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CMF Buds 2 problems & complaints

Is it worth it? The downsides first: what owners report, and who should skip it.

Compiled by the ConsFirst editor · Updated · 3 sources · How we research

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Buying on sale? Check this first: “CMF Buds 2, 2a, 2 Plus and Pro 2 are different models.” What to check →

#8 of 11
$Noise-cancellingScore 3.4/5
12%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-14)Small sample: 1,855 ratings.

Tom's Guide's best cheap earbuds: Dirac-tuned sound that punches above its $49 price, about 12 hours per charge and decent ANC. The trade-offs are mics that let traffic through on calls, no hi-res codecs, and a fit and connection Amazon owners call mixed.

Common CMF Buds 2 problems

  • Callers hear your surroundings

    Tom's Guide lists 'Mic ENC struggles outdoors' as a con: on a walking call, the other person could hear the traffic, though the voice itself was clear.

    Source: Tom's Guide review, Tom's Guide
  • Fit and Bluetooth are hit or miss

    Amazon's review summary says fit and Bluetooth connectivity get mixed feedback, with some owners saying they don't stay in the ear and others reporting connection issues.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • ANC and build are budget-level

    Tom's Guide says the ANC is weaker than the CMF Buds 2 Plus and let keyboard clacks through, the buds feel a bit plasticky, the case is only IPX2, and there is no hi-res codec support (AAC and SBC only).

    Source: Tom's Guide review

What owners like

  • Sound far above the price

    Tom's Guide says the Dirac tuning makes them sound more like $100 earbuds. Amazon shoppers praise the sound and value.

    Source: Tom's Guide review, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Long battery

    Tom's Guide had about 60% left after 5 hours, so it expects about 12 hours per charge, with up to 55 hours including the case (ANC off).

    Source: Tom's Guide review
  • Comfortable, with useful extras

    Tom's Guide found them comfortable all day, with responsive touch controls, in-ear detection, multipoint and a simple app.

    Source: Tom's Guide review, Tom's Guide
Good for
  • Tight budgets
  • Long listening days without recharging
  • Two-device users (multipoint)

Scores (tap for why)

  • Sound4.0
    Why 4.0?Sounds like $100 earbuds with Dirac tuning (Tom's Guide); no hi-res codecs.
    Source: Tom's Guide review
  • Noise cancelling3.0
    Why 3.0?Blocks chatter and traffic but not higher pitches, and is weaker than the Buds 2 Plus (Tom's Guide).
    Source: Tom's Guide review
  • Comfort & fit3.5
    Why 3.5?Comfortable all day for Tom's Guide, but Amazon owners are mixed on whether they stay in.
    Source: Tom's Guide review, Amazon.com product page
  • Call quality2.5
    Why 2.5?Clear voice but callers hear traffic (Tom's Guide).
    Source: Tom's Guide review
  • Battery4.5
    Why 4.5?About 12 h per charge estimated by Tom's Guide; 55 h with the case (ANC off).
    Source: Tom's Guide review
  • Durability3.0
    Why 3.0?IP55 buds but an IPX2 case, and a plasticky feel (Tom's Guide).
    Source: Tom's Guide review

What experts say

  • Tom's Guide: Best cheap wireless earbuds (roundup updated 2026-09-23). The cons are mics that struggle outdoors and no hi-res codecs.
  • Tom's Guide review: 'A total bargain' at $49, with comfortable fit and long battery; the ANC trails the CMF Buds 2 Plus.
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Is the CMF Buds 2 worth it?

Tom's Guide's best cheap earbuds: Dirac-tuned sound that punches above its $49 price, about 12 hours per charge and decent ANC. The trade-offs are mics that let traffic through on calls, no hi-res codecs, and a fit and connection Amazon owners call mixed. It ranks #8 of the 11 wireless earbuds we compared.

The deciding question: is “Callers hear your surroundings” a deal-breaker for you? If not, still compare it with higher-ranked wireless earbuds before buying. If it is, look elsewhere — see the alternatives below.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

Highly ranked wireless earbuds whose biggest complaint is a different kind of problem.

#1 in wireless earbudsApple AirPods Pro 3

Tom's Guide's top pick, with some of the strongest noise cancelling SoundGuys has measured and 8-hour battery life. The fit still slips for some ears, the squeeze controls annoy testers, and most of the extras only work with an iPhone.

Its catch: fit can slip or hurt#2 in wireless earbudsEarFun Air Pro 4

The budget pick: ANC that Wirecutter measured close to $200+ earbuds, long battery life and well-liked by Amazon owners. But the stem design can slip from small ears, the touch controls misfire, and the sound is coarser than pricier pairs.

Its catch: stem design may not seal or stay put#3 in wireless earbudsSoundcore Liberty 5 Pro

Wirecutter's top pick for both everyday and noise-cancelling earbuds, with the best call mics it has tested. But battery life is short (about 6.5 hours with ANC), and the bass-heavy default sound needs EQ work.

Its catch: battery shorter than rivals

CMF Buds 2: questions people ask

Is the CMF Buds 2 worth it?

It ranks #8 of the 11 wireless earbuds we compared. Good for: tight budgets · long listening days without recharging · two-device users (multipoint). Skip it if: you take lots of calls outdoors · you want LDAC or other hi-res codecs · you need strong ANC for high-pitched noise.

What is a good alternative to the CMF Buds 2?

If “Callers hear your surroundings” is a deal-breaker for you, consider the Apple AirPods Pro 3 (#1 in wireless earbuds). Its main complaint is a different one: fit can slip or hurt.

See all 11 wireless earbuds ranked →Or take the 3-question quiz