Product Review: CMF Buds Pro
Rating: ⅘
Likes:
Appearance and Packaging:
The CMF Buds Pro packaging strikes a balance between a premium look and eco-conscious design. It’s straightforward and minimalistic, feeling high-end without excess. Using minimal cardboard cutouts for the case and cable, the packaging aligns with sustainability values, making it an eco-friendly choice. This blend of a sleek appearance and eco-conscious materials enhances the unboxing experience while appealing to those who appreciate both style and environmental responsibility.
The case, resembling a hockey puck, has a matte finish and a sleek design. It kind of reminds me of a hockey puck.
Comfortable Design:
The earbuds’ pill-shaped stalk and touch-sensitive outer surface offer a comfortable and unobtrusive fit. The IP54 dust and water resistance add durability without compromising comfort.
It is similar to the Nothing Ear (1). For the Nothing Ear (1), I had issues where it would stop music halfway through runs because it thought I had touched the stalk. I’m glad that I can turn this feature off via the app, although I have not tried that with the Nothing Ear (1) because I misplaced them awhile ago.
Nothing X App Integration:
The Nothing X app provides seamless software control, allowing users to adjust EQ settings, customize touch gestures, and manage ANC modes. While the three-band EQ could be more versatile, the app is well-designed and user-friendly.
There is also a feature to play a sound on the earbuds, making them easier to locate if you lose them. The sound isn’t super loud, so you would have to do it in a quiet area.
Impressive Noise Cancellation:
The CMF Buds Pro shine in the noise cancellation department, offering three levels of manual control. The ANC effectively suppresses low and mid-frequency sounds, outperforming competitors in the same price range. I find it to work fine at the gym and at work so that I could focus on what I was doing.
Extended Battery Life:
With a substantial 55mAh battery in each earbud, the CMF Buds Pro impress with an 11-hour playback time with ANC disabled and 6.5 hours with ANC enabled. These figures exceed expectations and outperform some competitors. I have not had the issue of it running out of battery while I was using it at the gym or on public transit.
Dislikes:
Equalizer Limitations:
The three-band EQ in the Nothing X app, while functional, lacks the advanced parametric EQ available for other models. A more versatile EQ system would enhance the user’s ability to fine-tune the audio.
Microphone Quality:
The microphone performance is mediocre, exhibiting a slightly muffled quality. Improved microphone quality would enhance the overall communication experience.
Suggestions:
Enhanced Equalizer:
Offering a more advanced parametric EQ within the app would allow users greater control over the audio profile, addressing the limitations of the current EQ system.
Microphone Improvement:
Prioritizing microphone performance in future models would contribute to a more well-rounded user experience, especially for those who prioritize voice calls.
Additional Features:
Dynamic Audio Quality:
The single dynamic liquid crystal polymer + polyurethane driver provides a v-shaped tuning with an energetic and vibrant sound profile. The bass is robust, and the high treble energy complements the overall tonality.
Active Noise Cancellation Performance:
The ANC on the CMF Buds Pro stands out, effectively reducing low and mid-frequency sounds. Even at the highest setting, it maintains impressive coverage, surpassing competitors in its price range.
Latency and Low Lag Mode:
Latency performance is a downside, with an average delay of 200-300ms. The low lag mode, while present, needs improvement for a more responsive experience, especially during gaming.
Usage Scenarios:
Gym Workouts:
The CMF Buds Pro prove to be excellent companions during intense gym sessions. The secure and comfortable fit ensures they stay in place during vigorous workouts, and the robust bass response adds an energetic boost to the music, it helped to keep me motivated through my runs.
Public Transit Commutes:
On public transit, the effective noise cancellation of the CMF Buds Pro becomes a standout feature. Filtering out the ambient sounds of a bustling commute, users can enjoy a peaceful and immersive audio experience, making their daily commute more enjoyable.
Office Environments:
In office settings, the CMF Buds Pro’s Clear Voice Technology and six HD microphones come into play, delivering clear and reliable communication during conference calls. The noise cancellation further enhances focus in open office environments, which helped me to concentrate while using them at the office.
Casual Listening at Home:
For casual listening at home, the comfortable design and extended battery life make the CMF Buds Pro a reliable choice. The dynamic audio quality provides an enjoyable and well-balanced sound profile, suitable for various genres.
Comparison with Other Products:
Competition with OnePlus Nord Buds 2:
Compared to the OnePlus Nord Buds 2, the CMF Buds Pro offer a more balanced sound profile despite being bass-heavy. The ANC performance is notably superior, providing better coverage across frequencies.
Battery Life Comparison:
The CMF Buds Pro excel in battery life, outperforming the Nothing Ear (2) and surpassing the Nord Buds 2. The extended playback time contributes to a more reliable and enduring user experience.
Conclusion:
The CMF Buds Pro impress with their sleek design, comfortable fit, and advanced features such as dynamic audio quality and effective noise cancellation. While facing some limitations in the EQ system and microphone performance, these earbuds offer a compelling package for users seeking a well-balanced and immersive audio experience at an affordable price, making them versatile companions for various scenarios from workouts to daily commutes.
