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- Best overall: Nothing Ear (a)
- Best budget: CMF by Nothing Buds
- Best premium: Nothing Ear
- Best for travel: CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2
- Nothing Ear (2) is the stronger pick for customizable sound, wireless charging and LHDC audio support.
- CMF by Nothing Buds is a budget-friendly option with 42 dB ANC and up to 35.5 hours of total playback.
- CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 leads this group on its listed ANC rating, with up to 50 dB noise reduction.
- Nothing Ear (a) pairs 45 dB ANC with LDAC support and up to 42.5 hours of total playback.
- Compare fit, codec support and ANC alongside battery figures when choosing earbuds for Black Friday 2026.
Nothing Ear (2) and CMF by Nothing Buds target different priorities: Nothing Ear (2) adds wireless charging and LHDC support, while CMF by Nothing Buds offers strong listed ANC at a more accessible product tier. We researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to help match each model with a listening style, phone and budget.
The short version: choose Nothing Ear (2) for its feature set and sound customization, or CMF by Nothing Buds for straightforward noise cancellation and everyday listening. The wider guide also compares five related Nothing and CMF earbuds, so shoppers can weigh battery life, driver design, ANC and fit before choosing a Black Friday 2026 buy.
How We Picked
- Compared manufacturer-listed specifications, including driver size, ANC ratings, battery life and water-resistance ratings.
- Checked owner feedback for recurring comments about fit, controls, sound quality and connection behavior.
- Considered codec and charging features that affect compatibility and convenience across phones.
- Included models across Nothing and CMF by Nothing product tiers, from open-fit earbuds to feature-rich in-ear options.
- Prioritized useful differences between models rather than treating a higher specification as a guarantee of better sound.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Driver size or design | ANC rating | Total playback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing Ear (2) | Customization and wireless charging | 11.6 mm | Up to 40 dB | Up to 36 hours |
| CMF by Nothing Buds | Everyday ANC value | 12.4 mm | Up to 42 dB | Up to 35.5 hours |
| CMF by Nothing Buds Pro | Commuting with ANC | 10 mm | Up to 45 dB | Up to 39 hours |
| CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 | Dual drivers and strong ANC | 11 mm + 6 mm | Up to 50 dB | Up to 43 hours |
| Nothing Ear (a) | LDAC and long playback | 11 mm | Up to 45 dB | Up to 42.5 hours |
| Nothing Ear | Wireless charging and LDAC | 11 mm ceramic | Up to 45 dB | Up to 40.5 hours |
| Nothing Ear (stick) | Open-fit listening | 12.6 mm | None | Up to 29 hours |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Nothing Ear (2)
The Nothing Ear (2) is the best feature-rich pick for listeners who want sound customization and wireless charging. The Nothing Ear (2)'s 11.6 mm drivers, LHDC 5.0 support and up to 40 dB ANC make it a well-rounded alternative to CMF by Nothing Buds.
Best for: Listeners who value audio customization and wireless charging
- Driver size
- 11.6 mm
- ANC rating
- Up to 40 dB
- Total playback
- Up to 36 hours, ANC off
- Audio codec
- LHDC 5.0
- Wireless charging case
- Personal sound profile features
- Supports LHDC 5.0
- Listed battery life is lower than several CMF alternatives
Is the Nothing Ear (2) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Nothing Ear (2) is worth considering for listeners who want wireless charging, LHDC 5.0 and sound personalization. The Nothing Ear (2)'s 11.6 mm drivers and up to 40 dB ANC suit everyday listening, while the shorter listed battery life favors frequent charging.
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#2
CMF by Nothing Buds
The CMF by Nothing Buds is the best budget-oriented pick for listeners who want ANC and long case-assisted playback. The CMF by Nothing Buds's 12.4 mm drivers and up to 42 dB ANC offer a practical feature mix for daily commutes.
Best for: Everyday listening with ANC
- Driver size
- 12.4 mm
- ANC rating
- Up to 42 dB
- Total playback
- Up to 35.5 hours
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds
- Useful ANC specification for the product tier
- Large driver size
- Compact case design
- Lacks wireless charging
Is the CMF by Nothing Buds worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
CMF by Nothing Buds is a solid option for shoppers who prioritize ANC and everyday value over premium extras. The 12.4 mm drivers, up to 42 dB ANC and 35.5-hour total playback rating cover the essentials for commutes and routine listening.
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#3
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro
The CMF by Nothing Buds Pro is the best straightforward ANC pick for listeners who want a step up from basic wireless earbuds. The CMF by Nothing Buds Pro's 45 dB ANC rating and up to 39 hours of total playback make it suitable for travel and work routines.
Best for: Commuters who want stronger listed ANC
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- ANC rating
- Up to 45 dB
- Total playback
- Up to 39 hours
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds
- Higher ANC rating than CMF by Nothing Buds
- Long case-assisted playback
- Multiple ANC modes
- No wireless charging
Is the CMF by Nothing Buds Pro worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro is worth a look for listeners who want an ANC-focused upgrade within the CMF range. The CMF by Nothing Buds Pro's 45 dB ANC rating and up to 39 hours of total playback address common commute needs without relying on premium charging features.
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#4
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2
The CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 is the best pick for listeners who want dual drivers and a high listed ANC rating. The CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2's 11 mm bass driver, 6 mm tweeter and up to 50 dB ANC set it apart from simpler CMF earbuds.
Best for: Listeners who want dual-driver audio and strong ANC
- Driver design
- 11 mm bass driver + 6 mm tweeter
- ANC rating
- Up to 50 dB
- Total playback
- Up to 43 hours
- Water resistance
- IP55 earbuds
- Two-driver configuration
- Highest listed ANC rating in this guide
- Long total playback rating
- A feature-rich design is unnecessary for listeners seeking basic earbuds
Is the CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 is worth considering if dual drivers and strong ANC rank high on your list. The 11 mm bass driver, 6 mm tweeter, up to 50 dB ANC and 43-hour total playback rating make it the most feature-focused CMF pick here.
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#5 · Top pick
Nothing Ear (a)
The Nothing Ear (a) is the best balanced pick for listeners who want ANC, LDAC and long battery life in one set of earbuds. The Nothing Ear (a)'s 11 mm drivers, up to 45 dB ANC and 42.5-hour playback rating cover several key priorities.
Best for: Android listeners seeking LDAC and long battery life
- Driver size
- 11 mm
- ANC rating
- Up to 45 dB
- Total playback
- Up to 42.5 hours
- Audio codec
- LDAC
- Supports LDAC
- Long listed total playback
- Strong ANC specification
- Case does not support wireless charging
Is the Nothing Ear (a) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Nothing Ear (a) is worth considering for listeners who want LDAC support, ANC and extended case-assisted playback. The 11 mm drivers and up to 45 dB ANC provide a versatile feature set, while the 42.5-hour rating reduces routine charging.
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#6
Nothing Ear
The Nothing Ear is the best premium-feature pick for listeners who want LDAC, wireless charging and ANC. The Nothing Ear's 11 mm ceramic diaphragm drivers and up to 45 dB ANC give it a strong specification mix for everyday listening.
Best for: Listeners who want premium features and wireless charging
- Driver size
- 11 mm ceramic diaphragm
- ANC rating
- Up to 45 dB
- Total playback
- Up to 40.5 hours
- Audio codec
- LDAC
- Wireless charging case
- Supports LDAC
- Ceramic diaphragm drivers
- Not the longest playback rating in this group
Is the Nothing Ear worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Nothing Ear is worth considering for listeners who want wireless charging, LDAC and ANC in a Nothing earbud. The Nothing Ear's 11 mm ceramic diaphragm drivers and up to 45 dB ANC deliver a premium feature set, while its 40.5-hour playback rating is competitive.
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#7
Nothing Ear (stick)
The Nothing Ear (stick) is the best open-fit pick for listeners who dislike sealed ear tips. The Nothing Ear (stick)'s 12.6 mm drivers and up to 29 hours of total playback prioritize comfort and awareness over active noise cancellation.
Best for: Listeners who prefer an open-fit design
- Driver size
- 12.6 mm
- ANC
- Not included
- Total playback
- Up to 29 hours
- Water resistance
- IP54 earbuds
- Open-fit style avoids sealed ear tips
- Lightweight earbud design
- Case opens with a twist
- No ANC
- Open fit provides less passive isolation
Is the Nothing Ear (stick) worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Nothing Ear (stick) is worth considering for listeners who prefer open-fit earbuds and want to stay more aware of nearby sound. The Nothing Ear (stick)'s 12.6 mm drivers and 29-hour total playback rating suit casual listening, but the design does not provide ANC.
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Which is better: Nothing Ear (2) or CMF by Nothing Buds?
Nothing Ear (2) and CMF by Nothing Buds serve different priorities: Nothing Ear (2) lists 40 dB ANC and wireless charging, while CMF by Nothing Buds lists 42 dB ANC and up to 35.5 hours of total playback. On paper, the CMF model leads on ANC rating and battery life, but those figures do not alone determine sound quality or comfort.
Nothing Ear (2) adds LHDC 5.0 support, personal sound features and a wireless charging case. CMF by Nothing Buds focuses on core everyday functions and a larger 12.4 mm driver. Choose Nothing Ear (2) if charging flexibility and sound personalization matter most; choose CMF by Nothing Buds if you want ANC and long case-assisted playback without paying for extra features.
Which Nothing or CMF earbuds have the strongest ANC?
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 lists the highest ANC figure in this comparison at up to 50 dB, ahead of the 45 dB ratings for CMF by Nothing Buds Pro, Nothing Ear (a) and Nothing Ear. CMF by Nothing Buds lists up to 42 dB, while Nothing Ear (2) lists up to 40 dB.
ANC ratings are manufacturer specifications, not a direct measure of how quiet earbuds sound in every setting. Fit, ear-tip seal and the pitch of surrounding noise all affect the experience. In owner reviews, a secure seal is a recurring practical consideration for in-ear models. Nothing Ear (stick) uses an open-fit design and has no ANC, so it suits awareness rather than isolation.
How do Nothing Ear (2) and CMF by Nothing Buds compare for sound?
Nothing Ear (2) supports LHDC 5.0 and has 11.6 mm drivers, while CMF by Nothing Buds has 12.4 mm drivers and focuses on a simpler listening feature set. A larger driver does not automatically mean better sound; tuning, fit and the recording itself shape what listeners hear.
Nothing Ear (a) and Nothing Ear support LDAC, a high-resolution Bluetooth codec compatible with selected Android phones. CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 takes a different hardware approach with an 11 mm bass driver and 6 mm tweeter. Check phone compatibility before choosing a codec-led feature, and remember that the source app and audio settings also affect playback.
Which model has the best battery life?
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 has the longest listed total playback in this guide at up to 43 hours, followed by Nothing Ear (a) at up to 42.5 hours. Nothing Ear lists up to 40.5 hours, CMF by Nothing Buds Pro up to 39 hours, and Nothing Ear (2) up to 36 hours.
Manufacturer battery estimates use specific settings, and ANC use, volume, calls and codec selection affect real-world runtime. Compare total playback with ANC status and single-charge earbud runtime when both figures are available. A longer case-assisted figure helps reduce charging frequency, but wireless charging on Nothing Ear (2) and Nothing Ear can be more convenient for compatible charging pads.
What should I look for in Black Friday 2026 earbuds?
Black Friday 2026 shoppers should compare fit, ANC, battery life and phone compatibility before choosing Nothing Ear (2) or a CMF by Nothing model. The strongest spec sheet is not automatically the best match: sealed in-ear earbuds isolate more, while Nothing Ear (stick) leaves the ear canal open.
Check whether a model supports the codec and charging method you use, then compare water-resistance ratings if workouts or wet commutes are part of your routine. Read owner feedback for repeated comments on fit and controls, not just isolated praise or complaints. Black Friday is a useful time to compare the full feature set against your needs rather than choosing by a single headline number.
Buying Guide
Choose an earbud fit that feels secure
Sealed in-ear designs such as Nothing Ear (2) and CMF by Nothing Buds use ear tips to create a fit that supports isolation. Nothing Ear (stick) has an open fit and suits listeners who dislike sealed tips. Fit affects comfort and the performance of ANC.
Match ANC to your listening environment
For frequent public transport or office use, compare ANC-equipped options such as CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 and Nothing Ear (a). Nothing Ear (stick) has no ANC, so it is a better fit for quieter settings where awareness matters more than blocking noise.
Check codec and phone compatibility
Nothing Ear (2) supports LHDC 5.0, while Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a) support LDAC. Codec support depends on the phone and playback setup. Confirm compatibility before paying extra attention to a codec specification.
Read battery figures with their conditions
Total playback includes charging case use and is not the same as a single charge. ANC, volume and calls affect runtime. CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 lists up to 43 hours, while Nothing Ear (2) lists up to 36 hours with ANC off.
Prioritize the features you use every day
Wireless charging is available on Nothing Ear (2) and Nothing Ear, while Nothing Ear (a) emphasizes LDAC and long playback. Compare charging, controls, resistance ratings and fit against your routine before choosing a Black Friday 2026 pair.
FAQ
Is Nothing Ear (2) better than CMF by Nothing Buds?
Nothing Ear (2) is the better fit for listeners who want LHDC 5.0, sound personalization and wireless charging. CMF by Nothing Buds is a simpler alternative with a 42 dB ANC rating and up to 35.5 hours of total playback. The right choice depends on which features matter most.
Which is better for travel, CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 or Nothing Ear (a)?
CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 lists up to 50 dB ANC and 43 hours of total playback, while Nothing Ear (a) lists up to 45 dB ANC and 42.5 hours. Both suit travel; compare fit, codec support and controls alongside those manufacturer figures.
Do Nothing Ear (2) and CMF by Nothing Buds support wireless charging?
Nothing Ear (2) supports wireless charging, while CMF by Nothing Buds does not. Buyers who charge earbuds on a compatible pad should favor Nothing Ear (2) or Nothing Ear. CMF by Nothing Buds remains a practical choice for people who use wired case charging.
Which Nothing earbuds support LDAC?
Nothing Ear and Nothing Ear (a) support LDAC, while Nothing Ear (2) supports LHDC 5.0. Codec availability depends on the source phone and listening setup. Check device compatibility before treating a codec specification as a deciding feature.
Are Nothing Ear (stick) earbuds good for noise cancellation?
Nothing Ear (stick) does not include ANC and uses an open-fit design, so it is not the right choice for blocking surrounding noise. The fit suits listeners who prefer less isolation. Consider Nothing Ear (a) or CMF by Nothing Buds Pro 2 for an ANC-equipped alternative.