I tested every pair of budget Nothing earbuds — and my favorite is only $49

I've recently been testing earbuds from CMF by Nothing, and if one thing can be said for all of them, it's that even though they have a budget price tag, the sound is anything but.

These are seriously some of the best cheap wireless earbuds I have ever tested out (and I've tested a lot), but what makes them so good?

I've broken down the best bits about three of CMF's best budget earbuds, so you know which ones to get based on your listening style, devices, and preferences. All of the buds look virtually identical, so it's not about looks. This is all about how they perform.

CMF Buds 2 Plus

I'll start with the most expensive of the earbuds: the CMF Buds 2 Plus. These buds come with a higher price tag because they offer hi-res audio compatibility. This means they can stream using LDAC audio codecs at a higher bit-rate, giving you the best quality audio possible.

And let me tell you, it really does sound great. To listen using LDAC, you have to use a compatible Android phone. The audio you get from this is incredibly detailed with a well-balanced, wide soundstage perfect for most genres.

Unfortunately, Apple devices don't have LDAC capabilities, so these earbuds won't be the best choice for iPhone users. If you find yourself in this category and are looking for a pair of budget buds, the next two options with Dirac audio optimization will be better for you.

ANC on these buds is also outstanding, and I would argue they rival the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

CMF BY NOTHING Buds 2 Plus: was $79 now $59 at Amazon

The CMF Buds 2 Plus earbuds are a great value for Android users, featuring impeccable sound with LDAC, excellent battery life and impressive ANC. Sound quality really suffers with basic codecs, though, so iPhone users or people otherwise without LDAC will find the audio lacking.

View Deal

CMF Buds Pro 2

Next up is the gold standard of budget earbuds. Priced at $79, the CMF Buds Pro 2 perform just like their $200 rivals (or better). They make me wonder why I ever spent so much money on earbuds before, because amazing audio quality is super accessible.

These buds may not have LDAC compatibility, but they have audio tuning from Dirac, a premium audio brand, and this truly makes all the difference. The detail in the audio is so impressive that it's hard to believe the price tag.

Again, the ANC here is incredible for the price, and the app experience means everything is highly customizable to get the settings you want. These are perfect for anyone who needs a pair of earbuds to throw in their bag for everyday listening.

CMF BY NOTHING Buds Pro 2: was $69 now $49 at Amazon

The Buds Pro 2 are great for the audiophile on a budget. With special tuning by premium brand Dirac, Spatial Audio in-app, and a bass-heavy sound signature, I'm a huge fan of these earbuds. Every other pair of budget earbuds has to pass the CMF Buds Pro 2 test now.

View Deal

CMF Buds 2

These are the earbuds currently sitting in my bag, ready for my next commute on the train. I have come to rely on the CMF Buds 2 because, for me, they are the perfect earbuds that can do it all.

I listen to a wide variety of music. This includes pop, rock, heavy metal, indie, country — basically, you name it, I listened to it. So the fact that these buds can cope with it all is a testament to their quality, and that tuning from Dirac.

ANC? Perfect. Call quality? Also awesome. I'm convinced there's nothing they can't do and fall for $49?! You've got to be kidding me.

CMF BY NOTHING Buds 2 : was $49 now $34 at Amazon

The CMF Buds 2 are a total bargain. The Dirac tuning makes them sound way better than these buds’ budget price would suggest, despite lacking Hi-Res codecs. The buds have impressive battery life and a comfortable design. ANC is effective too.

View Deal

Which ones would I choose?

My personal choice is the CMF Buds 2. They're the cheapest of the lot but they suit my listening style the best. I use an iPhone so the Buds 2 Plus aren't the right fit, and I enjoy the bass on the Buds 2 more than the Buds Pro 2.

There's one thing I would wish for though, and that's for CMF by Nothing to be more creative with the earbud names.

Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the CMF Buds 2 Plus — they cost $79 but sound like $200+ rivals
• I ditched my AirPods for the $79 CMF Buds 2 Plus — now I'm questioning why I had AirPods to begin with
• I tested the CMF Buds 2 and I'm shocked — they're less than $50 but sound like $100 rivals