 h
Battery life (ANC on)
7.5 h
-
Battery incl. case
55 h
30 h
Full charge time
93 min
90 min
Quick charge
10 min → 4 h
10 min → 2 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
touch
Voice assistant
Yes
Google Assistant
Weight
4.5 g
4 g
Case weight
41.5 g
-
Water resistance
IP55
IPX4
USB-C
Yes
Yes
Microphones
6
2
Call noise reduction
-
Yes
Call NR technology
-
noise-cancelling mic

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 6 Active

The Redmi Buds 6 Active offer a remarkably low-cost true wireless experience, anchored by a large 14.2mm driver for surprisingly robust sound and a total playtime of about 30 hours with the charging case. They focus on core essentials—reliable Bluetooth 5.4, IPX4 sweat resistance, and touch controls—while skipping extras like noise cancellation or app support to keep the price ultra-affordable. For anyone seeking a no-frills, budget-friendly pair for daily commutes or workouts, these deliver solid value without breaking the bank.

  • Pro:Very affordable price point
  • Pro:Large 14.2mm driver for punchy audio
  • Pro:Long battery life: ~6 hours per charge, ~30 hours with case
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
  • Con:Only SBC codec support, no AAC or aptX
  • Con:No app support or custom EQ options

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

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