
Nothing CMF Buds 2a vs QCY T9S: 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 T9S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | True Wireless | True Wireless |
| Price (USD) | $42 | $25 |
| HearWiki score | 78 / 100 · Great | 62 / 100 · Average |
| Released | 2024 | 2020 |
| 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 |
| Sensitivity | - | 104 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 | 5.0 |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | SBC, AAC |
| Multipoint pairing | Yes | No |
| Wireless range | - | 10 m |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 8 h | 4.5 h |
| Battery life (ANC on) | 5 h | - |
| Battery incl. case | 35.5 h | 20 h |
| Full charge time | 89 min | 120 min |
| Quick charge | 10 min = 5.5 h | - |
| Wireless charging | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | Yes | - |
| ANC type | feedforward | none |
| Transparency mode | Yes | No |
| Companion app | Yes | Yes |
| Custom EQ | Yes | No |
| Wear detection | No | No |
| Controls | touch | touch |
| Voice assistant | Yes | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 4.28 g | 4.97 g |
| Case weight | 42.75 g | 31.2 g |
| Water resistance | IP54 | IPX4 |
| Detachable cable | - | No |
| USB-C | Yes | No |
| Calls | ||
| Microphones | 4 | 1 |
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 T9S
The QCY T9S are true wireless earbuds designed with sport wings for a secure fit, making them suitable for both workouts and daily use. They deliver an energetic, uplifting sound and perform well for calls, though their compact 6mm drivers and lack of features like ANC or transparency mode keep them firmly in the budget category. Overall, they're a decent pick for those with larger ears seeking affordable, versatile earbuds.
- Pro:Secure sport-wing design for active use
- Pro:Lively and engaging sound signature
- Pro:Good call quality for the price
- Con:No active noise cancellation or transparency mode
- Con:Short 4-hour battery life per charge
- Con:No USB-C or wireless charging
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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