Earbuds Showdown V2! AirPods 4, Nothing Ear 2, Beats Solo Buds, and CMF Buds Pro 2
Wireless earbuds have become an essential accessory for music lovers, commuters, and professionals alike. With the latest releases from Apple, Nothing, Beats, and CMF, choosing the right pair can be tricky. This comparison breaks down the pros and cons of the AirPods 4 (with and without ANC), Nothing Ear 2, Beats Solo Buds, and CMF Buds Pro 2 to help you make an informed decision.
Design & Comfort
Each of these earbuds has its own design philosophy:
AirPods 4 (with & without ANC): Apple sticks to its minimalistic approach, offering a lightweight, stemmed design that fits comfortably in most ears. The version without ANC is slightly cheaper but lacks noise cancellation, making it better suited for casual use.
Nothing Ear 2: With a transparent design, the Ear 2 stands out for its futuristic aesthetic. They fit snugly and offer customizable ear tips for a secure fit.
Beats Solo Buds: These feature a compact, stemless design focused on portability. Lacking ANC, they prioritize affordability and battery life.
CMF Buds Pro 2: A budget-friendly alternative with ANC, offering a sleek design and ergonomic fit.
Winner: Depends on Preference (AirPods for sleekness, Nothing Ear 2 for uniqueness, CMF for affordability, Beats Solo Buds for compactness)
Sound Quality & ANC
AirPods 4 (ANC version): Apple has significantly improved ANC with this generation, offering better isolation and improved audio clarity.
AirPods 4 (Non-ANC): Lacks noise cancellation but retains Apple’s well-balanced sound profile.
Nothing Ear 2: Features strong ANC, clear mids, and deep bass, though some users find the sound profile less dynamic than AirPods.
Beats Solo Buds: Lacks ANC but delivers a punchy bass-heavy sound signature.
CMF Buds Pro 2: Surprisingly strong ANC for the price, decent sound balance but not as refined as premium brands.
Winner: AirPods 4 (ANC) for best noise cancellation, Beats for bass lovers, CMF for budget ANC
Battery Life & Charging
AirPods 4 (ANC): ~5 hours of listening with ANC, 24 hours with the case.
AirPods 4 (Non-ANC): Slightly better battery life since ANC isn’t draining power.
Nothing Ear 2: ~6 hours per charge, 36 hours with the case.
Beats Solo Buds: ~8 hours per charge, 36 hours with the case.
CMF Buds Pro 2: ~6.5 hours per charge, 30 hours with the case.
Winner: Beats Solo Buds for longest single-charge listening
Features & Connectivity
AirPods 4 (both versions): Seamless integration with Apple devices, spatial audio, and “Find My” tracking.
Nothing Ear 2: Customizable EQ, multipoint connectivity, and a unique transparency mode.
Beats Solo Buds: Lacks ANC but offers strong iOS and Android compatibility.
CMF Buds Pro 2: ANC, customizable controls, and good connectivity for the price.
Winner: AirPods for Apple users, Nothing Ear 2 for Android users, CMF for budget-conscious buyers
Pros & Cons
AirPods 4 (ANC & Non-ANC)
✅ Seamless Apple integration
✅ Great sound & ANC (on ANC model)
✅ Comfortable fit
❌ Pricey
❌ Non-ANC model lacks noise cancellation
Nothing Ear 2
✅ Unique transparent design
✅ Strong ANC & customization options
✅ Good battery life
❌ Sound profile may not suit everyone
Beats Solo Buds
✅ Compact & lightweight
✅ Punchy bass
✅ Long battery life
❌ No ANC
❌ Limited customization options
CMF Buds Pro 2
✅ Affordable with ANC
✅ Good battery life
✅ Solid feature set for the price
❌ Sound quality not as refined as premium brands
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Get?
For Apple users who want the best ANC: AirPods 4 (ANC)
For budget-conscious Apple users: AirPods 4 (Non-ANC)
For those who want a unique look & customization: Nothing Ear 2
For those prioritizing battery life & affordability: Beats Solo Buds
For the best budget ANC experience: CMF Buds Pro 2
Each of these earbuds shines in different areas, so the best choice depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Let us know which one you're considering!