
Nothing CMF Buds 2a vs QCY T3/ Xiaomi T3: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Nothing CMF Buds 2a comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 78. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Specifications
| Spec | Nothing CMF Buds 2a | QCY T3/ Xiaomi T3 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $42 | $22 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 62 / 100 · Average |
| Released | 2024 | 2019 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 12.4mm Bio-fibre | dynamic |
| Driver size | 12.4 mm | 6 mm |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | - | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 102 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 h | 5 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 5 h | - |
| Battery incl. case | 35.5 h | 25 h |
| Full charge time | 89 min | 75 min |
| Quick charge | 10 min = 5.5 h | 7 min = 1 h |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | No |
| ANC type | feedforward | - |
| Transparency mode | Yes | - |
| Companion app | Yes | - |
| Custom EQ | Yes | - |
| Wear detection | No | No |
| Controls | touch | touch |
| Voice assistant | Yes | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 4.28 g | 44 g |
| Case weight | 42.75 g | - |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IP65 |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 4 | 2 |
| Call noise reduction | - | microphone noise reduction |
What reviewers said
Nothing CMF Buds 2a
The Nothing CMF Buds 2a deliver a compelling mix of solid audio performance, adaptive noise cancellation, and long battery life at a very accessible price point. They are a practical pick for budget-conscious listeners who want reliable everyday earbuds with app-based customization, though they come with some expected trade-offs in materials and features.
- Pro:Strong value for the price
- Pro:Adaptive ANC with 42 dB reduction
- Pro:Good battery life with case
- Con:Plasticky build quality
- Con:No in-ear detection
- Con:Limited codec support (AAC, SBC)
QCY T3/ Xiaomi T3
The QCY T3 is a budget-friendly true wireless earbud that prioritizes comfort, convenience, and battery life over audiophile-grade sound. It offers a semi-in-ear fit, IPX5 water resistance, and around five hours of playback per charge, with the case extending total use to roughly 25 hours. While its sound is average with limited bass and detail, it remains a solid everyday option for its price.
- Pro:Comfortable semi-in-ear design
- Pro:Good battery life with compact charging case
- Pro:IPX5 water resistance for workouts or light rain
- Con:Sound quality is average with weak bass and detail
- Con:Touch controls can be overly sensitive
- Con:Requires precise fit for optimal performance
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.
