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In 2026, the audio landscape has shifted. The days of overpaying for generic white earbuds are over. Nothing and its budget-focused sub-brand CMF—have disrupted the US tech market with transparent designs, audiophile-grade sound, and prices that undercut the giants.
But with a rapidly expanding ecosystem, choosing the right pair can be confusing. Do you need the open-ear comfort of the Ear (open) for your marathon training? The powerful 50dB noise cancellation of the CMF Buds Pro 2 for your commute? Or the studio-quality ceramic drivers of the flagship Nothing Ear?
In this guide And nothing earbuds review, we break down every major model available in the US market right now. We’ve tested them all to help you decide which Nothing earbuds belong in your pocket.
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Comparison nothing earbuds review At a Glance
| Feature | Nothing Ear | Nothing Ear (a) | Nothing Ear (open) | CMF Buds Pro 2 | CMF Buds |
| Best For | Audiophiles & Techies | Style & Value | Sports & Runners | Value & ANC Seekers | Budget Essentials |
| Driver | 11mm Ceramic | 11mm Dynamic | 14.2mm Dynamic | 11mm + 6mm Dual | 12.4mm Dynamic |
| ANC | Adaptive (45 dB) | Adaptive (45 dB) | None (Open Ear) | Hybrid (50 dB) | Active (42 dB) |
| Battery | 40.5h Total | 42.5h Total | 30h Total | 43h Total | 35.5h Total |
| Codec | LDAC, LHDC 5.0 | LDAC | AAC, SBC | LDAC | AAC, SBC |
| Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
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1. CMF Buds Pro 2 (The Best Value Flagship)
Best For: Commuters, Students, and Value Hunters.
Overview
The CMF Buds Pro 2 are arguably the best value-for-money earbuds of 2026. They bring flagship features—like Dual Drivers and LDAC support—down to an incredibly accessible price point. The standout feature is the Smart Dial on the case, a physical knob that allows you to adjust volume, control playback, or toggle noise cancellation without ever touching your phone or the buds themselves.
Features & Specs
- Audio: Dual Driver System (11mm bass driver + 6mm planar tweeter) for separated highs and lows.
- Noise Cancellation: Up to 50 dB Hybrid ANC with Smart ANC algorithms.
- Smart Dial: Customizable rotating dial on the case for volume and playback control.
- Battery: Up to 43 hours of total playback (ANC off).
- Spatial Audio: Cinematic spatial audio effect with head tracking.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Class-Leading ANC: 50dB noise cancellation is rare at this price point, effectively blocking subway rumble and office chatter.
- Dual Drivers: The dedicated tweeter ensures crisp highs while the 11mm driver handles deep bass.
- Smart Dial: A genuinely useful hardware innovation that fixes the frustration of touch controls.
- Battery Life: Lasts nearly a week of heavy use.
Cons:
- Plastic Build: The case is durable but lacks the premium “transparent” aesthetic of the main Nothing line.
- Fit: The bulbous shape is comfortable for most, but those with very small ears should test the fit.
Real-World Use Case
These are the ultimate daily drivers. Whether you are studying in a noisy coffee shop or commuting on a loud train, the 50dB ANC creates a bubble of silence. The Smart Dial is perfect for winter days—you can adjust volume with gloves on by simply turning the dial in your pocket.
Choose Your Style
- Dark Grey: Professional and stealthy.
- Blue: Vibrant and sporty, perfect for standing out.
- Light Grey: Clean, minimal, and matches modern desk setups.
- Orange: The signature CMF color—bold, high-visibility, and fun.
Buy Now:
- 50dB Adaptive Hybrid ANC: CMF Buds Pro 2 wireless earbuds automatically detect noise leakage between the noise cancellin…
- Smart Dial & Dual Connection: These ture wireless earbuds support customize volume, tracks, and noise modes via the case…
- Dirac Master Tuning with Dual Drivers: CMF Buds Pro 2 feature with 11mm ultra bass and 6mm tweeter with LDAC lossless tr…
2. Nothing Ear (The 2024/2026 Flagship)
Best For: Audiophiles, Tech Enthusiasts, and Office Professionals.
Overview
Simply titled Nothing Ear, this is the premium tier of the lineup. It refines the iconic transparent design and introduces a ceramic driver, which delivers a level of crispness and instrument separation that plastic drivers simply can’t match. This is for the person who cares about audio fidelity and wants to use high-res codecs like LHDC 5.0 and LDAC.
Features & Specs
- Audio: 11mm Ceramic Driver for audiophile clarity.
- Codecs: LDAC & LHDC 5.0 (Hi-Res Audio Certified).
- Advanced EQ: Profile sharing and parametric equalizer in the Nothing X app.
- Design: Signature transparent stem and case.
- Charging: Wireless charging (Qi) supported.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Sound Quality: The ceramic driver offers incredible treble detail.
- App Ecosystem: The Nothing X app offers the best EQ customization in the industry.
- Design: Still the most unique-looking earbuds on the market.
- Comfort: Extremely lightweight and comfortable for 8+ hour sessions.
Cons:
- Price: It is the most expensive in the lineup.
- Battery: Slightly less battery life per charge compared to the CMF Pro 2 due to high-res processing.
Real-World Use Case
Ideal for the office worker and audiophile. The clarity makes them excellent for Zoom calls (Clear Voice Technology is superb here) and critical music listening. If you use a high-end Android phone, the LHDC codec support unlocks studio-quality sound.
Buy Now:
- Smart Noise Cancelling: Nothing but the music. Nothing ear wireless earbuds with up to 45 dB Active Noise Cancellation, …
- Clear Voice Technology: HiRes Wireless Audlio, Nothing Ear buds supports high resolution streaming over Bluetooth. The r…
- Long Playtime, Fast Charging: Ear supports up to 2.5W wireless charging. Power-up on-the-go with reverse charge on compa…
3. Nothing Ear (open) (The Athlete’s Choice)
Best For: Runners, Cyclists, and Parents.
Overview
The Nothing Ear (open) is a completely different beast. It uses an open-ear design that hooks around your ear and sits outside the ear canal. This means you can hear your surroundings perfectly—cars, colleagues, or nature—while listening to music. It’s designed for those who find in-ear tips uncomfortable or unsafe for outdoor activities.
Features & Specs
- Type: Open-Ear Air Conduction with ear hooks.
- Driver: Massive 14.2mm stepped driver.
- Comfort: Three-point balance system for a weightless feel.
- Sound Leakage: Reverse sound waves system to minimize leakage to others.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Situational Awareness: Safer for running outdoors; you can hear traffic.
- Hygiene: Nothing goes inside your ear canal, reducing ear fatigue and infection risk.
- Stability: Ear hooks ensure they never fall out during vigorous movement.
Cons:
- No ANC: By design, these do not block noise.
- Bass Impact: Open earbuds naturally lose some sub-bass punch compared to sealed buds.
Real-World Use Case
The ultimate choice for marathon runners and busy parents. You can listen to a podcast on a 10K run without missing the sound of an approaching car, or listen to music at home while still hearing the baby cry in the next room.
Buy Now:
- Comfortable to Wear: Nothing Ear (Open) ultra-light open earbuds feature an ergonomic open ear hook design with a 50-deg…
- Immersive Sound Quality: These open-ear headphones serve up rich bass and crisp treble, powered by an innovative stepped…
- Bluetooth 5.3 & Seamless Dual Connection: These open-ear wireless earbuds feature the latest Bluetooth 5.3 for stable, l…
4. Nothing Ear (a) (Style Meets Substance)
Best For: Fashion-Forward Users and Gym Goers.
Overview
The Nothing Ear (a) is the colorful, fun sibling of the flagship Ear. It retains the powerful ANC and LDAC support but swaps the ceramic driver for a dynamic one and drops wireless charging to save costs. It features a unique bubble case design that is incredibly pocketable and stylish.
Features & Specs
- Design: Fresh bubble case design (inspired by pill packets).
- ANC: Adaptive ANC up to 45 dB.
- Bass: Bass Enhance algorithm for deep, punchy low-end.
- Integration: ChatGPT integration (when paired with Nothing phones).
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Aesthetics: The bubble case is one of the most compact designs available.
- Value: You get 90% of the flagship features (ANC, LDAC) for a lower price.
- Bass: The dynamic driver is tuned for a fun, energetic sound signature.
Cons:
- No Wireless Charging: You must use USB-C.
- Plastic Driver: Slightly less detail in the high frequencies compared to the ceramic flagship.
Real-World Use Case
Perfect for gym-goers and creators. The punchy bass keeps you motivated during workouts, and the smaller case fits easily into tight pockets or gym shorts. The White version offers a super-clean, futuristic look.
Buy Now:
- Powerful 11 mm driver: We’ve made our driver even more compact. With double the power than Ear (2), Ear (a) delivers an …
- Smart Active Noise Cancellation: Up to 45 dB,Nothing Ear (a) automatically checks for noise leakage between the earbud a…
- Clear Voice Technology: Clear as day. Ear (a) isolates your voice from everyday distractions so calls on-the-go feel lik…
5. CMF Buds (The Budget Essential)
Best For: Podcast Listeners and First-Time Buyers.
Overview
The CMF Buds (sometimes listed as Nothing earBuds 2a in select regions) are the entry-level champions. They strip away the Smart Dial of the Pro version but keep the core essentials: 42dB of noise cancellation and a massive 12.4mm bio-fibre driver. If you just want good sound and silence without bells and whistles, this is it.
Features & Specs
- Driver: Large 12.4mm Bio-fibre driver.
- ANC: 42 dB Active Noise Cancellation.
- Battery: 8 hours playback (buds only), 35.5 hours total.
- Color Options: Minimalist Dark Grey and Light Grey.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Price: Unbeatable for a brand-name ANC product.
- Bass: The large driver moves a lot of air, creating a very warm, bass-heavy sound.
- Simplicity: Easy to use, connects instantly, and great for calls.
Cons:
- Basic Features: No LDAC, no Smart Dial, and no wireless charging.
- ANC Strength: 42dB is good, but noticeably weaker than the Pro 2’s 50dB.
Real-World Use Case
Great for podcast listeners and backup pairs. If you lose earbuds often and don’t want to risk a $150 pair, these are the perfect daily drivers. They connect easily to laptops for casual viewing and have enough battery to last a trans-continental flight.
Buy Now:
- Award-Winning Comfort – The CMF by Nothing Bluetooth Earbuds Series, Celebrated with design accolades and trusted by cus…
- DIRAC & Daily ANC – DIRAC, one of the renowned audio providers for luxury vehicles, now with CMF to co-tune, studio-grad…
- Clear Calls & Convenience – For crystal-clear communication wherever you are, Headphones use Quad HD ENC mics with “Clea…
FAQ: Common Questions
How to connect Nothing earbuds?
Connecting is simple. Open the case (with buds inside) near your phone.
Android: Google Fast Pair should pop up a notification automatically. Tap Connect.
iOS: Go to Bluetooth settings, find Nothing Ear or CMF Buds, and tap to pair.
App: For best results, download the Nothing X app to update firmware and customize controls.
How to connect Nothing earbuds to laptop or PC?
Put in Pairing Mode: Place buds in the case, open the lid, and hold the setup button on the case for 2-3 seconds until the light flashes white.
Windows: Go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device. Select your buds from the list.
Mac: Go to System Settings > Bluetooth and select the buds to pair.
How to put Nothing earbuds in pairing mode?
Place both earbuds inside the charging case and leave the lid open. Locate the small button (usually on the side or inside the case depending on the model). Press and hold this button for about 3 seconds until the LED indicator flashes white. They are now discoverable.
How to reset Nothing earbuds?
If you have connectivity issues, a factory reset helps:
Place both buds in the case and keep the lid open.
Press and hold the setup button on the case for 10 seconds.
The LED will flash red three times, indicating the reset is complete.
What is the Nothing earbuds return policy?
In the USA, if you buy directly from the Nothing official store, you typically have a 30-day return window provided the product is in original condition. If you buy via Amazon (using the links above), you are subject to Amazon’s standard 30-day return policy, which is generally very customer-friendly and allows for easy returns if the fit or sound isn’t right for you.
Conclusion
Nothing and CMF have successfully segmented the market, offering something for everyone in 2026.
- The Best Value: Get the CMF Buds Pro 2. With 50dB ANC and the Smart Dial, they punch way above their weight class.
- The Audiophile Pick: The Nothing Ear is the clear winner for sound clarity and comfort.
- The Sport Pick: The Nothing Ear (open) is your safest bet for outdoor runs.
Ready to upgrade your audio? Click the links above to grab the best price today.
